News Summary
Knoxville will host the Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival on May 10, 2025, featuring a stellar lineup of artists and a unique Tennessee Whiskey Experience. Attendees can enjoy food vendors, craft spirits, and family-friendly activities, with VIP options available. A pre-party event will take place on May 9, adding to the excitement. This festival emphasizes community engagement through initiatives like ‘Painting With A Purpose’ and showcases the vibrant culture of East Tennessee.
Knoxville is set to host the Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This exciting festival, produced by Dogwood Arts and curated by the Dirty Guv’nahs, promises an abundant lineup of musical talents and local flavors, making it a key event in East Tennessee’s cultural calendar.
The lineup for the 2025 festival includes performances by notable artists such as Charley Crockett, The Dirty Guv’nahs, Willow Avalon, Devon Gilfillian, Southern Avenue, and Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies. Events will take place on the Performance Lawn, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for attendees.
Tennessee Whiskey Experience
One of the highlights of the event will be the Tennessee Whiskey Experience, which offers attendees the chance to sample craft spirits from across the state. This experience will feature two tasting sessions, the first starting at 12:30 p.m. and another at 4:30 p.m. Each session will last for three hours, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the unique flavors of Tennessee’s whiskey.
Tickets and Admission
General admission tickets are priced at $70, granting access to an array of food vendors, craft beer, wine, free water stations, and the Maker Market. Families will appreciate that kids aged 10 and under can attend the festival for free. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m., allowing ample time for festival-goers to settle in before the musical performances begin.
For those seeking an enhanced experience, VIP experiences will also be available, typically including benefits such as air-conditioned restrooms and complimentary items for a more comfortable festival visit.
Pre-Party Collaboration
A special collaboration with the One Knox Soccer Club will kick off festivities a day earlier, featuring an official Southern Skies Pre-Party and Performance on May 9 at Covenant Health Park. Attendees can add a $10 upgrade to their tickets for access to this pre-party event, which includes a soccer game and musical performance.
Community Engagement and Activities
The festival values community contributions and features the Painting With A Purpose event, encouraging nominations from April 28, 2025, until the first week of June. The winning organization will be announced in July 2025 and stands to receive a prize of up to $10,000. This initiative embodies the festival’s commitment to supporting local non-profits and fostering community spirit.
Parking Information
For attendees planning to drive, free parking is available on weekdays after 6 p.m. and all day on weekends at municipal lots. Metered parking costs $1.50 per hour, with a two-hour limit.
Food and Local Culture
The festival will feature multiple food trucks and vendors, showcasing a diverse array of culinary options to satisfy various tastes. The Dirty Guv’nahs, known for their energetic performances and cultural contributions, are returning not only as performers but also as curators of the festival lineup, ensuring a vibrant celebration of Knoxville’s arts and music culture.
With its impressive lineup and community-focused initiatives, the Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival is poised to be a memorable celebration in Downtown Knoxville, attracting both locals and visitors to enjoy the best of what Tennessee has to offer.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival 2025
- Knox News: Charley Crockett to headline Southern Skies Festival
- Inside of Knoxville: Southern Skies Festival 2024
- WBIR: Southern Skies Music Festival 2023
- Knox News: Dogwood Arts showcases local beauty
- Wikipedia: Southern Skies Music and Whiskey Festival
- Google Search: Southern Skies Music Festival
- Google Scholar: Southern Skies Music Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Southern Skies Music Festival
- Google News: Southern Skies Music Festival
