As the weather warms up, it is the perfect time to get outside and explore what Rocky Top has to offer. East Tennessee has a variety of festivals coming up, whether you are looking to spend a day out with family or a night out on the town with friends. Celebrating music, mythology, mountains, and more, there is a something here for everyone to enjoy. Here are some festivals to look forward to in East Tennessee:
Spring Fairy Fest
Dates: May 3-5
This whimsical festival at Deep Well Farms in Lenoir City is a spring celebration of all things fantasy, featuring live music, magic shows, interactive storytelling sessions, and fairy-inspired artisanal crafts. Kids and costumes welcome!
Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival
Date: May 4
Whether you believe in Bigfoot or not, this Townsend festival has something for all. Run the 5K, view a wrestling match, see “Slashsquatch” perform live. Bonus: 30+ food trucks on hand for festival feasting.
Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival
Date: May 11
The Dirty Guv’nahs host their third annual festival in World’s Fair Park, featuring Old Crow Medicine Show, Maggie Rose, Amythyst Kiah, and more. A collab with TN Distillers Guild brings a whiskey bonus to the day.
Children’s Festival of Reading
Date: May 18
Parents take notice: a festival that is fun, free, and educational! Kids will have the chance to take photos with their favorite book characters, meet accomplished authors, participate in interactive storytelling and sing-alongs, and engage with the science discovery tent.
Rhinestone Fest
Dates: June 7-8
Here she comes again! Dolly fans will love this family-friendly (and free) festival dedicated to celebrating the country queen herself. Old City comes to life with art, live music, Dolly history, and oh so much food.
Knoxville Brewfest
Date: June 22
What could be better than spending a beautiful summer day jamming out to some bands and sipping on a beer? Tailgating for a Cause will host their 13th annual festival, where you can sample beers while supporting the work of CureDuchenne.