KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Rossini Festival is returning to downtown Knoxville for around 11 hours of performances and fun on April 22. Organizers said the event is now in its 20th year.
They said there are expected to be four outdoor stages. Those stages are expected to showcase opera, classical, jazz, gospel and ethnic music. Performances are expected to include ballet, modern and ethnic dance.
There will also be performers on Gay Street, according to a schedule released by organizers. The four stages will be located at Market Square, Union Avenue, Clinch Avenue and Cumberland Avenue.
Performances will include Oasis Dancers, the Albu Belly Dance Troupe, and the Appalachian Equality Chorus, as well as performances from different school bands and individuals.
The Rossini Festival also brings out dozens of street food booths and vendors. This year, organizers said they are expected more than 75 artisan booths to fill Gay Street, Market Square and more areas around Knoxville.
There are also expected to be demonstration artists who will show off their crafts, revealing the methods and techniques behind crafts like woodcarving, leatherworking and weaving.
Organizers also said that there will be areas for children to have fun. There will be the "YMCA Fun Zone," which has been relocated this year to provide more space. Organizers also said children will be able to follow a virtual map and find flags from various countries around the city. Collecting them all could reveal a surprise, organizers said.
