🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a high of 76

📰 Knoxville’s First-Ever J-Pop Concert Comes to Knox Pop Con

📰 Women’s Spring Backpacking Workshop

🗓️ Celebrate Gunther’s 18th Birthday at the Zoo!

🗓️ Knoxville Book Festival

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🗓️ Upcoming Events

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Get ready for a night like no other as Knox Pop Con 2026 brings the first-ever J-Pop concert in Knoxville history to Bridgewater Place on Saturday, May 2 from 4:00–10:00 PM.

This high-energy event celebrates Asian pop culture with an unforgettable lineup of live performances, cosplay, and fan-favorite experiences. Headlining the night is acclaimed J-Pop artist Shihori, known for her work on major anime and game titles including JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Fairy Tail, NieR:Automata, and Final Fantasy. Fans can also enjoy her artist panel and signing sessions.

Keeping the crowd energized throughout the evening is None Like Joshua, a viral anime rapper and MC with a massive online following. The night wraps up with an electrifying anime rave set from NINJ3FF3C7, spinning remixes of anime openings, J-Pop hits, and K-Pop favorites.

In addition to the concert, guests can experience:

Hosted by Knox Pop Con, this all-ages event is a must for anime, music, and pop culture fans alike.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Knoxville history—this is one event you won’t want to miss! More Info

Looking to build confidence in the outdoors? Join a ranger-led Women’s Spring Backpacking Workshop at Norris Dam State Park from Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 PM to Sunday, May 10 at 1:00 PM.

This beginner-friendly overnight experience is designed for women and girls ages 15 and older who want to learn the basics of backpacking, camping, and essential outdoor survival skills. Participants will hike a moderate 3.5-mile trail into the backcountry (and the same distance out), making it a great introduction to overnight hiking.

The workshop begins at 2:00 PM with a gear check and packing session before heading out on the trail. A recommended gear list and meeting location will be provided after registration, and rental gear is available for an additional $15 if needed.

The cost is $65 per participant, which includes dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday, along with snacks and water for the trip.

Whether you’re new to backpacking or looking to sharpen your skills, this supportive and hands-on experience is a great way to explore the outdoors and connect with others. More Info.

It’s time to celebrate a very special resident at Little Ponderosa Zoo—Gunther the Siberian tiger is turning 18!

Siberian tigers are the largest cats in the world, native to Eastern Russia and Northern China, with males weighing over 600 pounds. Gunther has spent his entire life at Little Ponderosa, bringing joy to visitors for nearly two decades. Now considered a senior, he’s still active, playful, and enjoying life just as much as ever.

Join the celebration on Saturday, May 16, when Gunther will be released into his outdoor enclosure at 11 a.m. for a special enrichment experience—his very own “Chuff E. Cheese” party! (And yes, a “chuff” is a friendly tiger greeting that shows happiness and affection—something Gunther is known for sharing with his keepers.)

As an added bonus, seniors ages 65 and up receive free admission for the day.

Come out and help celebrate this incredible animal and one of the zoo’s most beloved residents!

Calling all book lovers! The Knoxville Book Festival is back May 2–3 at the Knoxville Convention Center, bringing a weekend filled with stories, creativity, and community.

Meet your favorite authors, have books signed, and enjoy a variety of panels, author talks, and workshops designed to inspire readers and writers alike. Browse vendor booths featuring book-themed accessories, apparel, décor, and more—perfect for adding a little literary flair to your collection.

Organizers promise a few extra surprises this year, so stay tuned for additional announcements and special features.

Event Details:
Saturday, May 2 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, May 3 | 10 AM – 4 PM

For more information, visit knoxvillebookfestival.com and get ready for a weekend celebrating all things books!

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

Coming Soon! A whole new event display! Mark your favorites, Add to Calendar, Links to details, Subscribe to event categories, and more! 😃

Recurring events

🗓️ 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-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

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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