Community Calendar

Blount Mansion is proud to present Emma Patterson speaking on “Women of the Progressive Era in Appalachia” as a part of our Centennial Celebration lecture series!

Emma Patterson is a senior at the University of Tennessee. Emma’s honors thesis focuses on the nature of women’s reform at the turn of the century through the life of Helen Dingman, with information about Mary Boyce Temple.

Helen Dingman as a mountain missionary and Mary Boyce Temple as a local club woman, both dedicated their lives and careers to the philanthropies of the Progressive Era. My lecture will discuss the distinction between life in urban and rural areas of Appalachia and connect these two women’s stories to broader themes defining this region at the turn of the century.

• Lecture will start at 6pm
• The special speaking event will be at Blount Mansion Visitors Center, 200 West Hill Avenue, Knoxville TN 37902.
• Limited free parking onsite
• $10 Donation suggested at the door. Cash and card accepted
• RSVP to Rose@BlountMansion.org

Starting at an elevation of 4,650 feet, stroll through a northern hardwoods forest and observe the birds and blooms that call the high peaks home. Smokies Life Branch Out event. Thomas Divide Trailhead, Bryson City, N.C. If traveling from Tennessee, there is an option to carpool from Sugarlands Visitor Center. Cost: For Park Keepers, $45; to join and attend, $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40 + event registration $45). Info – SmokiesLife.org/branch-out-events or email: membership@smokieslife.org.

Learn about black bears, an iconic symbol of the Smokies. Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranger-led program. Sugarlands Visitor Center, Tenn. Free. Info and confirm details: nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/calendar.htm or 865-436-1200.

New Food Pantry now available to neighborhood and surrounding areas twice a month. Every 2nd Thursday of each month we will be giving away non-perishable goods and personal care items. On the 4th Thursday of each month we will be serving a hot meal.

Theater 23 Presents World Premiere of Decoration Day
New play by Knoxville playwright Linda Parsons runs May 15–31
Knoxville, TN — Theater 23 is proud to announce the world premiere of Decoration Day, a new play by acclaimed local playwright Linda Parsons. The production will run May 15–31 at Borderland Playhouse, located at 802 Sevier Avenue in Knoxville.
Decoration Day marks Parsons’ seventh play to be produced in the Knoxville area, continuing her strong legacy of compelling, character-driven storytelling. This latest work explores themes of memory, heritage, and the ties that bind communities across generations.
The production is directed by Steven O’Shea and produced by Tom Eubanks, bringing together a talented creative team dedicated to delivering a powerful and intimate theatrical experience.
Tickets will go on sale April 15 and will be available at theater23.org. Performance times and additional details will also be posted on the website.
For more information, please visit theater23.org or follow Theater 23 on social media.

Burning Off the BBQ 5K
Hosted by the Sevierville Rotary Club
📍 Sevierville, Tennessee
📅 May 16, 2026

Kick off your Blooming BBQ & Blues weekend with the Burning Off the BBQ 5K in beautiful Sevierville, Tennessee!

This family-friendly 5K run/walk is the perfect way to start your Saturday morning before enjoying the Blooming BBQ & Blues Festival festivities. Whether you're a competitive runner, weekend jogger, or casual walker, this event welcomes all ages and fitness levels.

Participants will enjoy a scenic course, community spirit, and a fun, high-energy atmosphere with a little cheeky BBQ flair. Awards will be given in multiple age divisions, along with fun specialty categories.

Proceeds benefit the Sevierville Rotary Club’s local service projects supporting youth, education, and community initiatives.

👟 Run fast.
🔥 Burn off the BBQ.
🎶 Then enjoy a full weekend of food, music, and fun.

Register today and be part of a growing annual tradition in the Smoky Mountains!

Join fellow artists on Saturday mornings for a creative refresh in a welcoming, lighthearted environment. You’ll have the option of being inside, in a spacious, light-filled space, or outside under a covered pavilion. You can bring a project you’d like to work on, sketch from provided still lifes, or work plein aire.

These mini-retreats are located in West Knox, in a 20+ acre bucolic setting with fields and woods, on the Tennessee River. All levels are welcome and no experience is needed.

$20 per session or $50 for 3 sessions includes art supplies and yummy snacks.

Space is limited to 15 participants--please RSVP at lunacreates.com/sketch-club the Friday before to save your spot!

Discover what life in the Cove is like for its inhabitants—past and present. Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranger-led program. Cable Mill Historic Area in Cades Cove, Tenn. Free. Info and confirm details: nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/calendar.htm or 865-436-1200.

J. Sibelius - Humoresque #4 and 5 - Bill Hayden, Soloist
G. Faure - Elegie - Laura Kristoff, Soloist
Dvorak - Symphony #9, 'New World'

Theater 23 Presents World Premiere of Decoration Day
New play by Knoxville playwright Linda Parsons runs May 15–31
Knoxville, TN — Theater 23 is proud to announce the world premiere of Decoration Day, a new play by acclaimed local playwright Linda Parsons. The production will run May 15–31 at Borderland Playhouse, located at 802 Sevier Avenue in Knoxville.
Decoration Day marks Parsons’ seventh play to be produced in the Knoxville area, continuing her strong legacy of compelling, character-driven storytelling. This latest work explores themes of memory, heritage, and the ties that bind communities across generations.
The production is directed by Steven O’Shea and produced by Tom Eubanks, bringing together a talented creative team dedicated to delivering a powerful and intimate theatrical experience.
Tickets will go on sale April 15 and will be available at theater23.org. Performance times and additional details will also be posted on the website.
For more information, please visit theater23.org or follow Theater 23 on social media.