In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 95

📰 Get Ready for the Jefferson County Fair!

🗓️ Tennessee Stage Company Presents the 35th Annual Knoxville Shakespeare Festival

🗓️ Explore Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Get Ready for the Jefferson County Fair!

Mark your calendars! The Jefferson County Fair is back from July 8–12, 2025, bringing five nights of fun, food, and family-friendly entertainment. Gates open daily at 5 PM, and admission is $10 cash only for adults and children ages 7 and older. Children 6 and under get in free, and parking is free for everyone!

Your admission includes access to an exciting lineup of events and attractions such as:

• Tractor Pulls & Antique Tractors

• Pageants

• Butterfly Encounters

• Axe Throwing

• Dairy Show

• Live Wrestling

• SO much more!

Note: Carnival rides, games, and pony rides are not included in general admission.

Join in the tradition, celebrate the community, and enjoy all the Jefferson County Fair has to offer! More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Take a walk on the wild side this summer at Norris Dam State Park during the Native Plants Hike on July 5, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. More Info

The 2025 Tennessee Pickle Festival is back and bigger than ever—happening Saturday, July 12th from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in Cookeville, TN! More Info

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of magic, movement, and moonlight! On Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 7:00–9:30 PM, Knoxville Aerial Arts and Ijams Nature Center invite you to experience The Circus Under the Moon—a breathtaking outdoor show that brings together the region’s most talented performers for a night of awe and wonder. 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

Tennessee Stage Company Presents the 35th Annual Knoxville Shakespeare Festival

The Tennessee Stage Company proudly presents the 35th Shakespeare Festival, Knoxville Shakespeare, featuring two of the Bard’s most beloved plays: Love’s Labour’s Lost and Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Audiences are invited to enjoy these timeless tales performed by an outstanding local cast under the summer sky.

Performances will take place on the lawn in front of the Ijams Visitor Center (2915 Island Home Ave., Knoxville, TN 37920), with the Visitor Center serving as the rain location and matinee venue. Evening shows begin at 7:30 PM (doors open at 7 PM), and matinees begin at 2:00 PM (doors open at 1:30 PM).

Special Note: On July 27 and August 3, both matinee and evening performances will be held indoors.

Tickets are $15 per person, and Thursday night performances are Pay-What-You-Can, making this festival accessible to all.

Love’s Labour’s Lost Show Dates:

• Thursday, July 17

• Saturday, July 19

• Friday, July 25

• Matinee: Sunday, July 27

• Thursday, July 31

• Saturday, August 2

• Friday, August 8

• Sunday, August 10

Follow four young noblemen who vow to avoid women and distractions for three years—until a witty princess and her ladies arrive. Romance, mischief, and laugh-out-loud moments ensue in this delightful comedy of love and language.

 Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Show Dates:

• Friday, July 18

• Sunday, July 20

• Thursday, July 24

• Saturday, July 26

• Friday, August 1

• Matinee & Evening: Sunday, August 3

• Thursday, August 7

• Saturday, August 9

Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy comes to life in this haunting tale of betrayal, revenge, and moral struggle. With unforgettable lines and unforgettable drama, Hamlet explores the deepest corners of the human condition.

For more information on the festival or the Tennessee Stage Company, visit tennesseestage.com. Don’t miss your chance to experience Shakespeare under the stars this summer!

Explore Nature’s Medicine Cabinet at Seven Islands State Birding Park

Step back in time and reconnect with nature during the Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk at Seven Islands State Birding Park on Tuesday, July 9 from 6:00–8:00 PM. Led by Ranger Clare, this fascinating hike will introduce participants to plants that have long been used for healing and nourishment—long before modern pharmacies and grocery stores existed.

This 2–3 mile walk through natural, unpaved trails will spotlight various native plants with edible or medicinal uses. Keep your eyes peeled for ripe blackberries and black raspberries along the way—you’re welcome to pick a few to take home, so don’t forget a container!

Meet at: Bluebird Barn
Cost: $10 per person
Distance: 2–3 miles on uneven terrain
Recommended for ages 10 and up

This is a great opportunity to learn about the natural resources of East Tennessee in a beautiful outdoor setting. For more information or to review trail conditions, visit the park's Essential Eligibility Criteria online.

Don’t miss this unique blend of history, science, and adventure! More Info

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Reach out to us at [email protected].

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