Knoxville’s Cultural Festivals {2018}

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Knoxville Cultural Festivals 2018

Have you ever wondered about other countries’ cultures? Are you interested in sharing different cultural traditions with your kids? If so, Knoxville has a lot of cultural festivals every year that celebrate different countries and cultures. Cultural festivals are a great way to introduce your children to the diversity of different countries, ethnicities, and people groups. I personally like them because they always feature amazing foods to try. Knoxville has a number of different cultural festivals throughout the year, so if you’re interested in checking them out, you have a lot of options.

I want to share a list of the upcoming festivals this year that you can try out with your family (some of these festivals have already passed us by, but this list will give you a great jumping off place for future family outings!):

International Festival

Date(s): February 17

Location: Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge

This annual festival takes place at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge and includes children’s activities like make and take crafts, entertainers from around the world, and cuisine from countries around the world.

Dragon Lights Chinese Lantern Festival

Date(s): March 16-April 22

Location: Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center

This is a new festival coming to Knoxville this year! Chinese artisans set up a festival of lights that will include food, drinks, children’s activities, and much more.

Knox Shamrock Fest

Date(s): March 16-17

Location: Downtown Knoxville

This festival celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, so don’t forget your green! The event raises money for the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, and includes midway games, balloon animals, live Irish music and cultural demonstrations, and more.

Knox St. Patrick’s Day Parade and CelO’braghtion

Date(s): March 17

Location: Gay Street and Krutch Park

Interested in a free event for the family? Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a parade followed by various vendors, including Irish inspired music and drinks.

Rossini Festival International Street Fair

Date(s): April 14

Location: Downtown Knoxville

The Rossini Festival draws huge crowds every year to celebrate opera and international cultures. This is a great festival for the whole family with vendors of all sorts.

Knoshville Jewish Food Festival

Date(s): May 6

Location: Arnstein Jewish Community Center

If you’re looking for a primarily food-oriented festival, this Jewish food festival is for you. Featuring things like shakshuka and bagels and lox, it’s a great opportunity to get a taste of traditional Jewish foods.

Asian Festival

Date(s): August 26

Location: Market Square

For a festival featuring all things Asian culture, check out Knoxville’s Asian Festival. This festival will have vendors serving food from different Asian countries, dance troupes from across Asia, and different kids’ activities. It’s great for the whole family.

India Fest

Date(s): TBD; held in August in 2017.

Location: TBD; held at the Hindu Community Center in Lenoir City in 2017 

India Fest is a celebration of Indian culture. With traditional Indian music, dancing and food, this festival is one the whole family is sure to enjoy.

HoLa Festival

Date(s): September 29-30

Location: Market Square

This Latin festival comes to Knoxville annually with music, dance, food, and even a parade of nations to celebrate Hispanic culture. Enjoy the diversity of Hispanic culture with the whole family while sampling delicious foods and beverages.

Greek Fest

Date(s): September TBA

Location: St. George Greek Orthodox Church

Greek Fest is a Knoxville tradition that draws visitors to a sampling of Greek foods, live music, traditional Greek dancing, and various vendors for shopping. It’s a popular festival that features great activities for the whole family.

Arab Fest

Date(s): October 26-27

Location: University of Tennessee Pedestrian Walkway

Arab Fest is a festival celebrating Middle Eastern culture. Explore Arabic cuisine, visit different vendors, listen to live music, and enjoy family friendly activities at this festival.

Have you been to any of these festivals before? What was your experience like? Do you know of any festivals we missed? Let us know in the comments!

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