Events & Festivals

Children's Museum of Oak Ridge
International Festival

Celebrate different countries, cultures, and people through food, fun, entertainment, crafts, and more! Questions? Give us a call at (865) 482-1074.

Typically in February
Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, 461 W. Outer Dr., Oak Ridge, TN
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Online tickets: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for children ages 3-17, and children 2 and under are free. There is a small surcharge for online tickets.
Tickets at the door: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $10 for children ages 3-17, and children 2 and younger are free.
Children's Museum of Oak Ridge members are FREE! Proof of membership required at the door.
Learn more about the CMOR International Festival.

Scottish Festival and Games

You don't have to be Scottish to enjoy this unique Festival! The event feature clans, vendors and local and national performers. The property at the visitor center provides a scenic destination for the festival with views of the nearby mountains and is just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove. The 30-plus acres at the center includes adjacent parking.
Festival attendees will be treated to vibrant cultural and educational presentations, while Scotch tasting seminars will feature a bit of history and humor, and the Border Collie demonstrations will showcase their herding abilities.
Competitions include the hammer throw or caber toss, a medley of bands including bagpipes and drummers, and clan challenges like the kilted mile run or the battle axe competition.

Typically in May
Townsend Visitor Center, 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend, TN
Two-day pass: $35; All Day Saturday: $20; Half Day Saturday: $15
Sunday: $15
Learn more about the Scottish Festival and Games

Kuumba Festival

The Kuumba Festival (Kuumba means Creativity in Key Swahili) was started in 1989 by local Knoxville artists and community activists who 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 the offering of cultural arts activities.

June 24-26, 2023
Market Square, Morningside Park & Haley Heritage Square, Knoxville
Free
Learn more about the Kuumba Festival.

HoLa Festival

Since 1999, HoLa Hora Latina has celebrated the rich and diverse cultures of Latin America by inviting the community to share in live music, dancing, food and drinks, craft vendors, and educational activities for children. The annual event takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th – November 15th)
Local vendors offer handmade, artisan crafts, art, home décor, apparel, jewelry, and other unique items authentic to Hispanic cultures. Draft beer is available while food vendors serve up homemade Latin American cuisine. Visitors may enjoy various performances by Latin jazz, rock, salsa, and traditional bands and dancers. Children can learn more about Spain and Latin America at the Hispanic Heritage Booths or enjoy a fun and educational activity at the children’s stage nearby. The community fair and sponsor section provide important information and fun activities to our Knoxville community.

September 16-19, 2023
Saturday, 4-10 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
World's Fair Park Performance Lawn, Knoxville
$1 entry fee for those 12 years and older
Learn more about the HoLa Festival.

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

Contact us to add an event.

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

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

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 20, 2024
Knoxville celebration location, exact date & time varies - check back closer to date
Learn more about World Refugee Day

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 25-26, 2023
World's Fair Park, Knoxville
August 25 - 6 - 9 p.m. - VIP event
August 26 - 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Learn more about the Knoxville Asian Festival.

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.

October 20-22, 2023
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.

October 20, 2023
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn more about the UTK International Festival.