🎟️ How to get into the Sunsphere for free this year

If your calendar has been looking a little empty, that is about to change.

This week packs in everything from outdoor adventure to book signings to one very big concert night. It is the kind of mix that lets you build your own perfect weekend. Low key, high energy, or somewhere in between.

The Graduation Gift They Will Replay Forever: A Custom Song Written for Your Senior

Graduation only happens once, and it deserves something more than a gift card. Songs for Your Story takes your senior's name, memories, and inside jokes and crafts them into a fully custom, professionally produced song. Play it at the party, drop it behind the slideshow, or just send it to them on the big day. Give them something nobody else will think to give.

Country, pop, hip-hop, ballads. You pick the style. They handle everything else.

Before you decide, go to songsforyourstory.com/graduation and hit play on any song. Just 30 seconds. You will be blown away.

Starting at $79. Graduation season only.

Thank you to our sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the community. 🙏

🍳 A National Spotlight for Pete’s Restaurant

The Gist: Pete's Restaurant & Coffee, a downtown Knoxville staple since 1983, has been nominated for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Award for the best roadside diner in the country. Pete's is competing against heavyweights like Memphis’s Arcade Restaurant, and the local favorite confirmed the news on April 22. You can help them win by casting a vote once per day through May 4.

Why It Matters: While the Natour family’s legacy doesn't need a trophy to prove its value, a national win puts Knoxville on the map and celebrates a local institution that successfully transitioned to new ownership in 2024. It’s a chance for us to show some love to the place that’s been serving up our breakfast for over forty years. You have until May 4 to get your daily votes in before the polls close.

☀️ Free Views From Our Favorite Golden Globe

The Gist: Visit Knoxville announced that the Sunsphere will host free local days for Knox County residents on May 1, June 5, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, and Oct. 2, 2026. Residents with a physical Knox County Driver’s License can access the 4th Floor Observation Deck for free on a first-come, first-served basis. The Welcome Center is even staying open an hour later, until 6 p.m., to celebrate.

Why It Matters: This is a great way for neighbors to reconnect with a landmark that’s defined our skyline since the 1982 World’s Fair. By waiving the usual fees, Visit Knoxville is making sure every local has a chance to enjoy those 360-degree views of the Smokies and the Tennessee River.

What’s Next: Beyond the free days, all visitors can use the code NTTW26 starting May 1 to get discounted tickets during National Travel and Tourism Week, which runs May 3–9.

🌮 Street tacos and sun-soaked patio sessions

The SoKno Taco Cantina patio captures that rare, easygoing energy found just down the road from the AMBC trails. Here, the menu prioritizes SoCal-inspired execution across fourteen different proteins, though the move is often the Al Pastor paired with a bright, salt-rimmed Mi Camporito.

Between the twenty-four taps of craft beer and the rhythmic pulse of live music under the event tent, the space remains grounded yet vibrant.

Ready for a Sunday brunch happy hour or a late-afternoon round of street tacos?

✨ Gay Street style for every spring milestone

There is a distinct local pride in browsing Bliss & Tori, where the racks are currently filled with crisp white graduation dresses and thoughtful Mother’s Day treasures.

It is a space where Italian leather boots sit comfortably near sparkly Vols gear and a dedicated Dolly Parton collection. The staff makes every visit feel personal, whether they are helping wrap a delicate gift or finding the perfect fit for a spring celebration.

Anubis is a 5-year-old American Blue Heeler bringing a steady presence

At 53 pounds, he is a loyal companion who enjoys the company of other gentle dogs and walks politely on a leash. Though he is a bit reserved at first, his social nature shines through once he finds his footing.

He is an ideal match for a quiet home looking for a calm, mature friend. Adoption fee is set by the center.

To learn more about this soulful guy,

🎨 First Friday ArtWalk | Various Downtown Locations | Knoxville | 05/01 | More
Downtown galleries, shops, and creative spaces open their doors.

🌿 Outlandish Adventure Festival | Various Venues | Knoxville | 05/01–05/02 | More
A full-on outdoor playground: mountain bike whip-offs, rock climbing, and more.

🪙 Coin and Currency Show | Rothchild Conference Center | Knoxville | 05/02 | More 
Explore rare treasures and receive free educational gifts for the kids.

🚜 Handyman Hal Comes to Town | Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville | 05/02 | More
Fun with trucks, tools, and beloved preschool-friendly personalities.

🐾 Brush with the Wild | Zoo Knoxville | Knoxville | 05/02-05/03 | More 
Watch artists paint exotic animals live and explore the interactive musical zoo.

📚 Knoxville Book Festival | Convention Center | Knoxville | 05/02–05/03 | More 
Authors, panels, workshops, signings, and a lively literary marketplace.

🥕 Farmers Market — Opening Day | Market Square | Knoxville | 05/02 | More 
First Saturday of the 2026 season: vegetables, fruits, baked goods, eggs, and more!

🏘️ Fourth & Gill Tour of Homes & Secret Gardens | Check-in at Central United Methodist Church, 201 E. Third Ave | Knoxville | 05/03 | More 
Six beautifully restored Victorian homes and two open gardens, self-guided tour.

🎵 THAW OUT Music Festival | World’s Fair Park | Knoxville | 05/01 | More 
Eclectic outdoor festival celebrating the arrival of spring with diverse sounds.

🎤 Nate Jackson: Big Dog Tour | Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville | 05/01 | More 
Sharp stand-up performance with bold storytelling and quick wit.

🧀 Knoxville Cheese Fest | TAPestry at Barrelhouse | Knoxville | 05/01-05/02 | More
Savor artisanal pairings, cider flights, and expert-led classes for true curd enthusiasts.

🎸 Luke Combs: My Kinda Saturday Night | Neyland Stadium | Knoxville | 05/02 | More 
Anthemic country melodies with a massive stadium production.

🏇 Kentucky Derby Day | Schulz Bräu Brewing Company | Knoxville | 05/02 | More
Biergarten celebration featuring hat contests, race cheering, and thematic cocktails.

🍹 Animal Art Auction & Cocktails | Zoo Knoxville | Knoxville | 05/02 | More 
Sip sunset cocktails over the rhino reserve during a live creative auction.

🌸 Annual Dahlia Tuber Sale | Stanley’s Greenhouse | Knoxville | 05/02 | More
Acquire rare, show-stopping varieties for your garden from local specialist growers.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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