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📰 Brush with the Wild

📰 Children’s Festival of Reading

🗓️ Mood Ring Vintage Market at Hi-Wire Brewing

🗓️ Free Sunsphere Days

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events

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Celebrate creativity and the beauty of East Tennessee at Brush with the Wild, happening May 2–3 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Zoo Knoxville.

This unique art festival brings together talented local artists as they create stunning, animal-inspired masterpieces right before your eyes. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy live music, participate in animal life drawing sessions, and explore the Maker’s Village Craft Fair featuring a variety of handmade goods.

There’s something for all ages, including hands-on activities with the Knoxville Museum of Art, opportunities to try out instruments with The Joy of Music School, and even a fun, family-friendly K-Pop dance class led by Knox K-Pop.

As the day winds down, guests can relax with cocktails and take in sunset views over the Rhino Reserve while enjoying a special auction featuring artwork created during the event—along with a few surprises from some of the zoo’s most artistic residents.

It’s a weekend filled with art, music, animals, and unforgettable experiences you won’t want to miss! More Info

Get ready to roar into a day of imagination and fun on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at World's Fair Park!

This milestone celebration brings together world-class authors, illustrators, musicians, and storytellers for a full day of family-friendly entertainment. Enjoy arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, storytimes, science and sports demos, and hands-on activities hosted by local community organizations. Don’t miss the always-popular Parade of Books, a highlight for readers of all ages.

To kick off this year’s dinosaur-themed summer, guests can meet prehistoric pals from East Tennessee Dinosaur Adventure, relax in the “dino-brary,” and discover how anything is “foss-ilble”! Kids will love meeting favorite storybook characters like Corduroy, Biscuit (along with creator Alyssa Satin Capucilli), Bad Kitty, and Penelope Rex, plus a special appearance from Buddy of Dinosaur Train on East Tennessee PBS.

There’s even more prehistoric fun with baby dinos and Tater the T-Rex, and returning this year—hop aboard the Molar Express courtesy of East Tennessee Pediatric Dentistry.

It’s a day packed with stories, smiles, and dino-sized fun you won’t want to miss! More Info.

This lively market will feature 25+ vintage and handmade vendors, offering everything from unique retro finds to one-of-a-kind artisan goods. Whether you’re hunting for something special or just enjoying a casual day out, there’s plenty to explore.

Best of all, entry is completely free, and guests of all ages are welcome—making it a perfect outing for friends, families, and vintage lovers alike.

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:

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

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

🗓️ 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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