Entertainment Takes Center Stage at the 2025 Dogwood Arts Festival
Live music, dance, and cartoon legends headline the weekend lineup
This spring, the Dogwood Arts Festival returns to World’s Fair Park with an entertainment lineup as vibrant as East Tennessee’s blooming dogwoods. From April 25–27th, festival-goers will experience a dynamic mix of live performances, music, and interactive showcases that celebrate creativity and community in the heart of Downtown Knoxville.
Now in its 64th year, the festival—recognized by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice as one of the Top 10 Art Festivals in the nation—promises three days packed with artistic expression, including 31 live performances across two stages. From high-energy K-pop routines and Caribbean steelbands to traditional Appalachian clogging and award-winning Americana acts, the entertainment schedule offers something for every music and dance enthusiast.
Must-See Performances
Catch performances throughout the weekend on the Performance Lawn and Amphitheatre stage, with acts ranging from local favorites to nationally recognized artists. A full entertainment schedule is available at dogwoodarts.com/dafentertainmentschedule. Entertainment at the Dogwood Arts Festival is sponsored by Home Federal Bank.
Meet the Legends of the Cartoon World | Saturday, April 26th at 3PM
In a special treat for comic and cartoon fans, the festival will host members of the National Cartoonists Society for a one-of-a-kind live drawing event and Q&A session. Don’t miss the chance to watch legendary artists sketch in real time and share behind-the-scenes stories from the world of comics.
- Featured Guests: Alex Saviuk (Spider-Man, Superman, Hulk, The Flash), John Rose (Barney Google and Snuffy Smith), Robert Pope (Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Peanuts), Greg Cravens (The Buckets & Hubris), Bill Holbrook (Kevin & Kell, Safe Havens), and James ‘Doodle’ Lyle (The Phantom).
Rumor has it Knoxville’s own Charlie Daniel, longtime cartoonist for The Knoxville News Sentinel, may also make a surprise appearance.
Event Details:
Dates: April 25-27, 2025
Location: World’s Fair Park (Performance Lawn, Amphitheatre, Greenway)
963 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916
Festival Hours: Friday & Saturday: 10AM-7PM / Sunday: 10AM-5PM
