Calendar of Events

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by George Furth

Surrounded by his circle of married friends, habitually single Bobby is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood by examining the joys and pitfalls of companionship. Through an array of amusing and stirring interactions, the couples lead him on a compelling roller coaster of laughter, tears, and introspection. A tour de force of wit, intellect, and emotion, Sondheim’s brilliantly brisk and energetic musical score and witty lyrics delve deep into the human psyche, resulting in a delightful cocktail of hilarity, heartache, and self-reflection as Bobby explores and grapples with the idea of settling down himself.

PG-13 AUDIENCES
https://www.orplayhouse.com/

Families are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring at Sheep Shearing Days at the Museum of Appalachia May 2 and May 9, 9:00 AM -3:00 PM . This student-focused event will show how pioneers turned wool into clothing and will feature hands-on activities and immersive learning experiences with Appalachian artisans, educators, and musicians.

$20/adults, $10/kids
Free parking

Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Hwy, Clinton, TN 37716. Information: 865-494-7680, www.museumofappalachia.org

14th Annual Circus Extravaganza, Library Lollapalooza
May 2, 7:30 PM, May 3, 2 PM & 7:30 PM, May 4, 2 PM

Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Dragonfly Aerial And Circus Arts Studio's Annual Circus Extravaganza! It's an event like no other, and we want you to be there! This Year's theme is Library Lollapalooza: A Circus of Tumbling Tales! Every act will be a celebration of a different story or genre that you can find at your local library. Come with us as we explore our Dragonfly library and discover all the shenanigans it holds! In an effort to ensure everyone who attends is able to enjoy the show, we will have Spanish language interpretation at our Friday, 7:30 PM show and ASL interpretation at our Saturday, 2:00 PM show.

Our annual Circus Extravaganza funds our scholarship program for kids. We're always grateful for donations from those wanting to give more than the price of a ticket to help sponsor a child, or from those who can't make the show but want a way to give.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/14th-annual-circus-extravaganza-library-lallapalooza
https://www.dragonflyaerialartsstudio.com

Gallery 1010, 100 S. Gay Street, Suite 114, Knoxville, TN 37902. Hours: Reception Fri 5-9 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.

May 2-3: Bearden Branch Used Book Sale, 10:00-5:00

https://www.knoxfriends.org/book-sales/

Knoxville’s great outdoors is calling! On May 2 & 3, the Outlandish Adventure Festival will transform Ijams Nature Center into a dynamic playground for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and families. This free, two-day event celebrates Knoxville’s rocks, trails, rivers, and outdoor spirit with unforgettable activities, entertainment, and community connections. Festival Highlights include:

Extreme Spectacles: Witness high slacklining over the quarry, bike whip-off stunts, rock climbing competition, and kayak flatwater freestyle, SUP sprint races, and fire dancing.
Live Music: Enjoy performances across the property and throughout the day. FERD will headline the event.
Interactive Activities: Try paddleboard yoga, biking, hiking, bird watching, trail running, kayaking, and stroll through vendor tents featuring local makers, outdoor brands and sport groups.
Maker Tents: Discover sustainable & nature-centric artistry by local makers inspired by Knoxville’s outdoor culture.
Outdoor Education: Friday Movie Night kicks off the event at the Ijams Visitors Center and Saturday makes learning fun with the following talks: History or Urban Wilderness, Climbing in East TN and Women in Outdoors.

With Ijams Nature Center as the backdrop, the Outlandish Adventure Festival invites everyone to experience Knoxville’s vibrant outdoor scene. Whether you’re an adventure veteran or new to the outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Event proceeds will support outdoor resources in Knoxville, ensuring the city’s green spaces continue to thrive.
www.outlandishaf.com

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

Historic Downtown Clinton is set to host the 20th Annual Clinch River Spring Antique Festival on May 2-3, 2024, transforming Main, Market, and Cullom Streets into a vibrant showcase of antiques, artistry, and live entertainment.
Admission & Parking: FREE
Rain or Shine!

Friday, May 2 - Get a sneak peek of antique treasures as the festival kicks off with early shopping and vendor displays!

Saturday, May 3 (9 AM - 5 PM) - The festival doubles in size, filling Main Street with:

Antique Dealers from Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Indiana, and North Carolina
Talented Artisans showcasing handcrafted goods
Delicious Food Trucks with a variety of tasty treats
Live Music & Entertainment throughout the day

Whether you're an antique enthusiast, a lover of handcrafted goods, or just looking for a fun day out, the Clinch River Spring Antique Festival is a must-visit event this spring!

Three Star Revival + The Band Solstice, Friday, May 2, 8:00 PM at the Bijou Theatre.

Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B006236E4DE69BA

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

Jubilee Community Arts presents University of Tennessee Appalachian Strings at the Laurel Theater on Friday, May 2 at 8 pm. Established in 2022 by UT College of Music Lecturer Sean McCollough, this UT student Appalachian ensemble now has enough members to form five bands, four focused on bluegrass and one on old time. This event is free!

Shop the Old City Market! On West Jackson Avenue. The Old City Market transforms the historic Old City into a curated, outdoor market showcasing artists, crafters, and creative makers.

First Friday Markets: Apr 4 · May 2 · Aug 1 · Sep 5 · Oct 3 · Nov 7 · Dec 5, 5PM to 9PM

Sunday Markets: Apr 13 · May 18 · Rhinestone Fest June 7 · June 15 · July 20 · Aug 17 · Sep 21 · Oct 19 · Nov 16 · Small Business Saturday Nov 29, 11AM to 4PM

https://oldcityknoxville.org/market/

Friday, May 2, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Local artist Tianna Bush will be delighting the Birdhouse with her charcoal drawings on May’s First Friday! Tianna graduated from Austin East High School in May 2024. Her artwork captures beauty in people and nature.

The Birdhouse Neighborhood Center, 800 N 4th Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: https://www.fourthandgill.org/birdhouse-neighborhood-center

Visit Knoxville announces today free local Sunsphere days. These will coincide with First Fridays from May through October 2025 (the same month pattern as when the 1982 World’s Fair was held) with the exception of July 4th due to the Independence Day holiday. The free local days in 2025 are as follows:

• May 2
• June 6
• August 1
• September 5
• October 3

Those with a physical copy of their Knox County Driver’s License will be allowed a complimentary visit to the 4th Floor Observation Deck. The 4th Floor Observation Deck allows a maximum of 40 people every 30 minutes; space is limited and admission is first come, first serve. The Welcome Center and Observation Deck will also be open later until 6PM (regularly 5PM) for an additional hour of enjoyment.

The Sunsphere, built for the 1982 World’s Fair, offers a unique experience. Its 4th Floor Observation Deck provides a stunning 360-degree view of downtown Knoxville, the Great Smoky Mountains, World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River, and the University of Tennessee Campus. Visitors can also explore a timeline, gallery, memorabilia, a newly painted mural, and technology related to the World’s Fair.

“We are excited to offer these free local Sunsphere days,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy Knoxville’s iconic structure with our community.”

Additionally, in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week which will take place May 4–10, 2025, admission to the Sunsphere will be discounted for all visitors via the code NTTW25. The code will be active beginning May 4. Prices will be as follows: Adult tickets will be $5 (regularly $10), Children (12 and under) tickets will be free (regularly $5). Tickets can be purchased online at https://shop.visitknoxville.com/discount/NTTW25?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fsunsphere-tickets. Please use the code NTTW25 at checkout or purchase discounted rate tickets in person at the Sunsphere Welcome Center.

For more information, go to visitknoxville.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.