In this Knoxville Insider Issue…
🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 66
📰 Knoxville Brewfest - Bands & a Great Cause
🗓️ Rock Hits the Mill Hard - Sevendust & Atreyu with Special Guests
🛍️ Shop Local
🗓️ Upcoming Events
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Record High 90 in 1894 | Record Low 37 in 1988


Dolly, Rhinestones & the Old City - Rhinestone Fest

Only in Knoxville does an entire festival exist just to celebrate the Queen of Country - and it keeps getting better every year.
Rhinestone Fest takes over Knoxville's Historic Old City on June 5th–6th for a free, family-friendly celebration of all things Dolly Parton. Expect a Dolly-themed marketplace packed with handmade and fabulous finds inspired by the glitz, glamour, and charm of the one and only, alongside live music on the main stage, costumes, food, and the kind of joyful energy that only a Dolly crowd can bring.
Whether you come dressed to rhinestone-dazzle or just want to soak in the music and browse the market, this is one of those Knoxville weekends you don't want to miss. Free and open to all. More Info
Knoxville Brewfest - Bands & a Great Cause

Knoxville Brewfest returns to World's Fair Park on June 20th, with 60+ local and regional breweries pouring from 4:30 PM–8:30 PM — including gluten-free and non-alcoholic options. Live music, local food vendors, and a beautiful outdoor setting make this one of Knoxville's most beloved annual events. Every sip also supports CureDuchenne, funding research and helping families affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Want to level up? The VIP Experience ($120) gets you in an hour early at 3:30 PM, plus access to an exclusive lounge with a curated heavy-appetizer menu from Real Good Kitchen, air-conditioned private restrooms, and premium seating. General Admission is $60. Must be 21+. More Info
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All You Can Eat Crawfish & Cold Abita - Trailhead's 10th Annual Boil

Ten years of mudbugs, cold beer, and good company — this one keeps getting better.
Abita Brewing presents the 10th Annual Trailhead Crawfish Boil at Trailhead Beer Market on May 10th starting at 4:00 PM. For around $40, you get all-you-can-eat crawfish with all the fixings, plus $3 Abita cans all afternoon. It's the kind of laid-back East Tennessee tradition that has nothing to do with Louisiana except for everything that makes it great.
Whether you're a crawfish veteran or this is your first boil, Trailhead throws a proper party. More Info
Rock Hits the Mill Hard - Sevendust & Atreyu with Special Guests

Four bands. One night. Zero filler.
Sevendust and Atreyu co-headline a massive rock night at The Mill & Mine on May 20th at 6:50 PM, joined by Fire From The Gods and American Adrenalin.
Whether you've been following Sevendust since the late '90s or discovered Atreyu through their alternative-metal anthems, this is a loaded lineup that delivers front-to-back. Mill & Mine's raw, warehouse energy is exactly the right room for a night like this. More Info

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Specials, Events, & Announcements
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Giveaways, Announcements, & Exclusives
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🗓️ May 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 - Turning Point USA at UTK is hosting Pick Up the Mic 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.
🗓️ 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 6th - Kraken's Cup is hosting Sips & Songbirds: Crafting China Bird Feeders 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. More Info & Tickets
🗓️ 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 - The Muse Knoxville (516 N Beaman St) is hosting a Teddy Bear Tea Party from 12:30–1:30 PM — a magical afternoon of tea, crafts, and cuddly fun designed for little ones and their grown-ups. More Info & Tickets
🗓️ 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 - 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. 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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