In this Knoxville Insider Issue…
🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 61
📰 Come to the Water - Help Send 100 Kids to Camp
🗓️ Grab a Free Tree at Tree Fest at Baker Creek
🛍️ Shop Local
🗓️ Upcoming Events
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✅ Advertising Opportunities


Today’s Record High: 90 in 1941 — Record Low: 29 in 1983


Dutch Country Artist Just Found His Home in Knoxville

Knoxville's music scene just got a little more international.
Dutch country artist TuskHead — the project of Netherlands native Patrick van Zandwijk — has officially signed with Migrant Records, the Knoxville-based indie label run by brothers Fred and Jonathan Kelly. The signing marks a meaningful milestone in a journey that began with writing trips across the US and gradually pulled van Zandwijk into East Tennessee's orbit. Recording at Migrant's Famous London Recording Studio in Knoxville, something clicked — and what started as a collaboration became a creative home.
The first fruit of that partnership arrives May 1st: a new single called "Out of My Mind," the lead track from his upcoming EP, One Step Forward & Two Steps Back, set for global release on June 27th. The project blends van Zandwijk's European roots with the grit and storytelling tradition of Appalachian country — a sound his team describes as "Dutchicana." The themes are raw and personal: self-doubt, restlessness, trying to move forward while carrying the weight of the past.
"This album is raw, gritty and truly explores the struggles one can face within their own mind," says artist manager Samanthalee Greco. Fred Kelly of Migrant Records puts it simply: "People need to hear this."
Keep an eye on this one — and give "Out of My Mind" a listen when it drops May 1st. More Info
Come to the Water - Help Send 100 Kids to Camp

Some kids have never been to summer camp — and Come To The Water exists to change that.
This East Tennessee nonprofit nominates middle schoolers from more than 20 schools across the region — kids who, because of their circumstances, would never otherwise get the chance to spend a week at camp. Every dollar raised goes directly to scholarships. No overhead fluff. Just kids at camp.
On May 2nd, Come To The Water hosts their Annual Banquet at Rothchild's in Knoxville — an evening of shared dinner, a special guest speaker (to be announced), and a live auction featuring thoughtfully donated items. You'll get to meet past campers, hear their stories firsthand, and be part of the effort to send 100 children to camp this summer.
If you've ever been shaped by a week at camp — or wished you had been — this is a night worth your time and your seat at the table. More Info & Tickets
Newsletter cut short in your email? If so,

May the Foam Be With You - Galactic Dart Night

If your kids are counting down to Star Wars Day, here's how to celebrate it Knoxville-style.
B&B Indoor Foam Dart Arena (6709 Maynardville Pike) is hosting Empire Strikes Fifth on May 5th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM — a galactic-themed foam dart battle night at their arena. Players load up their blasters, jump into the arena, and take on fast-paced, friendly competition in a sci-fi atmosphere. There's even a photo op with Mando waiting for you.
The best part for families: the first hour of play is just $5, making it an easy drop-in for kids, parents, and first-timers who've never picked up a foam blaster in their lives. Seasoned warriors and newcomers alike are welcome — this is the way. More Info
Grab a Free Tree at the Tree Fest at Baker Creek

Mark your Friday: Trees Knoxville is hosting Tree Fest 2026 on April 24th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Baker Creek Preserve Pavilion (3700 Lancaster Drive), and everything is free.
You can walk away with a free tree to plant in your own yard. Tree adoptions run from 4:00–7:30 PM, and Trees Knoxville will have the education and know-how on hand to help you pick the right one.
Beyond the trees, the evening features live music from Nat McCormick and Brooks Coker, a BioBlitz as part of the City Nature Challenge (5:00–7:00 PM), live t-shirt screen printing by Ashton Ludden, educational booths, Arbor Day recognition, and a full slate of kids activities from 4:00–7:30 PM — tree crafts, knot tying, a scavenger hunt, and tree climbing starting at 4:30.
Trees Knoxville has been quietly doing some of the most impactful work in the city — expanding Knoxville's urban canopy to reduce heat, clean the air, and make neighborhoods more livable. Tree Fest is how they bring the whole community into that mission, one backyard at a time. More Info

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Coming Soon! A whole new event display! Mark your favorites, Add to Calendar, Links to details, Subscribe to event categories, and more! 😃
🗓️ April 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 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 25th - Scruffy's Cafe is hosting its EDM Community Night, starting at 5 PM, and they've leveled up the experience for edition two. More Info & Tickets
🗓️ 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 - The 17th Annual Tate's School & Tate's Camp Open House takes place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 9215 Bob Gray Road, and what awaits families is unlike anything else you'll find in Knoxville. 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 9th - Tea & Treasures (4104 W. Martin Mill Pike) hosts its 2nd Saturday Marketplace from 11 AM to 4 PM. Come for the live music, stay for the food truck, and browse the outdoor vendors.
🗓️ May 9th - Tea & Treasures (4104 W. Martin Mill Pike) hosts its 2nd Saturday Marketplace from 11 AM to 4 PM. Come for the live music, stay for the food truck, and browse the outdoor vendors.
🗓️ May 11th - WWE Monday Night RAW comes to Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center (1600 Phillip Fulmer Way) at 7:30 PM. More Info & Tickets
🗓️ May 14th-15th - The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents Marsalis Swing Symphony on May 14th-15th at 7:30 PM at the Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street). More Info
🗓️ May 16th - LollaPAWlooza: Mewsic to the Rescue takes over The Open Chord (8502 Kingston Pike), starting at 6:15 PM, benefiting Happy Paws Kitten Rescue — a 100% volunteer-operated, foster-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing homeless and abandoned cats across East Tennessee. More Info & Tickets
🗓️ 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
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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