Calendar of Events

THE 1ST ANNUAL KNOXVILLE BOOK FESTIVAL WILL BE APRIL 5TH & 6TH AT THE KNOXVILLE CONVENTION CENTER FEATURING NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHORS CHARLAINE HARRIS AND JAMES DASHNER.
The Knoxville Book Festival is a two-day celebration of literature for both authors and readers featuring more than 75 local and regional authors, publishers and booked themed vendors and will be open to the public on Saturday, April 5th & Sunday, April 6th for panel sessions, workshops, discussions and readings with a wide variety of topics.
Every category for adult book fans will be represented from Romance & Romantasy, Sci-Fi, Action Adventure, Suspense Thrillers, Historical Fiction, Horror, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction and more!
“We are thrilled to begin the Knoxville Book Festival. It has been a dream for several years and now we get to bring it to life!” said Jennifer Johnsey, part-owner of Right Brain Productions, LLC. “We wanted to create an event for adult readers and authors to gather in one place and enjoy books of every topic, along with educational sessions, craft workshops, special interest panels and more.”
Meet Charlaine Harris! #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse urban fantasy series that inspired True Blood. She’s also known for the Gunnie Rose, Aurora Teagarden, Midnight Texas, the Cemetery Girl series—and more!

Meet James Dashner! #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner and The Maze Cutter series, including the upcoming The Godhead Complex. He’s also known for The 13th Reality and Mortality Doctrine series—and more!

Join this two-day celebration of literature, featuring bestselling authors, inspiring panels, and a vibrant community of readers. Explore books, connect with creators and let your imagination soar!

Early Bird Admission is $15 per person for a one-day ticket or $25 for two-day admission through March 15th. After March 15th, admission is $20 for one-day admission and $30 for two-day admission.

For more information visit knoxvillebookfestival.com and follow us on socials. On Facebook @knoxvillebookfestival or Instagram @knoxvillebookfestival
Tickets at: https://knoxvillebookfestival.com/product/tickets/

Knoxville Opera’s 2024-2025 season includes two exciting concerts at the Clayton Center for the Arts. Knoxville Opera will join forces with the Oak Ridge Symphony to perform Beethoven’s majestic Symphony No. 9 on April 5, 2025.

Knoxville Opera: 865-524-0795, https://www.knoxvilleopera.org/

Knoxville, 18 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
Artists Working: 8AM-5PM
Award Ceremony: 7PM (Market Square Stage)

Thousands of art lovers head downtown each year to experience this live art competition in Market Square. Chalk Walk features over 300 artists and collaborative teams working on-site from 8am-5pm to complete their artwork. Cash prizes and ribbons are awarded to select artists who have created imaginative and inspiring artworks in their age division.

Dogwood Arts, 123 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com

Saturday, April 5 • 7pm
Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. For information/tickets: 865-684-1200, www.tennesseetheatre.com

The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Health & Fitness Expo Health & Fitness Expo
9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5,
World’s Fair Exhibition Hall
935 World’s Fair Park Drive. Knoxville, TN 37902.

The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Health & Fitness Expo will be a fun, high-energy event that features exhibitors of running and fitness apparel, shoes, and other supplies, as well as other products and services in fitness, sports, and nutrition. We will also have exhibitors in other areas of interest to our participants, families, and friends.

Ryan Hall, a retired U.S. long-distance runner, record-holder and renowned coach, will be the featured speaker for the Health & Fitness Expo, part of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.

For more information and to register for the 2025 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon races, visit knoxvillemarathon.com.

Caswell Park, 570 Winona Street

We’re thrilled to announce our first-ever Tree Fest fundraiser event on April 5th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Caswell Park in East Knoxville! We will be planting 50 trees, giving away 200+ saplings, and engaging over 20 partner organizations. Tree Fest t-shirts, Trees Knoxville hats and stickers, and tasty food will be up for purchase, plus we'll have games, prizes, music, and more! EVERYONE is invited to come celebrate trees with our community!

Whether you’re there for the tree planting, the free tree giveaway, or just to have fun, there’s something for all to enjoy. Share the news with your friends and followers, and we'll see you there!

www.treesknoxville.org/tree-fest

April 5, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Spring is returning to Marble Springs State Historic Site, and so is our Annual Spring Craft Fair! Ring in spring with our first event of the year, where local artisans, family-friendly activities, and history come together! Shop Local: Discover handcrafted goods and artisan creations from talented vendors across East Tennessee. Step Into History: Tour our historic cabins and explore our scenic arboretum as nature awakens for spring. This annual celebration is a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of spring while supporting local artists and makers. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!

Admission is FREE, and all are welcome! https://www.facebook.com/events/927511916161729/

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

Mike and Marcia of Roane County, Tennessee are regular performers at the Laurel and have played old-time music since the late 1970s. In 2018 they release an album with Paul Brown and Terry McMurry through Old Time Tiki Parlor that generated "a roar of excitement (and disbelief) from legions of Bryant devotees in the greater old-time community" according to Dave Bragger. Mike Bryant is one of the most respected old time fiddlers performing today.

A leading interpreter of the fiddle, banjo, and song traditions from the Appalachian South, Joseph Decosimo has introduced audiences around the world to the beauty and vitality of the region’s music. A student of the last master traditional musicians in his home region of Tennessee, Joseph draws on a well of profound creativity and repertoire to create fresh sounds. His performances are inviting and nourishing, connecting audiences to the older music’s transcendent beauty. Joseph also works outside of the traditional music world.

Reed Stutz is a multi-instrumentalist and singer who makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee. He plays mandolin, guitar, banjo, and fiddle and performs with numerous groups including Alice Gerrard, the Nokosee Fields Trio and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. He draws heavily on early recorded bluegrass and old time southern fiddle music, taking a traditional approach while bringing a personal style.

Tickets available at TicketLeap (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+

First Presbyterian Church is hosting Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, a renowned Jewish New Testament scholar, for a compelling lecture exploring the deep connections between Jesus and Judaism. A dynamic speaker and respected scholar, Dr. Levine blends historical insight, humor, and a commitment to interfaith dialogue to help Christians and Jews better understand their shared texts and traditions.

Her lecture, "Jesus and Judaism: The Connection Matters," will examine how understanding Jesus within his Jewish context brings deeper meaning to His teachings, piety, and politics. Attendees will gain insight into how different interpretations of Scripture can foster greater understanding, respect, and peace across faith traditions.

The event is free and open to the public, with a reception to follow. Tickets are free, but advance registration is required online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/public-lecture-with-new-testament-scholar-dr-amy-jill-levine-tickets-1255941237049. For more information, visit www.fpcknox.org, email communications@fpcknox.org, or call (865) 546-2531.

Saturday, April 5, 2025 – 7:30 am - Noon
St John’s Lutheran Church (Broadway at Emory Place)
Proceeds benefit Northside’s Service Fund for community projects primarily focusing on children
Individuals - - $5.00, Children 12 and under free (accompanied)

“Serving the Children of the World - one child and one community at a time”

April 5, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Ave)

Join Ijams Nature Center, UTK Sources of Strength, and Contact Care Line for Spring Into Hope, a vibrant and uplifting mental health awareness festival! As spring brings renewal, this special event will focus on hope, resilience, and support for ourselves and our community.
• Community Resources – Learn about mental health support and services.
• Art & Hands-on Activities – Creative ways to express and heal.
• Nature Walks – Connect with nature to restore balance.
• Breakout Sessions & Discussions – Conversations to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
• Listening Lounge – A safe space for open conversations with trained listeners.

The festival kicks off at 12:00 PM on the plaza at Ijams. Come be part of a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn, and grow. Together, we can Spring Into Hope and promote positive well-being for all!
https://www.ijams.org/event-details/special-event-spring-into-hope-2025-a-mental-health-awareness-festival

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

MAIN GALLERY
Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi — Apr. 4 - Jun. 21, 2025 / reception Apr. 4, 2025

PROJECT SPACE
Meg White — Apr. 4 - Jun. 21, 2025 / reception Apr. 4, 2025

Tri-Star Arts at Candoro Marble Building, 4450 Candora Drive, Knoxville, TN 37920. Hours: Tu-Sa 11-5. Information: https://tristararts.org/visit