Sip of Summerfest Returns to The Kincaid House

Issue #581

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Partly Cloudy with a High of 89

📰 Stretch, Squeeze, and Say Cheese: Learn the Art and Science of Homemade Mozzarella!

📰 Celebrate 2 Years of Rhythm and Connection at The Sunday Get Down

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

 Advertising Opportunities
 

Newsletter cut short in your email? If so,

Today’s Record High: 98 in 1995 — Record Low: 52 in 1967

Sip of Summerfest Returns to The Kincaid House

Get ready to raise a glass and toast the end of summer! Sip of Summerfest is back and better than ever, returning to the beautiful Kincaid House in Clinton on August 1st from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Sponsored by The Ooten Law Firm, this fun-filled evening brings together local breweries, delicious food, and live music for a relaxed and festive celebration. Your ticket includes unlimited beer tastings, food, and entertainment, making it the perfect way to enjoy a summer evening with friends.

Live Music – Enjoy tunes that’ll keep the good vibes going all night long
Craft Beer – Sample some of the best local brews from regional favorites
Tasty Bites – Savor delicious food options included in your ticket
Community Vibes – Mingle with neighbors and make the most of the season’s final stretch

Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a great night out, Sip of Summerfest offers the perfect blend of flavor, fun, and local flair.

Cheers to summer—see you there! More Info

Stretch, Squeeze, and Say Cheese: Learn the Art and Science of Homemade Mozzarella!

Calling all cheese lovers, curious cooks, and DIY foodies! Get ready to roll up your sleeves, dive into some dairy, and discover the magic behind one of the world’s most beloved cheeses. The Art and Science of Making Homemade Mozzarella Cheese workshop is happening on July 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Maryville College Downtown Center (118 E Church Ave, Maryville)—and it’s going to be grate.

Led by the charismatic and cheese-savvy Dr. Drew Crain, this hands-on, all-ages workshop will blend a little kitchen chemistry with a whole lot of culinary creativity. After a quick intro into the history and science of cheese making, you’ll get elbow-deep in curds as you learn how to make that perfect squeaky, stretchy, soft mozzarella with just three simple ingredients.

What You’ll Do:

  • Craft not one, but two batches of fresh mozzarella

  • Experiment with herbs and spices in your first batch

  • Taste-test your creation, then tweak and perfect it in your second round

  • Learn tips, tricks, and techniques you can take home to your own kitchen

By the end of the evening, you’ll be a mozzarella-making machine—with the knowledge and confidence to wow your friends at your next pizza night!

What You’ll Take Home:

  • A fresh ball of mozzarella (good for up to 3 weeks)

  • Cheese-making enzymes to whip up several more batches at home

  • A printed guide and lifelong skills to impress your dinner guests

Bonus Perks:

  • Free parking

  • A fun, relaxed environment for all ages

  • Doors open at 5:30 PM—come early and get settled!

So whether you're a cheese connoisseur or a complete beginner, this is your chance to turn milk into magic. Don’t miss out on a night of delicious fun, laughter, learning, and maybe a little mozzarella madness.

Ready to stretch your skills? Say cheese and sign up now. More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Get ready for a thrilling night at the theatre as Encore Theatrical Company brings the chilling tale of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street to life! Performances run July 11–20 at Jefferson County High School (115 W Dumplin Valley Rd, Dandridge). More Info

Class is in session! If you’ve ever wanted to deepen your bourbon knowledge (while sipping some of the best), don’t miss Bourbon 201 at 35 North on July 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned sipper, this class promises to be the most enjoyable education you’ll ever receive. More Info 

Book lovers and bargain hunters alike are invited to the Hi-Wire Brewing Used Book Sale, hosted by the Friends of the Knox County Public Library. From July 15th to July 22nd, the event will take place during Hi-Wire Brewing's business hours, at 2020 Barber Street. More Info

Through July 31st, Downtown Knoxville invites adventurers of all ages to embark on the 8th annual "Where’s Waldo?" scavenger hunt. This free, family-friendly event encourages people to explore local businesses in search of the elusive Waldo hidden in plain sight. More Info

What is this game called BRIDGE? It is a fascinating card game that NEVER gets boring! You will learn the basic tools and strategies for playing bridge. It is also a social game where players meet new people and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. Lessons are geared toward newer players or those wanting to be re-introduced to bridge. First class is on Tuesday, July 15th More Info 

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
    July 17, 19, 25, 27, 31; August 2, 8, 10
    7:30 PM nightly; 2:00 PM indoor matinee on July 27

  • Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
    July 18, 20, 24, 26; August 1, 3, 7, 9
    7:30 PM nightly; 2:00 PM indoor matinee on August 3

Join us for a fun and flavorful morning at your local Rural King Farmers Market ( 945 McCammon Ave, Maryville)! On Saturday, July 26th from 8 AM to 12 PM, come shop fresh, shop local, and enjoy big savings all in one place. More Info

Networking:

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

Celebrate Culture, Cuisine, and Community at the 12th Annual Knox Asian Festival

Knoxville’s beloved Asian Festival returns for its 12th year, transforming World’s Fair Park into a vibrant showcase of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures on August 24th, 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM at World’s Fair Park. Hosted by the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee, this family-friendly event draws thousands of attendees annually and has been honored as the “Best Arts and Culture Event in the South” and “The BEST Festival 2024” by the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association.

Explore a World of Culture

The festival features cultural booths representing countries such as Japan, China, The Philippines, Vietnam, India, Korea, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Taiwan, and Singapore. Each booth offers authentic food, performances, crafts, and educational activities. Visitors can participate in the Passport Program, earning stamps as they travel through each cultural station—making it a fun and interactive learning journey for all ages.

Event Highlights

  • Cultural Parade at 10:30 AM, beginning at the Water Fountain and ending at the Amphitheater Stage

  • Performances across three main stages, including traditional dance, martial arts, and music

  • Over 40 food vendors offering a culinary tour of Asia—come hungry!

  • Sumo Wrestling Shows featuring world-class wrestlers like Mende, Ichi, and Hiroki from USA Sumo

  • The debut of Hawaiian Fire Dancers and Hula Performers, adding a new layer of Pacific Islander culture to the festivities

  • Free water and spray stations throughout the park to help guests stay cool during the celebration

Admission & Info

  • Admission is free

  • All ages welcome

  • No outside food, coolers, alcohol, or motorized scooters (except for accessibility needs)

  • Event runs rain or shine; no refunds

From mesmerizing performances to cultural exploration and mouthwatering cuisine, the Knox Asian Festival is a must-attend celebration of diversity, unity, and shared traditions. Mark your calendar, bring your curiosity—and your appetite—and enjoy one of Knoxville’s most exciting and enriching annual events. More Info

Celebrate 2 Years of Rhythm and Connection at The Sunday Get Down

Get ready to groove—The Sunday Get Down is turning TWO!
Join the celebration on Saturday, July 20, at Maple Hall for a night full of dancing, soulful music, and community vibes as this much-loved event marks its 2nd anniversary.

What’s the Vibe?

Expect a night of R&B, Soul, Blues, and Funk—a mix of rare musical gems and timeless classics. Whether you're on the dance floor or simply soaking in the smooth sounds with a drink in hand, this is your chance to experience a unique Knoxville event that blends rhythm, culture, and community.

Start with a Dance Lesson (7:00 – 7:45 PM)

Kick things off with an introductory Blues dance class led by the dynamic duo Kemper and Aliceann Talley. You’ll learn stylish new moves in closed position, groove to great music, and gain confidence for the dance floor—no experience or partner required!

Everyone’s Invited

  • All dance styles welcome—Swing, WCS, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Bachata, Shag, or your own freestyle flair

  • No partner needed—Come solo or with friends

  • Not a dancer? No problem! Chill with the tunes, grab a snack or drink, and enjoy the scene

  • All ages and backgrounds welcome—Come as you are and join the celebration!

Cover:

  • $10 includes the dance lesson and full night of music

  • $5 for the social dance only (after 7:45 PM)

  • Cash preferred, but Venmo and PayPal accepted

10% of all proceeds go to The Bottom, a Black-affirming bookshop and community center in Knoxville dedicated to uplifting Black culture, creativity, and community connection.

At The Sunday Get Down, music and dance are more than just fun—they’re a tribute to the Black American artforms that inspire and shape the sounds we love. This celebration honors the roots of the music and the movements that have brought joy and resistance through generations.

Diversity is celebrated here. The Sunday Get Down is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and harassment-free space for everyone.

Come to learn, stay to groove, and help us toast two years of rhythm, community, and movement. Let’s get down—Sunday style! More Info

What did you think of today’s issue? (anonymous)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.