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🚌 This downtown Knoxville bus route is now permanently free

🚌 This downtown Knoxville bus route is now permanently free

Also inside: Cruze Farm’s new May flavors, a thrilling finish at the Knoxville Open, and live.... murals?

May 28, 2026

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Quick reminder that Knoxville weekends do not need to be overplanned to be good. Sometimes the best days start with coffee, turn into a farmers market stroll, and somehow end at a concert or comedy show downtown.

This week’s issue has a few ideas if you are looking for them. Also, shoutout to everyone already embracing quarry season again. Summer is getting very real around here.

🏌️‍♂️ A thrilling finish at the Visit Knoxville Open

The Gist: Doc Redman clinched his second Korn Ferry Tour victory of the season at Holston Hills after a dramatic showdown on May 24, 2026. Redman and Hunter Eichhorn finished regulation tied at 25-under par, forcing a playoff for the third consecutive year. Redman sealed the victory on the first playoff hole by sinking a spectacular 40-foot eagle putt.

Why It Matters: Knoxville natives Davis Shore, a CAK alum, secured his first top-ten finish of the year, while former UT standout Bryce Lewis celebrated the best outing of his professional career by tying for third.

🚌 Downtown bus route goes permanently fare-free

The Gist: The Knoxville Transportation Authority Board voted May 21 to make Route 1, known as the Downtown Connector, permanently free to ride. The decision follows a zero-fare pilot program launched last December with Visit Knoxville, which boosted ridership by over 6,000 trips per month. The bus connects downtown hubs like the Old City, Market Square, Gay Street, and Depot Avenue, and will now operate exclusively on its Gameday Route to accommodate local sports fans.

Why It Matters: This makes exploring and commuting downtown incredibly easy and affordable for everyone in our community. By cutting out fares and aligning the route with local games, it takes the headache out of parking, reduces traffic, and makes it simpler to support our favorite downtown businesses.

🍳 Market Square’s patio that just works

15 Market Square, Knoxville

Not Watson’s Kitchen + Bar has been the Market Square patio that just works since 2014. Locally owned by the same families behind SoKno Taco, the name nods to the old department store on this exact corner.

Now, it’s a farm-to-table kitchen sourcing steps away from the farmers market.

The fried green tomatoes come stacked with house pimiento cheese, while the modern Philly roll keep things interesting. Half-pound Angus burgers pair with a fresh basil Paloma from the bar. With twenty beers on tap and a dog-friendly patio, it makes spending a Sunday morning here just as easy as a Friday night.

🍦 Where the red-and-white stripes mean sweet business

2721 Asbury Rd, 2723 Asbury Rd #101, and 445 S Gay St Ste 105, Knoxville

Cruze Farm is the homegrown ice cream empire that started on a family Jersey-cow dairy farm and ended up with the most recognizable storefronts in town. The Gay Street spot is the perfect downtown stop after a Smokies game.

You’ll love the sweet cream milkshakes and May specials like the orange cream slush or key lime cheesecake churn. You can even top your cone with an iced lemon cookie right now!

Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!

Kurt is a 4-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix

Weighing 61 pounds, this energetic fellow is currently waiting at the Young-Williams Animal Center in Knoxville. Kurt is a spunky, active dog who plays hard and thrives on attention, making him the perfect match for a household with a fenced yard to stretch his legs.

Because of his rowdy play style, he needs a home without other dogs or cats, and any children in the household should be at least 10 years old.

To learn more about this good boy,

🎪 Dragonfly Aerial Circus Extravaganza | Ijams Center | 05/29-05/30 | More
Acrobatic human performance held outdoors to celebrate 15 years of circus arts.

🪖 Wreaths Across America Mobile Exhibit | Deane Hill Center Food City | 05/29-06/01 | More
Mobile museum sharing inspiring stories of history, service, and patriotism.

🎨 KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival | Emory Place | 05/30 | More
Street festival featuring live muralists, quirky costume contests, and local music.

🎈 Knoxville's Largest Kids' Party | World's Fair Park Lawn | 05/30 | More
A festival packed with bounce houses, interactive games, and entertainment!

🏃‍♂️ Red Panda Run 5K | Zoo Knoxville | 05/30 | More
Scenic dash winding past animal habitats to support local wildlife conservation.

🎧 Big Fun Tuesdays at Mead's Quarry | Mead's Quarry | 06/02 | More
Lively lakeside event: outdoor bike rides, bug hunts, food trucks, and music.

🧼 Blooms & Bubbly Craft Night | Buff City Soap | 05/28 | More
Creating custom floral arrangements and artisan bath bombs over appetizers.

🎤 Heather McMahan: The Bamboozled Tour (Live Special Taping) | Bijou Theatre | 05/29-05/30 | More
A live comedy taping at the Bijou with one of the funniest people on the internet.

🍷 Market Square Farmers Market | Market Square | 05/30 | More
Pick up local wine, cheese, flowers, and pastries for an easy weekend brunch.

🦺 Caving Trip | Mead's Quarry | 05/31 | More
Underground wilderness exploration navigating a unique, hidden cavern ecosystem.

🍹 Knoxville Margarita Festival | The Mill & Mine | 05/30 | More
Cocktail competition between creative artisan samples from downtown mixologists.

🎷 Concerts on the Square: Margherita Fava Quartet | Market Square | 06/02 | More
Bring a blanket and a glass of something cold for free jazz under string lights.

🎸 Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening | Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville | 06/02 | More
Bonham's son brings the full Zeppelin catalogue to the historic Tennessee Theatre.