Events & Festivals

World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

It shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. Many activities held on World Refugee Day create opportunities to support refugees.

June 20th from 8:45 am-12:00 pm at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church
Free
Learn more about World Refugee Day.

HoLa Festival

HoLa Hora Latina, Knoxville’s annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, has been bringing the community together since 1999 to honor the rich and diverse cultures of Latin America. The 26th annual festival will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Attendees can enjoy live music and dance performances spanning Latin jazz, rock, salsa, and traditional styles, along with authentic Latin American cuisine and draft beverages. Local vendors offer handmade artisan goods including art, home décor, apparel, and jewelry. Families can explore Hispanic Heritage booths, participate in educational children’s activities, and connect with local organizations at the community fair.

October 11, 2026
Saturday 11:00 AM -6 PM

Knox Asian Festival Food Market 2026

The Knoxville Asian Festival is an annual celebration of the diverse Asian cultures represented across East Tennessee. Held each spring, the festival features authentic food vendors, cultural performances, traditional music and dance, and interactive experiences that highlight the richness of Asian heritage. Open to all, it’s a vibrant, family-friendly event that brings the community together to learn, connect, and celebrate.
Sunday, August 30, 2026 (Festival)
10:30AM - 6:30PM
Main Festival Performances, Cultural Exhibits, & More will be located INSIDE the Knoxville Convention Center
🍜 The Asian Foods Market will be OUTSIDE on the World’s Fair Park Lawn
Visit https://www.knoxasianfestival.com/ for festival applications & more information

Rossini Festival

The annual Knoxville Opera Rossini Festival is held each spring. Rossini Festival International Street Fair Highlights include:
-- 5 stages, with 50 hours of free entertainment by 700+ artists
-- YMCA FunZone on Market Square
-- Eagle Distributing Beer Garden
-- 100+ Artisans and Food Vendors
-- Welcome Ceremonies with Elected Official
-- Mini-recitals by KO's April 29 Puccini Gala Concert Guest Artists
-- Streamliner's Swing Orchestra free concert 8-10 pm at the Instrumental Music Stage

April
Downtown Knoxville
10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Free
Learn more about the Rossini Festival.

*To be posted here, events must be family-friendly and celebrate international people and cultures. We may also publicize KIN partners' events.

Contact us to add an event.

Greek Fest

St. George Greek Orthodox Church has celebrated its annual Greek Fest since 1977! Originally, the Knoxville Greek Fest was organized to introduce Greek food, culture, and dance to the local community. Greek Fest is one of the most popular events in Knoxville, attracting over 20,000 visitors over the weekend.
The festival features a variety of traditional dishes, dances, music, and more! In addition, the award winning Greek dancers train and compete annually in competitions around the country. There is also an introductory church tour for those wishing to learn more about the Greek Orthodox history and faith.

September 26, 27, & 28, 2025
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Kingston Pike, Knoxville
$3 - Day Pass; $5 - Weekend Pass
Learn more about Greek Fest.

University of Tennessee Knoxville
International Festival

The International Festival brings together all of the university’s international organizations to host booths with food and other artifacts representing their cultures. With food and performances, International Festival presents an opportunity to explore cultures from around the world without ever leaving campus.

Usually held in October
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn more about the UTK International Festival.

Scottish Festival and Games

You don’t have to be Scottish to enjoy the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games, a lively celebration of Scottish culture set against the scenic backdrop of Townsend. Taking place May 16–17, 2026 at the Townsend Visitor Center, this two-day event features traditional competitions like the caber toss and hammer throw, live performances from bagpipe and drum bands, and unique events such as Border Collie herding demonstrations and clan challenges. Attendees can also enjoy cultural presentations, browse vendors, and take part in Scotch tasting seminars that blend history with humor.
May 16-17, 2026
Ticket options are flexible, with a two-day pass available for $30, or single-day tickets priced at $20 for Saturday and $15 for Sunday, making it easy for visitors to choose the experience that fits their schedule.
Learn more about the Scottish Festival and Games.

Kuumba Festival 2026

The Kuumba Festival (Kuumba means "creativity" in Kiswahili) was started in 1989 by local Knoxville artists and community activists. They were looking to showcase local African American art and artists for the sole purpose of sharing, educating and exposing rich cultural art forms to the Knoxville community. This free event gives African-American Appalachian Arts Inc. (AAAA) an avenue to reach out and service the Greater Knoxville community through offering cultural arts activities.

July 31st - August 1st

Knoxville Asian Festival

The Asian Festival features authentic traditional food vendors representing Asian Cultures such as Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Korea, China, Japan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Pakistani, and Vietnam. The Asian Culture Parade starts at 10 a.m. at the water fountain on the park lawn and ends at 10:30 a.m. at the Amphitheater stage. We are especially proud of the featured performance art that includes traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, and Philippine dance & music.

August 23 & 24, 2025
August 23 - Special Event: Sushi & Sumo - 6 - 8 p.m.
August 24 - 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
World's Fair Park Performance Lawn, Knoxville
Learn more about the Knoxville Asian Festival.