Events
Make Memories, One Event at a Time in East Tennessee.
Here in East Tennessee, there are events worth celebrating all year long. That’s why our area-wide calendar is full of annual festivals, fairs, and dozens of special seasonal events. Celebrate our musical and cultural heritage, the changing of the seasons and the beauty of the great outdoors. Best of all, many of the festivals and events in East Tennessee are filled with old-fashioned entertainment that’s fun for the whole family and free!. Use the calendar search below to find unforgettable East Tennessee events for your vacation or getaway.
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January 30-31, 2026
Chocolate Fest
The Standard Knoxville
Annual celebration of all things chocolate, featuring timed tasting sessions where guests can sample treats from the area’s best chocolatiers, bakers, and candy makers. Onsite shopping for decadent treats. Special Chocolate Fest After Dark for guests 21 years and older. This annual event benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities. -
January 31, 2026
Winter Heritage Festival in the Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
Annual Winter Heritage Festival at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend. Experience hands on demonstrations. Practice pioneer survival skills, as you get a sense of the resilience and ingenuity of Appalachian families. Family activities. Winter is a season not to miss on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. -
February 28, 2026
International Festival
Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge
Annual International Festival, a Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge tradition! The Festival features a variety of world cultures through performances, food, crafts, children’s activities, and more. From art to music to dance, there will be something of interest for all ages. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Museum. -
March 26-29, 2026
Big Ears (Music Fest)
Civic Auditorium, Knoxville
Annual four day music bash celebrating a wide array of artists and venues, Big Ears needs to be on your winter bucket list. 2026 FESTIVAL LINEUP David ByrneRobert Plant with Saving Grace and Suzi DianThe Avett Brothers and Mike Patton present: AVTT/PTTNLaurie AndersonJohn ZornFlying LotusPat Metheny Side-Eye III+Hania Rani & Knoxville Symphony OrchestraRichard ThompsonChucho Valdés… -
April 24, 2026
Sheep Shearing Days Museum of Appalachia
Museum of Appalachia
Museum of Appalachia prepares for springtime pioneer celebration with Sheep Shearing Days. The Museum of Appalachia, a Smithsonian Affiliate, invites the community to celebrate the arrival of spring and the rich cultural heritage of the region.Guests will have the opportunity to witness every step of the wool-making process and learn first-hand how pioneers turned fleece… -
May 1, 2026
Sheep Shearing Day at Museum of Appalachia- 2nd Weekend
Museum of Appalachia
Museum of Appalachia prepares for springtime pioneer celebration with Sheep Shearing Days. The Museum of Appalachia, a Smithsonian Affiliate, invites the community to celebrate the arrival of spring and the rich cultural heritage of the region.Guests will have the opportunity to witness every step of the wool-making process and learn first-hand how pioneers turned fleece… -
August 29-30, 2026
Knoxville Asian Festival
World’s Fair Park, 525 Henley St, Knoxville, TN 37902
This exciting outdoor event involves exhibits of culture, food, performances, and more from China, Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, and other countries. Admission is free. Enjoy authentic Asian cuisine from vendors throughout the day. 2026 is the 13th Annual Event. New this year: Main festival activities are moving INSIDE the air-conditioned Knoxville Convention Center!. The festival…
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