Calendar of Events

The Outlandish Adventure Festival is coming to Ijams May 3 to celebrate the great outdoors in Knoxville and bring people outside to promote health and adventure for all. There will be hiking, biking, paddling, rock climbing, slacklines, panel discussions, and so much more!

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

John Craigie, Saturday, May 03, 8:00 PM at the Bijou Theatre.

Tickets at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B00623E883D5024

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

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/

Sheep Shearing Days - May 2 & May 9, 2025.

Students and families are invited to celebrate the arrival of spring with the annual tradition of sheep shearing. 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.

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

14th ANNUAL CIRCUS EXTRAVAGANZA
Details TBA

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. Circus Extravaganza benefits #CircusForEveryBody: programs that share the circus with ​under-served + special-needs people

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.

The Outlandish Adventure Festival is a collaborative effort by Knoxville’s outdoor enthusiasts and organizations, including Ijams, Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, AMBC, Knoxville Adventure Collective, River Sports, The Maker City, Legacy Parks, and The City of Knoxville. Together, they’ve created a weekend to inspire exploration, connection, adventure, and celebration of Knoxville’s natural beauty.

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

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

By Steven Dietz, Directed by Windie Wilson
Show Dates: April 18th - May 4th, 2025

The disappearance of a young boy casts suspicion on his newly-hired au pair, as well as on the wealthy parents who have hired her. As the parents seek revenge upon one another, the young au pair is hatching a plot of her own. How a Boy Falls is a psychological thriller with a dark comic edge about the way in which past events can be weaponized to shape the present.

Performances are Thu-Sat 7:30 PM and Sun 3 PM

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

River & Rail Theatre Company proudly announces its upcoming production of "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill," a soul-stirring theatrical experience celebrating the life and music of legendary jazz artist Billie Holiday. This remarkable performance will star the acclaimed actress and singer Shinnerrie Jackson in the title role, bringing Holiday’s iconic voice and heartrending story to life on stage.

Performance Dates and Venue: The production will run at River & Rail Theatre Company in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee at the Old City Performing Arts Center (111 State Street), from April 17-May 4 2025, offering audiences an intimate and unforgettable evening of music and drama.

Written by Lanie Robertson, "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" takes audiences back to a small Philadelphia nightclub in 1959, where Billie Holiday performed one of her final concerts. Through the hauntingly beautiful melodies of Holiday’s most beloved songs, including "Strange Fruit," "God Bless the Child," and "What a Little Moonlight Can Do," the play weaves a narrative that is both poignant and raw, exploring her struggles, triumphs, and enduring legacy.

Shinnerrie Jackson Shines as Billie Holiday: Shinnerrie Jackson, a celebrated performer known for her captivating stage presence and powerful voice, steps into the role of Billie Holiday with grace and authenticity. Her portrayal promises to capture the essence of Lady Day’s artistry and vulnerability, offering audiences a deeply emotional and immersive experience.

Tickets at https://www.simpletix.com/e/lady-day-at-emersons-bar-and-grille-by-lan-tickets-177072
Information: 865-407-0727, www.riverandrailtheatre.com

BY JONATHAN SAYER, HENRY SHIELDS, AND HENRY LEWIS

Welcome to the opening night of 'The Murder at Haversham Manor', where things go from not very good to an utter disaster. 'The Play That Goes Wrong' is an ill-fated play-within-a-play, set on the opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production. The troupe’s ambitious whodunit has everything you never want in a show: falling props, collapsing scenery, an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything…including their lines. Come see why this show has been called “the funniest play Broadway has ever seen!” (Huffington Post)

Clarence Brown Theatre, 1714 Andy Holt Ave on the UT campus, Knoxville, TN 37996. For information/tickets: 865-974-5161, www.clarencebrowntheatre.com