Calendar of Events

The Market Square Farmers Market is an open-air, producer-only farmers market managed by Nourish Knoxville and held every Wednesday and Saturday, May through mid-November in the heart of downtown Knoxville. Everything at the Market Square 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, Nourish Moves – a free walking incentive program – every Wednesday, and Nourish Kids – a free kids activity – on the 2nd Saturday of each month.

Every Wednesday, May 7 – November 19, 2025, 10 AM – 1 PM
Every Saturday, May 3 – November 22, 2025, 9 AM – 1 PM
*** NO MARKET on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

https://www.nourishknoxville.org/market-square-farmers-market

Kentucky Derby Party at Fountain City Social, Saturday, May 3rd at 3:00 PM.
Get ready to don your biggest hat and raise a mint julep—Fountain City Social, 4842 Harvest Mill Way, your favorite 80s-inspired cocktail bar, is hosting a Kentucky Derby celebration you won’t want to miss!

Join us as we gather to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports. Whether you go all out with Southern-chic attire or just swing by as you are, we’ll have the vibes, the bourbon, and the race-day spirit waiting for you.

Expect: Big hats, Kentucky bourbon & classic mint juleps, The Derby on the big screen AND good times with great people!

So grab your crew and trot on over to Fountain City Social for an afternoon of timeless cocktails, Derby tradition, and 80s flair.

Community Appreciation Day at Little Ponderosa Zoo & Rescue, Saturday, May 3,
10 AM – 6 PM, 199 Tipton Hollow Road, Clinton, TN.
FREE Admission!
Bring the whole family and join in the fun at Community Day, a heartfelt tradition at the Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue! Created by founder James Cox as a way to give back to the community he loved, this special day continues in his honor—and it’s all about YOU, the community that supports the zoo year-round.

What to Expect: Up-close animal encounters, Live music and entertainment,
Delicious food and treats, Bounce houses and kids’ activities,
Fun for the whole family!

Whether you're a longtime fan or it's your first visit, Community Day is the perfect opportunity to explore the zoo, meet the animals, and enjoy a full day of free fun.

Come celebrate, connect, and create memories that’ll last a lifetime—all for FREE.
Let’s make this Community Day the biggest and best one yet!!

https://littleponderosazoo.com/

At Architectural Antics, 820 N Broadway, Knoxville
Starting late afternoon – until the music winds down

Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, flavor, fashion, and philanthropy as we celebrate Kentucky Derby Day at one of Knoxville’s most unique venues - Architectural Antics - all while supporting humanitarian and medical efforts for Ukraine. This is more than a Derby watch party. It’s a lively community event where every bet, bite, and beverage supports a greater cause. Whether you're a horse racing fan, a lover of good food and music, or simply someone who wants to stand with Ukraine, there’s something for you.

We’ll have a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby, so bring your lucky charm and pick your winning horse! You can join our friendly Derby pool, where a portion of each wager goes directly to fund Ukrainian humanitarian relief, and the rest goes to the winning bettors. It's a fun way to get involved and give back at the same time.

Enjoy a classic Southern favorite - mint juleps - in exchange for donations to our Ukraine fundraiser. Sip on something cool and refreshing while mingling with friends, old and new, and raising funds for people and animals impacted by war in Ukraine.

It wouldn't be Derby Day without fabulous fashion! Show up in your most extravagant or creative Kentucky Derby-style hat and strut your stuff. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in our Hat Contest, so go bold with bows, feathers, florals, or even a Ukrainian twist!

Every guest receives one free raffle ticket upon arrival, and additional tickets are available with donations. Enter to win special gifts from Ukraine and generous donations from our local Knoxville businesses. From handcrafted Ukrainian keepsakes to unique local treasures, our raffle is your chance to give and receive.

Bring a dish to share and enjoy the flavors of our famous Architectural Antics potluck supper! Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, your contribution will add to a beautiful and bountiful meal shared by all. It’s BYOB, so bring your favorite drink - or stick with mint juleps all evening long!

Enjoy live music from a variety of local performers, including at least one Ukrainian musician, adding authentic flavor and heart to the evening. We’ll also be showing videos and photo slideshows from Ukraine to share the stories, spirit, and strength of the Ukrainian people.

All funds raised will support koloHUB, a Knoxville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2022. koloHUB is committed to improving the well-being of individuals and animals affected by the war in Ukraine through medical and humanitarian assistance. Even if you’re not placing a bet or sipping a julep, your presence and participation matter. Bring your energy, your generosity, and your good spirit. We’ll provide the food, fun, and a vibrant atmosphere where community and cause come together beautifully.
https://www.facebook.com/share/16XgCMrcFp/

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

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

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!

Knoxville Cheese Week!
There’s something every night of the week from April 28 to May 4th!

One day is not enough Cheese! We're making this a week-long event in 2025! Join us for our fourth year for a bigger and multi-day chees-tastic event. We're excited to welcome back our popular sell-out, the Cheese and Cider pairing and dinner, as well as our Knoxville Cheese Fest (sampling event.)

Also new this year! We are celebrating all things Wisconsin! There are so many amazing cheesemakers from America's Dairyland. There are 100 Wisconsin cheesemakers, making it the Cheese State and collectively they have earned more than 5,500 awards across the globe, recognizing the quality of their cheese!

This week-long event offers opportunities to sample the variety of Wisconsin cheeses and pair them with other foods, ciders, beers, and wines.

Tickets at:
https://www.simpletix.com/e/knoxville-cheese-week-tickets-202130#smtx-click

More information and schedules of events at: https://www.knoxvillecheesefest.com/

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/