In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Partly Cloudy with a High of 84

📰 Swing into Summer with Jazz On The Square!

📰Historic Rugby to Host Annual British Festival & Queen’s Tea

📰 Knox County Master Gardeners Offer Public Gardening Programs in May

📰 Get ready for a magical evening as Pursuit School of Dance presents Cinderella!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Swing into Summer with Jazz On The Square!

Get ready to groove under the stars at Jazz On The Square, happening every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM on the outdoor stage at Market Square Mall in downtown Knoxville. This free weekly concert series runs through May, June, and September, weather permitting, and features some of the region’s top jazz talent.

Bring a lawn chair, cozy blanket, or grab a seat on one of the many restaurant patios lining the square. It’s the perfect way to unwind and soak up live music in the heart of the city.

🎷 May Lineup:

• May 6 – Margherita Fava and the Knoxville Jazz Workshop

• May 13 – Greg Tardy Quintet

• May 20 – Denin Slage-Koch

• May 27 – Mimi Terry

🎶 June Lineup:

• June 3 – Donald Brown

• June 10 – Vance Thompson

• June 17 – Taber Gable

• June 24 – Ken Brown

Presented by the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra in partnership with the City of Knoxville Department of Special Events, Jazz On The Square is a must-attend series for music lovers of all ages. Don’t miss these magical evenings of music, community, and summer vibes!

Historic Rugby to Host Annual British Festival & Queen’s Tea May 10–11

Step back in time this Mother’s Day weekend at Historic Rugby’s Annual British Festival, a unique celebration of the village’s rich British and Appalachian roots. Taking place May 10–11, this beloved event blends history, music, dance, and heritage in the scenic, preserved 1880 village founded by British author Thomas Hughes as a utopia for younger sons of British gentry.

The festival features artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, historic tours, and traditional activities such as Cricket lessons with Tom Melville and Maypole dancing with the Lark in the Morn dancers. Visitors can also enjoy carriage rides through the village and explore Rugby’s working printing shop.

A highlight of the weekend is the Queen’s Tea, offered Saturday at 1 p.m. ET, where guests can enjoy a regal experience in a charming historic setting.

Live music fills the weekend with a variety of performers, including:

• Saturday (May 10): Rugby Cornet Band, Wildwood Flute Choir, Sally Gardens, Glade Dixieland Band, Jodie Manross, Greg Horne, and more.

• Sunday (May 11): White Water Bluegrass Band, Victory Blue Grass, and Gerald Hanwright.

For schedule details and Queen’s Tea tickets, visit:
👉 https://www.zeffy.com/.../the-queens-tea-at-historic

Celebrate heritage and history in a one-of-a-kind village where British elegance meets Appalachian charm! More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Motorcycle enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Star Powersports is the place to be on Wednesday, April 30th from 5 PM to 7 PM for an adrenaline-charged Bike Night you won’t want to miss! More Info

It’s a Wisconsin cheese takeover at this year’s Knoxville Cheese Fest! Now in its fourth year, this festival is bigger than ever, expanding into a full week of cheese-filled events from April 28 - May 4, 2025. www.knoxvillecheesefest.com

Join us for a thrilling night of mystery, fun, and 80s nostalgia at A Totally 80s Murder Mystery Dinner! Enjoy a delicious catered meal, interact with talented actors, and put your detective skills to the test to uncover the truth! May 2nd, 5:30p -8:30p at Calhouns (100 Melton Lake Peninsula) More Info

Knoxville’s great outdoors is calling—and the Outlandish Adventure Festival is answering in a big way! Set for May 2–3, 2025, at Ijams Nature Center, this epic two-day event is a full-on celebration of East Tennessee’s rivers, rocks, and trails. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover, or just looking to soak in some serious festival vibes, Outlandish has something for you. More Info

Saddle up for a stylish Southern soirée at Alchemy Lounge & Cigar as we celebrate the Kentucky Derby in true Derby Day fashion! Don your best hat, light up a premium cigar, and enjoy smooth sips as we toast the most exciting two minutes in sports. May 3rd, 2:00 PM – Until the Last Toast at Alchemy Lounge & Cigar (119 S Central St)

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

Knox County Master Gardeners Offer Public Gardening Programs in May

The Knox County Master Gardeners (KCMG) are digging into spring with a full lineup of free educational programs throughout May. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a curious beginner, these events offer something for everyone who wants to grow their gardening knowledge.

The month kicks off on Friday, May 3, with a Basic Gardening Class from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Corryton Community Center, located at 9331 Davis Drive. This free class is open to the public, but space is limited, and registration is required by emailing [email protected].

Also on May 3 and again on May 20, nature lovers are invited to explore Collier Preserve during a pair of guided nature walks. Led by a knowledgeable Master Gardener, these walks begin at 11 a.m. Participants should meet at the Powell Public Library, 330 W. Emory Road.

On Wednesday, May 15, Master Gardener Marsha Lehman will present “Let’s Talk Tomatoes,” a deep dive into one of the garden’s favorite fruits. The session runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Eastern Region Extension Office, 1801 Downtown West Blvd., and is free to attend.

The always-popular Ask A Master Gardener (AMG) sessions continue this month, with an event scheduled for Friday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Norwood Branch Library (1110 Merchant Drive). Cid Letsinger, a Master Gardener, will be available to answer questions about plant care, pests, garden design, and more.

In addition to these scheduled events, AMG booths are regularly available at local farmers markets in Knoxville, Tellico Village, and Farragut, offering valuable in-person gardening advice all season long.

KCMG is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and part of the University of Tennessee Extension program. With more than 210 active members, the group provides vital gardening education and volunteer support throughout Knox County.

Whether you want to plant your first tomato or just enjoy a peaceful nature walk, the Knox County Master Gardeners invite you to grow with them this May.

Get ready for a magical evening as Pursuit School of Dance presents Cinderella!

Join them for this enchanting ballet performance on May 23 at 7 PM and May 24 at 6 PM at The Historic Grove Theater in Oak Ridge, TN. A beautiful tale told through graceful movement and stunning choreography—perfect for the whole family!

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