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📰 Free Summer Concert Series Returns to Market Square

📰 Rhinestone Fest - Celebrating the Legacy of Dolly Parton

🗓️ Yoga at the Zoo

🗓️ FREE Vessel Safety Checks at Concord Park

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🗓️ Upcoming Events

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Music lovers are invited to enjoy another season of free live entertainment as Concerts on the Square returns to Market Square for summer 2026.

Presented by First Century Bank, the popular concert series will bring live music to the heart of downtown Knoxville throughout the summer months.

Jazz fans can enjoy free performances every Tuesday evening in May, June, and July from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The series will also feature Third Thursday concerts from May through September, showcasing a variety of musical genres for the community to enjoy.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring friends, grab dinner from nearby restaurants, and spend the evening enjoying live music in one of Knoxville’s most vibrant gathering spaces.

Additional event details and concert schedules can be found through Downtown Knoxville Events.

Get ready to sparkle, Knoxville! Rhinestone Fest is returning June 5–6, 2026, bringing a weekend full of music, art, food, history, and Dolly-inspired fun to downtown Knoxville.

Formerly known as Dolly Fest, the annual celebration honors the legendary career and influence of Dolly Parton through a vibrant community festival filled with creativity, kindness, and plenty of rhinestones.

Festival organizers are encouraging guests to come dressed in their “Dolly-best” attire as the event transforms areas throughout Old City into a celebration inspired by Dolly’s iconic style and East Tennessee roots.

Now in its sixth year, Rhinestone Fest will feature artists, musicians, makers, and community do-gooders whose work has been inspired by Dolly’s rhinestone-studded legacy. Attendees can expect live entertainment, local vendors, themed experiences, and opportunities to celebrate one of Tennessee’s most beloved icons.

Additional festival details and updates can be found here

Blue Ridge Yoga and Zoo Knoxville are inviting the community to experience a one-of-a-kind evening where wellness, wildlife, and conservation come together for a meaningful cause.

On Friday, May 29, guests are invited to “Yoga at the Zoo,” a special after-hours fundraiser designed to create a relaxing and memorable experience while supporting wildlife conservation efforts. The evening will begin with a surprise up-close animal encounter before transitioning into an all-levels yoga class surrounded by the unique sights and sounds of the zoo.

Participants will have the rare opportunity to move, breathe, and unwind in one of Knoxville’s most beloved settings while helping support Zoo Knoxville’s ongoing conservation mission.

The event begins at 4:00 p.m., and tickets are $39, with all proceeds directly benefiting the zoo’s wildlife conservation initiatives. Guests are encouraged to embrace the fun by dressing as their favorite animal.

Event details and tickets are available through Blue Ridge Yoga Events.

In partnership with the Knox County Parks & Recreation Department, the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Knoxville-First Flotilla will conduct free vessel safety examinations on Saturday, May 16th, at the boat launch at Concord Park, 10924 South Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922.

Coast Guard Auxiliary-certified vessel examiners will perform a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) for your boat (personal pleasure craft only) or jet ski between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. No appointment is needed; just show up. There is no charge, and there are no consequences if you don't pass. Our goal is to help make boating as safe as possible for you, your family, and your friends through education.

An examiner will inspect your boat’s equipment, including navigation lights and life jackets, to ensure your safety on the water. Your boat will earn the VSC decal if it meets all the requirements. Paddle craft (kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards) can also be inspected. Your decal may provide third-party benefits – consult your insurance provider for more information. Additionally, the decal informs the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency that your vessel complies with all their requirements.

Boaters are urged to take advantage of programs offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron, volunteer organizations dedicated to promoting safe boating. To find out more, visit www.cgaux.org or www.usps.org. Get more information regarding National Sa

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Recurring events

🗓️ 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 16th - 17th - 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. smokymountaingames.org.

🗓️ 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 30th - 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. 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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