Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

Issue #582

16 Jul

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 92

📰 Find Your Flow on the Water: Paddleboard Yoga

📰 Bottom Bulb Banger at Knoxville Dragway

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 100 in 1980 — Record Low: 53 in 1967

The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival Returns to Townsend

Get ready to look to the skies! The 7th Annual Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival is lifting off once again in Townsend on August 16th (3:00 PM – 9:00 PM), offering a magical evening of floating colors, local flavors, and family-friendly fun.

The event will be held at the Townsend Visitor Center: 7930 E Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN

This beloved East Tennessee tradition brings the community together under a sky filled with vibrant hot air balloons, while also supporting meaningful causes. Proceeds benefit the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and Townsend Elementary School, helping to ensure safety and education remain strong in the local area.

What to Expect:

  • Hot Air Balloons – Watch the skies come alive or experience a tethered balloon ride yourself!

  • Kids’ Zone – Plenty of activities and fun to keep the little ones entertained

  • Food Trucks – A wide array of local eats to satisfy every craving

  • Live Music – Enjoy a soundtrack of local tunes as you stroll the festival grounds

  • Artisan Demonstrations – See local makers showcase their skills and creativity

Sip TN Wine Experience:

Elevate your evening with the Sip TN Wine Experience, where guests 21+ can sample wines, ciders, and meads from more than a dozen Tennessee wineries and craft beverage makers. It’s a perfect pairing with the sunset views and balloon glow.

Admission:

  • Tickets start at $10

  • Kids 10 and under get in free

Whether you’re there for the balloons, the beverages, or just a fun night out with the family, the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Tickets: Starting at $10 | Kids 10 & under FREE

Mark your calendars for August 16 and come celebrate community, color, and creativity—all for a great cause! 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

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

The Best Six Days of Summer Are Back: Anderson County Fair

Get ready for a week packed with excitement, entertainment, and classic fair fun! The Anderson County Fair runs through July 19, 2025, and promises to deliver the Best Six Days of Summer with something for everyone—from thrilling rides and live music to pageants, animals, delicious food, and crowd-favorite truck pulls.

Admission & Entry Info:

  • General Admission: $10 (Cash only at the gate)

  • Kids 6 & under: Always FREE!

  • Kids Free Nights: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – Children 15 & under get in FREE!

  • Parking: Included with admission – no extra fees!

Rides & Armbands:

  • Unlimited ride armbands available each night for just $25

  • A full midway of rides for thrill-seekers and little adventurers alike

What to Expect:

  • Mouthwatering fair food and local vendors

  • Pageants, exhibits, and critters from across the county

  • Live music and entertainment nightly

  • Truck pulls and family-friendly competitions

  • A fun, festive atmosphere perfect for all ages

Location: Anderson County Fairgrounds, Clinton, TN
Gates open daily at 5:00 PM

So mark your calendars, bring your cash, and don’t forget to plan for those Kids Free Nights! The Anderson County Fair is your go-to summer tradition—don’t miss a single moment of the fun.

See you at the fair! More Info

Find Your Flow on the Water: Paddleboard Yoga at Melton Lake Park

Soak up the sun, breathe in the fresh air, and take your yoga practice to the next level—literally—on the water! Paddleboard Yoga is back at Melton Lake Park this August with two sessions scheduled for Friday, August 9 and Friday, August 23, both starting at 11:30 AM.

This fun and refreshing class is perfect for yogis of all levels. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, paddleboard yoga offers an incredible way to challenge your balance, focus your mind, and engage your core—all while enjoying the peaceful beauty of the lake.

No experience? No worries! Falling in is part of the fun, and laughter is guaranteed. This class is all about connecting with your body, nature, and community in a playful and supportive environment.

We’ll meet at Melton Lake Park near the stairs leading to the water. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to get set up and paddle out before class begins.

Don’t have your own paddleboard? No problem! Adventure Outdoor Center, located next to the Oak Ridge Rowing Association, offers rentals with up to 10 boards available. Be sure to reserve your board before signing up for the class, as rentals go quickly.

What to Bring:

  • Swimsuit or moisture-wicking activewear

  • Towel and water bottle

  • Sunscreen

  • A sense of adventure!

This is a great opportunity to step outside the studio and onto the water for a unique, memorable yoga experience. Come for the stretch, stay for the splash, and leave feeling stronger, lighter, and totally refreshed.

Mark your calendar for August 9 and 23 at 11:30 AM—we’ll see you on the water! More Info

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