Downtown always feels fully lived-in during Rossini Festival weekend, Knoxville Opera’s annual international street fair. The May 8-10 festival featured entertainment, food, vendors and much more. Conceived in 2002 as an Italian street fair, it has since grown to so much more. I came out for a while on both days to roam and enjoy one of our city’s most engaging and accessible arts showcases, which is also a critical fundraiser for the Opera’s community programming.
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1. Market Square comes alive with music
2. Four outdoor stages showcase opera, classical, jazz, gospel, ethnic music and dance
3. The sprawling market with more than 75 artisans
4. Festival-goers get into the swing dance spirit
5. Opera staff and volunteers
6. International flavors abound
7. Artisan-made pottery
8. Plein air painting on the street