It’s a big weekend for big festivals in Knoxville, with the Old City and Downtown districts popping up tents and stages faster than the crowd can get there. In between all the jamming and sloshing of local brews, there’s a little bit of shopping to be done, where the theme seems to be finding old things and making them new again.
Good Vibrations – Yee-Haw Brewing Co. (June 4, 6 – 9 p.m.) The sounds of summer are coming to North Knoxville, and the best beach band in town is here to ring in the new season. Kicking off their topical circuit of yacht rock music across town, Smooth Sailor is representing a good cause as they start their maiden voyage. Proceeds from this event will go to benefit Cancer Support Community for East Tennessee, with tickets starting at $50.
Rhinestone Fest – Historic Old City (June 5 & 6, 12 – 8 p.m.) Pour yourself a cup of ambition and head down to Knoxville’s Historic Old City, where the sixth annual Dolly Parton-themed festival will be kicking off and two-stepping down the block all weekend long. Activities including line dancing, live music performances, food trucks and a number of local vendors will highlight this studded boot stomp down South Central Street.
Broadway, Baby! – Clarence Brown Theater (June 5 & 6, 8 – 10:30 p.m.) Hundreds of voices echo throughout the Clarence Brown Theater as the Appalachian Equality Chorus brings its signature show to Knoxville. Pulling from a number of eras throughout the history of the American songbook, the group brings authenticity and a spunky personality to beloved classics for all ages. Tickets range in price from $16 to $50.
Vintage Market Days – Knoxville Expo Center (June 5 – 8, multiple times) If you’re looking to redecorate your living room or closet, this vintage market may have enough to repopulate both rooms adequately. This full weekend offers a full slate of vendors with live music and food to accompany the shopping. With spring cleaning done, it may be time to spruce up some of those now empty nooks and crannies.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Knoxville Children’s Theater (June 5 – 7, multiple times) The classic story of a golden ticket and tests beyond measure is coming to the kid-sized stage at the Knoxville Children’s Theater, where the community’s young thespians will be retelling a fan favorite as their summer season kicks off.
Bijou Jubilee – Bijou Theater (June 6, 4 – 11 p.m.) One of Knoxville’s proudest performing arts venues is showcasing the talent that the town can pull in, all while celebrating the vibrance of our little town nestled in the hills. With indoor and outdoor stages as well as food and drink, the amenities span as wide as the talent. Headlined by Margo Price and The Deslondes, southern music of every flavor can be found here.
Opera in the Park – Lakeshore Park (June 6, 7 p.m.) This annual, free concert brings a traditional art form to the main stage and the general public. Hosted by the Marble City Opera, this event promotes one of our local landing spots for the art form while also providing a fun outing for families and enthusiasts looking to make good use out of the warm weather.
Plates to Pendants – Appalachian Arts and Crafts Center (June 6, 2 – 5 p.m.) The next time you break something around the house, you might be able to turn it into a wearable necklace or bracelet thanks to this course. With materials provided, this class can teach you how to repurpose broken china into brooches, necklaces and other forms of wearable jewelry. This class is geared toward beginners, with prices starting at $90.
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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