Critic's Pick: Knoblinfest

In the early 1800s, stories began to circulate about a strange critter in the vicinity of a 700-foot hillock called Todd’s Knob, near the bank of the Stones River in what’s now Donelson. To this day, folks haven’t agreed on what the Goblin of Todd’s Knob (or Knoblin) looks like or what it wants, but mischief from weird noises to missing food has been ascribed to it. The inaugural Knoblinfest celebrating this almost-forgotten creature of lore takes place Saturday where Old Lebanon Pike meets Donelson Station Boulevard, near the Donelson Plaza shopping center (behind which Todd’s Knob rises to the north). Festivities include food trucks, an art show and a vendor market (with vintage clothing, food, books and more), interactive art installations, the Knoblinland kids’ area and heaps of live music. Music on the main stage kicks off when the gates open at 10 a.m. with the inventive and expansive takes on roots music from Fats Kaplin Gang; a new act is set to start each hour, wrapping with venerable ’70s-inspired rock outfit Them Vibes at 5 p.m. Area businesses Phat Bites and Homegrown Taproom will each host stages during the day as well. The fest ends at 6 p.m., but stick around since Phat Bites will host a special Knoblin After Dark set from rockers Cashville Trash Pandas at 6:30.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Old Lebanon Pike and Donelson Station Boulevard