2025 Ijams Hummingbird Festival

Issue #586

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 89

📰 Power of the Purse® 2025: Fashion, Fun & Fundraising for a Cause

📣 Business Spotlight: Clark Morrow Presents

📰 Holding Space for Life’s Deepest Passages: Events at Wishing Well Center

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

 Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 100 in 1887 — Record Low: 56 in 1984

2025 Ijams Hummingbird Festival: A Celebration of Wings

Get ready to spread your wings at the 15th Annual Ijams Hummingbird Festival, presented by Wild Birds Unlimited Knoxville! This beloved summer tradition returns on August 16th, and is packed with family-friendly fun, nature education, and wildlife experiences celebrating our feathered friends.

 Festival Highlights:

  • Live Animal Encounters

  • Guided Nature Walks

  • Expanded Artist Marketplace with 50+ vendors

  • Art & Science Activities for all ages

  • Guest Speakers & Hands-On Sessions

  • Community Science Opportunities

  • Educational Tables & More!

Want a closer look?
Add a Bird Banding Session for just $6 and enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how researchers safely capture and band wild birds—including hummingbirds! It’s a rare opportunity to see these tiny marvels up close and learn how bird banding supports important conservation efforts.

Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of nature, science, and the incredible beauty of birds in flight.

 More details and tickets available at: ijams.org

Power of the Purse® 2025: Fashion, Fun & Fundraising for a Cause

Get ready for an evening of purses with purpose at the highly anticipated Power of the Purse® 2025—a one-of-a-kind purse and jewelry sale that helps provide meals and companionship to 1,100 homebound seniors in Knox County through the Mobile Meals program. Rothchild Catering & Conference Center, on September 18th

What to Expect:

  • Purse Madness kicks off at 6 PM sharp—hundreds of gorgeous bags at unbeatable prices!

  • A delicious dinner & dessert by Rothchild Catering

  • Access to the exclusive Penny Bandy Jewelry Corner

  • A fabulous fashion show by J.Jill

  • Silent auction with amazing items and experiences—including VIP purses!

  • One drink ticket included (cash bar available)

Early Bird Tickets (Until Aug. 28):

  • $35 Individual | $325 Table of 10
    After Aug. 28:

  • $40 Individual | $375 Table of 10
    Only 500 tickets available starting July 14—get yours early before they sell out!

Why It Matters:
Every dollar raised helps Mobile Meals deliver nutrition, safety checks, and companionship to Knox County seniors who depend on these vital services. As need grows and funding declines, your support makes a real difference in our community.

Location: Rothchild Catering & Conference Center, 8807 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN
More Info & Tickets: Get Tickets

Join us for an unforgettable night of style, generosity, and community impact!

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

Ijams Nature Center invites nature enthusiasts to delve into the fascinating world of pollinators at the "Butterflies, Bees, and Beetles" program on Saturday, July 19th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This family-friendly event offers an opportunity to learn about the vital roles these insects play in our ecosystems. Ijams Nature Center website.

Break out your bell bottoms and tie-dye, and get ready to groove! Join us for a one-day-only Hippie Day celebration at Sunflower Fest, where it's all about Flower Power, Peace, and Love in full bloom! July 19 | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Nightfall Acres – 13100 W Lee Hwy, Philadelphia 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

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

 Sip, Savor, and Discover: Buffalo Trace Four Cornerstones Advanced Class at 35 North

Bourbon enthusiasts, this one’s for you! By popular demand, 35 North Farragut Bar & Grill is proud to present a truly special whiskey experience: the Buffalo Trace Four Cornerstones Advanced Class #421, happening Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 6:30 PM.

This exclusive 1.5-hour class offers a rare opportunity to explore and sample six hard-to-get, allocated bourbons from the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery—including legends like E.H. Taylor, George T. Stagg, Blanton’s, and Elmer T. Lee.

Led by an expert presenter, you’ll dive deep into the history, craftsmanship, and character of Buffalo Trace’s most coveted expressions. Each participant will receive:

  • Six ½ oz whiskey samples to sip, smell, and savor

  • A thoughtfully plated appetizer

  • Gratuity included in the $150 ticket price

Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase from the menu.

This is more than just a tasting—it’s an elevated bourbon education, perfect for those looking to deepen their knowledge of premium whiskey in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Spots are limited—don’t miss your chance to enjoy this rare bourbon experience at 35 North!

Holding Space for Life’s Deepest Passages: Events at Wishing Well Center

At Wishing Well Center, we believe that death, loss, and grief are not separate from life—they are part of it. Founded by Carrie De Martini, a certified Death Doula, Grief Tender, and educator, our mission is to build compassionate community around life’s most vulnerable transitions through classes, workshops, and soulful gatherings.

We offer heart-centered support through:

  • End-of-life education and planning

  • Advocacy for those facing terminal illness

  • Grief tending and community rituals

  • Soul-nourishing events and workshops

 Ongoing Events at 201 East Moody Ave:

Grave Conversations
 2nd Fridays | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
A welcoming space to explore death and dying through open discussion, resource sharing, and guided practices.
Donation: $5–$20 | No one turned away
Upcoming: Aug 8, Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12

Nights of Grief & Poetry
 3rd Fridays | 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Music, spoken poetry, and soul-filled connection led by Carl Bello and Carrie De Martini.
Donation: $5–$25 | All are welcome
Upcoming: Aug 15, Sept 19, Oct 17, Nov 21, Dec 19

Retreat: Sorrow’s Healing Ground – Aug 21–24

Join us in the Cumberland Hills for a profound grief ritual retreat—three nights of shared story, movement, creativity, and sacred community. Let the land and ritual tend your sorrow in a space of beauty, music, and ancient practices.

Together, we grieve. Together, we heal.

Clark Morrow Presents

If you’re a parent, educator, or youth professional in East Tennessee, Clark Morrow Presents is a name you’ll want to know. With over 27 years of experience in youth-focused public service—including a distinguished career in law enforcement—Clark Morrow is known across the country for delivering sharp, engaging presentations on today’s most urgent youth trends.

Now based in Jefferson City, Clark brings a unique blend of law enforcement expertise, theatrical training, and public speaking prowess to audiences of all sizes. His sessions cover the latest developments in youth culture—from rapidly changing social media platforms to emerging drug trends—and he presents them in a way that’s not only highly informative but also attention-grabbing and easy to understand.

Clark has addressed thousands of professionals nationwide and is now offering his award-winning insight to Tennessee communities. Whether you’re a school leader, church group, youth worker, or community organization, Clark delivers timely content that can help you better support and protect the next generation.

📧 [email protected]
📞 (951) 314-1219

To learn more or book Clark for your next in-person or online event, reach out directly—his presentations might just change the way you see the youth around you.

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