FRIDAY MAY 11
In partnership with River Sports Outfitters, Ijams Nature Center offers bike rentals for the Greenway and mountain bike trails and and canoe and paddle board experiences on Mead's Quarry Lake from noon to 8 pm. A valid driver's license or state identification will be required to rent and will be held as security during the rental period. Bike rental prices is $22 for half day per person or $37.50 all day per person. Canoe and Paddle Board rental price is $11 for per hour.
The Bearded with Gladson Family will perform on the WDVX Blue Plate Special. The free broadcast begins at noon at the Knoxville Visitor Center.
Dolly's Homecoming Parade, Pigeon Forge's annual salute to hometown superstar Dolly Parton, always has an interesting collection of participants, but parade organizers say this year's list is one of the most unusual. The thousands of spectators anticipated along the route can expect to see everything from a submarine to a NASCAR racecar to a float themed to Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" movie. The 27th annual Dolly's Homecoming Parade will cover a three-mile route on the Parkway, starting at 6 pm.
The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson welcomes Shovels & Rope with Brendon James Wright & The Wrongs. This show is part of the Free Concert Fridays sponsored by The Maryville Daily Times and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Music should get going right after 6 pm.
The Trio of Vanessa Draper, Karen E. Reynolds and Kit Rodgers will perform at Knoxville Museum of Art's "Alive After Five" series. General admission is $10. The music runs from 6 to 8:30 pm.
The Tennessee Smokies play host to the Jackson Generals at Smokies Park. Enjoy the "Friday Fireworks" following the game, as well as the groovy tunes during "70s Night" in Kodak. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15.
Clayton Center and Foothills Community Players present, "Greater Tuna" by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard. Greater Tuna is one of the most-performed comedies in the community theater genre. Tickets are available for $15. Show time is set for 7:30 pm, at the Haslam Family Flex Theatre.
The Oak Ridge Playhouse presents "Chicago". You can check out this version of the six-time Tony Awards winner for just $20. Show time is set for 8 pm.
The Preservation Pub welcomes Wrangler Space to the stage. Wrangler Space is dedicated to covering the songs of Southern Jam band Widespread Panic. The music is set to begin at 10 pm. There will be a $3 cover charge.
SATURDAY MAY 12
The Law Enforcement and Memorial 5K kicks off from Volunteer Landing at 8 am. More information on the race can be found at www.tngrandprix.com.
It's the 25 anniversary of Blount British Car Club's annual car show: "Springtime in the Smokies". The featured marque this year is the Triumph Spitfire (its 50th anniversary). Also featured this year is Ilene, a 1966 Triumph Spitfire that was given to the club 4 years ago. You can check out the cars for free at the Talley Ho Inn in Townsend until 2 pm. For more information or to register a car, visit www.blountbritishcars.org.
Celebrate Mother's Day at UT Gardens with the 10th Annual Blooms Days Festival and Marketplace. Specialty plants, unique garden goods, live musical performances, garden workshops, children's activities and more make the UT Gardens' Blooms Days a great destination for more than just gardeners. The event will run Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 5. Tickets at the gate will be $6 for one day and $10 for two days. Friends of the UT Gardens can purchase discounted tickets.
The Market Square Farmers' Market opens at 9 am. Grab some cash and bring some friends down to support your local farmers and artisans.
History comes to life 150 years after the Great Conflict between the States at the Historic Ramsey House from 10 am to 5 pm. Recreation of the Skirmish on the Holston which occurred on Feb. 20th 1864 will be held at 2 pm each day by Civil War re-enactors. Visitors may stroll the grounds through Union and Confederate encampments experiencing the life of a soldier of that era. A Ladies Tea and Fashion show and there will be Civil War period games and activities for children, Civil War period music and a display of the medical practices of the era. Tours of the Ramsey House will be available for a $3.00 person. Food for purchase available from vendors. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for children 12 to 7; 6 and under free.
It's time for the "12th Annual Vestival", the The South Knoxville Arts & Heritage Festival Saturday, from 11 am to 7 pm at the Candoro Marble Company in South Knoxville. They'll have a Mother's Day Brunch, arts and crafts for the kids, a variety of vendors, food and live music from The Theorizt, Marina Orchestra, Brendon James Wright and the Wrongs, Mountain Soul, The Bearded, Maggie Longmire, Jodie Manross, Jessica Watson (of the Madelines), Mike McGill, Jay Clarke, and The Gladson Family Band. There is a $5 suggested donation.
The Drawlstrings and FrazierBand will perform on the Saturday edition of the WDVX Blue Plate Special. You can be entertained at the Knoxville Visitor Center for free at noon.
Everyone loves a bargain and growing flowers from your own seed is a great example of getting things for free. If you would like to learn more about this low-cost and rewarding gardening strategy, join Ijams Nature Center to see how to gather, store and propagate seeds. The free course begins at 2 pm.
Studio Arts For Dancers will be participating in their Spring Concert at the Tennessee Theatre. Tickets on sale now at all Tickets Unlimited locations, or by phone at (865) 684-1200. Performance time is set for 5 pm.
Need a new Tennessee Smokies shirt? Heading to the game against the Jackson Generals, can really help you with that problem as they will be giving away t-shirts as you enter the park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:15.
The Knoxville Nighthawks play host to the Columbus Lions at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Tickets range from $10 to $45, and can be purchased at the box office. Game time is set for 7 pm.
The Bijou Jubilee! is an annual celebration of the historic Bijou Theatre and serves as the primary fundraiser supporting the ongoing operation and preservation of this spectacular venue. The Bijou Jubilee! 2012 will take place from 7 to 11 pm in the Krutch Park Extension under a big top tent with an air of vaudeville charm mixed with southern style. The event will feature unique food offerings, one of a kind auction items, a Beer Garden, and interactive activities for party-goers. Tickets are $100. Visit www.knoxbijou.com for more information.
Jason & The Scorchers with special guest Tim Lee 3 will perform at The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson. Tickets are $15 for the 8 pm show.
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and guest vocalists celebrate the music and memories of "The Carpenters" in a new show produced by Jim Brickman. Adult tickets range from $34 to $88. Show time is set for 8 pm, at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium.
SUNDAY MAY 13
The Tennessee Smokies continue their homestand against Jackson in Kodak. Bring your family out to enjoy a "Nine-Inning Vacation!" for only $48. A family of four can get game tickets, a meal and two Kids Zone wristbands. First pitch is scheduled for 2 pm.
Madeleine Peyroux will perform on the US Cellular Stage at the Bijou Theatre. Peyroux was named "Best International Jazz Artist" at the 2007 BBC Jazz Awards. Tickets are $37.50 in advance. Nellie McKay will open the show at 8 pm.