Calendar of Events

The 2025 Epiphone Student Guitar Design Exhibition & Auction includes 20 guitars designed and painted by youth artists from across East Tennessee.

Dogwood Arts Gallery, 123 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902

The 2025 Epiphone Student Guitar Design Exhibition & Auction includes 20 guitars designed and painted by youth artists from across East Tennessee. The exhibition will be on display in the Dogwood Gallery during the month of May and at Southern Skies Music Festival on May 10th. The guitars will be auctioned online to benefit youth art programs at Dogwood Arts.

Participating schools: Bearden High School, Concord Christian School, Farragut High School, Gibbs High School, Home School, Jefferson Middle School, Karns High School, L&N STEM Academy, Maryville High School, and West Valley Middle School.

First Friday Opening Reception: Friday, May 2nd from 5-8PM
Gallery Hours: M-F 10AM-5PM
123 W. Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
https://www.dogwoodarts.com/event-details/epiphone-student-guitar-design-exhibition

“Once upon a time, a king had twelve beautiful daughters who danced in secret every night…” The king is mystified by their secret, and issues a challenge to the men of his kingdom – find out what his daughters are up to! Of course, one good-hearted young man succeeds – but at what cost?

Showtimes on Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and 5 PM, and Sundays at 3 PM.

https://knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com/tc-events/12-dancing-princesses/
Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com

Families are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring at Sheep Shearing Days at the Museum of Appalachia May 2 and May 9, 9:00 AM -3:00 PM . This student-focused event will show how pioneers turned wool into clothing and will feature hands-on activities and immersive learning experiences with Appalachian artisans, educators, and musicians.

$20/adults, $10/kids
Free parking

Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Hwy, Clinton, TN 37716. Information: 865-494-7680, www.museumofappalachia.org

14th Annual Circus Extravaganza, Library Lollapalooza
May 2, 7:30 PM, May 3, 2 PM & 7:30 PM, May 4, 2 PM

Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Dragonfly Aerial And Circus Arts Studio's Annual Circus Extravaganza! It's an event like no other, and we want you to be there! This Year's theme is Library Lollapalooza: A Circus of Tumbling Tales! Every act will be a celebration of a different story or genre that you can find at your local library. Come with us as we explore our Dragonfly library and discover all the shenanigans it holds! In an effort to ensure everyone who attends is able to enjoy the show, we will have Spanish language interpretation at our Friday, 7:30 PM show and ASL interpretation at our Saturday, 2:00 PM show.

Our annual Circus Extravaganza funds our scholarship program for kids. We're always grateful for donations from those wanting to give more than the price of a ticket to help sponsor a child, or from those who can't make the show but want a way to give.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/14th-annual-circus-extravaganza-library-lallapalooza
https://www.dragonflyaerialartsstudio.com

May 2-3: Bearden Branch Used Book Sale, 10:00-5:00

https://www.knoxfriends.org/book-sales/

Knoxville’s great outdoors is calling! On May 2 & 3, the Outlandish Adventure Festival will transform Ijams Nature Center into a dynamic playground for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and families. This free, two-day event celebrates Knoxville’s rocks, trails, rivers, and outdoor spirit with unforgettable activities, entertainment, and community connections. Festival Highlights include:

Extreme Spectacles: Witness high slacklining over the quarry, bike whip-off stunts, rock climbing competition, and kayak flatwater freestyle, SUP sprint races, and fire dancing.
Live Music: Enjoy performances across the property and throughout the day. FERD will headline the event.
Interactive Activities: Try paddleboard yoga, biking, hiking, bird watching, trail running, kayaking, and stroll through vendor tents featuring local makers, outdoor brands and sport groups.
Maker Tents: Discover sustainable & nature-centric artistry by local makers inspired by Knoxville’s outdoor culture.
Outdoor Education: Friday Movie Night kicks off the event at the Ijams Visitors Center and Saturday makes learning fun with the following talks: History or Urban Wilderness, Climbing in East TN and Women in Outdoors.

With Ijams Nature Center as the backdrop, the Outlandish Adventure Festival invites everyone to experience Knoxville’s vibrant outdoor scene. Whether you’re an adventure veteran or new to the outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Event proceeds will support outdoor resources in Knoxville, ensuring the city’s green spaces continue to thrive.
www.outlandishaf.com

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Visitor Center open daily 10-6; grounds and trails open daily from 8 AM - dusk. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

Shop the Old City Market! On West Jackson Avenue. The Old City Market transforms the historic Old City into a curated, outdoor market showcasing artists, crafters, and creative makers.

First Friday Markets: Apr 4 · May 2 · Aug 1 · Sep 5 · Oct 3 · Nov 7 · Dec 5, 5PM to 9PM

Sunday Markets: Apr 13 · May 18 · Rhinestone Fest June 7 · June 15 · July 20 · Aug 17 · Sep 21 · Oct 19 · Nov 16 · Small Business Saturday Nov 29, 11AM to 4PM

https://oldcityknoxville.org/market/

Visit Knoxville announces today free local Sunsphere days. These will coincide with First Fridays from May through October 2025 (the same month pattern as when the 1982 World’s Fair was held) with the exception of July 4th due to the Independence Day holiday. The free local days in 2025 are as follows:

• May 2
• June 6
• August 1
• September 5
• October 3

Those with a physical copy of their Knox County Driver’s License will be allowed a complimentary visit to the 4th Floor Observation Deck. The 4th Floor Observation Deck allows a maximum of 40 people every 30 minutes; space is limited and admission is first come, first serve. The Welcome Center and Observation Deck will also be open later until 6PM (regularly 5PM) for an additional hour of enjoyment.

The Sunsphere, built for the 1982 World’s Fair, offers a unique experience. Its 4th Floor Observation Deck provides a stunning 360-degree view of downtown Knoxville, the Great Smoky Mountains, World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River, and the University of Tennessee Campus. Visitors can also explore a timeline, gallery, memorabilia, a newly painted mural, and technology related to the World’s Fair.

“We are excited to offer these free local Sunsphere days,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy Knoxville’s iconic structure with our community.”

Additionally, in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week which will take place May 4–10, 2025, admission to the Sunsphere will be discounted for all visitors via the code NTTW25. The code will be active beginning May 4. Prices will be as follows: Adult tickets will be $5 (regularly $10), Children (12 and under) tickets will be free (regularly $5). Tickets can be purchased online at https://shop.visitknoxville.com/discount/NTTW25?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fsunsphere-tickets. Please use the code NTTW25 at checkout or purchase discounted rate tickets in person at the Sunsphere Welcome Center.

For more information, go to visitknoxville.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, announces a new exhibition, “Homelands: Connecting to Mounds Through Native Art,” opening to the public on January 25, 2025. The project sets a new standard for collaborative exhibition practices at the McClung and represents the museum's most significant renovation in more than 20 years.

"‘Homelands’ is a defining moment for the McClung Museum. It’s the largest project we’ve undertaken in over two decades, but its impact goes far beyond its scale,” said Claudio Gómez, Jefferson Chapman Executive Director of the museum. “This exhibition has challenged us to rethink how we collaborate, bringing in new perspectives and allowing us to honor Native voices in ways that are both respectful and forward-thinking.”

“Homelands” showcases contemporary art by 17 Native artists to emphasize the enduring ties between Native Nations and Knox County. As a result of the exhibition, the museum has acquired 22 new works for its permanent collection.

https://news.utk.edu/2025/01/07/mcclung-museum-to-open-exhibition-centering-native-voices-and-contemporary-art/

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, 1327 Circle Park Dr on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: Tu-Sa 9-5, Sun 12-4. Information: 865-974-2144, https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/

The WDVX Blue Plate Special is a live performance radio show held at noon at Visit Knoxville (301 S. Gay Street) every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with your host Red Hickey… and on Saturday with host Sean McCollough. On Fridays WDVX takes the Blue Plate Special to Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria (200 E Jackson Ave) for “The Big Plate”. Make yourself at home as part of the WDVX family at this this daily free concert series. From blues to bluegrass, country to Celtic, folk to funk, rockabilly to hillbilly, local to international, it’s all part of the live music experience on The WDVX Blue Plate Special.

All seats are free, and visitors may come and go as they please.

Info: 865-544-1029, http://www.wdvx.com