News Summary
Knoxville’s annual Rhinestone Fest marks its fifth anniversary, turning the Old City into a block party celebrating Dolly Parton’s legacy. The event features live performances, a bike parade, and interactive activities, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Local businesses join the festivities, showcasing Dolly-themed offerings. Originally conceived as a small art contest, Rhinestone Fest has transformed into a cherished celebration that brings people together through music, arts, and family-friendly fun.
Knoxville is once again celebrating the legacy of Dolly Parton with the annual Rhinestone Fest, a vibrant festival that has transformed the Old City into a lively block party. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the event, previously known as Dolly Fest, which is dedicated to honoring the iconic country music star.
Rhinestone Fest kicked off on a Friday night with performances from Uncle Stan and His String Band, setting the tone for a weekend filled with music, dance, and community spirit. As the festival progressed, attendees enjoyed the lively atmosphere of a community square dance, followed by a full day of performances on the main stage. Featured entertainment included clogging, bluegrass music, and multiple sets by tribute artist Sweet T, who donned a costume resembling Parton.
Attendees filled the streets of the Old City, some traveling from afar and staying in local Airbnbs, indicating the festival’s significant draw. Originally initiated as a Dolly-themed art contest by local figures Nanci Solomon and Paris Woodhull, Rhinestone Fest has grown into a large-scale celebration that brings families and friends together for a weekend of happiness and creativity.
Over the weekend, various activities captivated both young and old. A highlight was the Rhinestone Ride, a bike parade themed around Dolly Parton that added a whimsical touch to the festivities. Contests encouraged creativity, allowing kids and adults to showcase their Dolly-inspired attire for prizes. The festival also embraced fun and interactive elements, including a mocktail bar, a “Sparkle Station” for embellishing items, and a “Dolly Salon” that provided memorable photo opportunities. For pet owners, a “Pawlor” hosted by Dog Friendly Knoxville allowed for charming glamor shots of pets, further enhancing the community feel.
Local businesses participated in the festivities, showcasing their own celebrations of Dolly Parton. Corks Wine & Spirits offered tastings of wines associated with Parton, paired with Duncan Hines desserts. Additionally, Brother Wolf transformed into a pop-up bar called “Jolene’s,” where guests could enjoy drinks named after Parton’s beloved songs. The enthusiastic involvement of various businesses helped strengthen the festival’s sense of community while emphasizing the shared love for the legendary artist.
The original concept for the festival, previously referred to as “Night of 1,000 Dolly’s,” was the brainchild of Christopher Hamblen. This idea transformed into Rhinestone Fest, which today is seen as an inclusive celebration of Dolly Parton’s legacy, providing a platform for both music and arts along with family-friendly activities.
As residents and visitors alike indulge in the extensive offerings of Rhinestone Fest, the event serves as a reminder of the significant impact Dolly Parton has made not only in the world of music but also in the hearts of the Knoxville community. The festival successfully underscores the spirit of togetherness, joy, and artistic expression, solidifying its place as a cherished yearly event.
With entertainment options ranging from live performances to engaging activities across the Old City, Rhinestone Fest continues to flourish, encouraging community bonding and creative expression, all while celebrating the enduring influence of one of country music’s greatest icons, Dolly Parton.
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Additional Resources
- Knoxville Wolf: Rhinestone Fest 2025
- Inside of Knoxville: Rhinestone Fest Turns 5
- Knox News: Fun Things to Do in Knoxville
- Wikipedia: Dolly Parton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dolly Parton
