In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Thunderstorms with a High of 75

📰 Rhinestone Fest Returns to Knoxville’s Old City

📰 Night at the Museum II

📰 Who Makes the Best Margarita in Knoxville? 

📰 Grand Opening of the French Broad Veterans Memorial Park

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Rhinestone Fest Returns to Knoxville’s Old City – A Sparkling Tribute to Dolly!

June 6–7 in Old City

Get ready for big hair, big voices, and big heart as the Old City Association hosts the 5th Annual Rhinestone Fest: For the Love of Dolly! This two-day celebration shines a spotlight on the one and only Dolly Parton, honoring the music legend and the artists, dreamers, and do-gooders she continues to inspire.

 Why You’ll Love It:

• Dolly-themed music, art, and entertainment throughout the Old City

• Local musicians and performers channeling their inner Dolly

• Sparkly costumes, tribute acts, and photo ops galore

• Family-friendly fun and a chance to dress up and shine!

Rhinestone Fest is more than just a celebration of Dolly’s iconic career—it’s a feel-good festival that brings the community together in true Dolly fashion: full of joy, kindness, creativity, and rhinestones.

Whether you’re a lifelong Dolly fan or just love a good time with a little extra sparkle, this is one summer weekend you won’t want to miss. More Info

Night at the Museum II: Spring Edition at Mabry-Hazen House

May 21| 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Mabry-Hazen House | 1711 Dandridge Ave,

Enjoy a rare after-hours experience at the historic Mabry-Hazen House during Night at the Museum II: Spring Edition! As twilight sets in over Mabry’s Hill, sip local brews, explore the 1858 home, and take in the sweeping sunset views of downtown Knoxville.

 What to Expect:

• Self-guided tours of the historic house

• Behind-the-scenes access to the bottom floor at 7:30 PM

• Rare artifacts on display from the museum’s private collection

• Local drinks (first drink included with adult ticket)

• Outdoor seating, fire pit, and lawn games

• Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere – bring your own games, chairs, or blankets!

Tickets:

• $10 online presale (adults), $13 at the door

• Free for visitors under 16

• One adult drink ticket included per paid adult admission (21+ only)

• Additional drinks available for $5 each

• Get tickets: www.mabryhazen.com/natm

Rain date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
All proceeds benefit the Mabry-Hazen House.

Come for the history—stay for the view, the vibe, and a refreshing drink on the hill!

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

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.

Mark your calendars for a lively evening in the heart of Historic Downtown Lenoir City! On Thursday, May 16th from 5 PM to 8 PM, Broadway Street will transform into a bustling hub of community fun, shopping, and entertainment—and you’re invited! More Info

Get ready for an afternoon of imagination, innovation, and inspiration at the AMSE Foundation Book Fair, happening Saturday, May 17 from 1–5 PM at Barnes & Noble! More Info

The hills of East Tennessee will come alive with the sound of bagpipes as the 43rd Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games returns to Townsend on May 17–18, 2025! A celebration of Scottish, Irish, and Celtic heritage, this is Tennessee’s oldest festival of its kind, offering an unforgettable weekend of music, culture, food, and family fun. www.smokymountaingames.org

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

Who Makes the Best Margarita in Knoxville? YOU Be the Judge at the Knoxville Margarita Festival!

June 14 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at The Mill & Mine | 227 W Depot Ave

Knoxville’s favorite summer cocktail competition is back! The Knoxville Margarita Festival returns to The Mill & Mine for a night of tangy tastings, festive vibes, and friendly competition as your favorite bars and restaurants battle it out for the title of Best Margarita in Knoxville.

 Here’s What’s Shaking:

• Your sample passport includes 10 mini margaritas from local contenders

• Cast your vote for the best margarita in the city

• Enjoy live sets from local DJs

• Snap Insta-worthy pics at fun photo ops

• Grab bites from some of Knoxville’s tastiest food vendors

• Support a great cause – proceeds benefit TennGreen Land Conservancy!

VIP Tickets Available!
Want the ultimate marg experience? VIP admission gets you:

• All GA benefits (10 mini margaritas, food trucks, music & fun)

• Early entry at 5 PM

• 2 bonus margarita samples

• And a few more surprises!

 21+ Only Event – IDs required at entry.
Grab your tickets and all the juicy details at www.knoxvillemargaritafestival.com.

Come thirsty. Leave vote-casted. Margaritas await!

Grand Opening of the French Broad Veterans Memorial Park

You're invited to join us for the grand opening of the French Broad Veterans Memorial Park (E Governor John Sevier Hwy)   on Thursday, May 16 at 11:00 AM. This beautiful new space, overlooking the scenic French Broad River and the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, has been thoughtfully created as a place of reflection, honor, and community.

The park will serve as a reverent gathering place to celebrate the service and sacrifice of our veterans—past, present, and future. Whether you're a veteran, a family member, or a member of the community who values their service, this dedication ceremony is a powerful opportunity to come together in gratitude and remembrance.

Let’s unite in honoring our heroes at this special event.

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• Hero or section banners

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• and more…

Reach out to us at [email protected].

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