In this Knoxville Insider Issue…
🌤️ Weather | Cloudy with a High of 77
📰 Scotland Is Calling — The 44th Annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival
🗓️ For the First Time in 25 Years - Disney's Beauty and the Beast Is Coming to the Tennessee Theatre
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Today’s Record High: 89 in 1887 — Record Low: 27 in 1940


The Smokies Have a Packed Season of Fun Nights

The Knoxville Smokies are back at Covenant Health Park, and their 2026 promotional calendar is loaded with reasons to get out to the ballpark this spring.
The team has announced 26 theme nights and 19 fireworks dates for the season — and several of the most exciting ones are coming up right in the next few weeks. Mark your calendar for Dancing with the Smokies Night on April 25th, one of the newest and most fun theme concepts added to the 2026 lineup. And on May 8th, fans can snag a Camo Replica Jersey giveaway presented by Advent Electric — always a popular item that goes fast.
Beyond the special nights, weekly promotions give you a great reason to come out any time. All-You-Can-Eat Wednesday is a fan favorite, Thirsty Thursday is presented by Flying Panda, and Feel-Good Friday (presented by Gary Yeomans Ford) and Chick-fil-A Fridays round out a week full of reasons to grab your seats. The Summer Fireworks Series, presented by Coors Light and Covenant Health, brings post-game fireworks throughout the season.
Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun, affordable night out with family or friends, there's nothing quite like a Smokies game at Covenant Health Park. Check out the full promotional schedule and plan your visits now — the best nights sell out early! More Info
Scotland Is Calling - The 44th Annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival

Just a short drive from Knoxville, one of Tennessee's oldest and most beloved festivals returns for its 44th year — and this one is worth the trip.
The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games takes over the Greater Smokies Event Grounds in Townsend on May 16th-17th, running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days. Nestled in the foothills of the Smokies, it's a spectacular setting for a spectacular event — a two-day celebration of Scottish, Irish, and Celtic culture unlike anything else in East Tennessee.
The athletic competitions are the heart of the games, featuring the classic Highland events: stone put, hammer throw, caber toss, and sheaf toss. These aren't exhibitions — they're hard-fought competitions by serious athletes, and watching a full-grown caber get hurled end-over-end is something you won't forget. Beyond the field, you'll find live folk, roots, rock, and pop music; pipes and drums echoing across the grounds; Highland and Irish dancing; axe-throwing; sheep herding demonstrations; whisky tastings; and a full spread of Scottish, Irish, and British food and drink.
This year's festival adds an exciting new competition: the ScotDance USA Southeast Regional Highland Dance Championships. Some of the finest Highland dancers in the region will be competing on the same grounds, raising the stakes and the entertainment for everyone in attendance. More Info
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Broadway Comes to Knoxville - The Tony Award-Winning Outsiders Musical Is Here!

One of the hottest Broadway shows of the past two years is making its way to the Tennessee Theatre — and if you haven't gotten your tickets yet, now is the time.
THE OUTSIDERS: A New Musical runs at the Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street) April 22nd through 26th, with performances at 7:30 PM on most nights. This is the national tour of a show that swept the 2024 Tony Awards, winning four awards including Best Musical. If that doesn't tell you how special this one is, nothing will.
Based on S.E. Hinton's beloved 1967 novel — the same story that became Francis Ford Coppola's era-defining film — The Outsiders follows a gang of young greasers fighting for survival, friendship, and their place in a world that doesn't seem to want them. What makes this production unlike anything you'd expect is its music: an Americana and roots-inspired score by Jamestown Revival that gives the classic story a raw, soulful, deeply American sound. The result is something that feels both timeless and completely fresh.
Whether you grew up with the book, love the movie, or are coming to this story for the first time, The Outsiders on stage is a completely new experience — one that has moved audiences to their feet in cities across the country. More info & Tickets
For the First Time in 25 Years - Disney's Beauty and the Beast Is Coming to the Tennessee Theatre

Tale as old as time — and Knoxville is about to experience it live on stage for the first time in a generation!
Disney's Beauty and the Beast comes to the Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street) May 20th-24th, with multiple performances throughout the week, including matinees and evening shows to fit your schedule. This marks Disney's first North American touring production of this beloved musical in over 25 years, featuring spectacular new sets and dazzling new costumes that will make the magic of this story come alive like never before.
You know the story, you know the songs — "Be Our Guest," "Something There," "Beauty and the Beast" — but experiencing them performed live in the gorgeous Tennessee Theatre is something else entirely. Fergie L. Philippe brings the Beast to life, with Kathy Voytko as the unforgettable Mrs. Potts. The show runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission and is suitable for audiences of all ages, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.
This is one of those rare productions that adults will enjoy just as much as the kids — maybe more. With 25 years between tours, there's no telling when this opportunity will come around again.
Tickets are on sale now — grab them before they're gone and make this a spring night your family will talk about for years! More Info & Tickets

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🗓️ 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 - 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 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
🗓️ 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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