Calendar of Events

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 2025 Pop-Up Opera Party, Marble City Opera’s annual fundraising gala takes place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the Dogwood Center at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens. As the name suggests, the event features several operatic performances popping up during the course of the evening. Each year, different arias are performed by singers who have been mingling among the guests. The Pop-Up Opera Party will be catered by Holly’s Gourmet’s Market and Cafe. There will be a signature cocktail and other beverages. A live auction will offer one-of-a-kind experiences and specialty items.

6-9 PM
Marble City Opera: 865-226-9756, www.marblecityopera.com

TRAMPLED BY TURTLES with CALL ME SPINSTER
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 | 7:30PM

Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information/tickets: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com

Roux du Bayou Cajun Band plays authentic cajun, zydeco, swamp pop, mardi gras music. The band can also incorporate some select style music from Oldies, Rock n Roll, R&B and vintage country.

Accordionist Paul Gregoire from the town of Dulac in South Louisiana leads this Nashville based band, always a treat for Cajun dance enthusiasts. On guitar and vocals is South Louisiana native Wade Bernard; Jerry Prevost on drums and rounding out the group, Stephan Dudash on fiddle and guitar.

https://www.rouxdubayou.com/

Tickets available at TicketLeap or at the door 30 minutes prior to show.

Jubilee Community Arts at the Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916. Tickets: https://jubilee-community-arts.ticketleap.com. Information: 865-522-5851, www.jubileearts.org

Join us for the Annual Winter Heritage Festival and step back in time to experience the challenges and skills of pioneer life!
On January 25th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, visit the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center for a day of hands-on demonstrations, where you can practice pioneer survival skills and discover what life was like during the pioneer era.
Learn new crafts, explore historic artifacts, and gain insight into the weapons used by pioneers to survive in the Southern Appalachian region. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the past!

https://gsmheritagecenter.org/events-tickets/

Join Tiny Stage Comedy at Spacecraft on January 25th with headliner, Cortney Warner. Show is at 7 and their writer's group starts at 8. Have some comedy you're working on? Stop by and discuss it with others.

So excited to be back at @spacecraftknox at the end of the month for another evening of comedy with headliner @cortneywarner13. This show also features @arianasabbatical, @rikkitikkitaco_ , a surprise guest and is hosted by @rowan.schae

After the show, you are welcome to stick around for a writer’s group where we can discuss jokes, dreams, comedy, and so on. Doors 6:30, show at 7! Tickets are $15 at the door. *Rated R show, BYOB!

Spacecraft, 119 Jennings Ave Gallery, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: (865) 236-0462, https://www.spacecraftknox.com/

Jan 24, 2025 - 6-9pm and Jan 25, 2025 -9a-6p

Join us at the 9th Annual ChocolateFest on January 24th and 25th, where The Kraken’s Cup will offer a delightful selection of chocolate teas for you to taste and purchase. Kick off the weekend with a brand-new exclusive event — “ChocolateFest: After Dark” on Friday evening, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This adults-only gathering showcases premium chocolates, captivating performances, live music, and a romantic ambiance, making it an ideal date night! Each ticket includes a free tasting, a complimentary photo opportunity, and access to a cash bar.

Return on Saturday, from 9 AM to 6 PM, to enjoy VIP Tasting Experiences at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM. Sample a variety of delicious chocolates, candies, and gifts from Knoxville’s top vendors, or stroll through the vendor floor with General Admission to discover the perfect Valentine’s Day surprises.

Please be aware: VIP timed tickets offer a 45-minute tasting/show and access to the vendor floor, while General Admission provides vendor floor access only. Make sure to choose the correct time slot when buying tickets. Please note that tickets are non-refundable. Get your tickets at www.mychocolatefest.com/buy-tickets/

Reception | Thursday, January 23, 5-7pm with awards at 6pm
Begun in 1947 by C. Kermit Ewing, founder of The University of Tennessee School of Art, the annual student exhibition has become one of the oldest competitions in the country and one of the highlights of the Ewing Gallery’s exhibition season. This competition has been an outlet for UT’s talented students for 78 years.
This year’s exhibition was juried by William Downs.

https://ewing-gallery.utk.edu/78th-annual-student-art-competition/

Ewing Gallery, 1715 Volunteer Blvd on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. Hours: M-F 10-5, Sun 1-4. Information: 865-974-3200, www.ewing-gallery.utk.edu

Gallery 1010, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 114, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Reception Thu 5-7 PM, Sat 10 AM – 1 PM, or by appointment. Information: https://gallery1010.utk.edu/

Gallery 1010 is a contemporary art exhibition space located at 100 S. Gay Street in Suite 114 of the Emporium Center of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. As one of three University of Tennessee School of Art galleries, Gallery 1010 is the only fully student-run, non-profit, off-campus exhibition space in the state of Tennessee. The mission of Gallery 1010 is to provide space for the School of Art students of the University of Tennessee to experiment and develop new ideas while gaining educational gallery experience in professional standards and practices.

Market Square, Saturday (10 AM – 2 PM)

The Winter Farmers Market is an open-air, producer-only farmers market managed by Nourish Knoxville and held on Saturdays, December – March in the heart of downtown Knoxville. Everything at the Winter 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 and Nourish Kids – a free kids activity – on the 2nd Saturday of each month.

Parking: Free parking is available in the Market Square, Locust Street, Langley, and State Street parking garages. Short-term parking meters around Market Square are also available at an hourly rate as well.

https://www.nourishknoxville.org/winter-market/

James Henry Trotter lives with his cruel aunts Spiker and Sponge until one day the barren, old peach tree in their yard produces a single peach that grows to nearly the size of a house. When James takes a closer look at the enormous fruit, he discovers a tunnel that leads him to the peach pit where he meets a rag-tag band of human-sized, talking invertebrates: an old green grasshopper, a centipede, an earthworm, a spider, a ladybird, a glowworm, and a silkworm. These bugs become James’ companions on an adventure that will take them over land and sea! And as they travel James learns important lessons about courage, friendship. and seagulls.

https://knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com/tc-events/james-and-the-giant-peach/

Knoxville Children's Theatre, 109 E. Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: 865-208-3677, www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com

1/17 @ 6 pm - Family Owl Prowl
1/18 @ 2 pm - Tracks and Scat! Animal Activity in Winter
1/18 @ 3 pm - Reading the Landscape: Geology
1/19 @ 1 pm - Reset, Renew, Rejuvenate Workshop
1/19 @ 2 pm - Monthly Bluegrass Jam
1/24 • Family Owl Prowl
1/25 • CREATIVE SERIES: Herbal Infusions Workshop
1/25 • Family Owl Prowl
1/26 • Self-Care Sunday Yoga
1/26 • Winter Tales with the Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association

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