In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Scattered Thunderstorms with a High of 85

📰 Breathe in the Beauty at the Lavender Festival

📰 FREE Women's Self-Defense Workshop

📰 Painting with Highland Cows

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Get ready for a fragrant and fun-filled summer tradition—the Lavender Festival is back in Oak Ridge and it’s completely FREE to attend! Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 8 AM – 4 PM | Jackson Square, Oak Ridge

What’s Happening:

• 150+ Artisan Vendors: Explore handmade goods, local art, wellness products, and of course—plenty of lavender-themed items!

• Live Music: Enjoy a fantastic Main Stage lineup sponsored by Y-12 Credit Union while you shop and stroll.

• Gourmet Food Truck Park: Located in the Broadway parking lot with a wide selection of tasty eats, open from 8 AM to 4 PM.

• Free Water Refill Stations around the square (bottled water available for $3).

Family-Friendly Fun:

• Children’s Area (in front of the United Way Building, presented by Xfinity):

  • Open 10 AM – 4 PM

  • Enjoy the Art Spot, Nourish Kids Club, and lots of interactive, free fun for kids!

Oak Ridge Farmers Market:

• 8 AM – 12 PM at the Blankenship Field parking lot

 Tour of Gardens:

• Friday, June 20 from 4 PM to 6 PM

• Saturday, June 21 from 10 AM to 4 PM
  Tour beautiful local gardens staffed by the Master Gardeners of Anderson County. Proceeds benefit the Master Gardener program.

Whether you’re a lavender lover, a fan of local art, or just looking for a fun family outing, the Oak Ridge Lavender Festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss this unique East Tennessee celebration of nature, community, and creativity! More Info

Knoxville women—this one’s for YOU!

Whether you're a mom, student, professional, or simply want to feel more empowered and prepared, this FREE Women's Self-Defense Workshop will give you the knowledge and tools to defend yourself and your loved ones. July 12, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Location: Stephen Strouss Taekwondo & Krav Maga (1505 Downtown West Blvd)

What You’ll Learn:

• Situational awareness (because prevention is power!)

• Wrist escapes

• Hair grab escapes

• Elbow, hand, and knee strikes

• Other practical self-defense techniques that are easy to learn and effective

Taught in a safe, supportive environment, this workshop will help you build confidence while learning essential skills. Content is presented at a PG-13 level, and the class is open to teens and adults.

Why Attend?

• It’s FREE and open to the community

• You'll learn practical, real-world self-defense

• Great bonding experience with other strong women

• It just might save your life—or someone else's

Space is limited—RSVP now!
 [email protected] | 865-240-1698

Take the first step toward protecting yourself. Join us on July 12 and walk away stronger, smarter, and more confident. 

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

On Tuesday, June 17th at 11 a.m. master gardeners will lead tours of Collier Preserve, a native plant garden and birding area. The guided nature walks will be one hour and are free. Meet at the Powell Branch Library next to Collier Preserve, which is located at 316 W. Emory Road. More Info

Master gardener Cid Letsinger will answer garden and plant questions at the Norwood Branch Library on Saturday, June 21st from 10 a.m. - noon. The library is located at 1110 Merchant Dr. Other master gardeners will be at community farmer’s markets in June, including those at Dixie Lee at Renaissance, Ebenezer Road, Tellico Village, New Harvest Park and Market Square. More Info

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

Painting with Highland Cows

Looking for a creative and unforgettable summer experience? Painting with Highland Cows is back for two special dates this June, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to combine art, farm fun, and face-to-face time with these beloved shaggy creatures at Cedar Pond Farm!

Whether you choose the Premium Experience or the Regular Experience, every guest will enjoy a 1 hour and 45-minute painting session, meet and interact with real Highland Cows, and learn about these majestic animals.

Event Dates & Times:

June 21

• Premium Experience: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Regular Experience: 3:45 PM – 6:00 PM

June 27

• Premium Experience: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Regular Experience: 9:45 AM – 12:00 PM

Experience Options:

Premium Experience – $85

• 3 full hours of fun!

• Intro to cow safety and history

• 45 minutes inside the fence brushing and feeding the cows

• 1 hr. 45 min. guided painting lesson

• Finish with gelato from Gelato Brothers and coffee from Brew Bros Coffee

• Plenty of photo ops and time to soak in the peaceful farm atmosphere

Regular Experience – $49

• 2 hours and 15 minutes total

• 15 minutes of up-close cow interaction inside the fence

• 1 hr. 45 min. painting session

• Same Highland Cow charm, but without the gelato and coffee

 Painting instruction provided by: Mountain Mama’s
 Sweet treats and sips provided by: Gelato Brothers & Brew Bros Coffee

Location: 1326 Groseclose Rd, New Market, TN

🐄 Don’t miss your chance to bond with Highland Cows and leave with your very own painted masterpiece! Spots are limited and sell out quickly—so reserve your place today for this unforgettable farm-meets-art adventure! More Info

Become a Knoxville Insider Sponsor

Are you a brand new or established business looking to become known in our Knoxville Insider community? We are looking for locally-owned business that would like to become a Knoxville Insider sponsor! Sponsorships can include:

• Hero or section banners

• Logo

• Video

• Print

• Spotlight Directory

• and more…

Reach out to us at [email protected].

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]!