Your Guide to Spring Activities in Knoxville, TN

As the days get longer and the flowers bloom, Knoxville comes alive during the spring season! From outdoor recreation to fun festivals, there’s plenty to see and do around town. Here are a few activities and events to help you make the most of spring in Knoxville!

1. Explore our many outdoor community parks and recreation options.
Spring is the perfect time to explore local outdoor spaces. The City of Knoxville and the Town of Farragut both feature beautiful public parks, and you can explore even more beautiful outdoor areas in and around the Knoxville area. Here are a few of our favorites.

McFee Park: Located in Farragut, McFee Park offers a range of amenities such as biking and walking trails, picnic facilities, playgrounds, basketball courts, and tennis courts, making it an ideal spot for a day of outdoor fun. This park also has a splash pad and plans underway for a dog park! This beautiful park is located next to our maintenance-free community Meadows on McFee and across from The Grove at Boyd Station and The Grove Towns.

Lakeshore Park: Lakeshore Park is one of Knoxville’s premier parks spanning 185 acres. Lakeshore is home to soccer fields, baseball fields, pickleball courts, playgrounds, and several miles of serene walking trails through the park and along the water. Throughout Lakeshore Park, you will find many quiet places to enjoy a picnic or read a book. This expansive park is located less than a ten-minute drive from two Saddlebrook communities: Westland Station and The Gables.

Ijams Nature Center: Located in South Knoxville, Ijams offers a variety of recreational opportunities. From 14+ miles of trails and opportunities to paddle and swim at Mead’s Quarry Lake, you can choose your own outdoor adventure. Ijams also features places perfect for kids including Jo’s Grove and the Playscape at Grayson Subaru Preserve.

Aspire Park: While Aspire is not located in Knoxville, it is worth mentioning! This beautiful privately owned park in Clinton, Tennessee opened in 2024 and offers 370 acres to explore. Choose from hiking, biking, or simply strolling through the meadow. You can also enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, The Pearl.

2. Stock up on local produce and goods at the farmers markets!
Knoxville’s outdoor farmers markets are a highlight of the spring season, offering fresh produce, unique crafts, and a vibrant atmosphere. Here are some of the popular farmers markets in Knoxville.

Market Square Farmers Market: Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting in May, the Market Square Farmers Market is a popular destination, especially on Saturdays. We recommend getting to the market early and after browsing the wide variety of produce and goods, visit popular brunch spots like Tupelo Honey and The Frothy Monkey or grab a coffee at Mahalo.

Ebenezer Farmers Market: Located in West Knoxville and open on Tuesdays starting in April, the Ebenezer Farmers Market is a great place to explore a variety of fresh produce and artisanal goods. Before or after visiting the market, stop by KBrew for a delicious coffee or head to Point B for lunch. This market is close to two Saddlebrook communities: Westland Station and Northshore Town Center.

Dixie Lee Farmers Market: The Dixie Lee Farmers Market opens outdoors in mid-April and takes place on Saturdays. Located in Farragut, this market is conveniently located near multiple Saddlebrook communities: The Grove at Boyd Station, The Grove Towns, Meadows on McFee, and Brookmere Manor.

3. Immerse yourself in arts and culture at a local festival!

Knoxville hosts several exciting festivals throughout the year, and many of the most popular ones take place during the spring. Check out these three upcoming festivals happening in Downtown Knoxville!

Big Ears Festival: Taking place at the end of March, the Big Ears Festival features a diverse range of artistic performances at locations throughout Downtown Knoxville and attracts visitors from around the world, making it a must-visit event for music and arts enthusiasts.

Rossini Festival: Held in mid-April, the Rossini Festival is a street festival hosted by the Knoxville Opera that offers live music including choral, opera, jazz, gospel, and more. Additionally, the festival includes numerous food and art vendors, creating a vibrant cultural experience for attendees.

Dogwood Arts Festival: Taking place at the end of April, the Dogwood Arts Festival is a popular event that showcases more than 100 fine art vendors, live music, and entertainment, celebrating the beauty of spring and the creativity of the local community.

From exploring local parks to experiencing something new at a festival, there are many ways to get out and enjoy spring activites in Knoxville! We hope you’ve found this information helpful whether you are a local or moving to Knoxville soon. Please see the list below for the dates of the markets and festivals mentioned.

2025 Dates
Market Square Farmers Market Opening Day: May 3
Ebenezer Farmers Market Opening Day: April 8
Dixie Lee Farmers Market Opening Day: April 19
Big Ears Festival: March 27-39
Rossini Festival: April 12-13
Dogwood Arts Festival: April 25-27