Calendar of Events

Step back in time at the Historic Sam Houston Schoolhouse in Maryville, TN during Living History Weekend, happening March 15-16, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM each day.

Experience history firsthand with reenactors, vendors, and a variety of activities that bring the past to life. Enjoy delicious offerings from a food truck, explore unique goods from local vendors, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this iconic site. Admission:
• $10 for ages 13 and up
• $5 for ages 6-12
• Free for children 5 and under

Mark your calendar and join us for this engaging two-day event celebrating the history of Sam Houston and early Tennessee life! https://www.samhoustonhistoricschoolhouse.org/calendar

Jubilee Community Arts presents Four Leaf Peat at the Laurel Theater on Saturday, March 15.

Born out of Irish traditional music in pub sessions, Four Leaf Peat brings together musicians from various backgrounds. The band is influenced by Ireland’s traditional pipers, fiddlers and singers; they owe a debt to innovators of the music such as the Bothy Band, Planxty, Dervish, Lunasa, and Danu. Four Leaf Peat is Chad Beauchaine on Fiddle; Gil Draper on guitar, bouzouki and mandolin; Rick Hall on hammer dulcimer, bones and bodhran; and Jason Herrera on vocals, bodhran, flute and whistle. Whether it’s lively jigs and reels, slow airs, or songs, the spirit that gave birth to Irish traditional music can be felt in every set.

Tickets available at TicketLeap (jubilee-community-arts.ticketleap.com), by mail or at the door 30 minutes prior to show.

$30 at the door, $25 General Audience Advance, $24 JCA members, students & seniors 65+

Join the Society of Sidesaddle Storytellers (SSST) and Mabry-Hazen House on Saturday, March 15, from 1:00 - 4:00 PM for Ride Like a Lady: Side Saddle
Horseback Riding, a living history program on sidesaddle riding. Hear about the history and practice of the riding technique and see a demonstration of sidesaddle riding on the Wanda Moody Lawn atop Mabry’s Hill!

Side saddle riding is a traditional and elegant equestrian practice where the rider sits with both legs on one side of the horse. Riding aside has its origins as far back as antiquity and was primarily used by women whose skirts and dresses were often impractical or opened her to accusations of immodesty for riding astride. But history is rarely simple. Some women perceived sidesaddle as a form of oppression as they were forced to conform to societal norms. While others saw it as a means to express themselves. Despite its historical association with cultural norms of modesty, side saddle riding requires significant skill, balance, and strength. The sidesaddle can be seen today as a reminder that many women have fought diligently to expand
the liberties for women.

Anne Hatfield will share the stories of fascinating women who broke the mold of society, performed incredible acts of courage, and were known for their formidable equestrian skills. Then watch as she and other riders from SSST demonstrate the form astride their horses.

The program will consist of an educational talk and short riding demonstration. The talk will start at 1:30pm and the riding demonstration will begin shortly after 2:00pm. After the demonstration, you will be more than welcome to come up, ask questions, say hello to the horses and maybe feed them a carrot or two! A display will also be set up with historic equestrian equipment and objects, period dresses from different eras, and photos of famous women equestrians.

The historic house museum will be open for self-guided tours.
Start times are subject to change. There is no admission cost to attend, but a suggested donation of $5 is encouraged to support the mission of Mabry-Hazen House.
The program occurs outside so please dress accordingly. In case of the inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled for the following Saturday, March 22.

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

First Friday, 5-8 PM on March 7
Seven Decades in Bloom reflects on the 70-year journey of Dogwood Arts, with an immersive retrospective honoring our rich history, evolution, and impact on the region.

123 W. Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
Regular Gallery Hours: M-F | 10AM-5PM

Presented by The Standford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School

Violins of Hope is a collection of over 50 violins that survived the Holocaust, played by Jewish musicians in ghettos, concentration camps, and even as symbols of resistance. Each violin, lovingly restored by Israeli master violin maker Amnon Weinstein and his son Avshalom, carries a powerful story of resilience and survival. These instruments bear witness to the indomitable spirit of their owners, whose music defied the darkness of one of history’s most tragic periods. The Violins of Hope project will feature performances, exhibitions, and educational programs that celebrate the enduring power of music and the human spirit. Through these events, communities will come together to reflect on the past and inspire a future rooted in hope, acceptance, and unity. Join us as we honor these extraordinary instruments and the stories they tell.

*A Big Ears 2025 Exhibition (one of four very special exhibitions of visual art on display during the festival weekend (Mar 27-30) and during the month leading up to it. Extended hours TBA.

Digital Motif, 108 S Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. (865) 214-6367 or https://digitalmotif.com/

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/

Storyteller Laura Still helps you live the stories of pioneers, soldiers, outlaws, and even fictional characters who walked these streets before you.

Knoxville has a rich history full of colorful characters and famous, and infamous, figures whose lives have been the inspiration for books, movies, and works of art. Take a stroll through history in beautiful downtown Knoxville while listening to true tales of the heroes, heels, and hardened criminals that are part of the hidden lore of this unique East Tennessee town.

A portion of the proceeds for downtown tours go to help fund the work of the non-profit Knoxville History Project. Many stories are based on the books and stories of award-winning journalist and writer Jack Neely. Knoxville Walking Tours opens a window to Knoxville’s varied past and leads you on a journey through both hard times and high times of a city growing through over two centuries of history.

Tours include:
• Knoxville: The Early Years
• Misbehaving Women
• Civil War
• Gunslingers
• Musical History
• Literary Heritage
• Side Street Shadows Ghost Tours
• Knoxville Botanical Garden
• Old Gray Cemetery
• Side Street Shadows Ghost Tours

Tour on Your Schedule! Rather than posting a calendar, we’re letting you pick the tour and time — subject to availability. Call (865)309-4522 or visit https://knoxvillewalkingtours.com/