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In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Partly Sunny with a High of 83

📰 Appalachian Ballet Company Heads to Birmingham

🗓️ The Market Square Farmers Market Is Back for Its 24th Season!

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Today’s Record High: 87 in 1930 — Record Low: 26 in 1989

Dig In! The Historic Holston Hills Garden Sale

Whether you're a seasoned gardener with a green thumb or someone who's been meaning to try your hand at growing something beautiful, this is a great morning destination on May 2nd.

The Historic Holston Hills Community Club is hosting its Annual Garden Sale from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Holston Hills Community Park, located at the intersection of Holston Hills Road and Chilhowee Drive. This sale has something for just about everyone — small plants, shrubs, and trees; perennials, annuals, and native plants; house plants; and fresh fruits and vegetables, all available for purchase. Whether you're looking to fill a flower bed, start a veggie garden, or find that perfect native plant for your yard, you're likely to find exactly what you need.

The fun doesn't stop at the plants! The sale also features a white elephant sale of garden treasures — the kind of quirky, useful finds that gardeners love to discover — and a homemade bake sale stocked with cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, and breakfast treats. Plus, young aspiring gardeners will have their own garden activities to enjoy, making this a genuinely fun outing for the whole family.

Mark your calendar for May 2nd, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Holston Hills Community Park. Come early for the best selection — and save room for a brownie!

Appalachian Ballet Company Heads to Birmingham

Our neighbors in Maryville are heading to the big stage this month — and the Appalachian Ballet Company is giving East Tennessee every reason to be proud.

The Appalachian Ballet Company (ABC) is traveling to Birmingham, Alabama during the third week of April to compete and perform at the Regional Dance America Southeast Festival — and this year's event carries extra significance. The festival marks the 70th anniversary of RDA/SE, and ABC has proudly been a part of this prestigious training organization for 36 years. More than 35 of the company's talented dancers will make the trip.

ABC will perform two works at the festival. Principal dancers James and Laura La Russa have choreographed a stunning new piece called "The Wheel," which was selected for the festival's coveted gala program — a genuine honor recognizing it as some of the most outstanding work on display. Dancer Temperance Coker will also showcase her own new piece on the emerging choreographers' program, and the accolades don't stop there: Temperance has been named the 2026 RDA/Southeast Emerging Choreographer Award recipient, earning her a scholarship to attend an RDA Dance & Choreography Intensive in Atlanta this summer. What an incredible achievement for such a gifted young artist!

The recognition extends across the entire company. Through the Regional Dance America scholarship program, ABC's dancers were collectively awarded over $70,000 in summer dance study and college and university dance scholarships. That's $70,000 invested in the futures of young East Tennessee artists — and a testament to the exceptional talent being developed right here at home.

Kylie Morton Berry, ABC's Associate Director, currently serves as President of RDA/SE and will be wrapping up her second term in that role this June. The Appalachian Ballet Company isn't just a participant in this organization — they're helping lead it.

If you'd like to learn more about the Appalachian Ballet Company or support these incredible dancers, visit their website below. This is Maryville — and East Tennessee — at its very best!

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Free Live Jazz Is Coming to Market Square Every Tuesday this May

If you're looking for a reason to get downtown on Tuesday evenings, here it is - and it won't cost you a dime!

Concerts on the Square returns with its beloved Jazz Tuesdays series, kicking off May 5th and running every Tuesday evening in May, June, and September at Market Square. Shows run from 7:00 to 9:00 PM on the outdoor stage, and admission is completely free — as is parking after 6:00 PM in the City-owned Market Square, State Street, and Locust Street garages.

The May lineup is outstanding. Opening night on May 5th features the Sam Adams Quartet, followed by the Joe Wilaniskis Quintet on May 7th, the Greg Tardy Quintet on May 14th, the Taber Gable Trio on May 21st, and Sam Adams again to close out the month on May 28th. These are real, talented jazz musicians performing live in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings Knoxville has to offer.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab dinner from one of the nearby restaurants, and settle in for an evening of live music in the heart of downtown. Jazz Tuesdays is one of those only-in-Knoxville traditions that reminds you why this city is such a special place to live — and this year's series is going to be a great one. More Info

The Market Square Farmers Market Is Back for Its 24th Season!

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

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🗓️ April 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 -ERNEST brings his "Live From The South Tour" to The Mill & Mine (227 W. Depot Avenue). Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show kicks off at 8:00 PM, with Rhys Rutherford opening the night. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ 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 - Knox Pop Con 2026 takes over Bridgewater Place from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, bringing together 2,500+ fans for East Tennessee's premier Asian pop culture festival. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ 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 17th - Open Streets Knoxville returns this spring - 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 from 2:00–6:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ 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

Networking:

Veterans:

🗓️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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