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📰 Watch a Forest Grow - Trees Knoxville Plants a Microforest at Inskip

📰 Martinis at the Mansion - Cocktails, Gardens & History

🗓️ Stock Your Summer Shelves in June at Knox County Library Book Sales

🗓️ Giant Puppets on the River - Cattywampus Parade & Block Party

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🗓️ Upcoming Events

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In one afternoon, a patch of urban Knoxville is about to become a thriving forest. Trees Knoxville is hosting a community microforest planting event at Inskip Recreation Center (301 W. Inskip Drive) on May 12th from 1:00 PM–3:00 PM — and the public is invited to watch, learn, and be part of something truly remarkable.

Working with partners including TVA, the Knoxville Garden Club, and the University of Tennessee's Herbert College of Agriculture, the team will plant more than 250 native saplings using the Miyawaki method — a groundbreaking reforestation technique that produces forests growing up to ten times faster than conventional plantings, often becoming self-sustaining within just a few years.

The science is as cool as it sounds: by planting multiple native species — canopy trees, understory plants, shrubs, and groundcover — in close formation, the method recreates the structure of a mature forest almost from day one. The Inskip microforest will serve as a living demonstration site for ecological education and community engagement for years to come, while expanding Knoxville's urban tree canopy one dense, biodiverse patch at a time.

For more information about the initiative or to get involved, visit www.treesknoxville.org or contact Melissa Hinten through email at [email protected] or by phone at (865) 333-0924

Blount Mansion Association invites you to Martinis at the Mansion — their annual garden party fundraiser — on June 6th at 5:30 PM at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center (200 W. Hill Ave).

For one beautiful summer evening, the historic grounds of Blount Mansion and the Craighead-Jackson House open up for guests to explore — cocktails and wine in hand, grazing tables nearby, and live music setting the mood.

It's a chance to toast some of the most storied ground in Tennessee while supporting Knox County's only National Historic Landmark. Tickets are $100 per person (all-inclusive), and RSVP is required. More Info

Whether you're a novel-a-week reader, a bargain hunter, or just someone who loves the smell of a good used book, June is your month.

The Friends of Knox County Public Library are holding Used Book Sales at four branch locations throughout June, and with most books priced at $3 or less, you can load up your summer reading list without spending much at all. Every dollar raised goes directly back to supporting your local library. Here's the full June lineup:

Can't make it to a sale in person? The Friends also run an eBay store where you can shop their collection from your couch. More Info

The 9th Annual Cattywampus Parade & Block Party takes over Suttree Landing Park (1001 Waterfront Drive) on Sunday, May 17th with a full afternoon of art, music, community, and giant puppets under this year's theme: "Where the Waters Meet." The festivities begin at 2:00 PM with parade lineup at the Suttree Landing Pavilion, the parade kicks off at 3:00 PM, and the Block Party runs 2:00 PM–6:00 PM on the Festival Lawn — all completely free and open to everyone.

This New Orleans-style walking parade is truly a community creation: kids from the Boys & Girls Club, Centro Hispano, and the Wesley House have spent months building their own giant puppets and artwork to carry through the streets. And this year features something extra special — a pre-parade river flotilla with Knoxville Adventure Collective, recreating the confluence of the Holston and French Broad Rivers as paddlers travel downstream to Suttree's Landing to join the celebration on land.

The Block Party stage lineup is stacked: DJ Drewskii, DJ Rae, Knox Honkers & Bangers, Brass Your Heart, Rica Chicha, youth poet laureate Nia Thompson, and a one-of-a-kind collaboration between hip-hop artist J.Bu$h and Cherokee flutist Jarrett Wildcatt. Food vendors include Tarik's North African, South Coast Pizza, Sevier Ave Burgers, Tesoro Gelato, The Roaming Cactus, and Frog Juice Kombucha. Free, family-friendly, and unforgettable. More Info

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Recurring events

🗓️ 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 10th - Abita Brewing presents the 10th Annual Trailhead Crawfish Boil at Trailhead Beer Market 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. More Info

🗓️ 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 - Chalk the Plaza will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza. This vibrant, family-friendly event invites the community to watch as talented artists transform ordinary sidewalks into stunning chalk masterpieces right before your eyes. It’s a day full of creativity, connection, and fun for all ages. 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 - Sevendust and Atreyu co-headline a massive rock night at The Mill & Mine at 6:50 PM, joined by Fire From The Gods and American Adrenalin. 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 - KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival - Get ready for a day bursting with creativity as Dogwood Arts transforms Emory Place into a vibrant open-air art and music experience on May 30 from noon to 8 p.m. More Info

🗓️ May 30th - The Discover Knoxville Expo comes to the Hardin Valley Event Center (2620 Willow Point Way) from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, presented by BeLocal K-Town. It features 50+ local vendors showcasing the businesses, services, and resources that make this community feel like home, plus a live local band and BeLocal Bingo. More Info

🗓️ 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 1st - This day marks Tennessee's 230th Statehood Day, commemorating the day in 1796 when Tennessee became the 16th state in the union — a moment that happened at Blount Mansion in downtown Knoxville. More Info

🗓️ June 2nd - Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening comes to the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 PM — a full night of Zeppelin's greatest music performed with the reverence, power, and authenticity that only Jason Bonham can bring. More Info

🗓️ June 3rd - The City of Knoxville's Kid A' Riffic Fun in the Park series launches from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Chilhowee Park, kicking things off with Touch-A-Truck, kazoo fun, hands-on arts and crafts, and a food truck on site. More Info

🗓️ June 5th-6th - 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. More Info

🗓️ June 6th - The Knoxville Firefighters Association presents Long Run Rocks — A Tribute to the Eagles at Chilhowee Park at 8:00 PM. Expect a full night of Eagles classics — "Hotel California," "Take It Easy," "New Kid in Town," and more — performed live in one of Knoxville's most iconic outdoor venues. 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 11th -Paul Thorn, the Mississippi-born singer-songwriter beloved for his warm, witty, deeply human take on life, love, and the South, comes to the Bijou Theatre at 8:00 PM - presented by local music legend WDVX. More Info

🗓️ June 14th - Fashion, nature, and a whole lot of Technicolor - this year's Fleurish might be the most stunning one yet. Fleurish, Ijams Nature Center's annual sustainable fashion show, returns from 6:00–9:00 PM on the Ijams lawn. 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

🗓️ June 20th - Celebrate summer in full bloom at the Lavender Festival from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Jackson Square. This free, family-friendly event transforms the historic district into a vibrant day of shopping, music, food, and fun. More Info

🗓️ June 20th - Knoxville Brewfest returns to World's Fair Park, 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. 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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