In what could be considered a kick-off of warmer weather festivities in the Lakeway Area, downtown Morristown is hosting several events that should draw folks wanting to listen to good live music, eat tasty food, drink good drinks and hang with family and friends.

First up is May’s First Friday Concert featuring the Matt Byrd Band on the Downtown Green between Morris Boulevard and Main Street.

The First Friday Concert Series is organized by Downtown Morristown and the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber’s Director of Downtown Development Natasha Morrison said she’s excited to see folks enjoying the concert and the Night Market in the adjacent Farmers Market pavilion where folks can find crafts and other things from area vendors.

“Friday night, Friday, May 1st, will be the first First Friday Concert for the 2026 series,” Morrison said. “The concert series run from May to October for a total of six concerts. They are free to the community, so we’d love to have everybody come out. Bring your lawn chair. The event starts at 6 p.m. Some concerts, we have an opening act, and some we do not, but the concerts always run from six to nine p.m., with the headliner taking the stage around seven o’clock.”

The First Friday Concert Series looks to be exciting this year with great musical acts being brought in with renewed efforts from sponsors including new-for-this-year SEi Waste, Colortech and Carlyle Capital joining Foundever, Howmet Aerospace, TF Building Solutions, KTVAECU, The Terry Law Firm and TVA.

The Matt Byrd Band, a local favorite that has entertained crowds all over Northeast Tennessee, will be bringing exciting covers of classic songs and original tunes like “Hope it Hurts” from their latest offering.

“I’m absolutely stoked to entertain and meet the crowd at the opening First Friday,” lead vocalist and guitarist/saxophonist Matt Byrd said.

Following the next day will be the Morristown Bluegrass Festival, organized by Morristown Parks and Recreation.

As a premiere event for the city, the lineup of bands being brought in is impressive and is sure to please stringed-music enthusiasts.

This year’s headliner is Carson Peters and Iron Mountain.

“Carson Peters and Iron Mountain have quickly become one of the most energetic and sought-after bands on the bluegrass scene,” a release about the concert said. “With numerous appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, international tours, and countless chart-topping songs on bluegrass and bluegrass gospel charts, their traditional style and captivating A Cappella arrangements are a testament to the enduring spirit of classic bluegrass.”

The band schedule:

• Noon – 2:00 pm: Cumberland Station — The Lakeway Area based neo-traditional old-time and bluegrass band. featuring Cole Clemons and friends, blending traditional sounds with bluegrass and country influences, delivering an energetic and engaging performance.

• 2:30 – 4:30 pm: Carson Peters and Iron Mountain

• 5 – 7 p.m: Admiral Radio — This award-winning folk/Americana act from South Carolina is the creative partnership of Coty Hoover and Becca Smith. Named after their old wooden radio, this husband-and-wife team blends heartfelt harmonies, storytelling, and raw sincerity.

The music is just the beginning of Saturday’s bluegrass festival, which will also feature a range of vendors, food and family-friendly activities.

Attendees can browse arts and crafts vendors and specialty artisan booths, while food vendors will offer a variety of local favorites. Activities include axe throwing with 865 Axe Throwing, inflatable attractions from Funville for children and cornhole games.

The Hamblen County Substance Abuse Coalition will host its first “Pitching for Prevention” cornhole tournament during the event. The tournament is open to all skill levels and is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Participants may register in advance at www.hcsacinc.org or sign up on-site.

And while concerts are dominating the weekend landscape there a lot more going on this weekend:

• The North Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual barbecue fundraiser and cruise-in from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, featuring classic cars and barbecue plates. Organizers said this will be the department’s only barbecue fundraiser of the year and encouraged early pre-orders, noting the event typically sells out. Plate dinners will also be available for purchase on-site the day of the event.

• Opening day for the Morristown Farmers Market is set for Saturday, May 2, featuring local farmers, artisans and bakers offering fresh produce, farm-raised meats, baked goods and handmade crafts. A coffee truck will also be on site as part of the market’s opening day offerings.

• The Kiwanis Club of Morristown and Encore Theater Company will present a two-night live variety show at Walters State Community College featuring comedy, music and family-friendly performances. Shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with seating at 6:30 p.m. and showtime at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, and proceeds will benefit local children’s organizations in Hamblen County.

• The Hamblen County Democratic Party will host an Adopt-A-Highway roadside cleanup Saturday, May 2, beginning at 8 a.m. Volunteers will meet in the parking lot of Food City on Sandstone Drive. Organizers recommend participants wear comfortable shoes and bring water, snacks and sunscreen, noting cleanups typically last three to four hours. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old under TDOT guidelines, and the event may also count toward Tennessee Promise service hours.