Attractions and Annual Events

ATTRACTIONS

Beck Cultural Exchange Center
1927 Dandridge Avenue * 524-8461
HOURS: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Additional info on the net at www.korrnet.org/beckcec.
The center is a museum of black culture in Knoxville and the surrounding area. Tours are offered daily for all groups from businesses to schools and church organizations.

Cradle of Country Music Tour
The Andrew Johnson Hotel, WROL Studios, Sterchi Brothers Furniture, Market Square, and the St. James Hotel are a few of the numerous markers on the Cradle of Country Music Tour. This historical walking tour highlights moments such as the first public performance by Roy Acuff, and the site where Dolly Parton made her first non-commercial recording. Maps are available at the tourist center in the Candy Factory or the Gateway Regional Visitor's Center.

Gateway Regional Visitor's Center
900 Volunteer Landing * 971-4440
Hours: April 1 through Oct. 31, Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.; Nov.1 through March 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.
For more info, visit online at www.korrnet.org/gateway
This new facility on the riverfront offers an introduction to the region entitled "Where Nature and Technology Meet," which focuses on the natural resources of the Southern Highlands, the cultural development in Knoxville and the surrounding area, and the technological advancements of the Oak Ridge Complex. The center also offers a 12-minute video presentation that outlines the history of the area. Schools and group tours are available and there is no admission charge. Picnic areas and restrooms are available and access to the river walkway is nearby.

Haley Heritage Square
Morningside Park
1600 Dandridge Ave. * 521-2090
The square contains a statue dedicated to Roots author Alex Haley, who made his final home nearby, and is located next to a children's playground set in a scenic park. The statue is children-friendly, and climbing is welcome.

Ijams Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue * 577-4717
The center contains 80 acres of trails, wildflowers, and bluffs overlooking the Tennessee River. Trails are open 8 a.m.-dusk and visitor's center/museum Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat. 12-4 p.m. and Sun. 1-5 p.m. No admission is required for park access. For more info visit online at www. ijams.org

Knoxville Museum of Art
1050 World's Fair Park Dr. * 525-6101
Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 12-5 p.m.
For more info and current exhibits contact KMA online at www.knoxart.org
KMA showcases permanent and visiting national collections, musical and other performances and workshops for all ages. Admission charged.

Knoxville Zoological Park
Exit 392 from I-40 or 5 miles east of downtown * 637-5331
For more info visit on-line at www.knoxville-zoo.org
The park houses nearly 1,000 animals. Attractions include bird shows and camel rides and kid's petting zoo. Zoo hours are daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Old City
Located at the corners of Jackson Ave. and Central Street, the Old City is a favorite spot of Knoxville residents. Once known as the Bowery and "Irish Town," the Old City hosts some of the best shopping, dining, and live entertainment in Knoxville. Set in a historic atmosphere that has been a cultural hot spot since 1855, the Old City keeps the history of Knoxville alive for everyone to enjoy.

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
700 Hall of Fame Dr. * 633-9000
Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day, Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 12-8 p.m.; after Labor Day, Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 12-6 p.m.; closed Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving.
For more info, visit www.wbhof.com.
The newly constructed Hall of Fame showcases
the accomplishments of women's basketball greats, tracing the history of the sport through video, memorabilia, exhibits, and activities. Admission charged.

Volunteer Landing/Riverfront
300 Neyland Dr. * 525-7827
Cruise the Tennessee River on the Star of Knoxville, an authentic sternwheeler river boat that offers lunch, dinner, and entertainment. Reservations are suggested and there is an admission charge to board. Afterwards enjoy a scenic walk along the Volunteer Landing. This one-mile paved riverwalk offers observation decks, picnic areas, and several historical landmarks (plus some water fountains popular with kids who like to get wet).

FESTIVALS
14th Annual American Indian
Celebration Powwow
May 4 thru 6
For more info, call 579-1384
The Knoxville Regional Farmer's Market is the site of this heritage festival that includes dancing, drums, crafts, and food. Activities kick-off on Friday with children's day.

Boomsday Fireworks Celebration on the Knoxville Waterfront
Sept. 6, 2001
For more information contact 693-1020
Sponsored by MY102 Radio, this Waterfront event annually draws thousands of Knoxvillians downtown to watch the elaborate fireworks show.

Christmas in the City
Nov. 19 thru Dec. 24
For a calendar of event schedules contact the Special Events Office at 215-4248.
Presented by the News-Sentinel and the City of Knoxville, this festival celebrates the holidays in grand fashion. With special events occurring almost daily there is something for everyone who wishes to join in the community spirit of Christmas in Knoxville. Christmas Candlelight Tours of Knoxville's 18th century homes, a presentation of the Nutcracker by the Appalachian Ballet, a traditional Christmas Eve Prelude, and Candlelight Communion Service are just the beginning.

Dogwood Arts Festival 2001
April 7 thru 30
For more info, call 637-4561
This month-long festival means more than just dogwood blossoms. The festival signifies the beginning of spring, as well as community participation in the beautification of Knoxville. Scheduled events include a community-wide 40th Anniversary Party on the riverfront, arts and craft shows, and scenic drives along the Dogwood Trail. Additional highlights include an air show hosted by the Air National Guard April 14-16, and the Dogwood Grand Prix, a SCCA sanctioned race on the streets of Knoxville April 29.

Earth Day Festival 2001
April 22
For more info, call 215-5825.
The Cove at Concord Park in Farragut will be the site of this year's Earth Day Festival. In conjunction with 25 community businesses and organizations, Knox County Solid Waste presents the national Earth Day theme of energy conservation. Activities will include hot air balloon rides, a box city, and live music. Demonstrations on cooking, recycled art, and a fashion show of recycled clothing are all on the agenda. Have fun, and maybe learn a thing or two about what you can do to help the earth.

Festival on the Fourth
For more information contact the city's Special Events Office at 215-4248.
The World's Fair Park is the host of this traditional community memorial celebration for Knoxvillians. Entertainment is provided by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, with a fireworks display as the finale.

Jubilee International Festival
Date To Be Announced
For more info, call 522-5851.

Kuumba Festival
For more info, call 525-0961.
African American Appalachian Arts presents a showcase of visual art, folk art, dance, theater, music, storytelling, and ethnic cuisine that celebrates the shared heritage among African Americans.

Mardi Gras 2001
Feb. 29 and March 4
For more info, contact Marcy Snapp of Community Shares at 522-1604.
Community Shares, a charitable organization based in Knoxville operating locally and regionally to improve the lives of Tennessee residents, presents Mardi Gras 2001. The theme this year will be "A Space Odyssey." Events include a 5k race/fun walk, parade, and a Fat Tuesday party hosted by the Tennessee Theatre. The 5k race and fun walk is one of Knoxville's most popular, with up to 500 participants running and walking in costume from downtown Knoxville through the 4th and Gill area. The race ends along a section of the parade that features local community and business groups in costume competing against one another in front of a crowd of up to 8,000 people celebrating the final days of freedom before Lent. Feb. 29 is the Fat Tuesday party at the Tennessee Theatre. Events include a gumbo cook-off, Taste of Mardi Gras, and Mardi Gras Ball. Live jazz and blues will provide the musical flavor for the evening, which also includes a costume contest and indoor Mardi Gras parade.

Smoky Mountain Jam
Date To Be Announced
For more info, call 523-2665.
This year will mark the 4th annual benefit for the Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains. Past headliners at the outdoor festival on the World's Fair site include Widespread Panic and Santana. Proceeds from the concert (usually held in early fall) are donated to help improve the condition of Tennessee's National Park System.

The Country Market
Ramsey House Plantation
Date TBA; For more info, call 546-0745.
For more than 20 years, the Country Market has been a fall day filled with baked goods and antiques. Shop for used books, dried flower arrangements, or simply enjoy a country kitchen lunch and the history of the Ramsey House.

26TH Annual Head of the Tennessee Regatta
Date To Be Announced; For more info, contact the Knoxville Rowing Association at 633-9214. www.knoxrowing.com.
From dawn to dusk, the day will be filled with music, hot air balloon rides, food, and of course lots of rowing. The race course is three miles long, beginning at the UT Ag Campus under the Alcoa Highway Bridge, and finishing at Sequoyah Park. Arrive at sunrise and grab a spot along a beautiful scenic stretch of the Tennessee River to watch this enormous rowing event as 56 teams of men and women from around the country compete to be the Head of the Tennessee.

Tennessee Valley Fair
For info about daily events call 637-5840.
Since 1916, the Tennessee Valley Agricultural and Industrial Fair has been a showcase for industry, agriculture, and entertainment. This 10-day event hosted at Chilhowee Park features everything from clogging contests to headline acts such as the Charlie Daniels Band. The first Friday after Labor Day is the traditional kickoff for the festival.

Valleyfest Film Festival
March 15 thru 18, 2001
For info and passes call 971-1792, or visit the website www.valleyfest.com
An independent film festival that showcases the best the industry has to offer. Valleyfest is a four-day competitive festival that exhibits feature films, short films, documentaries, and animation. Valleyfest also offers an opportunity to participate in workshops with industry professionals.