South Knoxville
Ijams Nature Center debuted a new feature Monday with the grand opening of the Ijams Nature Playscape at Grayson Subaru Preserve. According to Ijams, the playscape is “designed for young children to play in a creek, climb hills, dig, build, crawl and engage with nature in an organic, unstructured way. The new space features a large nest, tunnels, log steps and ‘different rooms’ to play in.” (We assume it doesn’t boast a laundry facility!)
Open Streets returns to Sevier Avenue this Sunday, May 15. Sevier Avenue will be closed (from Atchley Street to Suttree Landing via Foggy Bottom Street) to motorized traffic from 2 to 6 p.m. so people can walk, jog, ride bikes and even dance down the street as they enjoy activities and community. This is Open Streets Knoxville’s ninth such event.
In honor of Bike Month, Knox Loves Bikes and Printshop Beer Co., 1532 Island Home Ave., are hosting a Pint Night every Thursday in May to benefit Knoxville bike clubs and nonprofits.
On Saturday, May 14, the United Veterans Council of East Tennessee Inc. invites veterans and their guests to a free breakfast at Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 1516 Price Ave. Doors open at 8 a.m., and the chow line opens at 8:30. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs is sponsoring this month’s event.
Downtown
Covid-19 put the inaugural Southern Skies Music Festival on hold, but it’s finally taking place on Saturday, May 14, at World’s Fair Park. Eight bands will play across two stages starting at 1:30 p.m. Gates open at 1 p.m. Blues Traveler and local faves the Dirty Guv’nahs headline.
A couple of years ago, old friends Morgan Simmons (writer) and Don Wood (illustrator) crafted a children’s chapter book titled “Singing Creek,” all about critters that live in the Great Smokies National Park. It’s finally available on shelves outside of the park and beyond Amazon – at Mast General Store, 402 S. Gay St.
East Knoxville
Congratulations to Calvin Daniels of the Senior Companion Advisory Council for being named the 2022 Champion for Seniors by the CAC Office on Aging. Daniels has served with the companion program since 2014.
Take a walking tour of Burlington tonight with elected officials and representatives of Bike Walk Knoxville to help determine the walkability of the community. The tour starts at 6 p.m. at 110 Fern St.
If you’re 50 or older and seeking employment opportunities, visit the CAC Office on Aging’s Senior Job Fair, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, at the John T. O’Connor Center, 611 Winona St. Bring copies of your resume. Info: 865-524-2786