16 Things to Do in Knoxville This Week · May 14–17, 2026

Family-Friendly

Market Square Farmers Market

Downtown Knoxville's beloved open-air farmers market returns with locally grown produce and handmade products every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in Market Square.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:00 AM · Market Square, Knoxville

Children's Festival of Reading

The 20th annual Children's Festival of Reading brings world-class authors, illustrators, musicians, and storytellers to World's Fair Park for a free, milestone celebration themed 'Roar Into a Story.'

Saturday, May 16, 2026 10:00 AM · World's Fair Park

Free Events

Keep Knoxville Beautiful Street Cleanup

Join Young Professionals of Knoxville for a community street cleanup of their adopted mile on N Central St, with supplies provided by Keep Knoxville Beautiful.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 1:00 PM · Original Freezo, N Central St, Knoxville

Open Streets Knoxville

Gay Street transforms into a car-free playground for walking, biking, dancing, skating, and exploring from Summit Hill Dr. to Hill Ave. and across the Gay St. Bridge — free and family-friendly.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 2:00 PM · Gay Street, Knoxville

Concerts on the Square – Jazz Tuesdays

Free outdoor jazz concerts continue every Tuesday evening on Market Square as part of the summer-long Concerts on the Square series presented by First Century Bank.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 7:00 PM · Market Square, Knoxville

Music & Nightlife

Bug-Themed Rave at The Commune

The Commune's second rave of the year goes full insect with a bug-themed techno and house night in Wonderland — RSVP required, come dressed as your favorite creature.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · The Commune, Knoxville

Paul Gilbert at Open Chord

Guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert performs live at Open Chord Stage in Knoxville — a must for fans of technical and rock guitar.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 8:00 PM · Open Chord Stage, 8502 Kingston Pike

Concerts on the Square – Variety Thursdays

The third Thursday of the month brings a broad spectrum of musical genres to Market Square in this free outdoor summer concert series.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 7:00 PM · Market Square, Knoxville

Festivals & Special Events

Old City Market

The 100 Block of West Jackson Avenue goes car-free for a vibrant outdoor marketplace of artists, crafters, and creative makers on the third Sunday of each month.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 11:00 AM · 112 W Jackson Ave, Old City

Statemint West Knoxville Spring Consignment Pop-Up

A large-scale spring consignment shopping event for women and men at Rothchild Grand Ballroom — over 3,800 people interested.

Thursday, May 28, 2026 10:00 AM · Rothchild Grand Ballroom, Knoxville

End of School Spring Concert Series at The Commune

The Commune's end-of-school outdoor concert series wraps up the season — bring camping gear, food, and good vibes for this Bonnaroo-inspired South Knoxville celebration.

Saturday, May 30, 2026 · The Commune, South Knoxville

Date Night

Arts & Craft Brew Night

Combine art-making and craft beer in one evening at the Knoxville Museum of Art — a creative, social night out at one of the city's premier cultural institutions.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 5:00 PM · Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Drive

Arts & Culture

Memory Care Workshop

The Knoxville Museum of Art hosts a specialized workshop designed for those experiencing memory care needs, offering a creative and engaging museum experience.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 11:00 AM · Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Drive

Food & Drink

CIAO KNOX MERCATO | Italian Market Series

A free Italian-inspired outdoor market at The Plaid Apron featuring local vendors, food, and a European market atmosphere in Knoxville.

Sunday, May 24, 2026 4:00 PM · The Plaid Apron, Knoxville

May Social at Zero/Zero Wine Bar

Young Professionals of Knoxville hosts a casual after-work social at Zero/Zero Wine Bar in Happy Holler — drinks, networking, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Thursday, May 28, 2026 5:30 PM · Zero/Zero Wine Bar, North Knoxville

Outdoors & Active

Dance2Fit with Jessica Bass

A high-energy dance fitness class every Saturday morning in Knoxville — all levels welcome for this fun, community workout.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 9:00 AM · Knoxville