It’s officially the start of summer, and Knoxville is gearing up to provide every demographic with a way to unwind and get in the groove of the new season. Maybe you’re getting a head start on the fall rush, or maybe you need a day to unwind and let your hair down with a live show. The day off is what you make of it, and there are plenty of options.
Visit Knoxville Open – Holston Hills Country Club (May 18-24, multiple times). Many of us may have missed seeing the greats in person at Augusta, but the next generation is making their annual pit stop through town all weekend. The Visit Knoxville Open will feature several of the PGA’s rising stars as they participate in this flagship local event that breeds community camaraderie and a zeal for the growing game of golf.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – Tennessee Theater (May 20 – 24, multiple times) It’s been almost a quarter century since this Disney classic graced the stage, and now it’s returning to Knoxville just in time to keep the kids entertained and spark their imaginations. Enjoy the timeless, Oscar and Tony-winning classic as it enters its new era and promises to wow the next generation of audiences.
Concerts on the Square – Market Square (May 21, 7 – 9 p.m.) School is out, and family-friendly live music is back in the downtown area as the summer series kicks off with a bang. The first in a multi-week series, this summer’s opening act brings East Tennessee’s heritage to the town square. Tim Decker & TN River will bring the string-slapping bluegrass tunes from the hills down to our metro area as they soundtrack the start to the weekend.
Educators Night – The Bottom (May 22, 5 – 8 p.m.) A teacher’s work is never done, even after that final bell of the year rings out. The folks at The Bottom know this, and they’re helping our local learning leaders get a head start on next year’s lesson plan. Teachers can enjoy free coffee and tea as well as a storewide discount as they peruse the shop for future reading assignments or even some day-off literature. You must bring a school ID to participate.
The Art of Storytelling – Fly By Night (May 22, 9 p.m.) In the midst of unprecedented negativity, Knoxville’s talent curators remain committed to inviting in acts that challenge the status quo of sorrow. With poet Küf Knotz and instrumentalist Christine Elise combining their skills for forward thinking, the future doesn’t seem nearly as dull once rhymes and plucks start interweaving themselves. Admission for this event is operating on a “pay what you can” basis.
Kottonmouth Kingz – Open Chord (May 23, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.) For the ’90s babies, the Kottonmouth Kingz are a blur of younger days in their mix of punk rock, hip-hop, and reggae that all produce one unique Saturday night. There’s not a lot of letup or breathing room in their shows, which is part of the fun in the first place. It’s a chance to relive the glory days and move with little regard for tomorrow.
TMG Fest – Hardin Valley Event Center (May 23, 2 – 9 p.m.) Let the experts host your Memorial Day cookout this year in Hardin Valley’s most competitive cooking contest of the summer. TMG Fest will pit some of the nation’s best grill masters and wing tossers against each other in a heated competition for the best spread in town. The event will feature samples from cooks, food trucks, music and much more. Tickets are $20 online or $30 at the gate.
The Bread Losers – Alliance Brewing (May 24, 4 – 6 p.m.) Unwind or maybe ramp up your long weekend with a local brew and a hint of bluegrass. The Bread Losers are bringing a quasi-residency to alliance, playing the fourth Sunday of the month in a sort of interactive live show. After the main set, the group will invite guests on stage to join in on the jam and sing along! Admission is completely free.
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.
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