New name, same Dolly. Rhinestone Fest in Old City celebrates icon with art and music
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Get dressed in your Dolly-best; it's almost time for Rhinestone Fest! Formerly known as Dolly Fest, the annual Dolly Parton-themed festival in Old City is back for its third year.
The three-day festival will be June 2-4 at various locations in Old City, and has been expanded to honor artists and musicians who are associated with Dolly or who have been inspired by the Queen of Country.
While Dolly, herself, will not be making an appearance, this year’s event will feature costume and talent contests, Dolly movie screenings and live performances by local artists. Participating Old City restaurants, bars and shops will get in on the Dolly fun throughout the weekend with special events and offers. The winners of the popular Dolly Art Contest will be announced.
Rhinestone Fest is a free, family-friendly event. Proceeds benefit Art Kits for Kids, a Dogwood Arts program that the provides art supplies to students in need across East Tennessee, and the Historic Old City Association, which supports the historic neighborhood.
New this year is a Dolly-themed popup bar called Jolene's, which takes over Brother Wolf from June 2 to 19. The bar "celebrates all things Dolly through country chic decor, new drink specials and music inspired by the queens of country," according to Brother Wolf's Instagram account.
The event is produced in collaboration with Rala, Molly Jo Events, Robin Easter Design, and Boyd’s Jig & Reel.
Rhinestone Fest is not affiliated with Dolly Parton, Dolly Parton Enterprises, Dollywood or The Dollywood Foundation, organizers note. It’s simply a celebration in honor of the entertainer.
Rhinestone Fest 2023 schedule
June 2
Rhinestone Fest kicks off at Rala, 112 W. Jackson Ave. with the winners of the 4th annual Dolly Art Contest announced.
Participating Old City businesses will offer Dolly-themed special and events, along with other First Friday activities.
Art shows, live music, Dolly movies and more Dolly activities can be expected.
June 3
Saturday is full of live performances. Eight artists are scheduled to perform on West Jackson Avenue beginning at 11:15 a.m., with the final act taking the stage at 5:50 p.m.
A costume contest and talent show will be held, as well as other activities.
A full list of live performers is at oldcityknoxville.org/rhinestonefest.
June 4
A Rhinestone Market spotlighting local artists and makers showing off their Dolly-themed creations will be 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on West Jackson Avenue.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. Twitter @dturner1208.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Dolly Parton-themed festival in Knoxville returns as Rhinestone Fest
