News Summary
Knoxville is gearing up for the Dogwood Arts festival, marking its 70th anniversary. This year, over 90 miles of historic Dogwood Trails will be open, along with vibrant events like the Chalk Walk featuring 300 artists. The celebration kicks off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Holston Hills Community Park on April 1, promising community spirit, music, and fun. Food vendors and activities for kids will enhance the festivities as the community comes together to appreciate East Tennessee’s art and culture.
Knoxville Gets Ready to Celebrate 70 Years of Dogwood Arts!
Spring is in the air, and that can only mean one thing for the lovely city of Knoxville! It’s time for the much-anticipated Dogwood Arts festival, celebrating a remarkable 70 years of bringing the community together to appreciate the stunning art, rich culture, and breathtaking natural beauty of East Tennessee. What began as a neighborhood beautification project back in 1955 has blossomed into an event that highlights everything wonderful about our region!
Discover the Trails
This year, visitors will have the chance to explore over 90 miles of historic Dogwood Trails! Whether you prefer to hike, bike, or take a leisurely drive, these trails are set to open in April, and they promise to be a treat for anyone looking to soak up the sights and smells of spring. From the vibrant blooms to the fresh greenery, it’s an adventure waiting to happen!
For those keen on this year’s highlights, the featured trails are in the charming neighborhoods of Holston Hills and Morningside. Take a stroll through these lovely areas to capture the essence of Knoxville in full spring bloom. More importantly, get ready to experience Open Gardens and Camera Sites, which will be accessible every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Perfect timing to gather some photos or simply enjoy nature!
Celebration Kicks Off with a Ribbon-Cutting
On Tuesday, April 1, you won’t want to miss the fabulous ribbon-cutting ceremony and community celebration happening at Holston Hills Community Park. From 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., this event promises to be a lively affair featuring music, fun, and a whole lot of community spirit. Be sure to stop by, grab your trail maps, and take part in the festivities!
Chalk Walk – A Colorful Burst of Creativity
Following the ribbon-cutting, the excitement continues with the 17th Annual Chalk Walk scheduled for Saturday, April 5. Running from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Market Square, this vibrant event will showcase the creativity of over 300 artists, from enthusiastic kindergarteners to seasoned professionals. Watch as sidewalks transform into stunning displays of colorful art, bringing joy to thousands of attendees—about 30,000 people fill the square every year to be part of this unique celebration!
This isn’t just about looking; visitors will also find delicious food trucks lining the streets, along with a cozy beer garden and plenty of art activities for kids to participate in. With around 150 artist spots available—often snatched up quickly—there’s a great deal of enthusiasm, reflected in the staggering number of artists on the waitlist (a whopping 200 right now!).
Delights and Prizes Await!
Food lovers will be in for a treat with vendors like CJ’s Tacos, Mucho Gusto, and King of Pops ready to serve up their delicious offerings. Plus, the AB Project will provide free filtered water, just remember to bring your refillable bottles to stay hydrated as you explore!
During the Chalk Walk, artists will compete in twelve unique categories, including everything from Elementary to the esteemed Sidewalk of Fame. Cash prizes and ribbons await those whose works impress a panel of jurors. And remember, the fun doesn’t stop there! Kids can unleash their creativity too in the First Horizon Fun Zone, where they’ll get free chalk to craft their masterpieces. Everyone gets to have a say in their favorite artwork, as they can vote for the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by WIVK FM-107.7.
Join the Fun!
So, mark your calendars and get ready for a fun-filled month celebrating the beauty and creativity of Knoxville with the Dogwood Arts festival! With the blend of trails, gardens, and the colorful Chalk Walk, there’s a little something for everyone in this vibrant community event. Let’s make memories and enjoy the East Tennessee charm together!
For all the details, be sure to check out the trail maps, descriptions, and lists of Open Gardens and Camera Sites online at www.dogwoodarts.com/trailsandgardens. If you prefer the old-school way, printed trail guides are available at Visit Knoxville and the Dogwood Arts office!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Knoxville Celebrates the Start of the 2025 Dogwood Trails Season
Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk Set to Brighten Knoxville on April 5
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Dogwood Arts Festival Ranked 9th in U.S. Art Festivals 2025
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Knoxville Named Second Best Arts District in the USA
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Knoxville Ranks High in National Lists for Diversity, Walkability, and Arts in 2024
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Additional Resources
- Knox Focus: Dogwood Trails Celebrate Seven Decades in Bloom
- WATE: Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk Returns to Knoxville on April 5
- Knox TN Today: Dogwood Trails – 90 Miles of Spring Beauty
- WBIR: Dogwood Arts Unveils Six New Murals
- UT Daily Beacon: Knoxville Convention Center to Transform for Dogwood Arts Show
- Wikipedia: Dogwood Arts Festival
- Google Search: Dogwood Arts Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dogwood Arts Festival
- Google News: Dogwood Arts Festival
