With the winter weather finally thawing out thanks to the sun and some much-needed rain, Knoxville is now lush and green. But it’s not just the vegetation, this weekend it will be the people that populate it as well. An extensive itinerary for St. Patrick’s Day, as well as other various arts and culture programming, is keeping the cultivation of that green hue going. Its time to stop and smell the shamrocks.
Terrarium Building – The Bottom (March 11, 6 – 7:30 p.m.) If you don’t have a season pass to the zoo, a miniature ecosystem that’s home-friendly might be the next best thing. In this hands-on workshop, Plush Moon Terrarium Co. founder Kiana will demonstrate and supervise the terrarium-building process for guests looking to liven up their living room decor. These enclosed spaces are typically inhabited by moisture-wicking plants like ferns and different forms of moss. Admission for this event is on a “pay what you can” system.
Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party – Covenant Health Park (March 12, 5 – 8 p.m.) One of Knoxville’s biggest sporting events doesn’t take place on a hundred-yard field, but rather in between the banks of the river that sits just adjacent to Neyland Stadium. To celebrate the annual Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic, the city is gathering at Covenant Health Park for a free, family-friendly peek into the tournament filled with weigh-ins, meet and greets with competitors, and a performance from The Voice finalist DEK of Hearts.
West Side Story – Tennessee Theater (March 12 & 13, 7:30 p.m.) Strut through the streets and side corners of New York’s underbelly in the 1950’s, where the Jets and Sharks are at war, and in the midst of an unlikely alliance between two of its most important members. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is playing select works from Leonard Bernstein’s classic West Side Story this weekend, as well as the world premiere of “Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra: Cocktail Concerto” from Robert Paterson.
Knox Shamrock Fest – World’s Fair Park (March 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) The end of the rainbow just might be under the Sunsphere this Saturday, where booths and bounce houses will begin popping up in the early hours of the morning for an all-day celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day tailored to families. The festival is presented by the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, and donations are encouraged. A pinch or two may act as the price of admission for guests not wearing green.
St. Patrick’s Parade – Downtown Knoxville (March 14, 12:45 p.m.) Grand Marshall Jimmy Houston will be leading the charge down Gay Street in this annual event that highlights local businesses looking to make an impact and paint Knoxville green for the day. This one-mile runaround through downtown typically draws a crowd of somewhere in the thousands, and continues to cement itself as a staple celebration for families around town.
St. Patrick’s Day Crawl – Skybox Knoxville (March 14, 4 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.) With Downtown Knoxville, the Old City, and Cumberland Avenue all snugly nestled within a mile of each other, the town’s nightlife practically invites the bar crawl. With Guinness on tap at almost all of these locations and a number of Irish-style pubs to choose from, St. Patrick’s Day is maybe the most fitting holiday to make that effort happen. One ticket will get you into multiple stops with no cover, and it will also cover the cost of two to three drinks for the night. Themed specials and other amenities will also be available!
Don’t Tell Comedy Show – Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus Cider (March 14, 9 – 10 p.m.) Some local laugh scientists are conducting experiments at Knoxville’s staple cider house this weekend, and you’re invited to be their test subject. An alternative to the town’s more bustling and busy nightlife spots, Gypsy Circus has made its reputation in bolstering native and local creators on their stage. Come see some of our budding comics get a chance at a no-holds-barred set!
St. Patrick’s Day 5K – Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria (March 15, 12 – 5:30 p.m.) Whether you need to run off last night’s holiday beverages or make room for a big lunch at Barley’s this 5K is a great Sunday activity for runners of all mindsets. The Sunday jog offers two different experiences: one is a ticket to the pizza parlor after the event, with an all-you-can-eat bar and grill to feast on. Proceeds from this event benefit neuroblastoma research through Emily’s Power For A Cure.
Adam Delahoussaye is a freelance writer for KnoxTNToday who loves telling stories about music, arts, and culture in and around his hometown. Have a story for Adam? He can be reached at delahoussaye1267@gmail.com or by text at 865-919-5059 with your story idea.
Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook and Instagram. Get all KnoxTNToday articles in one place with our Free Newsletter.
