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📰 The WWE Monday Night RAW Is Coming to Food City Center

📰 Swing, Jazz, and Symphony Collide at the Tennessee Theatre

🗓️ The Rush Tribute Project Hits the Bijou TOMORROW Night (article + audio interview)

🗓️ Swing Like It's 1945 with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

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Professional wrestling fans, this one is for you — and it's going to be one of the biggest nights at Food City Center all year.

WWE Monday Night RAW comes to Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center (1600 Phillip Fulmer Way) on May 11th at 7:30 PM — and this isn't just any show. RAW is WWE's flagship program, live every week and now streaming on Netflix, which means the superstars heading to Knoxville are the biggest names in the business. World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and Women's World Champion Stephanie Vaquer are both expected to be on the card, bringing the kind of championship-level action that fills arenas coast to coast.

If you've never been to a live WWE event, there's really nothing quite like it — the energy from the crowd, the larger-than-life entrances, the moments that get replayed on social media for days. It's a full-on live entertainment experience that works for die-hard fans and first-timers alike. Bring the kids, bring your crew, and be ready for a night that Knoxville will be talking about.

Tickets are available now. Seats at events like this go fast, so don't wait if you want to be in the arena when RAW comes to town. More Info & Tickets

This kind of concert reminds you why live orchestral performances are unlike anything else.

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents Marsalis Swing Symphony on May 14th-15th at 7:30 PM at the Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street). The program features Wynton Marsalis's exhilarating Swing Symphony, performed alongside the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra with baritone Michael Rogers taking center stage. The result is a collision of jazz, classical orchestration, and American musical tradition that you simply don't hear every day.

The full program is a stunning lineup of uniquely American music. Alongside the Marsalis centerpiece, the evening features Margaret Bonds's Spirituals, Gabriella Smith's Field Guide, the beloved "On the Trail" from Ferde Grofé's Grand Canyon Suite, and the soaring Finale from Aaron Copland's Symphony No. 3. Each piece reflects a different facet of American musical identity — and together they make for an evening that's moving, exciting, and genuinely unforgettable. More Info

We told you about this one — and now the clock is ticking. The Rush Tribute Project takes the Bijou Theatre stage this Thursday, April 16th, and if you haven't grabbed your tickets yet, tonight or tomorrow morning is your window.

We sat down with Sean Jones, who performs the role of Geddy Lee — vocals, bass, keyboards, and foot pedals, all simultaneously — to get a sense of what Knoxville can expect. The short answer: a lot. "We try and bring as close to the real Rush live experience that we can," Sean told us. "We've got a full stage show with lasers and lights and video screens, along with music from all 40 years of Rush — from 1974 up till the mid-2010s."

This particular tour carries extra weight. The Rush Tribute Project is celebrating two milestones at once: the 45th anniversary of Moving Pictures and the 50th anniversary of 2112. That means Knoxville audiences will hear all of Moving Pictures performed in full, plus a substantial portion of 2112 — two of the most beloved albums in the Rush catalog on the same night. Beyond the anniversary material, Sean hinted at five or six surprise songs per show that won't be telegraphed in advance. "We don't like to give it away," he said, "because it's always fun to see the surprise look when we play something that people don't think we're going to play."

And this is a first — the band has never performed in Tennessee before. They're flying in Wednesday night, playing Knoxville Thursday, then heading to Atlanta the next day as part of a 14-show run. This is a one-time stop. When asked what he hopes audiences feel walking out, Sean didn't hesitate: "This is a big rock show. You shouldn't be sitting there just on your hands watching it. We are really having a great time up there for about three hours, and we want that to translate to everybody in the crowd."

Asked what he'd want Geddy Lee himself to say if he were watching from the audience, Sean laughed: "Oh, that we didn't suck."

Tickets are available now at the Bijou box office and online. Don't miss Knoxville's first-ever visit from The Rush Tribute Project. Get Tickets

Listen to the audio interview

If you want one of the most fun, high-energy live shows you'll see all year, this is your night.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings their legendary swing revival sound to the Bijou Theatre (803 S. Gay Street) on May 11th at 7:30 PM. For over three decades this band has been one of the most electrifying live acts in the country — blending jazz, swing, and big band into a wall of sound that will absolutely get you on your feet. From the moment they launch into their set, the energy in the room is electric.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy helped spark the great swing revival of the late '90s — you know their sound even if you don't know the name — and they've only gotten better with age. This is the kind of concert that reminds you why live music is one of life's great joys. The Bijou Theatre's intimate, beautifully restored setting makes it even better — there's truly not a bad seat in the house.

Tickets start at $67 and are available now through Ticketmaster and other vendors. Whether you're a lifelong fan or you've never seen them live, a Big Bad Voodoo Daddy show at the Bijou is a night worth clearing your calendar for. More Info

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Recurring events

🗓️ 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 - Bearden Branch Used Book Sale, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM both days

🗓️ 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 - 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. 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

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