In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Rain with a High of 72

📰 Half-o-ween at Bearden Beer Market

📰 Marble City Opera

📰  Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month

📰 Friends of the Library Host Spring Used Book Sales!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Half-o-ween at Bearden Beer Market

Marble City Opera Closes 2024-25 Season with Outdoor Performances of Pagliacci in Oak Ridge

Marble City Opera invites audiences to experience the passion and tragedy of one of opera’s most iconic works—Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci—as the company closes its 2024-25 mainstage season with two powerful performances on Thursday, June 5, and Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the A.K. Bissell Park Bandshell Pavilion in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Tickets are available now at MarbleCityOpera.com.

Known for its gripping tale of infidelity, jealousy, and revenge, Pagliacci tells the story of a traveling commedia dell’arte troupe whose onstage comedy mirrors the heartbreak unfolding in real life—culminating in a dramatic and unforgettable climax.

Marble City Opera’s Executive Artistic Director Kathryn Frady, who also directs the production, shared her excitement about the venue:

The production features a live orchestra conducted by Andy Anderson, with Lauren Lenz serving as assistant director.

Set against the natural beauty of Oak Ridge and the unique architecture of the park’s bandshell, this open-air production promises to be a visually striking and emotionally stirring experience for both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers alike.

Don’t miss this unforgettable end to Marble City Opera’s season—bring a chair or blanket, and prepare to be transported by one of opera’s most gripping dramas under the stars.

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Knoxville’s ultimate board gaming event is back for its 5th year! Fun K-Town is family game night on a whole new level, where your family includes hundreds of board game enthusiasts and you have nearly 1,000 games to choose from! April 25 (12 PM) – April 27 (6 PM) at Knoxville Convention Center | 701 Henley Street, Knoxville, TN More Info

Get ready for a "purrfect" night of music and community spirit as Happy Paws Kitten Rescue brings back their annual fundraising concert—LollaPAWlooza: Mewsic to the Rescue! April 26 | 6 PM | The Open Chord More Info

Mark your calendars for an evening of delicious food, community, and giving back! Our 2nd Annual Pasta with a Purpose is more than just a meal—it’s a chance to support our weekly meal service program, which provides warm, nutritious meals to those in need. Saturday, April 26 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (dinner begins at 6:00PM) at St. John’s Lutheran Church (544 N Broadway) Purchase your tickets in advance at https://apattknox.com/events/pasta-with-a-purpose/ to save!

Spring is heating up at Cool Beans with the return of the Annual Crawfish Boil—and you won’t want to miss this all-you-can-eat Southern-style feast! Saturday, April 26 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM  Cool Beans Bar & Grill, 1817 Lake Avenue  Live Music | SweetWater Brews | All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish

Tate’s School and Tate’s Camp invite families to their 16th Annual Open House—the only day of the year the public gets to experience this one-of-a-kind campus! April 26, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Tate’s School (Entrance on N. Cedar Bluff Rd, next to Verizon) More Info

Love beer? Love talking about beer? Want to learn more? Join us for an exclusive brewery tour and tasting experience at Printshop Beer Co. April 26, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Printshop Beer Co. 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

Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month at ArabFest on Market Square!

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and heritage—ArabFest is returning to Market Square for a day full of sights, sounds, and flavors straight from the Middle East! Hosted by the Arab American Club of Knoxville, this free, family-friendly event takes place on Saturday, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and promises something for everyone.

Come experience the richness of Arab American culture through:

• Delicious Food – Enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, from savory shawarma to sweet baklava.

• Traditional Dances & Dabkeh – Watch (and maybe join!) in energetic group dances that have been passed down through generations.

• Fashion Shows – See stunning displays of traditional and modern Arab attire.

• Live Music – Let the rhythms of the Middle East carry you away with performances throughout the day.

• Middle Eastern Merchandise – Browse handcrafted goods, art, jewelry, and more.

ArabFest is a joyful way to honor Arab American Heritage Month, highlighting the contributions and cultural traditions of Arab Americans in our community and across the nation. Whether you're looking to learn something new, enjoy incredible food, or just spend the day immersed in a festive atmosphere, ArabFest is not to be missed!

Admission is free—bring your friends, your curiosity, and your appetite!

Stock Up and Support: Friends of the Library Host Spring Used Book Sales!

Knoxville bookworms, get ready to discover your next literary treasure! The Friends of the Knox County Public Library are holding two fantastic Used Book Sales this spring, offering a wonderful opportunity to snag gently used books at incredible prices while supporting your local libraries.

This dedicated volunteer-run nonprofit is hosting sales at two convenient locations:

• Farragut Branch Used Book Sale: April 25–26, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Bearden Branch Used Book Sale: May 2–3, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

At each sale, you'll find a diverse collection of books spanning fiction, nonfiction, children’s literature, cookbooks, biographies, and much more. With everything carefully sorted and affordably priced, there’s sure to be a new favorite waiting for every reader, from casual enthusiasts to avid collectors.

So, come explore the shelves, find your next favorite read, and support the Knox County Public Library! For more information, visit www.knoxfriends.org or follow the Friends on Facebook for updates and sneak peeks of the book selections!

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