Calendar of Events

By Matt Cox
Director: Courtney Woolard

For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.

The New York Times proclaims Puffs “A fast-paced romp through the ‘Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.’ For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, Puffs exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry!”

This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers “who are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along” (Hollywood Life). Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.

Puffs is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.

Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 800 S. Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information & tickets: 865-544-1999, www.theatreknoxville.com

The Appalachian Equality Chorus (formerly Knoxville Gay Men's Chorus) kicks off Pride Month and the Summer Season with unbridled fun! Saturday, June 3, 3PM & 7:30PM at the Bijou Theatre.

Hits! Hits! Hits! The songs we all love to blast on our radio take center stage. Divas. Divas! DIVAS!! and MORE!!! The show is sure to reveal YOUR inner diva and have you singing along with YOUR favorite Chorus. Visit the website at https://www.appalachianequalitychorus.org/

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

NANTUCKET NIGHTS AT THE BEN MCMURRY HOME
Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
44 tickets | $200/person

Recently restored by owners Fred & Amy Trainer, the Sequoyah Hills home built by Ben McMurry, one of the founders of BarberMcMurry Architects, was the McMurry family's home from 1923 until 2018. Join us in celebrating 100 years since it was built as we lean into the home's Cape Cod-style with a coastal themed dinner. Let's set sail for an evening of history, fine dining provided by chef Drew McDonald of the Plaid Apron, and nautical-themed cocktails.

For tickets and more information please visit: Knox Heritage, at Historic Westwood, 3425 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Information: 865-523-8008, www.knoxheritage.org

FREE Open House Tour
Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 10am - 3pm

Join Mabry-Hazen House for FREE open house tours to celebrate Tennessee's 227th anniversary of joining the Union as the sixteenth state!

Living historians and docents will be inside the house to share stories of the home and inhabitants. Outside on Mabry’s Hill, living historians will share the history of the site and what was it like to be a Civil War soldier. Firing demonstrations will occur at 11:30am and 1:30pm.

This event is free to the public, but donations are greatly appreciated and support our educational and preservation missions!

Mabry-Hazen House, 1711 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37915. Information: 865-522-8661 or www.mabryhazen.com

The Marble Springs State Historic Site is proud to announce its annual Statehood Day Festival, taking place on Saturday, June 3rd, from 10am-4pm. This year's festival marks the 227th birthday of the great state of Tennessee.

The Statehood Day Festival promises to be a fun-filled event for the whole family. Visitors can explore the historic site, learn about local history, and enjoy a variety of activities and performances throughout the day. Local craft vendors will be on hand, offering unique and handmade items for sale.

In addition to the vendor booths and performances, visitors can attend historical lectures and demonstrations, where they can learn about the rich history of Tennessee and the important role it played in the development of our nation.

The best part? Admission to the Statehood Day Festival is completely free! So bring the whole family and come celebrate Tennessee's 227th birthday with us here at Marble Springs State Historic Site.

For all questions, please contact the site at 865-573-5508.

Marble Springs State Historic Site: 1220 West Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-712-9076, www.marblesprings.net

Celebrate the Tastes of Appalachian culture with regional food, music, and history at Tastes of the Smokies, an annual community event benefiting the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. At a leisurely pace, guests can see what's current, new, and on the drawing board at the GSM heritage center. While mingling with living history demonstrators, attendees may meander through the galleries and Appalachian Village while they enjoy artfully prepared food and drink provided by respected local restaurants who are known for their quality regional Appalachian fair. At 7 o'clock we will gather at the Heritage Center amphitheater for a concert from the Driftboat Cowboys. We hope to see you there!

Must be 21 to enjoy any of the Drinks of the Smokies!
Please call 865-448-0044 for more information.
https://gsmheritagecenter.org/events-tickets/

Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend, TN 37882

Bike Boat Brew & Bark celebrates the outdoor adventurer, the dog lover, the craft beer enthusiast, the local and the tourist looking to discover a secret in Knoxville’s urban wilderness. This annual event has become popular with visitors and locals alike - after all, Knoxville is a bike, boat, brew and bark friendly city!

It’s a place where you can ride your bike, bring your dog and explore Knoxville in a new way on this special day! Then live it, experience it, and continue to explore it all year long! We’ll show you how at Knoxville Adventure Collective on the Tennessee River!

The day will be filled with many activities that appeal to all ages and activity levels.

See details for activities that require registration!

Park at Dwight Kessel Garage, ride the free trolley, join us by boat, or by bike at Knoxville Adventure Collective! If you want to utilize the official event shuttle for BBBB, call K.I.S.S. Caboose!

All tours & rides will begin and end at Knoxville Adventure Collective!

https://www.visitknoxville.com/bike-boat-brew-bark/

WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 2023 | 10:00am - 4:00pm

WHERE: James White's Fort, Blount Mansion, Mabry-Hazen House, & Marble Springs State Historic Site.

Historic House Museums of Knoxville is excited to commemorate the 227th birthday of the great State of Tennessee this June during our annual Statehood Day Celebrations. Join us on June 3, 2023 at a number of participating Historic Houses in and around Knoxville and witness the earliest days of Tennessee as well as the story of how the state came to be in person! During Statehood Day, you can expect:

• James White's Fort: Free admission and historical demonstrations.
• Blount Mansion: Free admission and family activities.
• Mabry-Hazen House: Free admission, rifled musket firing demonstrations at 11am and 1pm.
• Marble Springs: Craft Fair and Festival, historical demonstrations, live music, craft vendors, and fun family activities.

The Historic House Museums of Knoxville is a local partnership between seven historic homes and the Museum of East Tennessee History. From a rough frontier settlement to a grand state capital to the attractive city you see today, the history of Knoxville is a vivid tale of the trials and triumphs of a growing town and a growing nation. It’s a wild and often surprising tale marvelously told by the city’s most historic homes. From log cabins to frame houses to stately stone mansions, these seven Knoxville landmarks invite you into the past to experience the times and events that shaped them and the families who occupied them. Each is a chapter of history unto itself. And yet, together, they exemplify and celebrate the continuing pioneering spirit that created Knoxville and our great nation.
http://www.hhknoxville.org/

Bob Dylan’s Birthday Bash is BACK! The 17th annual Bash is Saturday, June 3, from 5-10 pm on the Ijams Visitor Center lawn. This annual celebration of a beloved American icon features a five-hour musical lineup, and proceeds benefit Real Knoxville Music and Ijams!

The bash showcases songs written by Dylan performed by Knoxville-area artists in their own styles. Featured artists this year include Will Boyd, Eli Fox, RB Morris, Bulls of the Woods, Brian Waldschlager, Kelle Jolly, Ashton Williams, and Will & Steve Horton.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Food trucks and the Ijams beer garden will have tasty meals, snacks, and beverages available for purchase. NO COOLERS AND NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL PLEASE. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash at all times. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended.

Doors open at 4 pm; music begins at 5.
https://www.ijams.org/event-details/special-event-bob-dylans-birthday-bash-2023

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

Sat Jun 3 2023
5:00 PM (Doors 4:15 PM) and second show at 8:00 PM
Ages 18+
Event is $20 + fees.

A meet and greet will be available for purchase following the performance.
This is a GA Seated event. Seating selection is first come first serve.

The NOT Dolly Show
Join us for an immersive Dolly Parton tribute concert! As an internationally recognized celebrity impersonator with a specialty for Dolly, Vancie’s one-person Immersive Tribute CONCERT is a complete Dolly Parton Live experience. A delight in celebration of the love for our Queen, the show features fan favorites, new hits and the classic hits from throughout the years. This world renowned Dolly Parton tribute artist captures the hearts of America bringing the ethereal spirit of the Country legend to life. Garnering praise from Dolly's family & friends, "Vancie IS Dolly!"

The Mill & Mine, 227 W. Depot Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Tickets/information: 865-343-6000 or https://themillandmine.com

First Friday Receptions: June 2, 5-9pm; July 7, 5-9pm; August 4, 5-9pm

First Friday July will feature special performances by students from the UT School of Music sponsored by Knoxville Opera.

Curated by former Knoxvillian, Alex Gingrow, In We Trust asks us to consider what we trust without mandate and why. What are those systems and values we believe in? What do we accept, and what do we let go of? For Gingrow, trust leads to community and empathy. With this path forward, she has curated an exhibition of works with “magic moments, when we are transported beyond ourselves and made to think about the creator, and why they made the very choices they made.” In We Trust invites the viewer to “stumble into empathy - the building block of exchange and community.”

In We Trust features work by Alex Gingrow, Kyung Jeon, Jim Lee, David X. Levine, Makeda Lewis, Steve Locke, Audrey Stone, and Trish Tillman.

UT Downtown Gallery, 106 S. Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: W-F 11-6, Sa 10-3. Information: 865-673-0802, https://downtown.utk.edu

Howdy! It's the 5th annual Dolly Art Show!

Join us Friday, June 2nd from 5:00-8:00 PM for opening night. Our wall will be filled with art by nearly 40 local and regional artists who love Dolly as much as we do. Awards will be announced at 7pm, and Dolly art will remain on display through the end of July.

Rala may limit capacity of in-person attendees for the safety of our audience in regards to maximum occupancy requirements.
We encourage you to attend virtually if you cannot attend in person, and follow us on Facebook/Instagram for updates as we get closer to the event.

You can stream the awards ceremony by joining our Instagram Live @shoprala, or by visiting our YouTube channel to catch the live stream later (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh_tM87RUMyb6DmkJU3MifQ)

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/628793335793173/

Rala: Regional and Local Artisans, 112 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-6, Su 11-5. Information: 865-525-7888, https://shoprala.com or www.instagram.com/ShopRala