In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Cloudy with a High of 64

📰 Teddy Bears & Tea at The Muse

🗓️ Pick Up the Mic - Riley Gaines, Senator Blackburn, Josh Thifault at UTK

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Record High 90 in 2010 | Record Low 34 in 1963

Free Concert at the Yacht Club - Music for Seniors

A beautiful waterfront setting, an hour of live music, and a mission that goes deeper than just a good time — this one is special.

Music for Seniors brings its Lighting Up Lives Free Daytime Concert Series to the Concord Yacht Club & Sailing Center (11600 S. Northshore Drive) on May 14th from 1:00–2:00 PM, featuring the Flashback Rhythm Section. The Nashville-based nonprofit, funded in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission, designs every concert to do something remarkable: strengthen the brain, stimulate memory, reduce isolation, and slow the progression of age-related conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia — all through the simple, powerful joy of live music.

Local assisted living and independent living communities will be joining in, and all are welcome — bring a neighbor, a parent, a grandparent, or just yourself. Admission is completely free. More Info

Teddy Bears & Tea at The Muse

The Muse Knoxville is hosting a Teddy Bear Tea Party on May 9th from 12:30–1:30 PM — a magical afternoon of tea, crafts, and cuddly fun designed for little ones and their grown-ups. The Kraken's Cup Tearoom joins in with tea time and snacks, while kids get to make a Tea Party Charm Bracelet, decorate their own teapot, and settle in for a cozy "Tea Party Rules" story time. And every child takes home a brand-new teddy bear, thanks to Zoologee.

It's the perfect Mother's Day weekend outing for families with little ones — charming, hands-on, and genuinely memorable. More Info & Tickets

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Sips & Songbirds at Kraken's Cup

Kraken's Cup is hosting Sips & Songbirds: Crafting China Bird Feeders on May 6th at 6:00 PM — a hands-on crafting event in partnership with Doing Dishes, where you'll transform beautiful vintage China into one-of-a-kind functional bird feeders.

Think full English Garden whimsy, think teacups turned into something magical, think a gift that's as timeless as a good cup of tea. All materials are provided, so just show up ready to create. More Info & Tickets

Pick Up the Mic - Riley Gaines, Senator Blackburn, Josh Thifault at UTK

Turning Point USA at UTK is hosting Pick Up the Mic on May 5th at 6:00 PM in the Student Union Ballroom 272 B/C at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The event features U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, collegiate swimming champion and women's sports advocate Riley Gaines, and Josh Thifault. It's free and open to those who want to attend.

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🗓️ May 2nd - Bearden Branch Used Book Sale, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

🗓️ May 2nd - Get ready to breathe in the fresh air and push your boundaries at the upcoming Outlandish Adventure Festival happening May 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 - Celebrate spring with a fun afternoon of shopping and community at the Mood Ring Vintage Market on from 2–7 PM at Hi-Wire Brewing (906 Sevier Avenue)

🗓️ 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 2nd-3rd - Celebrate creativity and the beauty of East Tennessee at Brush with the Wild, 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, and explore the Maker’s Village Craft Fair. More Info

🗓️ 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 - Growing Hope with the GFPD returns for its 2nd Annual event on from 1:00 PM–4:00 PM at the UT Gardens Friendship Pavilion — a beautiful outdoor gathering benefiting the Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders, the organization doing critical research and support work for families affected by these rare conditions worldwide. 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 - Katie Holt visits Good Girl Books (7685 South Northshore Drive) on May 23rd at 7:00 PM for an Author Chat & Signing celebrating her brand new novel, The Last Page — her second book, releasing May 12th. RSVP to [email protected] to save your spot. More Info

🗓️ 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 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 25th - Fountain City Town Hall presents Honor Fountain City Day in the Park from 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM at Fountain City Park — a free, family-friendly community celebration honoring the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives in service of our country. More Info

🗓️ 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 - The Marble City Opera 2026 Summer Festival opens at the Historic Grove Theater in Oak Ridge with Josephine — a stunning one-woman opera by composer Tom Cipullo. More Info

🗓️ 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

🗓️ June 6th - Marble City Opera heads outdoors for its beloved annual Opera in the Park — a free concert at Lakeshore Park. More Info

🗓️ June 18th, 20th - The season closes with two performances of The Tragedy of Carmen — a 90-minute adaptation of Bizet's iconic Carmen — on June 18th and 20th at the Historic Grove Theatre in Oak Ridge. 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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