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📆 So, here’s the plan...
Find free chalk for kiddos to create their own art in The First Horizon Fun Zone, located behind the East TN History Center. | Photo by Neyla Photos for Chalk Walk
It’s time to spring into action, because Knoxville’s April calendar is stacked. Here are the top events worth adding to your planner this month.
Chalk Walk | Saturday, April 11
More than 300 artists will transform Market Square into an open-air gallery as they compete for cash prizes and ribbons. Wander through the maze of color and watch the live art come to life.
Knoxville Marathon | Sunday, April 12
There’s still time to sign up for the race, but if that’s not your speed, post up downtown to spectate, cheer on friends, and soak up the race-day energy.
Rossini Festival features local artisan booths scattered throughout the grounds. | Photo by Eli Johnson
Rossini Festival | Saturday, April 18-Sunday, April 19
This beloved downtown festival has something for everyone. Enjoy opera, classical, jazz, gospel, and ballet performances across four stages, plus a marketplace featuring 75+ artisans. You’ll also find family-friendly fun zones and plenty of food vendors.
Knoxville’s in bloom — the Dogwood Trails officially open for the 2026 season today. Head to the Lakemoor Hills Dogwood Trail from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to join a community celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Sports
Following Gabe Lazo’s resignation on Friday, the Lady Vols have their replacement in place. Head coach Kim Caldwell is hiring former Florida State associate head coach Bill Ferrara — the first staff change since Caldwell took over the program. (WBIR)
Announced
The 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award nominations have been revealed, and neither of Knoxville’s semifinalists made the cut. Joseph Lenn of J.C. Holdway and Laurence Faber of Potchke Deli were both in the running.
A six-story apartment complex could rise in South Knoxville on the former JFG Coffee sign site at the south end of the Gay Street Bridge. The proposed 367,000-sqft development would include a courtyard, outdoor pool, and underground parking garage. (Knoxville News Sentinel)
Number
More than $5 billion. That’s how much Knox County needs to spend on infrastructure investments over the next five years to keep roads, bridges, and water systems up to date, according to a new report. (WVLT)
Cause
April is National Volunteer Month, a celebration of those who give back to their communities. In Knoxville, it’s the perfect time to start volunteering (or take your service to the next level) with 20+ opportunities to get involved across town.
While you’re downtown for this month’s festivals, take a minute to soak in a burst of color in Krutch Park. An eye-catching installation that was reinstalled during Big Ears Festival will be sticking around a bit longer.
“Reverb,” a large-scale, wind-responsive work by artist Rachel Hayes (whose installations have been displayed all over the world) brings a vibrant, shifting glow to the green space. There’s no confirmed timeline for how long it will remain, so it’s worth catching while you can.
A trendy square-cut tank under $15 that’s a great wardrobe basic for spring and summer. It’s double-lined, soft, and has the right amount of stretch to flatter curves. Stock up in black, white, or both.
I don’t want to spoil any fun, but keep in mind today is April Fools’ Day. We don’t have any tricks up our sleeves this year, but remember to be on the lookout for any suspicious announcements on your feeds.
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