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In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 80

📰 The Pink Bride Connect and Grow Sessions

🗓️ Third Annual Blackberry Festival

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Record High 98 in 1951 | Record Low 46 in 1983

First Friday ArtWalk at The Emporium

Downtown Knoxville's art scene is pulling out all the stops this First Friday. The Emporium (100 S. Gay Street) opens four brand-new exhibitions on June 5th from 5:00 PM–9:00 PM — and with live music from Nick Marlow from 6:00 PM–9:00 PM and free parking on nights and weekends, there's no reason not to make a night of it.

In the Balcony Gallery, curator Lynne Marinelli Ghenov presents Dream Thesaurus — a layered, textured exploration of materials and meaning featuring the work of Mikel Elam, Risa Hricovsky, and Caroline Santa. Mikel's mixed-media portraits summon invisible histories through collage and found objects; Risa transforms ceramics into something wild and futuristic, like a petri dish from another dimension; and Caroline's intimate assemblages — built from her own saved scraps of fabric and paper — pack enormous energy into small, careful clusters.

In the Lower Gallery, Terra Madre – Women in Clay showcases 35 female ceramic artists united by a love of clay and mutual encouragement, a group that's been inspiring East Tennessee's ceramics community since 2000. The Atrium goes playful with Let's Get Whimsical! — retired banker and UT-trained painter Larry Cole sharing the comedic, outrageous, joyfully irreverent side of his practice.

In the Display Case, photographer Chet Overall presents Cam de L'àmé ("Camera of the Soul"), a gritty street photography project born from a decade spent documenting life in New Orleans. All four exhibitions run through June 26th, with gallery hours Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.

The Pink Bride Connect and Grow Sessions

The Pink Bride Wedding Collective is hosting its Connect and Grow Sessions on June 3rd at 6:00 PM at the enchanting Ancient Lore Village (502 Ancient Lore Way)— and if you've never experienced Ancient Lore Village as a networking backdrop, prepare to be wowed.

This interactive evening is designed for planners, photographers, florists, DJs, caterers, venue representatives, content creators, rental companies, beauty professionals, and any creative working in the wedding space.

It's a refreshing alternative to the usual business mixer — featuring light refreshments, presentations from Pink Bride and Ancient Lore Village, a guided property tour of the stunning grounds, and a structured speed networking experience built to spark real conversations and lasting collaborations. Whether you're an established pro or a growing creative just finding your footing, this is an opportunity to build relationships with the people who help bring unforgettable celebrations to life — in one of the most unforgettable settings in East Tennessee. Get your tickets at the link below. More Info & Tickets

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Rooted in Faith, Growing in Business — The Vine Network June Meeting

The Vine Network hosts its monthly Faith Based Business Boost meeting on June 10th from 8:30 AM–10:00 AM at 4900 Horsestall Drive — and it's completely free, no membership required.

The Vine Network's mission is simple: to help faith-driven entrepreneurs grow both personally and professionally, through genuine community, mutual encouragement, and practical support.

With no fees, no membership pressure, and no agenda beyond helping each other succeed, it's the kind of gathering that reminds you why community matters in business. Whether you're just starting out, navigating a growth season, or simply looking for like-minded people to share the journey with, this monthly meetup is for you. Come see what the hype is all about!

Third Annual Blackberry Festival

The Third Annual Blackberry Festival and 5K takes over 2910 W Emory Road in Powell on June 27th from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, hosted by Powell Presbyterian Church — and the lineup is everything a perfect summer Saturday should be.

Kick things off with a 5K and fun run, then settle in for a full day of food trucks, a Kid Zone, live music, craft vendors, a firetruck to explore, games, and so much more.

It's the kind of event where families come in the morning and stay until the afternoon, making memories and connecting with neighbors. Runner registration is coming soon, and if you're interested in vending or sponsorship opportunities, that's the place to go, too. Mark the date and bring the whole crew. More Info

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🗓️ June 2nd-24th - Camp Webb 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 2nd-July 30th - Concerts on the Square, presented by First Century Bank, returns to Market Square for its summer series of free Jazz Tuesday concerts, running every Tuesday in June and July from 7:00 PM–9:00 PM. 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 4th - It's not just bourbon with a different label — and this class will prove it. Tennessee Whiskey 202 is coming to The Vault Room at 6:30 PM, presented by Liquor Vault and Whiskey University - and this isn't your average tasting. You'll sample six Tennessee whiskeys side by side, with a shared appetizer included to complement the experience. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ June 5th - First Friday ArtWalk transforms the streets, galleries, and shops of downtown Knoxville into a free, walkable arts experience on the first Friday of each month. The festivities kick off around 5:00 PM and run through the evening, with galleries and creative spaces staying open late, local artists displaying their work, and performance art popping up throughout the district. 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 - Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in Oak Ridge — and this landmark year's lineup is genuinely special. The festival brings together four of the country's most acclaimed storytellers: Sheila Arnold, Josh Goforth, Bil Lepp, and Elizabeth Ellis, making her very first Flatwater Tales appearance. 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 - 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-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 5th-21st -Knoxville Children's Theatre is presenting The Hobbit — Patricia Gray's stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved classic — with multiple showtimes throughout the run. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:00 PM, Saturdays at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM, giving families plenty of chances to catch it. More Info

🗓️ June 6th - Start your summer with a day of family fun at the 4th Annual Tennessee Valley Fair Kickoff to Summer from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center. More Info

🗓️ June 6th - Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (2743 Wimpole Avenue) is hosting A Garden's Story: Mindful Photography from 10:00 AM–11:30 AM — a hands-on workshop that will change how you look at the world around you, camera or phone in hand. More Info/Register

🗓️ June 6th - The Saving Grace 5K takes place at Victor Ashe Park (4901 Bradshaw Road) on June 6th — and whether you're a seasoned racer or someone who just wants to walk a mile for a meaningful cause, there's a distance for you. More Info & Signup

🗓️ June 6th - Marble City Opera is bringing its beloved annual Opera in the Park concert to Lakeshore Park (6410 S. Northshore Drive) from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM — and admission is completely free. Food trucks will be on-site to round out the evening, making this a true community gathering in one of Knoxville's most beautiful outdoor settings. More Info

🗓️ June 6th - Fountain City Town Hall, in partnership with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and HawgMolly Fishing, is hosting Bobby Wilson Fishing Day at the Fountain City Lake "Duck Pond" from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM — and it is completely free to attend. More Info

🗓️ June 6th - Margo Price — the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who has become one of the most celebrated voices in American roots music — brings her tour to the Bijou Theatre. More Info

🗓️ June 6th - The Knoxville Ice Cream Festival returns to the World's Fair Park Festival Lawn from 11 AM–6 PM — and it's completely free to attend. This is the kind of event that checks every box for a perfect summer day out: cold treats, sunshine, live entertainment, and something fun for every member of the family.

🗓️ 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 10th - Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Got the Moves comes to the Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street) at 6:00 PM — an interactive live stage show that puts kids right in the middle of the action from the very first moment. More Info

🗓️ June 11th - New2Knox's Friendship Speed Dating event takes over Hi-Wire Brewing (2020 Barber Street) on June 11th from 6:30 PM–8:00 PM — and the concept is exactly as fun as it sounds. 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 - Summer Book Fest, presented by Knox Social Club, is bringing a full weekend of literary fun to Crafty Bastard Brewery (6 Emory Place). 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 - Cowboy Junkies: Celebrating 40 Years and Beyond comes to the Bijou Theatre at 8:00 PM — a milestone anniversary tour from one of the most quietly influential bands of the last four decades. More Info

🗓️ June 13th - The Water Lantern Festival — voted the #1 Festival in the World by USA Today — is coming to Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center (3301 E Magnolia Ave), with gates opening at 6:00 PM and the lantern launch happening from 9:00 PM–10:00 PM. Get Tickets

🗓️ 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 - Summer Movie Magic: Spaceballs at the Tennessee Theatre. More Info

🗓️ June 14th - Summer Movie Magic: Wizard of Oz at the Tennessee Theatre. 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 19th - The Annual MLK Jr. Parade/March and Juneteenth Celebration returns with a full day of community, history, and joy honoring the end of slavery in the United States. The parade steps off at 10:00 AM from Chilhowee Park and makes its way to Dr. Walter Hardy Park (2089 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave), where the Juneteenth Celebration runs from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM with live music, dancing, food, local vendors, and more. More Info

🗓️ June 19th - Dancing Machine: A Tribute Band to the Jacksons takes the stage at Market Square from 7:00 PM–9:00 PM as part of the City of Knoxville's Variety Thursdays – Concerts on the Square series. More Info

🗓️ June 20th - Taste of Summer: Wine and Food Festival returns to the Knoxville Museum of Art (1050 World's Fair Park Drive) from 5:00 PM–9:00 PM — an elegant, immersive evening where the culinary scene takes center stage. More Info

🗓️ June 20th - RiverView Family Farm (12130 Prater Lane) is throwing a Barn Dance on from 6:00 PM–9:30 PM - an open-to-the-public evening of live line dancing instruction, great food, and the kind of genuine good time that's hard to find. Admission is just $10 per person, and children under 5 get in free.

🗓️ 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 21st - Get ready for a citywide celebration of music as Make Music Knoxville returns! For one exciting day, music will fill the streets, parks, patios, stages, sidewalks, and public spaces across Knoxville, transforming the city into one giant free music festival. More Info

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

🗓️ June 24th-27th - Nief-Norf SYNNERGY comes to Knoxville - a four-day contemporary music festival and conference that's genuinely unlike anything else happening in East Tennessee this summer. Think cutting-edge new music performed live by world-class artists, with 12 free public concerts woven throughout the week. No ticket required. Just show up and listen. More Info

🗓️ June 25th - Music for Seniors: Love Notes - A Musical Afternoon of Romance comes to the Episcopal Church of the Ascension (800 S. Northshore Drive) from 2:00 PM–3:00 PM, presented by the acclaimed Knoxville Opera. More Info

🗓️ June 26th - Kathleen Madigan - The Day Drinking Tour comes to the Bijou Theatre at 7:00 PM — and if you've ever caught her on a late-night show, her Netflix specials, or heard her on the radio, you already know what you're getting: razor-sharp, relatable, laugh-until-it-hurts comedy delivered by someone who has been doing this at the highest level for three decades. More Info

🗓️ June 27th - The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony comes to the Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street) — one of the most prestigious nights in women's basketball, and it happens right here in Knoxville, home of the WBHOF. 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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