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In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a high of 70

📰 Knoxville Margarita Festival Returns

🗓️ World Premiere of Decoration Day Comes to Knoxville

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events

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Record High 89 - 1960 | Record Low 34 - 1873

Scotland in the Smokies

Answer the call of the Highlands at the 44th annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games, happening May 16–17 in the scenic town of Townsend, just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

As Tennessee’s oldest celebration of Scottish, Irish, and Celtic culture, this beloved festival brings together a lively mix of tradition and entertainment. Enjoy live music spanning folk, roots, rock, and pop, along with the stirring sounds of pipes and drums. Watch impressive highland athletics, and experience the beauty of highland and Irish dance performances.

Guests can also explore a variety of vendors, sample whisky tastings, and enjoy a wide selection of food and beverages inspired by the Scottish, Irish, and British homelands.

With activities for all ages, this rain-or-shine event offers a full weekend of culture, community, and fun set against the stunning backdrop of the Smokies.

For schedules, FAQs, and more information, visit smokymountaingames.org.

Knoxville Margarita Festival Returns May 30

Grab your friends and get ready to sip your way through the third annual Knoxville Margarita Festival on May 30, 2026, at The Mill & Mine!

Local restaurants will go head-to-head for the title of Best Margarita in Town, and you get to be the judge. Each guest will receive a Sample Passport featuring 10 mini margaritas, giving you the chance to explore a variety of flavors—whether you prefer yours salted, shaken, stirred, or frozen.

In addition to the tastings, enjoy live entertainment, fun photo opportunities, and grab dinner from local food vendors throughout the evening. After sampling, cast your vote and help crown this year’s margarita champion.

Want to level up your experience? VIP tickets include all general admission perks plus early entry at 5 PM, two extra mini margaritas, and light bites during the VIP hour.

This event is 21+, with alcohol service ending at 8:45 PM. Sip responsibly and get ready for a fun, flavor-packed night in Knoxville! More Info.

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A Cheese Lover’s Dream Tasting Experience

Grab your foodie friends and get ready for a cheese-filled adventure! This May 1–2, the TAPestry Event Space at Barrelhouse will host a unique tasting experience that’s perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and great company.

These self-guided Tasting Sessions invite guests to explore a delicious lineup of cheeses from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, along with a few surprise guest selections that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned cheese enthusiast or just love trying something new, there’s plenty to discover.

Leading the experience is Certified Cheese Professional Jess Benoit, who, along with the School of Cheese team, will be on hand throughout the event to offer guidance, answer questions, and add a little extra fun to the journey.

Each two-hour session also includes four five-ounce pours of your choice of cider from Gypsy Circus or beer from Atomic City Brewing, perfectly paired to complement the variety of cheeses.

Join in for flavor, fun, and a little bit of indulgence at this one-of-a-kind tasting event! More Info

World Premiere of Decoration Day Comes to Knoxville

Theater 23 is proud to present the world premiere of Decoration Day, a new play by acclaimed local playwright Linda Parsons. The production will run May 15–31 at Borderland Playhouse, located on Sevier Avenue.

This marks Parsons’ seventh play produced in the Knoxville area, continuing her tradition of rich, character-driven storytelling. Decoration Day explores themes of memory, heritage, and the connections that tie communities together across generations.

Directed by Steven O’Shea and produced by Tom Eubanks, the production brings together a talented creative team for what promises to be a powerful and intimate theatrical experience.

Tickets go on sale April 15 and will be available at theater23.org, where performance times and additional details will also be posted.

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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 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-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 - Thaw Out Fest 2026 hits World's Fair Park with doors at 2:00 PM through 10:00 PM, bringing together hip-hop and EDM for a full afternoon and evening of live performances. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ 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 1st-29th - The Epiphone Student Guitar Design Exhibition opens at the Dogwood Arts Gallery (123 W. Jackson Avenue) on May 1st with a First Friday reception from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The show runs through May 29th. More Info

🗓️ May 2nd - For the Love of Reading (FTLOR) is hosting a Book Drive from 9:30 AM–11:30 AM behind the Wesley House, at 1719 Reynolds Street — and they're accepting brand new or gently used books for Pre-K through 5th grade children. Questions? Reach out to [email protected]

🗓️ 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 - Some kids have never been to summer camp — and Come To The Water exists to change that. They are hosting 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. 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 - 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 5th - B&B Indoor Foam Dart Arena (6709 Maynardville Pike) is hosting Empire Strikes Fifth from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ May 7th - moe. rolls into The Mill & Mine on May 7th at 8:00 PM as part of their Born to Fly Tour. Note: this is an 18+ event. More Info

🗓️ May 9th - This one is going to fill up fast — and for the best possible reason. Kitten Yoga for a Cause is coming to Breezeway Yoga (4830 Kingston Pike) on May 9th from 1:00 PM–2:00 PM. More Info & Register

🗓️ 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 12th - The New Orleans hip-hop icon Juvenile brings his Boiling Point Album Release Tour to The Mill & Mine (227 W Depot Ave) on May 12th at 7:00 PM, performing alongside his longtime backing group The 400 Degreez Band. More Info

🗓️ May 13th - Andrew Marlin and Josh Oliver — the duo behind the beloved Americana band Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange) — have been playing and writing together for over a decade. But on May 13th at 7:30 PM at the Bijou Theatre, they're doing something they've never done before: hitting the road as a standalone duo under the Andrew Marlin Stringband banner. More Info

🗓️ 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 - Killer Queen - A Tribute to Queen comes to the Bijou Theatre (803 S Gay St) on May 16th at 8:00 PM, headlined by Patrick Meyers, a Freddie Mercury look- and soundalike who has been doing this for over 25 years. 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 2026 Marquee Awards take place at 3:30 PM at the Tennessee Theatre (604 S Gay St), celebrating the best of East Tennessee high school musical theatre. More Info

🗓️ 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 29th-30th - Comedian Heather McMahan is bringing The Bamboozled Tour to the Bijou Theatre (803 S. Gay Street) for two nights, at 8:00 PM - and both shows are being filmed as her live comedy special. More Info for May 29th | More Info for May 30th

🗓️ May 30th - Knoxville's Largest Kids' Party returns to the World's Fair Park Performance Lawn from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM — and it lives up to the name. More Info

🗓️ 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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