The 18th Annual Vestival, South Knoxville’s art, music, and heritage festival, sponsored by Candoro Arts and Heritage Center, will be held Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the grounds of Knoxville’s Historic Candoro Marble Building off Martin Mill Pike in the historic neighborhood of Vestal.

 

Vestival began as a way to celebrate the rich heritage of marble artisans and sculptors who lived in Vestal and worked nearby at the Candoro Marble Company. Everyone who attends gets a sense of the legacy of the “Vestal Spirit” of former marble workers. Every spring, over 1,000 visitors flock to this wildly imaginative festival. New this year, the Valet Guys will be helping with our event shuttle and guests are encouraged to park at Mary Vestal Park. Additionally, Sustainable Future, 201 Ogle Ave., will be offering their parking lot with free rides in a Tesla shuttle. The event will have one entrance to the property, which will help with shuttle drop off and the safety of our guests. And, there will be a large silent auction fundraiser to help support Candoro Arts and Heritage Center educational outreach programs.

 

Board President Molly Gilbert said, “The primary goal of this event has been to raise funds to support the preservation of Candoro and the activities of the Candoro Arts and Heritage Center. We are thrilled to have the historic building open to the public and our docents will be leading tours.”

 

In the past, Vestival was the signature event for the Candoro Arts and Heritage Center and one of only a couple of events where the building was open to the public. The all-volunteer non-profit board has gone to great efforts to increase the number of public events to over a dozen and the annual attendance has drastically increased from around 2,000 to over 4,000.

 

“The historic Candoro Marble building is such an important part of Knoxville history,” Gilbert said. “Every Knoxvillian needs to know that this architectural treasure is the origin of Knoxville’s famous nickname, ‘The Marble City.’”

 

This year Candoro Arts and Heritage Center has made changes to improve this fundraiser ahead of it’s coming 2019 historical renovation by the Aslan Foundation. Changes include bringing in more prominent headliners such as Robinella, Adeem the Artist, and Jubal as well as over 60 local artists, craft and food vendors, and local organizations. Festival-goers will enjoy two stages of local musicians all day – and, if you’re a musician, bring your instrument and join in at the Picker’s Tent!

 

Vestival takes place rain or shine. Admission is by donation; a $5-$10 per person/family donation is requested to help support the programs of Candoro Arts & Heritage Center.

 

Discover more information on the Facebook pages entitled “Vestival” and “Candoro Marble” or visit our website for the most up to date information: www.candoromarble.org/vestival/