~ from the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville
On Sunday, June 21, Knoxville will come alive with music as Make Music Knoxville returns for a daylong celebration featuring dozens of free performances at venues, businesses, parks, galleries, and public spaces across the city.
Presented by the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville as part of the international Make Music Day initiative, the event transforms Knoxville into an open-air stage where residents and visitors can experience live music in unexpected places throughout the day. From downtown sidewalks and neighborhood gathering spaces to gardens, breweries, shops, and even Covenant Health Park, Make Music Knoxville offers everyone opportunities to discover local musicians, explore new genres, and celebrate the creativity that makes Knoxville unique. All performances are free and open to the public.
This year’s lineup will include more than 60 performances by local musicians, bands, and organizations like the Knoxville Jazz Youth Orchestra, the Knoxville Opera, and Nief-Norf, taking place at locations including Ijams Nature Center, Covenant Health Park, the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, the Maker Exchange, and dozens of additional sites across the city. Join the fun with participatory events like a Bluegrass Jam at Boyd’s Jig & Reel, Live Band Karaoke with Tinca Tinca at the Pink Cactus, and an Irish Jam at Flock, or spend the afternoon at WDVX’s curated stage at the Cradle of Country Music Park.
“Make Music Knoxville is one of the most joyful days of the year because it brings music directly into our community spaces and invites everyone to participate,” said Liza Zenni, Executive Director of the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville. “Whether you’re planning your day around a favorite performer or simply stumbling across music while you’re out and about, there’s something special about experiencing live music as a shared community celebration.”
Unlike traditional music festivals, Make Music Day is designed to be accessible, spontaneous, and community-driven. Performers of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels take part, creating a musical landscape that ranges from jazz and opera to rock, folk, hip-hop, bluegrass, and more.
Partners for Make Music Knoxville include the City of Knoxville, the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and other organizations committed to making music accessible throughout East Tennessee.
A complete schedule of performances is available at www.makemusicday.org/knoxville. Attendees are encouraged to explore multiple locations throughout the day and discover new artists while enjoying free live music across the city.
