The Beaver Creek Flotilla will be Saturday, May 30, 2026. Sponsored by the Beaver Creek Kayak Club, the flotilla is on its ninth year. Once again, Vulcan Materials is the signature sponsor.
The watercraft (most use kayaks but some use a paddle board or canoe) put in at Powell High Landing, behind Powell High School on Brickyard Road. Gates open at 7 a.m. and the Flotilla will launch at 9:30 a.m.
Aubrey’s sponsored a BoardSafe dock at Powell High Landing. It’s accessible for wheelchair users but everybody benefits. No one gets wet – at least on the launch.
You might worry about lack of skill or watercraft. That’s the whole point of the flotilla. With over 100 kayaks in the water and volunteers stationed at key points, everyone feels safe. And River Sports Outfitters has a limited number of kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, etc. for rent. All these details are online at floatthebeaver.com
Another benefit of the flotilla is the wildlife – an occasional beaver or otter, donkey or cow. Stick your phone in a waterproof cover and be prepared to get some neat shots. Sometimes folks who own property along the creek will show up to sing or wave. Executives from Weigel’s are on hand as the boats come under Clinton Highway to hand out liquid refreshment and treats. Most of all, it’s a chance to fellowship with friends on a sunny, Saturday morning.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs has directed the Parks & Rec staff to keep debris out of the creek – an ongoing choir.
The flotilla ends at the Roy Arthur Stormwater Park on Harrell Road in Karns (roughly a three-hour trip). Once the last boat is launched, the section of Beaver Creek will be closed for an hour. Volunteers will shuttle participants and equipment back to the launch point. Learn more and register here.
Cattywampus Common Nature Parade (file photo)
Cattywampus Parade & Block Party at Suttree Landing
Join Cattywampus Puppet Council on Sunday, May 17, 2026, for an inspiring display of community and creativity at the 9th annual Cattywampus Parade & Block Party. This year’s event explores the theme “Where the Waters Meet.” It will be hosted along the river at Suttree Landing Park (1001 Waterfront Dr.). The parade will line up at 2 p.m. and step off at 3 p.m. from Suttree Landing Pavilion. The block party will be 2-6 p.m. on the Suttree Landing Festival Lawn.
This New Orleans-style walking parade is free and open to all. Participants of all ages are encouraged to create and bring to life their own giant puppets, masks, costumes and other art that reflect their visions of a community-focused Knoxville.
“Each parade has a theme around which we invite the community to create giant art,” said Rachel Milford, executive & artistic director of Cattywampus Puppet Council. “This year is a celebration of water and a commitment to protect our waterways and all of the life they support.”
This year’s parade will also include a special pre-parade river flotilla in collaboration with Knoxville Adventure Collective to recreate the confluence of the Tennessee River. Flotillas will travel down the Holston and French Broad Rivers to meet at the Tennessee River, then continue downstream to gather additional paddlers at the McWherter Boat Ramp before heading to Suttree’s Landing to join the celebration on land.
The Block Party will feature live entertainment, youth poet laureate Nia Thompson, food trucks, environmental groups and more. To learn more and register yourself or your group for the parade, visit https://cattywampuspuppets.org/parade-block-party.
Visitors walk and bike down Broadway during Open Streets Knoxville. (file photo)
Open Streets Knoxville on the Gay Street Bridge
Before heading to the Cattywampus Parade, drop by the 12th annual Open Streets Knoxville on Gay Street from Summit Hill Drive to Hill Avenue from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, May 17. The newly reopened Gay Street Pedestrian Bridge is included. The entire route will be closed to motor traffic, giving pedestrians free access to walk, bike, jog or dance their way through downtown.
Open Streets Knoxville, hosted by Bike Walk Knoxville with support from the city of Knoxville, Downtown Knoxville Alliance, First Horizon Bank, as well as many other sponsors, aims to promote physical activity and strengthen community during this free, family- and pet-friendly event.
It includes business vendors, live entertainment, street performers, food trucks and activities for kids. New this year is Slippery Stairs
Notes & Quotes
Bob Watt Youth Fishing Rodeo starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Anchor Park in Farragut. Children aged 12 and younger can participate in one of two time slots to try and catch fish and win prizes. Free. Info: Town of Farragut at 865-218-3378. Register online and learn about additional programs in the town of Farragut here.
Harvey Broom Sierra Club Road Clean Up and Hike starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Meet at Bethel Church to clean up the club’s adopted road – Kodak Road from Maple Road to Midway Road. All supplies provided. Bring water and lunch. After the clean-up, we’ll enjoy a leisurely hike along the French Broad River and around Newman Island in Seven Islands State Birding Park. Register online.
Keep Knoxville Beautiful volunteers picked up 5,720 pounds of trash during the annual South Knoxville Community Cleanup on April 18, 2026. Almost 200 people picked up trash from South Knoxville’s roads, parks and waterways, covering a total of 28 miles. Ijams Nature Center hosted an invasive species removal at Montgomery Village in partnership with the event.
Quote: “My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She’s 97 now, and we don’t know where the heck she is.” ― Ellen DeGeneres
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