In this Knoxville Insider Issue…
🌤️ Weather | Partly Sunny with a High of 87
📰 Candlelight Concert Brings Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
🗓️ Tennessee Free Fishing Day
🛍️ Shop Local
🗓️ Upcoming Events
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Record High 92 in 1962 | Record Low 38 in 1973


Bijou Jubilee with Music, Festivities, and a Celebration of East Tennessee Culture

An unforgettable evening of music, food, and community is coming to downtown Knoxville as the annual Bijou Jubilee returns on Saturday, June 6.
Presented by the Lawson Family Foundation, the festival-style fundraiser will transform Gay Street and the historic Bijou Theatre into a vibrant celebration of East Tennessee music and culture.
This year’s event will feature two stages with performances from nationally acclaimed artists and beloved regional musicians, along with dancing, spirited festivities, and shared tables under the lights in the heart of downtown Knoxville.
All-inclusive tickets provide general admission access to both the indoor and outdoor stages, dinner and drinks throughout the evening, complimentary parking, and participation in the event’s online auction. Proceeds from the event directly support efforts to preserve and sustain the historic Bijou Theatre for future generations. Tickets available here!
Candlelight Concert Brings Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Tribute to Knoxville Museum of Art

Experience an unforgettable evening of music and atmosphere as the Candlelight concert series comes to Knoxville Museum of Art on May 23, 2026.
The special performance will feature the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a stunning candlelit setting designed to create a unique multi-sensory musical experience.
Guests will enjoy live performances surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight inside one of Knoxville’s most beautiful venues. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs through 7:45 p.m.
The internationally popular Candlelight series is known for transforming iconic spaces into intimate live music experiences that blend classical performance with modern favorites. Get your tickets here!
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East Tennessee Renaissance Faire Returns Memorial Day Weekend for Medieval Adventure

Step back in time this Memorial Day weekend as the 4th Annual East Tennessee Renaissance Faire returns for two days of history, fantasy, and family-friendly fun.
Formerly known as the Newport Renaissance Faire, the growing event will take place May 23–24 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, bringing an immersive medieval experience to East Tennessee.
Guests can expect live combat demonstrations, interactive quest lines, roaming performers, live music, artisan vendors, blacksmithing, glassblowing, costume contests, and hands-on activities for all ages. Organizers say this year’s faire will feature expanded grounds, improved facilities, and even more entertainment than previous years.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in their favorite medieval or fantasy-inspired attire, gather their friends and family, and enjoy a weekend filled with knights, merchants, music, and magical experiences.
The event promises a unique blend of history, creativity, and community while offering visitors the chance to explore artisan crafts, enjoy themed food, and take part in an unforgettable Renaissance-style celebration. More Info
Tennessee Free Fishing Day

Tennesseans and visitors alike are invited to enjoy a day on the water during Tennessee’s annual Free Fishing Day on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Held each year on the Saturday of the first full week in June, Free Fishing Day allows anyone — residents and non-residents of all ages — to fish without a license in Tennessee’s public waters, agency-owned and operated lakes, and Tennessee State Parks.
The event is designed to encourage families, first-time anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts to experience Tennessee’s abundant fishing opportunities while enjoying the state’s lakes, rivers, and streams.
Whether casting a line from the bank, heading out on a boat, or spending the day at a local park, Free Fishing Day offers a great opportunity to introduce children and friends to the sport of fishing without the need for a fishing license.

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🗓️ 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 - 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. Event details and tickets are available through Blue Ridge Yoga Events.
🗓️ 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 - 7th - Shoppers and vintage lovers are invited to experience a weekend of unique finds and local flair as Vintage Market Days® of Knoxville returns June 5–7 with its spring event, “The Vintage Passport.” 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
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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