ABOUT

Knoxville’s biggest free music festival returns — with a new chapter.
Originally founded and produced by Born & Raised Productions, Sunset on Central is now proudly managed by Knox Music Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening and connecting Knoxville’s music scene. The spirit of the festival remains the same: a high-energy, community-powered celebration of local and regional music — now guided by a mission to directly support musicians through advocacy, education, and career development.

This year’s event takes place Saturday, August 23rd across four stages in North Knoxville: Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Central Filling Station, Schulz Bräu Brewing, Next Level Brewing, and Corner Lounge. With over twenty bands and artists, Sunset on Central continues its legacy as a music discovery festival, showcasing the best up-and-coming talent from Knoxville and beyond. The event also features food trucks, local vendors, and plenty of great drinks — all free and open to the public.

Thanks to the support of our Presenting Sponsor: Axle Logistics, along with First Century Bank, Insurefit, and others, this festival goes beyond entertainment — it directly fuels Knox Music Coalition’s efforts to expand performance opportunities, increase artist pay, and provide year-round educational and professional resources for local musicians.

If you love live music, want to support artists in your community, or are looking for ways to get involved — whether by volunteering, donating, or attending future panels and events — visit knoxmusiccoalition.org to learn more. Your support at Sunset on Central helps build a stronger, more connected music scene in Knoxville.

Admission is free.
Registration is not required to attend, but we recommend signing up below to stay connected and receive important updates.

Location

900 N Central Street

Sunset on Central is a neighborhood event. Music takes place in 4 different venues in the north knoxville neighborhood on Central Street. Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Central Filling Station, Schulz Brau, Next Level Brewing, and The Corner Lounge.

Parking is available on various streets surrounding the lot in the North Knox neighborhood.

SUnset on central food & art vendors

Sunset On Central is a celebration of the North Knoxville neighborhood. That's why we strive to provide a space to highlight all the amazing artists and talent our neighborhood has to offer. Sunset On Central provides a space for local food and artists to come and showcase their talents while providing a great festival atmosphere. Come hungry and ready to try some of Knoxville's most exciting culinary treats! 

2025 Vendors

All of our vendors will be set up at the food truck park at 900 N. Central St. Food trucks will begin serving at 11am that day and craft vendors will be set up by 4pm. The Food Truck Park will have plenty of seating and shade for patrons who want to relax and enjoy the day between sets of music at different stages in the neighborhood.

2025 VENDORS COMING SOON

The Sunset Stage Fund

Turning free music into lasting support for Knoxville’s music scene.

Sunset on Central is — and will always be — a free festival for the Knoxville community. But the impact doesn’t stop when the last band plays. That’s why we’ve launched the Sunset Stage Fund — a new initiative designed to expand opportunities for local musicians and grow Knoxville’s music scene year-round.

The Sunset Stage Fund directly supports:
• Higher pay for local artists performing at Sunset on Central
• More stages and performance slots for emerging talent
• Expanded programming, like educational panels, workshops, and career resources for musicians
• Advocacy efforts to ensure fair treatment and sustainability for artists in our community

This fund is managed by Knox Music Coalition, the nonprofit organization behind this year’s festival. KMC’s mission is to strengthen and connect Knoxville’s music scene through educational programs, career development resources, and grassroots music advocacy. What started as a monthly musician meet-up has grown into a collective effort to build a more equitable and vibrant music ecosystem — and Sunset on Central is now a key part of that mission.

By supporting the Sunset Stage Fund, you’re helping turn a free concert into something even bigger:
A platform. A movement. A future for Knoxville music.

FAQs

WHERE IS SUNSET ON CENTRAL?

Sunset On Central is located in North Knoxville’s neighborhood at 900 N Central St. There will be stages at Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Schulz Brau, Corner Lounge and Next Level Brewing Co. Central Filling Station is also back for one day only at Sunset on Central with additional food trucks, vendors, and the festival’s official merch stand!

WHEN IS SUNSET ON CENTRAL?

Sunset On Central will take place on Saturday, August 23rd from 3pm - 11pm.

WHAT CAN I BRING TO SUNSET ON CENTRAL?

Food and drinks are available for purchase at Sunset On Central. Cameras, blankets, and beach towels are welcome, but all four venues have plenty of seating and/or picnic tables to enjoy. Bring a valid photo ID if you want to purchase alcohol from any of the venues.

WHAT CAN'T I BRING TO SUNSET ON CENTRAL?

Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited by law. Guns, knives, or weapons of any kind are not allowed. Fireworks, drugs and drug paraphernalia, glass containers, tents, canopies, laser pointers, skateboards, scooters, and motorized vehicles are also prohibited. No unauthorized vending, sampling, or soliciting. Please check with each venue for their specific policies if you have any questions.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PARK?

There is street parking in the Central St. area as well as various lots. Please be sure to be respectful of surrounding businesses and the parking for their customers as well as residents in the area.

IS THERE SEATING AT THE EVENT?

Yee-Haw Brewing, Co., Central Filling Station, Schulz Brau, Corner Lounge, and Next Level have plenty of seating and picnic tables across the lot to enjoy.

ARE DOGS ALLOWED AT EVENTS?

Each venue holds its own policies on dogs and it would be best to check with the venues on their policy for dogs.

DO YOU HAVE A LOST AND FOUND?

During the event you may drop off or pick up any lost and found items at the Yee-Haw Brewing Co. merchandise tent. For post-show lost and found inquiries, please contact us. Sunset On Central will not be held liable for any unclaimed items.

ARE THERE ATMS AT SUNSET ON CENTRAL?

There are currently no ATMs on site. However, we accept credit and debit cards at all of our event areas. 

DO THE FOOD TRUCKS, VENDORS, AND BAR ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?

Sunset On Central accepts credit and debit cards for merchandise, water, and bar sales. Vendors and food trucks typically accept credit and debit cards.

WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

Sunset On Central takes place rain or shine, unless there is severe weather, in which case we will make an announcement. Bring an umbrella and poncho with you on days when the forecast calls for rain. Follow us on social media for weather updates.

HOW CAN I PERFORM AT SUNSET ON CENTRAL?

Submit for consideration to perform at events in 2024 by emailing info@bornandraisedknox.com. 

HOW DOES SUNSET ON CENTRAL FUND ITS FREE EVENTS?

Sunset On Central is underwritten by our generous sponsors, audience donations, fundraisers, and event revenue.  Part of proceeds raised from this neighborhood event will go to the non-profit Knox Music Coalition to support the Knoxville music scene.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? (VOLUNTEER, INTERN, STAFF)

We're always looking for individuals to help with our events. Please contact us at info@bornandraisedknox.com

HOW DO I KEEP UPDATED ON SUNSET ON CENTRAL NEWS, INCLUDING ARTIST SET TIMES?

Follow us on social media, and subscribe to our official weekly newsletter here.

SUNSET ON CENTRAL SPONSORS

Interested in being one of our amazing community champions that makes this free event possible? Click HERE.