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📰 ERNEST Brings His "Live From The South Tour" to The Mill & Mine

📰 No Cars on Gay Street for the First Time at Open Streets Knoxville

🗓️ Knox Pop Con Is Bringing the First-Ever J-Pop Concert to Knoxville

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Country music fans, mark your calendar — ERNEST is coming to Knoxville, and this is one you don't want to miss.

ERNEST brings his "Live From The South Tour" to The Mill & Mine (227 W. Depot Avenue) on April 23rd. Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show kicks off at 8:00 PM, with Rhys Rutherford opening the night. Known for his sharp songwriting, undeniable stage presence, and a sound that's rooted deep in Southern country music, ERNEST has been turning heads in Nashville and beyond — and now he's bringing that energy right here to Knoxville.

Whether you've been following ERNEST since his early days or you've heard his writing all over country radio without realizing it (he's penned hits for some of the biggest names in the genre), this is a chance to see a genuinely talented artist in an intimate, electric setting. The Mill & Mine is one of the best live music venues in the city, and a show like this is exactly what that room was made for.

Tickets start at $35 in advance, or $38 at the door. For the full VIP experience — which includes a signed city-specific poster, commemorative laminate, early merchandise access, and priority venue entry — the "Did It Anyway" VIP package is available for $128. Please note this event is 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Grab your tickets now before they're gone! More Info & Tickets

Imagine walking right down the middle of Gay Street with no cars in sight — music playing, food vendors lining the sidewalks, neighbors biking and dancing and exploring together. That's exactly what's coming to Knoxville on May 17th.

Open Streets Knoxville returns this spring, and for the very first time, the event is taking over Gay Street — from Summit Hill Drive all the way to Hill Avenue, and extending across the Gay Street Bridge. The event runs from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and is completely free and open to everyone of all ages and abilities.

Open Streets transforms urban streets into living, breathing community spaces by temporarily closing them to cars and opening them up to people. Walk it, bike it, roll it, dance it — however you want to experience it, there's no wrong way. The event features live music, local food vendors, games, and the simple joy of sharing one of Knoxville's most iconic streets with your community in a way that's never been done before.

This is one of those events that will have people talking for years — "remember the first time they closed Gay Street?" Mark your calendar for May 17th, 2:00–6:00 PM, and come be part of Knoxville history. More Info

Something truly one-of-a-kind is coming to Knoxville this spring — and if you're a fan of K-Pop, J-Pop, anime, or just want to experience something completely new and exciting, this is your event.

Knox Pop Con 2026 takes over Bridgewater Place on May 2nd from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, bringing together 2,500+ fans for East Tennessee's premier Asian pop culture festival — and this year marks a historic first: the very first J-Pop concert ever held in Knoxville. Headlining is Shihori, an acclaimed J-Pop singer-songwriter and anime composer whose music has been featured in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Fairy Tail, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts and more. Hosting the night is None Like Joshua, the internet's top anime rapper with over 700 million YouTube views.

Beyond the live performances, the festival is packed with incredible experiences: Knoxville's biggest Random Play Dance with a 200+ song catalog spanning K-Pop, J-Pop, and anime; a JDM Car Show presented by Subie Crew Knoxville featuring custom builds, anime-wrapped cars, Subaru WRXs, Toyota GR86s, and more; cosplay competitions; K-Pop dance battles; anime DJ sets; and a Last Dancer Standing elimination with prizes.

VIP passes ($125, only 125 available) include priority entry, a VIP lounge, exclusive merch, and a meet-and-greet with the performers. General admission tickets are also available. Whether you're deep in the fandom or just curious to see what all the excitement is about, Knox Pop Con is a genuine one-of-a-kind experience you won't find anywhere else in East Tennessee. More Info & Tickets

Spring is officially here — and one of the best signs of the season is the return of the Market Square Farmers Market!

Knoxville's beloved downtown market kicks off its 24th season on May 2nd, and will run every Wednesday and Saturday through November 21st. Saturday hours are 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Wednesday hours are 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM — right in the heart of downtown at Market Square (Union Ave & Market St).

Everything you'll find at the market is grown locally or handcrafted by vendors right here in the East Tennessee region. Fresh produce, seasonal flowers, homemade baked goods, local honey, artisan goods — it's the kind of Saturday morning tradition that makes Knoxville feel like home. Whether you're a longtime regular or you've been meaning to check it out for years, the season opener is the perfect time to make it happen.

Come hungry, bring a tote bag, and say hello to your neighbors. The Market Square Farmers Market is back — and that's always worth celebrating! More Info

Interested in learning about how a VIP Pass can help your business? Reach out to [email protected] for more information!

Recurring events

🗓️ April 11th - Master Gardener Shelia McNeely will present “Starting Spunky Sprouts” at 2:00 PM at Bearden Branch Library (100 Golf Club Road), offering practical tips on how to successfully start seeds at home.

🗓️ April 11th - Get your garden ready while supporting a great cause at the Special Growers Spring Plant Sale from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ April 11th - Used Book Sale at Sequoyah Branch Library (1140 Southgate Rd) from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🗓️ April 11th - The University of Tennessee is welcoming the newest member of the Volunteer family - and he's already winning hearts. Smokey XII, a two-year-old bluetick coonhound named Neyland, will make his official public debut at the annual Orange and White spring football game at Neyland Stadium. More Info

🗓️ April 11th - The annual Chalk Walk returns this spring, inviting artists of all ages and skill levels to pick up a piece of chalk and leave their mark on the pavement. This free, all-day event takes place from sunrise to sunset in the heart of Market Square and Krutch Park. More Info

🗓️ April 11th - The Hardin Valley Farmers Market is wrapping up its winter season with its’ final market dates—and gearing up for an exciting summer ahead, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Hardin Valley Event Center (2620 Willow Point Way).

🗓️ April 11th - If you’re looking for a truly unique experience this spring, this one is hard to beat. Historic Cherokee Caverns is hosting a special “Movies in the Cave” event on April 11th, featuring a screening of The Goonies - all set deep underground inside a real cave. More Info

🗓️ April 11th - K-pop fans in Knoxville have a fun local event to look forward to this spring as the K-Pop Spring Concert takes place at 1:00 PM at the Hardin Valley Event Center (2620 Willow Point Way).

🗓️ April 11th - Fore the Love of Animals Top Golf Fundraiser - This high-energy tournament invites participants of all skill levels takes place from noon - 3:00 PM — no golf experience required — to enjoy friendly competition, delicious food and drinks, and an afternoon of community impact. Teams of three can register for $350 per team, which includes gameplay along with food and beverages, making it a perfect outing for friends, coworkers, or organizations looking to support a meaningful mission together. More Info & Register

🗓️ April 11th - Gardeners can stop by the Farragut Branch Library (417 N. Campbell Station Road) from 10:00 AM - Noon for a plant clinic, where Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions and provide guidance.

🗓️ April 11th - Get ready for a night of timeless music and nostalgia as audiences are invited to relive the magic of The Beatles’ greatest hits at 8:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ April 11th - Talahi Plant Sale at Westminster Presbyterian Church (6500 S Northshore Drive) from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM More Info

🗓️ April 11th - University of Tennessee Gardens Plant Sale (2518 Jacob Drive) from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

🗓️ April 11th – 12th - Thousands of runners, spectators, and volunteers will gather in downtown Knoxville for the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Weekend. More Info

🗓️ April 12th - Knoxville residents are invited to raise a glass—and plant a tree - as Trees Knoxville celebrates a decade of impact with a special 10-Year FUN-raiser from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Xül Beer Company. More Info

🗓️ April 12th - Car enthusiasts, mark your calendars—Harper Auto Square’s Cars & Coffee is back on Sunday, April 12th, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at West Town Mall (7600 Kingston Pike).

🗓️ April 13th - Curious about radiation and the science behind it? The Technical Society of Knoxville (TSK) is hosting an informative and thought-provoking presentation titled “Radiation? What You Think You Know, and What You Should Know”, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (401 W. Summit Hill Drive). More Info & RSVP.

🗓️ April 14th - Celebrate the season of growth and renewal at Flourish - A GreenStalk Garden Party 2026, happening from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the beautiful Maple Grove Estate (8800 Westland Drive).

🗓️ April 14th - Take your gardening knowledge outdoors with a guided Ijams Nature Walk from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Led by Master Gardeners Gina Bond and Nancy Howell, along with Ijams staff, this walk offers a deeper look at native plants and the natural environment during peak spring bloom. More Info & Register

🗓️ April 15th - One of rock music's most iconic voices is heading to Knoxville, and this could be your last chance to see him live. Rod Stewart's One Last Time Tour is making a stop at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center at 7:30 PM. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ April 16th - Fans of classic rock are in for a treat as The RUSH Tribute Project brings its highly acclaimed live show to the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 PM. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ April 17th - Veterans across East Tennessee are invited to a powerful day of support, connection, and care at Operation Whole Health, held at Held at Trinity Dental (1127 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway), is a free event hosted by the Rocky Top Veterans Foundation from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Maryville. For more information, call Chris at (865) 659-1001.

🗓️ April 18th - Used Book Sale at Halls Branch (4518 E. Emory Rd) – from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🗓️ April 18th - Racheff Gardens and Arboretum Open Gardens (1943 Tennessee Ave) from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, offering a chance to explore one of Knoxville’s most beautiful garden spaces

🗓️ April 18th - Car lovers and community supporters alike are invited out for a fun-filled day at the 5th Annual Gibbs Community Car Show, held at Gibbs High School (7628 Tazewell Pike). Registration opens at 8:00 AM, with judging beginning at 10:00 AM and an awards ceremony at 1:30 PM.

🗓️ April 18th - The Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum Plant Sale (2743 Wimpole Ave) from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, featuring a wide variety of plants for your home garden. More Info

🗓️ April 18th - Spring is the perfect time to get out, shop local, and enjoy the season—and the upcoming Spring Market Social is making it easy to do just that. The event is from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Hardin Valley Event Center (2620 Willow Point Way).

🗓️ April 18th - Endurance athletes from across the region will gather in Knoxville for the World’s Fair Ultras, taking place at World’s Fair Park. More Info

🗓️ April 18th - Fans of classic soul and Motown music will have the chance to experience two legendary groups live when The Temptations and The Four Tops take the stage at the Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street) at 8:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ April 18th - Those curious about Knoxville’s history are invited to attend the Bearden History Fair from 10 AM to 4 PM at Central Baptist Church in Bearden (6300 Deane Hill Dr). More Info

🗓️ April 18th - “Starting Spunky Sprouts” at 11:00 AM at Cedar Bluff Library (9045 Cross Park Drive).

🗓️ April 18th - From 10:00 AM to Noon, you’ll have multiple opportunities to connect with experts with a plant clinic at Farragut Branch Library (417 N. Campbell Station Road) and a Q&A session with Master Gardener Cid Letsinger at Norwood Branch Library (1110 Merchant Drive).

🗓️ April 18th - For those looking to build their skills, a basic gardening class will be held at Payne Avenue Missionary Baptist Church (2714 Martin Luther King Blvd) from 10:00 AM to Noon. More Info & Register.

🗓️ April 18th-19th - The annual Spring Featured Gardens event returns, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM), inviting visitors to step beyond the gate and discover three extraordinary properties that are typically closed to the public. More Info

🗓️ April 18th-19th - Downtown Knoxville will come alive with music, culture, and international flavor when the Rossini Festival and International Street Fair returns to Downton. More Info

🗓️ April 19th - One of downtown Knoxville’s street markets is back for the season. The Old City Market kicks off its 2026 run from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, transforming the historic 100 block of West Jackson Avenue into a lively, open-air shopping experience. More Info

🗓️ April 19th - Families are invited to come together for a meaningful and fun community event during the 3rd Annual Walk ‘N’ Roll, from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, hosted by Joni and Friends Knoxville. The event will celebrate connection, inclusion, and awareness while supporting families living with disability. More Info & Register

🗓️ April 20th - A unique and powerful storytelling experience is coming to Knoxville for the very first time. Tenx9 (“ten by nine”), a globally loved live storytelling event, will take place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. (745 N. Broadway).

🗓️ April 21st - Whiskey lovers and curious newcomers alike have a unique opportunity to dive into bourbon history at the upcoming Whiskey Row Region Course, happening at 6:00 PM at 35 North Bar and Grill (11321 Kingston Pike). Spots are limited. More Info & Tickets (scroll to the April 21st listing).

🗓️ April 23rd -The “More Signal, Less Noise” AI Summit will take place at 1:00 PM at The Square Room in Market Square. Designed as a “T-shirt friendly” summit, the event promises a practical, no-fluff approach to AI—centered on real-world applications inside actual businesses. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ April 23rd – 27th - Healing Hearts Counseling is hosting a powerful and restorative experience designed specifically for women navigating the deep emotional impact of betrayal. The Women’s Healing Retreat: Recovering from Betrayal will take place in a peaceful cabin setting in the Smoky Mountains. More Info & Register | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ April 24th - Free Hearing and Speech Screenings provided by UT HSC from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM at UT Conference Center (600 Henley Street).

🗓️ April 24th - The Halls High School Class of 1976 is preparing to celebrate a major milestone with its 50th Class Reunion from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM at the Oak Ridge Event Center (100 Melton Lake Peninsula, Oak Ridge). Email Kathy Cox Southers at [email protected] for more info.

🗓️ April 24th - Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore and purchase original works during Artists on Location at the Knoxville Museum of Art (World’s Fair Park), taking place from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and April 25th from 10:00 AM to Noon. More Info

🗓️ April 24th-25th - Used Book Sale at Farragut Branch (417 N. Campbell Station Rd) from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🗓️ April 24th-26th - Get ready to roll the dice, draw a card, and discover your next favorite game—Fun K-Town 2026: Knoxville’s Grooviest Board Game Weekend is coming to the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley Street). More Info

🗓️ April 24th – 26th - Spring in Knoxville means blooming dogwood trees, warmer weather, and the return of one of the city’s most beloved traditions—the Dogwood Arts Festival, taking place at World’s Fair Park. More Info

🗓️ April 25th - Get ready to crack shells, enjoy great food, and soak up the spring vibes at the 2026 Cool Beans Annual Crawfish Boil, happening at Cool Beans Bar and Grill (1817 Lake Avenue), from noon - 5:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ May 1st-2nd - Get ready to breathe in the fresh air and push your boundaries at the upcoming Outlandish Adventure Festival happening May 1st-2nd! This high-energy celebration is designed to showcase the very best of the great outdoors, inviting nature lovers to trade their screens for sunshine. More Info

🗓️ May 2nd - Luke Combs brings his "My Kinda Saturday Night Tour" to Neyland Stadium (1235 Phillip Fulmer Way SW), with the first act hitting the stage at 5:20 PM. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ May 2nd - If you love designer finds at deeply discounted prices, mark your calendar from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - the public shopping day of the Patricia Nash Spring Sample Sale, held at the brand’s showroom (1132 N. 6th Avenue). More Info

🗓️ May 2nd - Break out your best hat and get ready for one of the most festive spring events of the season. The Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Livestream Party is coming to the Hardin Valley Event Center (2620 Willow Point Way), combining live entertainment, great food, and a meaningful cause—all centered around the excitement of the Kentucky Derby. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ May 2nd - Women across East Tennessee are invited to gather for a night of encouragement, laughter, and worship during The Unknown Tour, coming to Salem Baptist Church (8201 Hill Road) from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. More Info

🗓️ May 2nd-3rd - Mark your calendars—the 2nd Annual Knoxville Book Festival is set to take over the Knoxville Convention Center, bringing together readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts for a full weekend of inspiration and connection. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ May 3rd - Knoshville Jewish Food Festival - Mark your calendars for May 3rd, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Arnstein Jewish Community Center (6800 Deane Hill Drive). This family-friendly event, hosted by the Knoxville Jewish Alliance, features a curated selection of mouthwatering dishes ranging from flaky pastries to savory classics. More Info

🗓️ May 3rd - Step into one of Knoxville’s most charming and historic neighborhoods during the upcoming Fourth & Gill Tour of Homes & Secret Gardens, happening on from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ May 16th - One of Knoxville’s most beloved family traditions is back—and bigger than ever. The Children’s Festival of Reading will celebrate its 20th anniversary on from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at World’s Fair Park. More Info

🗓️ May 16th - Start your morning with purpose and connection at the upcoming Women Build Brunch, happening from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at The Mill & Mine in Knoxville. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ May 18th–24th - One of Knoxville’s premier sporting events is back this spring as the Visit Knoxville Open returns to Holston Hills Country Club. More Info

🗓️ May 23rd - BBQ lovers, this is one event you won’t want to miss. The first-ever TMG Fest: Block Party & Demo Day is coming to Knoxville on May 23rd from 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM, bringing together live-fire cooking, top pitmasters, and a full day of food and fun. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ May 30th - Knoxville Margarita Festival - Get ready to raise a glass at the third annual Knoxville Margarita Festival on May 30th at The Mill & Mine. This lively evening event invites guests to sample creative margaritas from some of the area’s favorite restaurants as they compete for the title of Best Margarita in Knoxville. More Info

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

🗓️Free Veterans’ Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 17 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly. Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

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