🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 68

📰 Firefly Nights at Ijams Nature Center

📰 Run Wild at Zoo Knoxville’s New Red Panda Run 5K

🗓️ Scotland in the Smokies Returns

🗓️ Sundays Just Got Better at Ancient Lore Village

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events

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Experience the magic of summer evenings at Ijams Nature Center during special Firefly Nights happening June 10, 11, 17, and 18.

Join an Ijams naturalist for an unforgettable guided walk along the trails as thousands of glowing fireflies light up the night. Along the way, guests will learn how and why these fascinating beetles use bioluminescence to communicate and discover more about the incredible world of lightning bugs.

This unique outdoor experience is a perfect opportunity for families, nature lovers, and photographers alike to witness one of East Tennessee’s most enchanting seasonal displays.

Bring your sense of wonder and enjoy a magical night beneath the glow of the fireflies! More Info

Lace up your running shoes and get ready for a one-of-a-kind race experience at the brand-new Red Panda Run 5K on May 30 at Zoo Knoxville.

This unique event begins and ends inside the zoo, giving participants the chance to race past some of Zoo Knoxville’s most popular animal habitats while supporting wildlife conservation efforts. The course kicks off at the Boyd Family Red Panda Village and winds through the zoo and neighboring Chilhowee Park for a scenic three-mile adventure.

Along the route, runners and walkers will pass tigers, rhinos, gibbons, great apes, and the zoo’s all-new Timber Loop Boardwalk. Two water stations will be available on the course to help keep participants refreshed along the way.

There’s even more excitement waiting at the finish line—age group winners will receive exclusive Red Panda-themed prizes, and the overall winner and their family will enjoy a special meet-and-greet with one of the zoo’s resident red pandas.

Whether you’re running for fun, fitness, or furry friends, the Red Panda Run promises a wild morning for all ages. More Info

The Highlands are calling! The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games returns for its 44th year on May 16–17,, bringing a lively celebration of Scottish, Irish, and Celtic culture to Townsend, just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

As Tennessee’s oldest festival of its kind, this beloved event features an exciting weekend filled with live folk, roots, rock, and pop music, thrilling highland athletics, traditional pipes and drums, and both highland and Irish dance performances.

Festivalgoers can also enjoy whisky tastings, browse a variety of vendors, and sample delicious food and beverages inspired by the Scottish, Irish, and British homelands.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Smokies, this family-friendly event offers something for all ages and takes place rain or shine.

For schedules, FAQs, and additional event details, visit smokymountaingames.org.

Looking for a unique way to spend your Sunday? Ancient Lore Village invites guests to enjoy a relaxing and memorable Brunch at the Village experience every Sunday.

Guests can savor a delicious Chef’s Pick brunch menu served in a cozy, temperature-controlled outdoor venue while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Village. Menus change weekly based on fresh ingredients and the creativity of the chefs, making every visit a little different.

Beyond brunch, visitors are encouraged to explore the Village Gardens, outdoor spaces, hiking trails, and the playful Gremlin Gameyard. Want to make your Sunday even more adventurous? Guests can also add activities like axe throwing or archery to their visit by calling ahead to schedule.

To top it all off, brunch guests can purchase Signature Mimosa Kits featuring Prosecco and fresh juices or enjoy a handcrafted Bloody Mary to pair with their meal.

Whether you’re gathering with family, meeting up with friends, or simply looking for a relaxing Sunday escape, Brunch at the Village offers a one-of-a-kind experience right here in Knoxville. More Info

Interested in learning about how a VIP Pass can help your business? Reach out to [email protected] for more information!

Recurring events

🗓️ 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 - Craft For Art is hosting a Knoxville Mosaic Art Class at Lighthouse Knoxville (6800 Baum Drive) on May 16th from 10:00 AM–12:30 PM. 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 9th Annual Cattywampus Parade & Block Party takes over Suttree Landing Park (1001 Waterfront Drive) 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. More Info

🗓️ 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 - Mabry-Hazen House invites you to Porch Time II — a casual, after-hours historical happy hour on May 20th from 6:00 PM–9:00 PM atop Mabry's Hill. Once known as Night At The Museum, the event has a new name that fits it perfectly: the sweeping wraparound porch of this stunning 1858 Italianate home is where people naturally gather, linger, and connect. 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 - Grammy-Nominated, award-winning country artist Brandon Maddox - a Nashville songwriter with a catalog of around 2,000 original songs and a sound that's pure, down-home country - is performing at Iron Works Grille on the River (1641 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains), running 6:00 PM–9:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ 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 24th - Mabry-Hazen House and The Kraken's Cup Tearoom are joining forces for Steeped in History: Tea and Tradition at Pine Hill Cottage from 2:00 PM–4:00 PM - a charming class and tasting that pulls back the velvet curtain on Victorian tea culture, etiquette, and elegance. More Info

🗓️ 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

🗓️ May 31st - Amadeus Concert Ensemble closes its 2025–2026 season in grand fashion with Rachmaninoff & Friends - a free concert at 5:30 PM at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (711 S. Northshore Drive). 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 1st-24th - Camp Webb runs June 1st through July 24th and offers more than 70 summer camps - welcoming kids from age 4 (Camp Wonderoo for pre-K) through rising 7th graders for a summer packed with adventure, sports, specialty skills, and memories. 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 - Used Book Sale at the Corryton Branch Library (7733 Corryton Road, Corryton) | 1:30–5:00 PM More Info

🗓️ June 5th-6th - Rhinestone Fest takes over Knoxville's Historic Old City 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 5th-21st -If you have ever dreamed of stumbling upon a Golden Ticket, now's their chance to live it. Knoxville Children's Theatre is staging a live production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory running June 5th-21st. More Info

🗓️ June 6th - Grammy-Nominated, award-winning country artist Brandon Maddox - a Nashville songwriter with a catalog of around 2,000 original songs and a sound that's pure, down-home country - is performing at Iron Works Grille on the River (1641 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains), running 6:00 PM–9:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ June 6th - Blount Mansion Association invites you to Martinis at the Mansion - their annual garden party fundraiser - at 5:30 PM at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center (200 W. Hill Ave). 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 12th-13th - Used Book Sale at the Cedar Bluff Branch Library (9045 Cross Park Drive) | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM More Info

🗓️ June 13th - The Red, White & Bloom Makers Market takes over the Hardin Valley Event Center Pavilion (2620 Willow Point Way) from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, bringing together 70 local artisans, bakers, and crafters under one roof - plus food trucks. 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 - at the Historic Grove Theatre in Oak Ridge. More Info

🗓️ June 18th-28th - PAT, the acclaimed one-woman play written and performed by Lisa Soland, returns for a limited engagement, now making its debut at the Jenny Boyd Theatre on the campus of the University of Tennessee - UT's newly opened performance space. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ 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

🗓️ June 23rd - Used Book Sale at the Carter Branch Library (9036 Asheville Highway) | 1:00–7:00 PM More Info

🗓️ June 27th - Used Book Sale at the Karns Branch Library (7516 Oak Ridge Hwy) | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM 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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