Mar. 25, 2026
Downtown Knoxville will showcase creativity from March 26-29, with a lineup of free artistic experiences across the city center.
“Make. Art. Music.” is hosted by downtown merchants and venues and coincides with the Big Ears Festival, one of East Tennessee’s largest arts experiences that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
“Creativity connects us, bringing together makers, artists and musicians year-round, especially this weekend,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “As the festival brings new visitors, the rest of Downtown Knoxville invites everyone to experience the energy and talent of the local artists, merchants and venues that define our city.”
Some “Make. Art. Music.” highlights include:
- Live painting of the seasonal Downtown Knoxville mural in Strong Alley on Thursday through Saturday, weather dependent.
- Interactive glassblowing and music experience at Pretentious Glass Co. throughout the weekend.
- “Wayne White: Revenge of the Knoxville Girl” opening reception at the Knoxville Museum of Art on Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Participants also can enjoy live artmaking, music performances, art exhibitions and more. Sidewalk graphics will mark participating locations, making it easy to explore the experiences. For information on these and more events, visit downtownknoxville.org/local-art.
The Big Ears Festival also will include several free events at the Blue Note Lounge, 211 W. Jackson Ave.; Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive; Postmodern Sound Exchange, 205 W. Jackson Ave.; Pretentious Beer Co., 131 S. Central St.; and the UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S. Gay St. For details on these free events, visit bigearsfestival.org. No festival pass is required for free events.
About the Downtown Knoxville Alliance
Ensuring a vibrant, flourishing downtown is the primary mission of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance (DKA). Formed in 1993 as a Central Business Improvement District (CBID), the district encompasses a 0.67-square-mile area and is supported by a special assessment to property owners that is used to make improvements, enhance services and promote downtown. The DKA continually focuses on attracting and retaining a thriving community of residents, businesses and visitors in Downtown Knoxville. For more information, visit downtownknoxville.org.
