April 2014
Hats in Bloom
Annual Spring luncheon will feature the new spring collection of designer hats by noted milliner Patricia Frankum. Champagne mimosas and catered luncheon by Rex Bradford Jones.
Find out more »June 2014
Summer Solstice Dinner At The Garden
The event is a celebration of the summer solstice with a farm-to-fork dinner of local foods prepared by one of Knoxville's finest chefs in Ben Willis-Becker and served on the lawn of the LeConte Meadow. Local brews and local music by Y'uns Band are part of the enchanting evening.
Find out more »July 2014
An Evening in the Garden
The Lindsay Young Downtown Y invites attendees to enjoy a night under the stars at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum in an adult social to benefit the Y Annual Campaign. The event features hors d'oeuvres, selections from the University of Tennessee Culinary Program, cocktails and the music of JD Cable.
Find out more »January 2015
Knoxville Botanical Garden Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will hold a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off construction of the welcome center. A brief ceremony will held with reception. Architectural renderings will be on display, and staff and board members will be present.
Find out more »April 2015
Hats in Bloom
The annual luncheon is a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and features the new spring collection of designer hats by milliner Patricia Frankum. Mimosas will be served, followed by a seated lunch by Bradford Catered Events.
Find out more »June 2015
Summer Solstice Dinner
Celebrate the summer solstice with this farm-to-table dinner on the great meadow with a view of Mt. LeConte.
Find out more »Hard Hats in the Garden
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will host "Hard Hats in the Garden" in the nearly completed welcome center to view the renovation of the historic plot barn. Libations, hors d'oeuvres and desserts will be provided.
Find out more »August 2015
Knoxville Botanical Garden Welcome Center Ribbon-Cutting
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will host a dedication and ribbon-cutting for its new Welcome Center. Special guests include Gov. Bill Haslam and First Lady Chrissy Haslam; Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero. Please enter from new entrance at Boyds Bridge Pike. Light refreshments will be served.
Find out more »October 2015
Green Thumb Gala
The 6th annual Green Thumb Gala, a major fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, will feature cocktails and a seated dinner with silent and live auctions. The event will be held in the new Welcome Center in a celebration of past, present and future with the theme of "Rooted by Our Past."
Find out more »April 2016
Hats in Bloom
The annual luncheon, now in its fourth year, is a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and features the new spring collection of designer hats by milliner Patricia Frankum. Mimosas will be served, followed by a seated lunch by Rex Bradford Jones of Bradford Catered Events. Attire is garden chic with hats encouraged. The event will take place in the new Welcome Center. Top Hat tickets, a new offering in 2016, are available for $100 (table of 10, $1,000)…
Find out more »May 2016
Knoxville Botanical Garden Poppy Project Reception
The opening reception for the Poppy Project will be held May 12 to kick off the May 12-19 exhibition of work by three artists with different views of the same subject: David Denton, virtual reality; Norman Magden, video; and Margaret Scanlan, painting. The event also celebrates the new welcome center.
Find out more »June 2016
Knoxville Botanical Garden Summer Solstice Dinner
The 4th Annual Summer Solstice Dinner at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will feature local food, brews and music. Enjoy an evening under the stars and a meal made with fresh ingredients from KBGA's Center for Urban Agriculture.
Find out more »August 2016
Knoxville Area Urban League Young Professionals' Cork Savvy
The event, a benefit for the Knoxville Area Urban League Young Professionals, begins at 6 p.m. with a wine tasting, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The event also includes silent and live auctions and remarks from a Dr. Walter Hardy scholarship recipient. The 2016 theme is “Investing in Young Leaders,” which embodies the commitment to provide opportunities for college students and early career professionals. Proceeds benefit the Knoxville Area Urban League's minority scholarship program and young professional development series.
Find out more »September 2016
Green Thumb Gala
The 7th annual Green Thumb Gala, a major fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, will be held in the LeConte Meadow. The event features silent and live auctions, garden tour of gardens, seated gourmet dinner, music and fine wines and spirits. A "Secret Garden Patron Couple" ticket is available for $600. Individual tickets are $150. Tables of 10 also will be available for the event.
Find out more »October 2016
Leadership Knoxville Alumni Fall Homecoming
Leadership Knoxville will hold its annual fall homecoming event, which is by invitation only to the newest class members and alumni of all leadership classes for the past 32 years. The event will have an Oktoberfest theme with "food, friends and libations" in the "LK Biergarten" with entertainment by The Knoxville Polka Kings.
Find out more »April 2017
Hats in Bloom
The annual luncheon, now in its fifth year, is a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and features the new spring collection of designer hats by milliner Patricia Frankum. New for 2017 are "Head to Toe" sponsors, featuring clothing, accessories and shoes. Top Hat tickets are available for $100 for a private showing and sale of Frankum’s hats and Bloody Mary’s at 10:30 a.m. Regular tickets for the 11:30 a.m. champagne reception and noon luncheon are $65. Tables of…
Find out more »May 2017
Knoxville Botanical Garden Donor Reception
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will host a private reception for its supporters in the Martha Ashe Garden, along with a tour by golf cart of new gardens and accomplishments over the last year. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be provided by Bradford Catered Events.
Find out more »June 2017
Knoxville Botanical Garden Summer Solstice Dinner
The 5th Annual Summer Solstice Dinner at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum features local food, brews and music. Enjoy an evening under the stars and a meal made with fresh ingredients from KBGA’s Center for Urban Agriculture.
Find out more »October 2017
8th Annual Green Thumb Gala
The 8th annual Green Thumb Gala, a major fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, features silent and live auctions, garden tours, seated gourmet dinner, music and fine wines and spirits. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 5 p.m., followed by 6:30 p.m. dinner and 7:30 p.m. live auction. A “Homegrown Patron Couple” ticket is available for $600. Individual tickets are $150; tables of 10 also available. Attire: garden party.
Find out more »April 2018
Knoxville Botanical Garden Hats in Bloom Luncheon
The annual luncheon, now in its sixth year, is a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and features the new spring collection of designer hats by milliner Patricia Frankum, champagne reception and seated luncheon. Top Hat tickets are available for $100 for a private showing and sale of Frankum’s hats and Bloody Mary’s at 10:30 a.m. Regular tickets for the 11:30 a.m. champagne reception and noon luncheon are $65. Tables of 10 ($650/$1,000) also are available. Attire is garden…
Find out more »May 2018
Knoxville Botanical Garden Donor Reception
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will hold a private reception for donors and special friends to celebration the accomplishments in the past year, including tours by golf cart of the new gardens. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be provided.
Find out more »June 2018
Knoxville Botanical Garden Summer Solstice Dinner
The 6th Annual Summer Solstice Dinner at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum features local food, brews and music. Enjoy an evening under the stars and a meal made with fresh ingredients from KBGA’s Center for Urban Agriculture.
Find out more »August 2018
Knoxville Botanical Garden ‘Botanical Brew’ Release Party
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will unveil its Botanical Brew at a fundraiser for the new Green Drinks Garden. The brew, a German style Kölsch, was crafted in partnership with Blackhorse Brewing. Guests also will enjoy food and can explore the site of the new garden. The event is for invited guests and current Garden Members.
Find out more »October 2018
9th Annual Green Thumb Gala
The 9th annual Green Thumb Gala, a major fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, features silent and live auctions, garden tours, seated gourmet dinner, music and fine wines and spirits. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 5 p.m., followed by 6:30 p.m. dinner and 7:30 p.m. live auction. The 2018 theme is "If These Walls Could Talk," a reference to the stone walls and historic structures built more than 100 years ago. Attire: garden party.
Find out more »April 2019
Knoxville Botanical Garden Hats in Bloom Luncheon
The annual luncheon, now in its seventh year, is a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and features the new spring collection of designer hats by milliner Patricia Frankum, champagne reception and seated luncheon. Top Hat tickets ($100 per person) include a private showing and sale of Frankum’s hats and Bloody Mary’s at 10:30 a.m. Regular tickets ($75 person) include the 11:30 a.m. champagne reception and noon luncheon; tables of 10 ($750-$1,000) also are available. Click HERE for tickets.…
Find out more »Amuse Bouche Knoxville
Amuse Bouche Knoxville is a cocktail party featuring "little bites that delight" and a selection of wines in a benefit for Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi. The 2019 event also will showcase photography from Planned Parenthood's Peer Educators depicting choices young people make in their lives. Tickets are available HERE.
Find out more »Knoxville Botanical Brewbilee
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will host its inaugural Brewbilee, a festival to showcase Knoxville’s breweries and distilleries. Enjoy refreshing beverages, live music and food while exploring and experiencing the gardens. All proceeds will benefit the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.
Find out more »May 2019
East Tennessee Preservation Conferennce
The 2019 East Tennessee Preservation Conference will highlight local preservation stories and strategies and dig deeper into preservation topics using the places of East Knoxville as the foundation for conversations. A tour of the gardens will be included. Attendees include preservation professionals, architects, planners, tourism professionals, government and community leaders, economic developers, real estate professionals.
Find out more »June 2019
Knoxville Botanical Garden Summer Solstice Dinner
The 7th Annual Summer Solstice Dinner at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (KBGA) features local food, brews and music. Enjoy an evening under the stars and a meal made with fresh ingredients from KBGA’s Center for Urban Agriculture.
Find out more »July 2019
10th Annual Positively Living Summer Swing
Positively Living will hold its 10th annual Summer Swing with the 2019 theme of “Sultry Savannah Nights.” The event includes cocktails, southern Savannah style fare, live band and live auction. Email [email protected] for additional information. Early bird tickets: $75 per person; $140 per couple. Price increases by $25 beginning June 2.
Find out more »September 2019
10th Annual Green Thumb Gala
The 10th annual Green Thumb Gala, a major fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, features silent and live auctions, garden tours, seated gourmet dinner, music and fine wines and spirits. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 5 p.m., followed by 6:30 p.m. dinner and 7:30 p.m. live auction. Attire: garden party.
Find out more »April 2020
Knoxville Botanical Garden Hats in Bloom Luncheon – POSTPONED; NEW DATE IS OCT. 23
(As a proactive measure against the COVID-19 virus, this event was postponed until Oct. 23.) The annual spring luncheon, now in its eighth year, is a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and features the new spring collection of designer hats by milliner Patricia Frankum, champagne reception and seated luncheon by Holly's Eventful Dining. A VIP reception starts at 10:30 a.m. with Bloody Mary's and a private showing and sale of Frankum’s hats. The champagne reception begins at…
Find out more »June 2020
Friends of Literacy Luau – POSTPONED; NEW DATE IS AUG. 7
(As a proactive measure against the COVID-19 virus, this event has been postponed until Aug. 7.) The Literacy Luau, a benefit for Friends of Literacy, will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, live and silent auctions, and dancing at a Hawaiian-themed party. The 2020 Champion of Literacy also will be announced.
Find out more »Knoxville Botanical Garden Hats in Bloom Luncheon – POSTPONED; NEW DATE IS OCT. 23
The annual spring luncheon, now in its eighth year, is a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and features the new spring collection of designer hats by milliner Patricia Frankum, champagne reception and seated luncheon by Holly’s Eventful Dining. A VIP reception starts at 10:30 a.m. with Bloody Mary’s and a private showing and sale of Frankum’s hats. The champagne reception begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at noon. Dressy/business/business casual attire; garden chic with hats encouraged. (This…
Find out more »August 2020
Friends of Literacy Luau – CANCELED IN 2020
(As a proactive measure against COVID-19, this event is canceled in 2020. The 2021 date is Aug. 20.) The Literacy Luau, a benefit for Friends of Literacy, will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, live and silent auctions, and dancing at a Hawaiian-themed party. The 2020 Champion of Literacy also will be announced. Event updates are available HERE. (This event had been rescheduled from June 5.)
Find out more »Knoxville Botanical Brewbilee – CANCELED
(As a proactive measure against COVID-19, this event has been canceled in 2020 and will return in 2021.) The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will host its second annual Brewbilee, a festival to showcase Knoxville’s breweries and distilleries. Enjoy refreshing beverages, live music and food while exploring and experiencing the gardens. All proceeds will benefit the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.
Find out more »October 2020
11th Annual Green Thumb Gala – CANCELED
(As a proactive measure against COVID-19, this event has been canceled in 2020 and will return in 2021.) The 11th annual Green Thumb Gala, a major fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, features silent and live auctions, garden tours, seated gourmet dinner, music and fine wines and spirits. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 5 p.m., followed by 6:30 p.m. dinner and 7:30 p.m. live auction. Attire: garden party.
Find out more »Knoxville Botanical Garden Hats in Bloom Luncheon – CANCELED IN 2020; NEW DATE IS APRIL 16, 2021
(As a proactive measure against COVID-19, this event is canceled in 2020. The 2021 date is April 16.) The annual luncheon, now in its eighth year, is a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and features the new spring collection of designer hats by milliner Patricia Frankum, champagne reception and seated luncheon by Holly’s Eventful Dining. A VIP reception starts at 10:30 a.m. with Bloody Mary’s and a private showing and sale of Frankum’s hats. The champagne reception…
Find out more »April 2021
Big Ears Festival & Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum Presents John Luther Adams ‘Inuksuit’
Big Ears Festival and Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will present Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Luther Adams’ seminal outdoor piece "Inuksuit," featuring the acclaimed, Knoxville-based, contemporary music ensemble, Nief-Norf. Two identical performances will be held at 2 and 5 p.m. and will feature about 25 musicians widely dispersed throughout the upper meadow at the gardens, so audiences can enjoy the experience while social distancing. People can attend one performance or both. Masking and social distancing protocols should be observed for…
Find out more »June 2021
Annual MLK Leadership Awards Luncheon
The annual leadership awards luncheon honors people who have made a difference in the community. The luncheon is part of the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission of Greater Knoxville celebration, the largest consortium of MLK events in East Tennessee, and will feature keynote speaker Rev. William "Terry" Ladd, III, DMin. Ladd is the pastor of First Baptist Church East 8th Street in Chattanooga. The event typically is held in January in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr.…
Find out more »July 2021
Grooves in the Garden
UUNIK Academy and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity are hosting "Grooves in the Garden" with live music featuring Brian Clay & Friends. Food trucks, cash bar and vendors will be available.
Find out more »August 2021
Friends of Literacy Luau
Friends of Literacy will hold its annual Hawaiian-themed Literacy Luau and celebrate the Community Literacy Heroes with an evening of food, music and dancing. Each ticket includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and one glass of wine or beer. Proceeds benefit the organization's adult, child and family literacy programs. In accordance with current CDC guidelines, masks will be required in the indoor area during this event, except when eating or drinking.
Find out more »September 2021
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Bach at the Botanicals
Let the sounds of the symphony guide you through the Knoxville Botanical Garden as KSO musicians perform the music of J.S. Bach alongside contemporary composers, including Dosia McKay, Rhiannon Giddens and Mark O’Connor. In the case of rain, KSO musicians will move into the Dogwood Center and continue performances as planned.
Find out more »October 2021
12th Annual Green Thumb Gala
The 12th annual Green Thumb Gala, a major fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, features cocktails, silent and live auctions, garden tours, seated gourmet dinner and live music. Attire: garden party.
Find out more »November 2021
Marble City Opera’s Diving For Pearls
The Marble City Opera will hold a fundraiser, called "Diving for Pearls" that will feature hors d'oeuvres and entertainment. Tickets will become available at marblecityopera.com/tickets.
Find out more »April 2022
Hats in Bloom
The annual luncheon is a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and features the new spring collection of designer hats by milliner Patricia Frankum, champagne reception and seated luncheon. A VIP reception starts at 10:30 a.m. with Bloody Mary’s and a private showing and sale of Frankum’s hats. The champagne reception begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at noon. Dressy/business/business casual attire; garden chic with hats encouraged.
Find out more »May 2022
Transplant Root Presents: La Mesa de Centro Hispano
Transplant and Root Centro Hispano will present an evening of community, cooking and conversation at the Carriage House at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. Guests will enjoy a culinary tour of Mexico to celebrate the cuisine and culture. In Spanish, mesa means table, where friends and family gather as a family to share stories. For Knoxville’s Latino community, Centro is that mesa - a community center and hub to commune, support each other and share in rich cultural exchange.…
Find out more »August 2022
Marek Maria Pienkowski Foundation Fundraiser for Humanitarian Support of Ukraine
The Marek Maria Pienkowski (MMP) Foundation will hold a fundraiser for humanitarian support of Ukraine that will include a silent auction of Ukrainian paintings; remarks by Dr. Marek Pienkowski, president of MMP Foundation; Victor Ashe, former U.S. Ambassador to Poland; and Roman Lystvak, a Ukrainian artist from Lviv; performance of Ukrainian music by musicians from East Tennessee and faculty and students from the UT School of Music organized by Professor Miroslav Hristov; and Ukrainian dinner by Rosa's Catering and authenticated…
Find out more »September 2022
CASA of East Tennessee Summer Wines Party
CASA’s Summer Wines Party 2022 will feature summer food, wine pairings, door prizes, tarot card reader and live entertainment in a beautiful garden setting at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Aboretum's Dogwood Center. Tickets and sponsorships are available HERE.
Find out more »13th Annual Green Thumb Gala
The 13th annual Green Thumb Gala, a major fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, features cocktails, silent and live auctions, garden tours, seated gourmet dinner and live music. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., followed by 6:30 p.m. dinner and 7:30 p.m. live auction. Attire: garden party.
Find out more »November 2022
Symphony in the Garden
Symphony in the Garden is a new event in 2022 to benefit the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and will feature a four-course dinner with wine pairings by Chef Matt Gallaher and a special performance by KSO musicians. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the performance at 8 p.m. The event will be held in the Dogwood Center at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.
Find out more »December 2022
Red & Green Evening
The 49th annual Red & Green Evening is a hosted event that seeks contributions to fund nonprofit agencies that help people with HIV/AIDS. The donation benefits the East Tennessee AIDS Fund, a component fund of the East Tennessee Foundation. Online registration is recommended and available HERE. The suggested donation is $75 or $100 and may be made online or at the door. Attire: Black-tie (Christmas sweater) optional.
Find out more »January 2023
Marble City Opera 10th Season Benefit
The Marble City Opera will hold a benefit event for its 10th season at the Dogwood Center at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. The Marble City Opera is asking for support and celebrating 10 years of classic and contemporary opera performances. Sponsorship or donation opportunities also are available. The event will include pop-up arias, hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, dessert and live and silent auctions. The opera lost one of its most valued and talented members, Managing Director Brandon Gibson,…
Find out more »April 2023
Hats in Bloom
The annual luncheon is a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and features the new spring collection of designer hats by milliner Patricia Frankum, champagne reception and seated luncheon. A champagne reception starts at 11 a.m. with Bloody Mary's and a showing and sale of Frankum’s hats. Attire: Dressy, business, business casual, garden chic with hats encouraged.
Find out more »June 2023
Brandon J. Gibson Tri-Star Scholarship Benefit Brunch
A brunch benefit for the Brandon J. Gibson UT Knoxville Alumni Tri-Star Scholarship for the Arts and Culture will be held in the Dogwood Center. All proceeds from "Sundresses & Neckties" will fund the scholarship. Tickets are available HERE and donations also can be made HERE. Gibson passed away at 36 in 2022 and in honor of his life and legacy, donors established the scholarship, which will benefit undergraduate students presently enrolled at or admitted to the University of Tennessee…
Find out more »August 2023
Positively Living Summer Swing
Positively Living will hold Summer Swing as a benefit for the organization. The event at the Dogwood Center includes cocktails, food, live music and an auction, and the theme is "Gettin’ Groovy in the Garden." Dress in your disco best and dance the night away with Knoxville's favorite yacht rock band, Smooth Sailor. Drinks and heavy bites provided. Buy one ticket for $300, get one free with open bar included.
Find out more »October 2023
14th Annual Green Thumb Gala
The annual Green Thumb Gala, a major fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, features cocktails, silent and live auctions, garden tours, seated gourmet dinner and live music. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m., followed by 6:30 p.m. dinner and 7:30 p.m. live auction. Attire: garden party.
Find out more »February 2024
Marble City Opera Pop-Up-Opera Party
Marble City Opera will hold at Pop-Up-Opera Party at the Dogwood Center. The event includes pop-up performances, hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer and a live auction.
Find out more »April 2024
Hats in Bloom
The annual luncheon is a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum and features the new spring collection of designer hats by milliner Patricia Frankum, champagne reception and seated luncheon. A champagne reception starts with Bloody Mary’s and a showing and sale of Frankum’s hats. Top Hat tickets allow early entry at 10:30 a.m. Attire: Dressy, business, business casual, garden chic with hats encouraged.
Find out more »