Dogwood Arts invites the community to the inaugural KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival

by | May 25, 2026 | Stories In This Week's Focus: | 0 comments

 

Dogwood Arts is proud to introduce the inaugural KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival, a free one-day celebration of public art, music, and community taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 12–8 p.m. in North Knoxville’s historic Emory Place.

The new festival will transform Emory Place into a vibrant open-air art experience featuring 10 muralists painting live throughout the day, local and regional music performances, food trucks, vendors, hands-on art activities, and even a MuuMuu Contest!

“This event isn’t just another festival — it’s a bold celebration of Knoxville’s creative identity,” said Sherry Jenkins, executive director of Dogwood Arts. “KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival is where art and community meet in the streets. It’s hands-on, high-energy, and uniquely Knoxville.”

 

Public Vote Will Determine Permanent Knoxville Murals

Festival attendees will help shape the future of public art in Knoxville by voting for their favorite muralists during the event.

The top two artists will each receive permanent mural commissions at locations across Knoxville through the Dogwood Arts Mural Program.

Take Home a Piece of the Festival

All 10 murals created during the competition will be auctioned online following the event, allowing the public to purchase one-of-a-kind original artwork while supporting regional artists and future public art initiatives.

Community Mural Experience Sponsored by POSCA

Thanks to support from POSCA, attendees of all ages can contribute to a collaborative community mural throughout the day using POSCA markers and supplies.

MuuMuu Contest

The festival will also feature a MuuMuu Contest, inviting attendees to show off their boldest, funniest, and most creative looks.

Registration is open online at www.dogwoodarts.com/mumufest

 

Participating Artists

The inaugural festival intentionally highlights artists from across Tennessee, showcasing the talent and creativity found throughout the state.

Bryan Wilkerson (Knoxville)

IG: @bryanwilkerson

Curtis Glover (Knoxville) IG: @curtisglovercreative

Gared Luquet (Knoxville) IG: @mywildmurals

Ivann Garc (Clarksville) IG: @ivanngarc.art

Joseph Maye (Kingsport) IG: @hexagoat_art

Kirsten Sandlin (Memphis)

IG: @rogue.murals

Megan Lingerfelt (Knoxville) IG: @meganlingerfelt

Paris Woodhull (Knoxville)

IG: @pariswoodhull

Robert Felker (Knoxville)IG: @robertfelker_art

Whitney Herrington (Columbia)

IG: @oldsoulvtg

 

Entertainment Lineup

sponsored by Axle Logistics

12PM — Daniel Fluitt of Thrift Store Cowboys

1PM — Knox County Jug Stompers

2PM — MuuMuu Competition, hosted by Erin Donovan

2:45PM — Sarrenna

4PM — Russell Walker / Honky Tonk Dance Lessons

5:45PM — Trisha Gene Brady

7PM — Mic Harrison and the High Score

7:45PM — Award Announcement

 

Building on Knoxville’s Public Art Momentum

KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival expands on the success of Dogwood Arts’ Mural Program, which has commissioned more than 60 murals across East Tennessee since 2019. The new event also builds on the momentum of the 2024 project KnoxWalls at Emory Place — Knoxville’s largest mural installation to date, covering 7,000+ square feet in partnership with Visit Knoxville and Lilienthal Gallery. With KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival, Dogwood Arts continues to shape Knoxville’s cultural landscape and energize its emerging arts district.

KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival is sponsored by ORNL Federal Credit Union, Visit Knoxville, Cherokee Distributing, Axle Logistics, MHM Architects, Window Works, One Knox Sporting Club, Knoxville Utilities Board, the Pilot Company, POSCA, Crowne Plaza, Lilienthal Gallery, Design AF, Cakmes Dental Studio, and Silverline.

Dogwood Arts, presented by ORNL Federal Credit Union, is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to promote and celebrate our region’s art, culture, and natural beauty. For more information on Dogwood Arts, visit www.dogwoodarts.com or call (865) 637-4561.