In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Cloudy with a High of 84

📰 Kickoff to Summer with the Tennessee Valley Fair!

📰 FREE Picnic for Veterans and Guests!

📰 Goldens in the Park

📰 Market Movies Under the Stars Kicks Off

📰 Children’s Reading Festival

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Kickoff to Summer with the Tennessee Valley Fair!

June 7 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center
FREE Admission!

Celebrate the sunshine and family fun at the 3rd Annual Kickoff to Summer, hosted by the Tennessee Valley Fair! This exciting event is the perfect way to launch your summer season—with activities, entertainment, and plenty of smiles.

Enjoy a Day Full of Fun:

• Games & inflatables for kids of all ages

• A friendly petting zoo

• Delicious food trucks and vendors (cash/credit accepted)

• Local business booths and entertainment

Parking is available inside Chilhowee Park, making access easy and convenient.

Whether you’re a fair fan or just looking for a fun and FREE weekend outing with the family, you won’t want to miss this exciting day in the park! More Info

Goldens in the Park: A Tail-Wagging Good Time for a Great Cause! June 5 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Lakeshore Park

Grab the leash and gather the family—Goldens in the Park is back for an evening of furry fun and heartfelt fundraising! This lively event is open to all dogs, not just Goldens, and it’s packed with games, activities, and entertainment for pups and people alike.

 What to Expect:

• Fun games and activities for your four-legged friends

• Live music and a laid-back atmosphere

• Activities for children and families

• Food, beer, and dessert trucks with tasty treats

• A silent auction with great items up for grabs

• And so much more!

Best of all, 100% of the money raised goes directly to support the dogs in care at Adopt a Golden Knoxville.

Tickets:
Skip the line and purchase in advance at www.adoptagoldenknoxville.org or grab your tickets at the door.

Whether you're a dog owner, a dog lover, or just looking for a fun evening outdoors, this is an event you won't want to miss!

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

On May 15, Master Gardener Marsha Lehman will present “Let’s Talk Tomatoes,” a deep dive into one of the garden’s favorite fruits. The session runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Eastern Region Extension Office, 1801 Downtown West Blvd., and is free to attend.

Mark your calendars for a lively evening in the heart of Historic Downtown Lenoir City! On May 16th from 5 PM to 8 PM, Broadway Street will transform into a bustling hub of community fun, shopping, and entertainment—and you’re invited! More Info

Get ready for an afternoon of imagination, innovation, and inspiration at the AMSE Foundation Book Fair, happening , May 17 from 1–5 PM at Barnes & Noble! More Info

The hills of East Tennessee will come alive with the sound of bagpipes as the 43rd Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games returns to Townsend on May 17–18, 2025! A celebration of Scottish, Irish, and Celtic heritage, this is Tennessee’s oldest festival of its kind, offering an unforgettable weekend of music, culture, food, and family fun. www.smokymountaingames.org

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

Movies Under the Stars Kicks Off with: An American Tail

May 23 | Doors at 7:00 PM | Movie at dark | Ijams Nature Center Visitor Center Lawn

Get ready for a magical night of nostalgia and family fun as Ijams Nature Center and Central Cinema kick off the Movies Under the Stars outdoor film series with the animated classic An American Tail!

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and favorite people for an evening under the stars as we follow the heartfelt journey of Fievel Mousekewitz—a young mouse searching for freedom and a new life in America. Full of music, adventure, and hope, this timeless tale is the perfect way to begin a beloved Knoxville summer tradition.

 Before the show:

• Come early to grab a good spot and enjoy pre-show fun

• Savor delicious bites from local food trucks

• Sip craft beverages from the Ijams beer garden

Friendly Reminders:

• No coolers or outside alcohol

• Dogs are welcome but must remain on leash

• Lawn chairs and blankets are highly recommended

Whether you grew up watching An American Tail or are introducing it to the next generation, this is one outdoor movie night you won’t want to miss! More Info

Become a Knoxville Insider Sponsor

Are you a brand new or established business looking to become known in our Knoxville Insider community? We are looking for locally-owned business that would like to become a Knoxville Insider sponsor! Sponsorships can include:

• Hero or section banners

• Logo

• Video

• Print

• Spotlight Directory

• and more…

Reach out to us at [email protected].

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]!