Provided by the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, we heard YOUR favorite memories, moments, friendships, finds, and dreams for the Market Square Farmers’ Market over the last 20 years through Farmers’ Market Fan Mail. No matter what memories you’ve made at the market or how obsessive a shopper you are, we were overwhelmed with the love, creativity, and kindness you shared with us!
The Market Square Farmers’ Market isn’t just a showcase for local farmers, it’s often a launch pad for new businesses. Some of your downtown favorites actually got their start as Market Square Farmers’ Market vendors or have connections going way back.
With help of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, participants searched for downtown businesses that are Market Square Farmers’ Market Originals in a fun scavenger hunt. Each business was marked with colorful window decals from May 1 through May 31.
Sponsored by the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, the hand-painted mural by local artist Ashton Ludden, was center stage and the perfect place to snap a commemorative photo signaling the start of the 20th season of the Market Square Farmers’ Market!
Over the years, Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes downtown on Gay St. has created some AMAZING window displays for passerbyers to marvel. May’s was inspired by the MSFM and should be a feast for the eyes!
Nourish Knoxville hosted an opening day event packed with exciting activities, food, and learning opportunities. Mayor Indya Kincannon presented the 20th Anniversary Proclamation, followed by the launch of Nourish Moves for the first full season at the Wednesday MSFM. Guests from Knoxville History Project & Mabry-Hazen House Museum provided insight into the rich history of Market Square as a public market space.
Nourish Knoxville hosted a special gallery at the RED Gallery of all 20 Market Square Farmers’ Market posters in one place, plus some special one-of-a-kind pieces created over the years. The gallery featured work by YeeHaw Letterpress, Pioneer House, Status Serigraph, Ashton Ludden, Striped Light, and Camp Nevernice. Find your favorite or discover the original cabbage-themed poster from 2004.
Special thanks to The District Gallery & Framing for making this show possible!
We hosted the first Saturday Market Square Farmers’ Market of 2023 with over 100 vendors offering an exceptional array of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods. We were honored to host special guests and friends including Knoxville History Project & Mabry-Hazen House Museum.
A personal collection of Market Square Farmers’ Market photos of vendors, shoppers, happenings, and memories over the past 20 years.
Catch it before it’s gone – this evolving mural by Megan Lingerfelt changes for each season and this summer’s edition will be inspired by the Market Square Farmers’ Market. Created in partnership with the Downtown Knoxville Alliance and Dogwood Arts, the stunning mural adds to the ever-changing public art gallery in Strong Alley. Megan’s attention to detail and use of vivid colors makes it a must-see attraction and one of downtown’s most beautiful photo ops. Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone to capture the essence of our beloved farmers’ market and celebrate its vibrant spirit this summer season!
📍 Located near the Union Avenue intersection nestled between Market Square and Gay Street.
Our special dinner celebrating the history of the Market Square Farmers’ Market, A Storied Supper, with appetizers and dinner by Oli Bea’s Jeffrey Dealejandro. Held at the beautiful hilltop of the Mabry-Hazen House Museum on June , this celebration interwove stories of the history of Market Square, Evelyn Hazen’s integral role in saving our beloved market space, and the food that creates the unique taste and flavors of East Tennessee. With immersive storytelling from Mabry-Hazen House Museum Executive Director Patrick Hollis and Knoxville History Project’s Jack Neely throughout the night over a family-style meal, this truly was a wonderful celebration of 20 years of the MSFM!
Find and purchase some of our favorite photos and posters from the past 20 years while picking up a tasty tamale and cold beer from local darling Good Golly Tamale. Originating at the Market Square Farmers’ Market, Good Golly Tamale is now a staple in the Old City, making a stop in the restaurant *extra* nostalgic for the true Nourish Knoxville super fan.
We indulged in the taste of the season with various Knoxville top restaurants, bars, and coffee houses including A Dopo, Crafty Bastard, Potchke, and Fly By Night. In the inaugural year, we teamed up with local 16 businesses up to create and feature special locally sourced menu items during National Farmers’ Market Week. Each delectable dish highlighted the best of what our local farmers and producers have to offer, with proceeds from each item supporting Nourish Knoxville. Click here for more details!
Another chance to find and purchase some framed prints and posters that showcase some of our favorite memories of the market from the past 20 years. Enjoy both traditional and mischievous beers, carefully crafted with locally sourced ingredients, from our friends at Crafty Bastard while you peruse!
Come join us at Printshop Beer Co featuring craft brews and river views in the heart of South Knoxville. $1 of every beer purchased on Tuesdays all October will be donated back to Nourish Knoxville.
Friends and Farmers, Nourish Knoxville’s annual celebration of its dedicated supporters, promises to be a most delightful affair at the picturesque Strong Stock Farm. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, delicious food and drinks catered by Knoxville’s most talented chefs, bartenders, and brewers, and stunning views from the covered porch. Donors and volunteers are welcome to attend as a “thank you” for their support of Nourish Knoxville’s important work. Volunteer 30+ hours, sponsor a program or event, donate $150+, or set up a recurring donation of any amount to score an invite!
| Date | What’s Happening |
| Apr 20 | Opening Day of the New Harvest Farmers’ Market |
| All May | Farmers’ Market Fan Mail, Scavenger Hunt for MSFM vendors, mural and photo op @ Knoxville Chamber in partnership with Downtown Knoxville Alliance, Bliss Window Display, Tomato Head art gallery |
| May 3 | Opening Day of the Market Square Farmers’ Market w/ special guests The Mabry-Hazen House & Knoxville History Project; Nourish Moves Launch |
| May 5 | First Friday opening at RED Gallery of MSFM art. Open every Friday in May from 5-9 PM. |
| May 6 | First Saturday Market Square Farmers’ Market w/ special guests The Mabry-Hazen House & Knoxville History Project |
| June -July | Round Up partner at Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes |
| June – Sept | Strong Alley Mural inspired by the Market Square Farmers’ Market @ Union Ave |
| June 7 | A Storied Supper at The Mabry-Hazen House Museum |
| July – Aug | Art Gallery at Good Golly Tamale |
| Aug 6 – 13 | National Farmers Market Week, 20 For 20 restaurant specials across Knoxville |
| Sept | Art Gallery at Crafty Bastard |
| Oct | Art Gallery at Printshop Beer Co |
| Oct 6-8 | The Gathering by RT Lodge |
| Oct 22 | Friends and Farmers |
