In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 66

📰 Ijams After Dark: Spring Into the Wild

📰 K-Town Sound Show Chorus

📰 The Appalachian Equality Chorus Presents: We’re Still Here

📰 Children’s Festival of Reading

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Spring Into the Wild: Amphibian Exploration Night at Ijams
April 25 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Get ready for an unforgettable night in nature! Join Ijams Nature Center for a unique after-dark adventure during Amphibian Spotting Season on Friday, April 25. From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, participants will explore evening trails and quiet ponds in search of salamanders, frogs, and other amphibians as they emerge from their winter rest.

This nighttime BioBlitz is more than just amphibians! You’ll also take a look at moths with a black light moth cloth, and keep your eyes (and ears) open for bats and owls. Nets, gloves, and all other exploration tools will be provided—just bring your sense of wonder!

Important Details:

• Ages: This program is designed for ages 14 and up.

• Distance & Terrain: Expect to hike up to 1.5 miles over uneven terrain that may include rocks, roots, and wet areas.

• Location Info: Specific meeting details will be emailed 3 days before the event, as the team aims to cover a wide area of Ijams’ beautiful natural space.

• Tech Tip: Participants are asked to download the free iNaturalist app and create an account in advance. This tool will be key during the evening’s BioBlitz activities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of nature as it comes alive at night. Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious explorer, or a budding citizen scientist, this program promises a fun and fascinating evening outdoors. More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Get ready for a knightly adventure at Ritterfest 2025, Knoxville’s premier German Knight’s Festival! Now in its third year, this medieval celebration transforms Schulz Bräu into a lively medieval village, complete with battling knights, minstrels, merchants, and more.  Friday, April 11 – Sunday, April 20 at Schulz Bräu Brewing Co.  No Ticket Required – Free Admission! More Info

Join us for an evening of compelling discussions on faith, struggle, resilience, and redemption at the Wilma Dykeman Stokely Memorial Lecture on April 16 at 7 PM at the East Tennessee History Center. This year’s event features two acclaimed Appalachian authors, Terry Roberts and Halle Hill, who will share their insights and literary perspectives.

Aging Rainbow Coalition Health & Happiness Event on April 16th, 2p-4p at TN Vally Unitarian Universalist Church “Social Groups and Isolation”

The Rotary Club of Farragut Foundation invites you to an exciting evening of fun and philanthropy at The Big Game Show on, April 17 ( 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.), at Fox Den Country Club in Farragut. This high-energy, interactive game show engages everyone in the room—whether as contestants or audience members—for an unforgettable experience! farragutrotary.my.canva.site.

Step back in time and celebrate spring in grand style at Dusk in the Dogwoods: A Garden Parlor Party, hosted by the Mabry-Hazen House on April 17th, from 6-9 PM. This enchanting evening serves as the museum’s annual spring fundraiser, supporting over three decades of historic preservation and educational programming while ensuring the legacy of Mabry-Hazen House continues for years to come. More Info

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

The Appalachian Equality Chorus Presents: We’re Still Here
A Bold Celebration of Resilience, Identity, and Joy

This May, the Appalachian Equality Chorus (AEC) invites you to experience its most powerful and heartfelt performance yet: We’re Still Here, a spring concert series that promises to uplift, inspire, and resonate. With more than 100 singers on stage—the largest ensemble in the chorus’s history—this concert blends protest anthems, pop favorites, and original choral works in a moving tribute to community, courage, and pride.

Concert Schedule:

• Friday, May 10 at 7:30 PM – St. John’s Episcopal Church, Johnson City, TN

• Friday, May 16 at 7:30 PM & Saturday, May 17 at 3:00 PM – Clayton Center for the Arts, Pellissippi State Community College, Knoxville, TN

More than just a title, We’re Still Here is a powerful statement of presence and persistence. In a time when LGBTQ+ voices continue to face challenges across the country, AEC responds with harmony, heart, and hope.

Featuring music by iconic artists such as Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, P!nk, Joni Mitchell, Chappell Roan, and the Wailin’ Jennys, this genre-spanning program explores the enduring spirit of protest and the unifying strength of song.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the AEC community, this concert is not to be missed. Join the chorus in standing strong, singing loud, and celebrating the beauty of being exactly who we are. More Info

Children’s Festival of Reading Returns to World’s Fair Park
 May 17 | 10 AM – 3 PM

Get ready for a magical day of storytelling, science, and creativity at the award-winning Children’s Festival of Reading! Recently honored as Best Children's Event by the Southeastern Festivals and Events Association, this beloved kickoff to the Library’s summer programs is not to be missed.

Join us at World’s Fair Park for a day filled with world-class authors, illustrators, storytellers, scientists, and musicians, all here to inspire young minds. Little ones will love the Parade of Books, meeting their favorite storybook characters, and exploring hands-on fun with arts & crafts, an interactive circus school, and more.

With dozens of community organizations joining in on the fun, it’s a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and the joy of reading! Free and open to the public. See you there! More Info

Become a Knoxville Insider Sponsor

Are you a brand new or established business looking to become known in our Knoxville Insider community? We are looking for locally-owned business that would like to become a Knoxville Insider sponsor! Sponsorships can include:

• Hero or section banners

• Logo

• Video

• Print

• Spotlight Directory

• and more…

Reach out to us at [email protected].

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]!