FRIDAY JUNE 29
It's time for Kuumba 2012 in downtown Knoxville. The Youth Arts Extravaganza runs from 10 am to 3 pm on Market Square. Starting at 6 pm, the JUNKANU (Parade) running down Gay Street and Market Square, features festival participants, the original Free Spirit Stilt Walkers, Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company, churches, and community groups who strut, drum, and dance. Enjoy the African Market Place on Market Square with traditional crafts, clothing and foods.
Channing and Quinn will perform on the WDVX Blue Plate Special. The free broadcast begins at noon at the Knoxville Visitor Center.
Ijams Nature Center invites you to an "Evening Canoe Cruise" at 5 pm. Enjoy the evening summer breezes as you cruise around the lake at Mead's Quarry. The fee for this program is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Please call (865) 57-4717, ext. 119 to register.
The Knoxville Museum of Art continues its "Alive After Five" series with Frog & Toad's Dixie Stomp. General admission is $8. Food will be provided by Viet Grill. "Alive After Five" runs from 6 to 8:30 pm.
Clayton Center presents "Music in the Air" Festival with 17 Bands participating. The 3 day event includes music by East Tennessee Concert Band, Ensemble Swing Time, Smokey Mountain Harmony, Bill Snyder, and many more. Concerts begin at 7 pm, and continue to 11 pm. You can purchase a pass and see as many bands as you like all weekend. Single performances are $10. Call (865) 981-8590, for more information
The John Myers Band will perform in the 2012 Sunset Music Series at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center. There is a $5 admission fee for the 7 pm show.
Leanne Morgan will take the stage several times throughout the weekend at Side Splitters Comedy Club in west Knoxville. Tickets are $20 at the door, at both the 7 pm and 9 pm show. Visit www.sidesplitterscomedy.com for more information.
Maryville Youth Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz". Maryville Youth Theatre is a new company dedicated to providing the opportunity for young people, ages 8-18, to learn about the Theatre Arts as well as being coached to develop their own talent. Show time is set for 7 pm. Tickets range from $12 to $15.
The Tennessee Smokies play host to the Birmingham Barons in Kodak. It's another "Fireworks Friday" as well as "All Things Chicago Night". Come on out and watch the future stars of the windy city, as the Smokies take on the Barons. Enjoy some Chicago style food that could make you feel like your watching the game from historic Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 pm.
Tickets to see Shinedown at the Tennessee Theatre are sold out. Adelitas Way will open the show at 8 pm.
Chompin' at the Bit String Band will take the stage at Boyd's Jig & Reel in the Old City. The free show begins at 9 pm.
The Theorizt and Soulfinger will take the stage at Preservation Pub. There is a $5 cover for the 10 pm show.
SATURDAY JUNE 30
Come enjoy toe-tapping music, good food, hand wrought jewelry and art, fun activities for the kids and the excitement of a civil war reenactment, at the East Tennessee Summer Festival, at River Glen Equestrian Park. Explore the vendor area and shop for hand blown glass art from Goldhagen Art Glass, hand wrought silver jewelry from Pure Silver Jewelry, living art sculptures from A Living Art Topiary, tasty and unique sauces from Berdeaux's Vintage Sauces, hand made rockers, purses, and much more. The kids can enjoy pony rides, clowns, face painting and more. Celebrate the past while standing in the present, as you watch the Battle of Mossy Creek unfold complete with cavalry, cannons, muskets, and authentic war time campsites. Visit www.river-glen.com for more information.
The Market Square Farmers' Market opens at 9 am. Grab some cash and bring some friends down to support your local farmers and artisans.
Enjoy the African Market Place with traditional crafts, clothing, and foods; the World Children's Village; and two entertainment stages at Chilhowee Park. The event runs from 11 am until 10 pm. From 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, the original Free Spirit Stilt Walkers and Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company will take center stage. Cash Money Records presents Josh Gates at 8 pm. Admission is $5 before 5 pm, $10 admission after.
Marv Ashby and High Octane 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.
Ijams Nature Center invites all of the ADULTS out there, to join them for "Seedlings and Sangrias". You'll learn the tips and tricks to make fun and creative container gardens, whether you have acres of space or a small, apartment patio. Enjoy sangria and light hors d'oeuvres as you create your own fantastic gardens. The fee for this program is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. The event should start at 2 pm.
The Hard Knox Roller Girls play host to Capital Punishment at the Civic Coliseum. The Brawlers open up the night with a battle against Rolling Arsenal of Derby at 6 pm. Tickets may be purchased online for $8.50. Children can get in for $6.50.
Come on down to the Smokies game as they take on the Birmingham Barons. There will be a special appearance by Zooperstars at Smokies Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:15 pm.
Knoxville Zoo is hosting a very special evening of feasting and festivities for your little beasties! Zoo To Do, an after-hours event will be held from 6:30 until 8:30 pm, at Knoxville Zoo. Modeled after the zoo's extremely popular grown-up event, Feast with the Beasts, this all-ages party will feature delicious foods from local restaurants including Buddy's BBQ, Bonefish Grill, and Papa Murphy's Pizza as well as tasty treats from Godiva Chocolate. Your family can also enjoy performances and activities from local entertainers including Broadway Academy of Performing Art, Brunetti Confetti Art, the Barrel Train Express and much much more. You can purchase the $15 tickets online or at the Knoxville Zoo gate.
Leanne Morgan will take the stage several times throughout the weekend at Side Splitters Comedy Club in west Knoxville. Tickets are $20 at the door, at both the 7 pm and 9 pm show. Visit www.sidesplitterscomedy.com for more information.
Maryville Youth Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz". Maryville Youth Theatre is a new company dedicated to providing the opportunity for young people, ages 8-18, to learn about the Theatre Arts as well as being coached to develop their own talent. Show time is set for 2 and 7 pm. Tickets range from $12 to $15.
The Flatlanders with special guest Jason Eady will take the stage at The Shed at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson. Tickets are $20 to the 8 pm show.
Sarah Pirkle and Jeff Barbra will take the stage at Boyd's Jig & Reel in the Old City. The free show begins at 9 pm.
SUNDAY JULY 1
Knoxville Christian Center's 20th Annual Giant All American BBQ will be at 10:30 am. Inspirational and patriotic music will be performed by recording artist, Angie Howard, followed by a free giant BBQ dinner with BBQ ribs, chicken, hamburgers and homemade desserts and side dishes.