🌤️ Weather | Mostly Cloudy with a High of 83

📰 The Maker City Is Offering Scholarships for Knoxville Creatives

📰 Register Now for the Outlandish Adventure Festival at Ijams

🗓️ Score Great Reads at Knox County Library's Spring Book Sales

🗓️ Croquet, Brunch & Garden Party Attire - Opera Guild Tournament Returns

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities

If you've been dreaming of turning your craft into a real business but the cost of studio space and equipment has been standing in your way, The Maker City has something important to tell you.

The Maker City has just launched its new Maker Space Scholarship Program — a first-of-its-kind initiative right here in Knoxville designed to open doors for local makers who need access to the tools, workspace, and support to take their creative work to the next level. The scholarship covers a full year of studio or maker space membership, access to professional-grade tools and shared workspaces, business training and mentorship, and connections to professional development resources. The goal is straightforward: help talented makers scale their work from passion to sustainable business.

The program is open to makers across all disciplines — woodworkers, ceramicists, textile artists, metalworkers, product designers, and more. Applications are especially welcomed from those who face financial or structural barriers to accessing traditional studio environments, and from makers who represent a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you're committed to growing your creative practice, interested in developing the business side of your craft, or focused on completing a structured body of work, this scholarship was built with you in mind.

Applications are open now and close on May 8th. Studio residencies begin August 1st. Apply at the link below - and share this with any maker in your life who needs to hear it.

Apply Now

The Outlandish Adventure Festival is coming to Ijams Nature Center on May 1st and 2nd - and while most of the weekend is completely free, several of the most exciting activities require registration to hold your spot. Those spots are open right now, and you'll want to claim yours before they're gone.

The festival is a massive community collaboration pulling together Visit Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, River Sports Outfitters, the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club, the Knoxville Adventure Collective, The Maker City, and the City of Knoxville itself. What they've built is a two-day outdoor playground at one of the most beautiful natural settings in East Tennessee — and the registered activities are where the real adventure lives.

Free to register: the Crag Climbing Competition, Guided Kayak Paddle, Guided Greenway Bike Ride, Slackline Workshop, Slow Flow Yoga, SPARK! Mindful Play Class, Kids Social Ride, and a Chota Quarry Paddle on the stunning waters of Mead's Quarry — plus more.

For a small fee, you can take it up a notch with the Friday Night Full Moon Paddle (a magical evening on the water to kick off the weekend), Paddleboard Yoga, and the Quarry SUP Relay, where you and your crew race across the quarry on stand-up paddleboards.

Live music runs all day both days across multiple stages, featuring Evie and the Who Knows, Feral Kitty, Channel 865, French Toast, Julia. The Band, Veaux, and more.

Whether you want to compete, explore, float, pedal, or just soak it all in with good music playing in the background, there's a spot for you at this festival. Head to the website now to register for the activities you want — some of these will fill up fast. Register Now

If your to-be-read pile needs restocking (and let's be honest, when doesn't it?), the Friends of the Knox County Public Library have you covered all the way through May.

The Friends group has a full slate of used book sales running at branches across the county this spring, and each one is a treasure hunt waiting to happen. Whether you're after fiction, history, cookbooks, kids' books, or something you didn't know you needed until you found it, these sales are where great reads go for incredible prices — all in support of your local library system.

Here's what's coming up:

Can't make it to a sale in person? The Friends also run a permanent used book shop and online sales year-round, so there are always ways to find your next great read while supporting Knox County's library branches.

Every purchase directly supports the Friends' work on behalf of the library — it's one of the best deals in town, and a great reason to get out and browse. More Info

The Knoxville Opera Guild's Annual Croquet Tournament returns on May 17th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the UT Recreation Fields. This fundraiser brings together supporters, arts enthusiasts, and first-time attendees for a lighthearted day of friendly competition, incredible food, and the kind of only-in-Knoxville charm that keeps people coming back year after year.

Here's the setup: teams compete for the Annual Tournament Cup in a spirited (and wonderfully scenic) game of croquet on the UT Rec Fields, fueled by a delectable brunch spread to get the day started. The dress code? Your finest garden party attire — think sundresses, linen blazers, wide-brimmed hats, and whatever makes you feel like you belong at a very elegant outdoor celebration. Because you do.

All of this, of course, benefits Knoxville Opera — the Guild's fundraising events raise over $100,000 annually to support the company's performances and educational outreach. So you're having a fabulous day AND supporting one of Knoxville's treasured arts institutions. The Croquet Tournament has been a signature event of the Knoxville spring social calendar for more than twenty years, and every year it delivers.

Dust off your mallet, pick your team, and get your garden party look ready — this is a spring Saturday worth dressing up for. More Info & Tickets

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

Recurring events

🗓️ 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 16th-17th - 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. More Info

🗓️ 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 22nd-26th - THE OUTSIDERS: A New Musical runs at the Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street), with performances at 7:30 PM on most nights. More info & Tickets

🗓️ 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 20th–24th - Disney's Beauty and the Beast comes to the Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street), with multiple performances throughout the week, including matinees and evening shows to fit your schedule. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ 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

Are you a new or established business looking to become known in our Knoxville Insider community? We are looking for locally-owned businesses that would like to become a Knoxville Insider sponsor! Sponsorships can include:

Reach out to us at [email protected].

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]!