I really don’t mean to turn this blog into an “coming attractions” kind of thing, but when weekends continue to hit like the ones we’ve had recently, what can a blogger do? So, here’s another for your Friday, simply because there is so much happening downtown you just have to know about.
Of course, it starts with First Friday. Metropulse is having a big blow-out for their “Best of Knoxville” poll. The event will take place at the Square Room and will feature food from winning restaurants and music from King Super and the Excellents. 2 Many Pixels on the 100 block has a photography exhibit that sounds great called “Streetwise: Knoxville,” featuring photographs from the city taken over the last sixty years. Of course, the 100 Block features openings in the Emporium and UT Galleries. The art of Tracey Hartley, which is described as “whimsical, edgy and unforgettable” will be featured at Attack Monkey.
Saturday morning, get up early and make it to this year’s official opening of the Saturday version of the Market Square Farmers’ Market. I still remember last year’s opening. I think I said it more resembled a festival and so it did. For the best in fresh, in season, vegetables as well as fresh-baked bread, flowers, great coffee and a host of other naturally, earthy good products, it just can’t be beat. The early shoppers get the best of everything and, besides, if you early you finish when the late sleepers arrive and you can grab a coffee, find a good seat and people-watch.
Great weekend, huh? Not even started. When was the last time Derby Day fell on Cinco De Mayo? I’ll trust a sharp reader to figure that answer out for the dullards among us and I’ll just speculate that it doesn’t happen often. As a result of this cosmic cross-cultural convergence we have a full day of parallel fun downtown all day Saturday, so whether you prefer mint juleps or corona, you’ll find your peeps downtown. Derby Week concludes with a hat contest and viewing of the Kentucky Derby at multiple locations with the fun starting at 4:00. Fiesta del Cinco De Mayo will be celebrated on Market Square, sponsored by Preservation Pub and benefiting one of my favorite organizaions: Hola Hora Latina.
Fiesta del Cinco de Mayo at Market Square. Mexican themed concert with multiple activities for children such as soccer, piñatas, hair braiding, games, etc. Benefiting HoLa Hora Latina, sponsored by Preservation Pub. The day will feature music by King Super and the Excellents (big weekend for those guys), Cristabel and the Jons and fire dancing by Biz Cirque. Pinatas, sombreros, hair ribbon braiding and face painting should keep the young ones happily dancing about. The fun starts at 3:30 PM.
I’m taking Sunday off, but if you still haven’t had enough, how about the twelfth annual Neighborhood Bike Ride. It starts at Market Square at 2:00 and ends there at 3:00. From 1:30 to 6:00 the 2nd annual Bike Festival will be spread all about the Square with booths, swapping, bike fashion and more.
I hope its a great weekend for everyone and if it’s not, well whose fault is that?