In this Knoxville Insider Issue…
🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a high of 79
📰 Beardsley Community Farm Plant Sale
🗓️ Bob Dylan Birthday Bash!
🛍️ Shop Local
🗓️ Upcoming Events
📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here
✅ Advertising Opportunities


Record High 90 - 1957 | Record Low 33 - 1992


Free Sunsphere Days

Visit Knoxville is bringing back Free Local Sunsphere Days for 2026, giving Knox County residents a chance to enjoy one of the city’s most iconic landmarks at no cost.
These special days will align with First Fridays from May through October—mirroring the months of the 1982 World’s Fair—with one exception in July due to the Independence Day holiday.
Free admission dates include:
May 1
June 5
August 7
September 4
October 2
On these dates, residents who present a physical Knox County driver’s license can enjoy complimentary access to the 4th Floor Observation Deck inside the Sunsphere.
Please note that space is limited, with a maximum of 40 guests every 30 minutes, and entry is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To make the most of the experience, the Welcome Center and Observation Deck will also stay open an extra hour, closing at 6 PM instead of the usual 5 PM.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take in panoramic views of Knoxville and revisit a piece of the city’s history! More Info
Beardsley Community Farm Plant Sale

Support local agriculture and bring home something beautiful at the annual plant sale hosted by CAC Beardsley Community Farm on May 2 from 1–4 PM at Crafty Bastard Brewing.
This popular fundraiser offers a wide selection of organically grown plants, including heirloom tomatoes like the flavorful Cherokee Purple, spicy peppers, herb bundles, and a variety of vibrant flowers—perfect for kicking off the growing season.
Adding to the fun, Crafty Bastard Brewing is creating a special pear seltzer made from pears grown right on the farm, with a portion of sales going directly back to support Beardsley’s mission.
It’s a great opportunity to shop local, enjoy a refreshing drink, and celebrate spring with friends—all while supporting a meaningful cause. Stop by, grab a plant (or a few!), and help grow something good in the community. More Info.
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Market Square Farmers Market Returns for Season 23

A beloved Knoxville tradition is back! Nourish Knoxville kicks off the 23rd season of the Market Square Farmers Market on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Market Square.
Shoppers can once again enjoy a vibrant selection of fresh local produce, pasture-raised meats and eggs, baked goods, handmade foods, and artisan crafts—all sourced from local farmers, bakers, and makers. Live music and a lively community atmosphere make each market day a fun and welcoming experience.
This season also brings a helpful update: the market will now operate under one unified name year-round, retiring the “Winter Farmers Market” name to make it easier than ever to find your favorite vendors in every season.
Market Hours:
📅 Wednesdays (May–October): 10 AM – 1 PM
📅 Saturdays (May–October): 9 AM – 1 PM
Whether you’re stocking up on fresh ingredients or just enjoying a morning downtown, the Market Square Farmers Market continues to be a go-to destination for local flavor and community connection. For more details about the Market Square Farmers Market, visit:
https://www.nourishknoxville.org/market-square/
Bob Dylan Birthday Bash!
One of Knoxville’s favorite musical traditions is back! The 20th Annual Bob Dylan Birthday Bash returns to the lawn at Ijams Nature Center on May 24, for an evening of incredible live music and celebration.
This beloved annual event honors American music icon Bob Dylan with a five-hour lineup of talented Knoxville-area musicians, each performing Dylan’s songs in their own unique style. From folk and Americana to rock and soulful reinterpretations, it’s a one-of-a-kind tribute music lovers won’t want to miss.
The festivities begin with doors opening at 3 p.m., and music kicks off at 4 p.m., continuing through 9 p.m.
Guests can also enjoy delicious food and drinks from local food trucks and the Ijams beer garden, making it the perfect way to spend a spring evening outdoors.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, gather your friends, and enjoy a night of music celebrating one of America’s most legendary songwriters. 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 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 |
🗓️ 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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