Calendar of Events

The Market Square Farmers Market is an open-air, producer-only farmers market managed by Nourish Knoxville and held every Wednesday and Saturday, May through mid-November in the heart of downtown Knoxville. Everything at the Market Square Farmers Market is grown, raised, and/or made by our vendors within a 150-mile radius of Knoxville, TN. Products vary by season and include fresh fruits & vegetables, eggs, honey, pasture-raised meats, edible & ornamental plants, cut flowers, bread & baked goods, jams & jellies, coffee, artisan crafts, and more! We offer SNAP & SNAP Doubling services each market day, Nourish Moves – a free walking incentive program – every Wednesday, and Nourish Kids – a free kids activity – on the 2nd Saturday of each month.

Every Wednesday, May 7 – November 19, 2025, 10 AM – 1 PM
Every Saturday, May 3 – November 22, 2025, 9 AM – 1 PM
*** NO MARKET on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

https://www.nourishknoxville.org/market-square-farmers-market

John Craigie, Saturday, May 03, 8:00 PM at the Bijou Theatre.

Tickets at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B00623E883D5024

Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information/tickets: 865-522-0832, https://knoxbijou.org/

Jubilee Community Arts at the Laurel Theater (865) 522-5851
1538 Laurel Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916
Contact: concerts@jubileearts.org

The Faux Paws continue to remain a singularly unique outfit in the acoustic music community, always on the fringes, always memorable and with an increasing number of die-hard fans who feel like they’ve uncovered a secret. Is it bluegrass? Not usually. Old-time? Occasionally. Is it Celtic? Can’t quite say that. Is it Folk? Americana? Jazz? Singer-songwriter? None of the above, but members of the Paws have deep ties to all of these traditions and blend their elements effortlessly to serve whatever musical idea is being presented

https://thefauxpawsmusic.com/about/

Tickets available at TicketLeap (https://jubilee-community-arts.ticketleap.com), by mail or at the door 30 minutes prior to show. $20 at the door, $15 General Audience Advance, $14 JCA members, students & seniors 65+

“His natural and instinctive interpretations are second to none: his virtuoso technique allows him absolute command of the instrument, subtle phrasing, dazzling speed, beautiful tonal control... everything.”
— Classical Guitar Magazine

We are delighted to invite you to an enchanting evening with the internationally acclaimed guitarist and composer, René Izquierdo, presented by Knoxville Classical Guitar.

Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Venue: The Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, 425 N Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville
The evening will commence with a performance by the 2025 KCG Guitar Ensemble, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical experience.

Born in Havana, Cuba, René Izquierdo has captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional artistry and profound musical interpretations. A graduate of the Guillermo Tomás, Amadeo Roldán Conservatory, and Superior Institute of Art in Havana, René further honed his craft at the Yale University School of Music under the guidance of Benjamin Verdery.
René's illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades, including victories at the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Competition, the Extremadura International Guitar Competition, the Schadt String Competition, and the Stotsenberg International Guitar Competition. As a passionate educator, René serves as a professor of classical guitar at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he has built a world-renowned guitar program.

Following the concert, we warmly invite all attendees to join us for a delightful social gathering. This will be a wonderful opportunity to mingle with fellow music enthusiasts and discuss the evening's performance. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online or at the door. https://www.knoxvilleclassicalguitar.com/

Kentucky Derby Party at Fountain City Social, Saturday, May 3rd at 3:00 PM.
Get ready to don your biggest hat and raise a mint julep—Fountain City Social, 4842 Harvest Mill Way, your favorite 80s-inspired cocktail bar, is hosting a Kentucky Derby celebration you won’t want to miss!

Join us as we gather to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports. Whether you go all out with Southern-chic attire or just swing by as you are, we’ll have the vibes, the bourbon, and the race-day spirit waiting for you.

Expect: Big hats, Kentucky bourbon & classic mint juleps, The Derby on the big screen AND good times with great people!

So grab your crew and trot on over to Fountain City Social for an afternoon of timeless cocktails, Derby tradition, and 80s flair.

Community Appreciation Day at Little Ponderosa Zoo & Rescue, Saturday, May 3,
10 AM – 6 PM, 199 Tipton Hollow Road, Clinton, TN.
FREE Admission!
Bring the whole family and join in the fun at Community Day, a heartfelt tradition at the Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue! Created by founder James Cox as a way to give back to the community he loved, this special day continues in his honor—and it’s all about YOU, the community that supports the zoo year-round.

What to Expect: Up-close animal encounters, Live music and entertainment,
Delicious food and treats, Bounce houses and kids’ activities,
Fun for the whole family!

Whether you're a longtime fan or it's your first visit, Community Day is the perfect opportunity to explore the zoo, meet the animals, and enjoy a full day of free fun.

Come celebrate, connect, and create memories that’ll last a lifetime—all for FREE.
Let’s make this Community Day the biggest and best one yet!!

https://littleponderosazoo.com/

North Hills Park (2419 Kennington Rd)

Celebrate the arrival of spring with one of Knoxville’s favorite green-thumb gatherings! The North Hills Garden Club invites you to their annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at North Hills Park. This beloved community event features a wide variety of native and perennial plants grown and donated by residents of the historic North Hills neighborhood. From hardy shrubs to blooming annuals, herbs, and vegetables, you’ll find everything you need to refresh your garden and support local gardening efforts. But it’s more than just plants—visitors can also browse arts and crafts booths hosted by neighborhood makers, and explore the garden shed for great deals on outdoor tools, décor, and other treasures. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this event has something for everyone. Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun-filled morning surrounded by flowers, friendly faces, and community spirit!

https://www.facebook.com/events/550984121359081

At Architectural Antics, 820 N Broadway, Knoxville
Starting late afternoon – until the music winds down

Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, flavor, fashion, and philanthropy as we celebrate Kentucky Derby Day at one of Knoxville’s most unique venues - Architectural Antics - all while supporting humanitarian and medical efforts for Ukraine. This is more than a Derby watch party. It’s a lively community event where every bet, bite, and beverage supports a greater cause. Whether you're a horse racing fan, a lover of good food and music, or simply someone who wants to stand with Ukraine, there’s something for you.

We’ll have a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby, so bring your lucky charm and pick your winning horse! You can join our friendly Derby pool, where a portion of each wager goes directly to fund Ukrainian humanitarian relief, and the rest goes to the winning bettors. It's a fun way to get involved and give back at the same time.

Enjoy a classic Southern favorite - mint juleps - in exchange for donations to our Ukraine fundraiser. Sip on something cool and refreshing while mingling with friends, old and new, and raising funds for people and animals impacted by war in Ukraine.

It wouldn't be Derby Day without fabulous fashion! Show up in your most extravagant or creative Kentucky Derby-style hat and strut your stuff. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in our Hat Contest, so go bold with bows, feathers, florals, or even a Ukrainian twist!

Every guest receives one free raffle ticket upon arrival, and additional tickets are available with donations. Enter to win special gifts from Ukraine and generous donations from our local Knoxville businesses. From handcrafted Ukrainian keepsakes to unique local treasures, our raffle is your chance to give and receive.

Bring a dish to share and enjoy the flavors of our famous Architectural Antics potluck supper! Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, your contribution will add to a beautiful and bountiful meal shared by all. It’s BYOB, so bring your favorite drink - or stick with mint juleps all evening long!

Enjoy live music from a variety of local performers, including at least one Ukrainian musician, adding authentic flavor and heart to the evening. We’ll also be showing videos and photo slideshows from Ukraine to share the stories, spirit, and strength of the Ukrainian people.

All funds raised will support koloHUB, a Knoxville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2022. koloHUB is committed to improving the well-being of individuals and animals affected by the war in Ukraine through medical and humanitarian assistance. Even if you’re not placing a bet or sipping a julep, your presence and participation matter. Bring your energy, your generosity, and your good spirit. We’ll provide the food, fun, and a vibrant atmosphere where community and cause come together beautifully.
https://www.facebook.com/share/16XgCMrcFp/

First Friday Reception: May 2nd, 5:30 - 9 pm
May Featured Artist

Kimberly Collins, Photography
Kimberly is a storyteller. Whether she’s weaving a tale of fiction or exploring the world through the camera lens, story is the ultimate goal. Kimberly’s photography covers many areas across the country, but her favorite subjects make their home in Appalachia
—wild horses in West Virginia, a stream in the Great Smoky Mountains, an ancient magnolia tree, or the delicate blooms on a dogwood. She hopes to share the magic and wonder of Appalachia through her photography. Kimberly is board member of the Art Market Gallery in Knoxville, Tennessee (2025). Kimberly is also a published author and her latest historical fiction series, Mingo Chronicles (Blood Creek and The Massacre), depicts the coal mine wars in West Virginia. Set in the early 1900s, this pivotal labor struggle includes one of the largest armed insurrections in the history of the United States. Kimberly is a writer, a photographer, a dreamer—creating worlds with the magic of words and images.

Art Market Gallery, 422 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-6, Su 1-6. Information: 865-525-5265, www.artmarketgallery.net, www.Facebook.com/ArtMarketGallery

Join us for The REQUIEM Project, an ongoing COVID memorial by Bay Area artist Tina Rath, opening on First Friday, May 2nd, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at the Arrowmont Gallery, with Rath present.

This installation represents the staggering global loss of the COVID-19 pandemic, with each of the more than 7 million lives lost symbolized by an individual golden circle. REQUIEM seeks to make this unimaginable number tangible. Every drawing includes handwritten names, honoring individuals and acknowledging their unique lives. Though the pandemic years may feel distant, the collective grief and trauma remain with us. The REQUIEM Project invites us to engage in a quiet, meditative process of healing through art. Throughout the exhibition, including opening night, visitors are invited to take part in “Compassion Drawing” sessions. Using gold watercolor, one can contribute their own circles to the project. Each circle—like a fingerprint—is distinct, reflecting personal touch. Multiple people work on the 50 x 72″ drawings, creating a rich tapestry of varied circles expressing the collective nature of The REQUIEM Project. Whether or not you personally lost someone to COVID-19, “Compassion Drawing” sessions are open to everyone, no art experience is needed. Children age 10+ are also welcome, and all materials with simple instructions will be provided. You may also write the name of a loved one who died from COVID-19 on a circle. Their name will be added to a growing global database of those lost, compiled by the artist.

If you’re unable to attend in person but would still like to honor someone, you can email their name(s) to tina@tinarath.com. Tina will personally include them in the artwork and send you an image and the drawing number they appear on.

For more information on this exhibition and others, please visit our site at https://arrowmont.org/galleries/
110 S Gay St. Knoxville, Tennessee 37902 | (865) 436-7511

Join us for May First Friday as we debut FOLK — a new show by Kendra Barth of Blanket Fort Studio. Her whimsical ceramics blend storytelling, texture, and color in truly charming ways.

https://www.instagram.com/blanketfortstudio/

Rala: Regional and Local Artisans, 112 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Mon-Thu & Sat 11-6, Fri 11-8, Sun 11-5. Information: 865-525-7888, https://shoprala.com or www.instagram.com/ShopRala

Hi Suzanne! This Month, we're featuring Gabriela Toledo's "Dreams and Nightmares." The exhibit debuts on May 2nd from 5 PM - 9 PM, and we remain available until May 31st.

https://holahoralatina.org/current-exhibit/

HoLa Hora Latina, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 112, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-335-3358, www.holahoralatina.org