Nourish Knoxville Set to Kick Off New Harvest Farmers Market
Apr 15, 2026

KNOXVILLE - Nourish Knoxville, in partnership with Knox County Parks & Recreation, will welcome the community to the grand opening of the 2026 New Harvest Farmers Market on Thursday, April 23, from 3 to 6 PM at New Harvest Park. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will ring the opening bell to officially launch the season.

A New Harvest Farmers Market vendor assists customers; image by Nourish Knoxville

Opening Day will feature an Earth Week-inspired celebration, highlighting the connection between supporting local farms and building a more sustainable regional food system. Visitors can participate in an Earth Week Scavenger Hunt, stopping by community partner booths to ask questions and collect stamps while learning about sustainability initiatives in Knoxville. Participating organizations include the Knox County Master Gardeners, Beardsley Farm, KAT Transit, Keep Knoxville Beautiful, and Bike Walk Knoxville. Participants who complete the scavenger hunt will be entered into a drawing to win an invitation for two adults and children to Nourish Knoxville’s annual Friends & Farmers celebration on October 18, 2026.

The market hosts more than 15 local vendors offering seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats and eggs, baked goods, plants, prepared foods, and handmade artisan products from East Tennessee farmers and producers.

Two of Nourish Knoxville’s signature programs will also launch on Opening Day:

• Nourish Moves: This free, walking program encourages visitors to stay active while exploring the market and park. Participants can pick up a pedometer at the Nourish Moves booth and earn Produce Bucks to spend on fresh fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and food-producing plants, as well as milestone prizes throughout the season.

• SNAP & Double Up Food Bucks: The market accepts SNAP (formerly food stamps) and offers a matching program to stretch food dollars further. SNAP purchases are matched up to $25 per market day, with Double Up Food Bucks redeemable for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Nourish Kids will return this year, taking place on the third Thursday of each month from May through September. Designed for children ages 2-12, this free program offers hands-on activities focused on local food and agriculture. Participating children receive $5 in Produce Bucks to spend at the market.

“The New Harvest Farmers Market is a special place in East Knoxville. We’re proud of what the market has become and the community it brings together week after week,” said Beverly Keys, Markets Engagement Coordinator with Nourish Knoxville. “It’s a space where people can gather, move, and support local farmers and small businesses, and we hope everyone takes the opportunity to visit this season.”

The New Harvest Farmers Market operates every Thursday from 3 to 6 PM at New Harvest Park, April 23 through September 24, bringing fresh, locally grown food and community programming to East Knoxville each week.

For more information about the New Harvest Farmers Market, visit:
nourishknoxville.org/new-harvest/.

Nourish Knoxville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization cultivating healthy communities by supporting relationships between local farmers, producers, and the public.

Programs are made possible through a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.