Upcoming Events

On the First Friday of every month, downtown Knoxville’s art galleries and studios open their doors for the public to enjoy their latest artworks and performances. In fact, the 100 block of South Gay Street is made up almost entirely of artists and creators. Conveniently located just a block away from the Old City and Market Square which host Knoxville’s most well known and revered restaurants and nightlife, the Arts District kicks off these monthly events at 5pm and invites our community to share and celebrate until 9pm. Casa HoLa, HoLa Hora Latina’s art gallery and store, is located inside the Emporium for the Arts at the corner of Jackson and Gay streets where many of Knoxville’s independent artists and art organizations find their home. Learn more about Downtown’s Knoxville’s First Fridays here.

Each First Friday, Casa HoLa displays the works of a new Latin American and/or local artist. Chicken tamales are only sold during First Friday events, but artisan crafts, jewelry, home décor, handbags, and greeting cards are available for purchase during First Fridays and regular gallery hours. With each monthly exhibit’s theme, Casa HoLa offers a free children’s art activity and encourages young people to create and explore new art and cultures. Enjoy previous virtual exhibits here.

The 21st HoLa Festival is returing to Downtown Knoxville in 2021 during the last weekend of September, Saturday and Sunday the 25th and 26th! The Festival will move from its usual Market Square to World’s Fair Park to allow for more space and a more efficient set-up/break-down process for participants (vendors, performers, etc.)

Since 1999, HoLa Hora Latina has celebrated the rich and diverse cultures of Latin America by inviting the community to share in live music, dancing, food and drinks, craft vendors, and educational activities for children. The annual event takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th – November 15th).

Local vendors offer handmade, artisan crafts, art, home décor, apparel, jewelry, and other unique items. Draft beer is available while food vendors serve up homemade Latin American cuisine. Visitors may enjoy various performances by Latin jazz, rock, salsa, and traditional bands and dancers. Children can learn more about Spain and Latin America at the Hispanic heritage booths or enjoy a fun and educational activity at the children’s stage nearby.  The community fair and sponsor section provide information important to our Knoxville community.

The HoLa Festival depends on sponsors to realize this celebration. Student volunteers, HoLa’s interns, the Board of Directors and our President, Pedro Tomás work tirelessly to bring this celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month to Knoxville and appreciate your attendance and support.

HoLa Hora Latina kicks off each year with a free toy giveaway for children who visit Casa HoLa in celebration of Three Kings’ Day. This event begins during January’s First Friday event and also serves as a way to inform the community of various Latin American traditions surrounding the holidays.

HoLa Hora Latina’s art gallery inside the Emporium for the Arts is proud to host two contests for artists each year. In May, the Astrid Galindo Student Art Competition invites young artists between the ages of 15 and 21 to display their art at Casa HoLa. Visitors to the gallery vote for their favorite artworks, with three winners receiving a scholarship to pay for art supplies. Learn more about scholarships offered by HoLa Hora Latina here. 

During September’s First Friday, local Latino artists are invited to submit one or two artworks to be displayed at Casa HoLa that celebrate their cultures and traditions. This event, called Frutos Latinos, takes place during Hispanic Heritage Month. Similar to the Celebration fo the Children, visitors to the gallery vote for their favorite pieces before three winners are announced. In October, the Frutos Latinos exhibit is moved to the Knoxville Museum of Art where it remains for the duration of the month. HoLa Hora Latina also hosts a Frutos Latinos breakfast at the Museum and invites members of our organization, as well as city and county officials, to celebrate and honor the participants of the show. Enjoy last year’s Frutos Latinos exhibit here.