Provided the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, we want to hear YOUR favorite memories, moments, friendships, finds, or even 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 want to hear every last detail. Be honest, be creative, or be both – whether it’s fan mail or fan fiction, we’re not picky. Just put on your superfan hat and wow us – you might even be featured on social media or win fantastic prizes. There are TWO ways to participate:
🍑 Drop your letters, poems, drawings, thank yous – whatever token of affection suits you best – in the Farmers’ Market Fan Mail mailbox on Market Square from May 1 to May 31. You can’t miss it. It’s the cute fruit and veggie covered mailbox close to the center of Market Square, hand-painted by Paris Woodhull (who also found her own start at the MSFM!).
🥦 And if you can’t make it to Market Square? Not to worry—that’s what the Internet is for. Just drop your mail electronically and share your fan flashbacks from wherever you happen to be.
Click here to download different themed templates including Farmers’ Market Favorites, Design Your Own Fantasy Booth, & Farmers’ Market Fan Letter. All lovingly designed by the Paris Woodhull.
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.
Think you know the OGs? Find them during the month of May.
Thanks to Downtown Knoxville Alliance, find the downtown businesses that are Market Square Farmers’ Market Originals in a fun scavenger hunt. Each business will be marked with colorful window decals from May 1 through May 3 and clues will be provided here beginning May 1 to help guide you. At each location, scan the QR code to learn more about their market history and register to win prizes.
During the month of May, check out the Instagram-worthy photo op celebrating 20 years of the Market Square Farmers’ Market. Sponsored by the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, the hand-painted mural by local artist Ashton Ludden, will be center stage and the perfect place to snap a commemorative photo signaling the start of the 20th season of the Market Square Farmers’ Market!
📍 Located at 17 Market Square (Knoxville Chamber)
Over the years, Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes downtown on Gay St. has created some AMAZING window displays for passerbyers to marvel. May’s will be inspired by the MSFM and should be a feast for the eyes! Be sure to shop at Bliss for the months of June and July as Nourish Knoxville will receive a portion of all sales.
📍 Located at 445 S Gay St (Bliss & Tori Mason Shoes)
To celebrate 20 years of the Market Square Farmers’ Market, Nourish Knoxville is hosting an opening day event packed with exciting activities, food, and learning opportunities. Witness Mayor Indya Kincannon presenting 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 will provide insight into the rich history of Market Square as a public market space. With over 40 vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods, this is an opening day event not to be missed.
Join Nourish Knoxville at the RED Gallery to see all 20 Market Square Farmers’ Market posters in one place, plus some special one-of-a-kind pieces created over the years. Featuring 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.
The gallery will be open to the public every Friday in May, 5 – 9 pm.
Special thanks to The District Gallery & Framing for making this show possible!
Click here to find the events on Facebook!
Join the excitement of 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. Take the opportunity to engage with the market’s rich history and enduring legacy with special guests including the Knoxville History Project & Mabry-Hazen House Museum. Additionally, share your love for the Market Square Farmers’ Market by writing Farmers’ Market Fan Mail and snapping a photo in front of the 20th-anniversary mural at the Knoxville Chamber (17 Market Sq). Don’t miss this chance to celebrate, learn, and have fun at this beloved community institution.
Don’t miss a personal collection of Market Square Farmers’ Market photos of vendors, shoppers, happenings, and memories over the past 20 years. Eat at the downtown Tomato Head during the month of May or head to the West Knoxville location in June to spot or purchase a selection of these beautiful portraits. Perfect for the MSFM super fan.
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.
Introducing 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. This new dining experience will be held at the beautiful hilltop of the Mabry-Hazen House Museum on June 7 and interweave 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. Join us for immersive storytelling from Mabry-Hazen House Museum Executive Director Patrick Hollis and Knoxville History Project’s Jack Neely, a family-style meal, and a celebration of 20 years of the MSFM!
General Admission Tickets: $75
VIP Tickets: $150
📣 Get your tickets here!
Indulge in the taste of the season with 20 of downtown Knoxville’s top restaurants as we team up to create and feature special locally sourced menu items during National Farmers’ Market Week. Each delectable dish highlights the best of what our local farmers and producers have to offer, with proceeds from each item supporting Nourish Knoxville. Satisfy your taste buds and give back to the community – it’s a win-win! Stay tuned for more details.
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 |
| Aug 6 – 12 | National Farmers Market Week, 20 for 20 restaurant specials across Knoxville |
| Oct 6-8 | The Gathering at RT Lodge |
| Oct 22 | Friends and Farmers |
