What is the Rossini Festival?

Knoxville Opera’s Rossini Festival is an annual celebration of the color, fun and excitement opera provides. It’s a fun, family-friendly event held in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. The sixth annual Rossini Festival will be held in April 2008 with the Italian Street Fair on Saturday, April 19, 2008 on Gay Street. It’s the only annual Rossini festival in the Americas.

Who was Rossini?

Gioacchino (pronounced joe-ah-kee-no) Rossini was a great Italian opera composer, who lived from 1792 to 1868. His music is mostly light-hearted and fun, and his compositions are among the best-loved operas in the world. His most famous operas are The Barber of Seville (featured in Knoxville Opera’s 2004 Rossini Festival), The Italian Girl in Algiers (featured at the 2003 Festival), and the drama William Tell (whose overture was to be recast a century later as the famous “Lone Ranger” theme!).

Is it a popular event?

Very popular – and it’s growing every year. It’s one of Knoxville’s premier cultural events, and it’s intended to be fun for the entire family. Its success prompted Metro Pulse to call it “Knoxville’s best all-around festival.”

How many people attend?

About 6,000 people attended Knoxville Opera’s first Rossini Festival in 2002; that grew to 65,000 in 2005.

What happens at the Festival?

It’s a week of music, arts and fun for the entire family. It includes the ever-popular “Italian Street Fair” downtown on Saturday, May 5 from noon to 9 p.m featuring an exciting whirl of events, including wine-tastings, concerts on three outdoor stages, children's activities, and parades.

Where is the Italian Street Fair held?

On historic Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, and on portions of Krutch Park and Market Square.

What happens at the Italian Street Fair?

Mostly – people have fun! There’s all-day entertainment on three stages. There are tempting foods and beverages offered for sale by some of our area’s finest restaurants. Beers and wines are available – and there are a special wine-tastings. Noted, top-quality artisans – 50+ in number – have their finest creations displayed for purchase. A kids’ area provides safe fun and excitement for younger attendees. And, the Italian Street Fair gives residents and visitors alike a good reason to get outdoors to enjoy East Tennessee’s famous spring weather!

What kinds of artisans will be selling their creations?

The range is wide – everything from pottery, jewelry and metal working to exquisite glassware and graphic arts. Vendors have traveled from as far away as California and Illinois to participate in the festivals. Be sure to see our list of “Amazing Artisans” under their section of this website!

What foods and beverages will be there?

The foods will be mostly Italian/Mediterranean. Beer, wines, soft drinks and bottled water will be available.

What entertainment is planned?

The entertainment program is both diverse and exciting – everything from chamber music and ethnic folk dancing to comedy acts and ballet. There’s something for everyone. Click on the Event Calendar for a complete schedule.

Is this event appropriate for kids?

Absolutely! A kids’ area provides safe fun and excitement on Market Square that will appeal to the younger members of your family.

Now for the important stuff . . . are there adequate restroom facilities?

We took special care to ensure that enough restrooms would be provided for the large crowd expected to attend the Italian Street Fair. Both handicapped-accessible and standard portable facilities will be available in several convenient locations at the fair.

What about parking? Can I park for free?

If you arrive early enough, you may be able to find free parking in the State Street parking garage. Paid parking lots are available as well, with several convenient options including the parking lot across from the Civic Auditorium. Handicapped parking is available on the corner of Gay and Church Streets, directly across from the Bijou Theatre. Please note that this parking lot is reserved for handicapped patrons and Rossini Festival volunteers and staff only.

Is Knoxville easy to get to?

Yes. The city lies at the convergence of three major Interstates (I-40, I-75 and I-81), and it is served by more than 10 air carriers.

Are there other Rossini festivals?

Knoxville Opera’s Rossini Festival is the only annual Rossini festival in the Americas. As far as we know, there is only one other Rossini festival in the world – it takes place annually in the composer’s hometown of Pesaro, Italy.