I love this time of year! And I don’t think I’m alone because there are tons of celebrations and events happening this month. Seems everyone’s coming out of winter hibernation.

April Happenings Roundup

April 2-Oct 31: Art in Public Places Exhibition brought to us by Dogwood Arts Gay Street, Krutch Park, Volunteer Landing, World’s Fair Park and McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville Convention Center, Clinch Avenue Concourse. 865-637-4561

April 3: Funny Bunny Day at Crescent Bend, Easter Egg hunt and Family games/crafts. 10 am – 4 pm. Admissions: Regular fees apply, 865-637-3163

April 9-May 7: Fountain City Art Guild Spring Show Fountain City Art Center, 865.357.2787 Reception: Friday April 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tues. & Thurs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wed. & Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-1p.m. Admission: Free

April 10: Marble Springs Storytelling Festival Marble Springs Historic Farmstead, 865.429.1783 1220 W. Gov. John Sevier Hwy 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission: All Day $5; Family $20; Evening Ghost Stories $5 more

April 10: Run for Clean Air, 7:30 Registration, 9 am race/walk time

April 16: In Rhythm with Rhythm N Blooms Featuring 18 South in concert, WDVX865.544.1029 Market Square Stage, Knoxville 6-8:30 p.m. Admission: Free

April 16-23: Knoxville Botanical Garden presents a Tapestry of Flowers Krutch Park Extension, 865.862.8717 Admission: Free

April 16: Festival of Cultures at Pellissippi State College 6:30pm

April 17: EarthFest 2010 at Pellissippi State, 10 am – 5 pm, Admission: Free

April 17: Historic House Museums of Knoxville Bus Tour, Morning Tour is 9 am – 12 pm and Afternoon Tour is 1 pm – 4 pm. Admissions: $20 per tour. For more information and to purchase tickets please call 865-523-7521 or go online at www.KnoxTix.com.

April 17-18: Chalk Walk, Market Square & Krutch Park, 865.637.4561 Professional and students artists decorate the sidewalks during this festival Admission: Free

April 17-18: Market Square Farmers Market Spring crops, fair trade coffee, prepared foods and fresh-baked goods 9 am-3 pm

April 18: 2010 Historic Fourth & Gill Tour of Homes Starts at Central United Methodist Church 210 East Third Avenue, Knoxville 1-6 p.m. Admission: $10; Under 12 Free 865.521.7155

April 22: A Very Special Arts Festival

An inspiring mini-festival where children with mental and physical challenges celebrate the arts.

West High School, 3326 Sutherland Avenue, Knoxville

9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Admission: Free

865.594.4490

April 22: Sundown in the City

Market Square

Gates open at 6 music from 7-10pm.

April 23: Dogwood Parade

Gay Street, Knoxville

9 am – 5 pm

Admission: Free

April 23: Dogwood Mile

Run through the streets of downtown Knoxville in this family-friendly race. Register at www.ktc.com or at Market Square 5:30 – 8 p.m day of race Kids Fun Run begins at 6 p.m. Competitive Run begins at 8:30 p.m. After Party with entertainment on Market Square

Sponsor: Covenant Health & YPK

865.637.4561

April 24: 17th Annual Spring Garden Festival at Franklin Square

Franklin Square Shopping Center

9700 Kingston Pike, Knoxville

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Admission: Free

865.539.2791

April 24-25: “Peter Pan and Other Works” by Appalachian Ballet

Main Hall

Clayton Center for the Arts

502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville

April 24, 8 p.m.; April 25, 2 p.m.

Admission: $16

865.982.8463

April 24: Rossini Festival Italian Street Fair

Gay Street and Market Square, Knoxville

Noon – 9 pm

The Barber of Seville showing April 24 at 8 pm and April 25 at 2:30 pm

Tickets available by calling 865-524-0795, ext. 1 or online at www.KnoxvilleOpera.com.