Whispering Wings: A Butterfly Release

Issue #600

03 Aug

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 75

📰 Night at the Museum: Summer Send-Off at Mabry-Hazen House

📣 Business Spotlight:  River & Rail Theatre Company

📰 Joey & Nancy’s FREE Back-to-School Haircuts!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 99 in 2011 — Record Low: 58 in 1976

Whispering Wings: A Butterfly Release

A magical flutter of nature awaits at Ancient Lore Village during Whispering Wings: A Butterfly Release—an enchanting experience where over 150 butterflies will take flight in a celebration of nature and renewal. August 23rd at 5:30 PM

Nestled within the whimsical gardens of the Village, this unforgettable evening invites families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a moment of beauty and peace to witness a living fairytale. Release your very own butterfly into the wildflower garden, or simply bask in the serene ambiance as the sky comes alive with delicate wings.

Event Highlights:
-Release your own butterfly as over 150 butterflies take to the air
-Create a whimsical, butterfly-themed craft to take home
-Learn about the butterfly life cycle with educational materials focused on our East Tennessee ecosystems


Capture picture-perfect moments among vibrant wildflowers & take a peaceful twilight stroll through the Village’s magical gardens

Whether you’re looking for a meaningful way to connect with nature or simply want a magical evening out, this butterfly release is one of the most unique and heartwarming things to do in Knoxville. More Info

Night at the Museum: Summer Send-Off at Mabry-Hazen House

Join Mabry-Hazen House for a unique Night at the Museum, the final event of the summer season, offering a relaxed midweek evening to explore Knoxville history with a drink in hand. August 20th from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Mabry-Hazen House, 1711 Dandridge Ave.

As daylight fades and school routines resume, wind down with a “historical happy hour” experience on Mabry’s Hill. Wander through the 1858 home at your own pace, enjoy a self-guided tour, and chat with museum staff and local history enthusiasts. You’ll even get behind-the-scenes access to the bottom floor at 7:30 PM, a rare treat!

What to Expect:

  • Sunset views over downtown Knoxville

  • Outdoor seating on the porch and lawn

  • Local brews and drink options (1 included per ticket, more available for $5)

  • Bring your own games, camp chairs, or picnic blankets

  • A chance to see artifacts not typically on display
    Purchase Tickets Here

All proceeds support the preservation of this historic site. Rain date: August 27th


Come for the view, stay for the stories. Let history, community, and cold drinks welcome you to the twilight of summer. Purchase Tickets Here

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Get ready for a night of creativity, adventure, and fun on August 5th, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Mead’s Quarry in Knoxville! As part of Ijams’ Big Fun Tuesday series, this all-ages event is packed with exciting activities for the whole family. More Info 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, but navigating its complexities can be challenging. To help small business owners harness AI effectively, the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) is hosting this free workshop on Wednesday, August 6th from 9am-10am at the Farragut Community Center, Medium Classroom More Info and Register

The Water Lantern Festival invites everyone—families, friends, and neighbors—to gather at Chilhowee Park for a magical evening of connection, celebration, and reflection. As the sun dips below the horizon, the park comes alive with food trucks, live music, games, and the warm glow of hundreds of lanterns floating across the water. More than just an event—it’s a heartfelt experience you’ll never forget. August 9th | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM More Info

Looking for the perfect way to spend a summer evening? Join us for Knox County’s Second Saturday Concert Series on August 9th from 6–9 PM at The Cove at Concord Park! More Info

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. More Info

Networking:

Veterans:

Free Veterans’ 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

Let’s Go Elk Bugling!

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind autumn adventure as we journey across the mountain to the Oconaluftee and Cherokee area of North Carolina for an unforgettable elk bugling experience!

As the crisp air signals the arrival of mating season, the male elk begin their signature "bugle"—a haunting and beautiful sound that echoes through the Smoky Mountains. You’ll witness this natural spectacle with the guidance of a seasoned driver and guide who will lead our scenic bus tour.

What’s Included:

  • A 6-hour guided bus tour

  • A stop at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center

  • A drive through historic Cherokee, NC

  • Provided seating to relax and watch the elk

  • A chance to hear and see elk in their natural habitat

Details:
Departure: September 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM
Meeting Point: 123 Cromwell
Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Bring Your Own Dinner – We’ll provide the chairs, you bring the snacks!

Dawn and dusk are the best times to catch the elk in action, so we’ll arrive just in time for peak viewing.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait—reserve your seat today! More Info

Joey & Nancy’s FREE Back-to-School Haircuts!

WIVK’s beloved morning hosts, Joey and Nancy, are teaming up once again with the Tennessee School of Beauty to help kids head back to school in style—with a FREE haircut!

On Tuesday, August 5, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, students in grades K–12 can receive a complimentary back-to-school haircut. Appointments are first come, first served, so be sure to reserve your child’s spot now through the link below:

Whether it’s a fresh trim or a new look to start the year off right, this is a great opportunity to save money and boost confidence for the school year ahead!

Spots will go fast—don’t wait!

River & Rail Theatre Company: Celebrating Diversity and Community through Theatre

River & Rail Theatre Company has been an innovative and meaningful theatre for nearly a decade. Since its inception in 2014 by founder Joshua Peterson and his visionary team, River & Rail has dedicated itself to producing professional theatre that reflects the rich tapestry of human experience and fosters unity across diverse communities. This year they are celebrating their 10-year anniversary in commemoration of their founding event, which took place in the spring of 2015.

Located at the Old City Performing Arts Center at 11 State Street, River & Rail Theatre Company has carved out a niche in Knoxville by offering performances that are not only entertaining but deeply resonant. The company was born out of a desire to create theatre that is "honest, relevant, and beautiful," and to build a professional theatre with a community heart, true to the stories of Knoxville.

What truly distinguishes River & Rail is its commitment to fair and livable wages for all artists and staff, ensuring that those who enrich our cultural lives can thrive in their personal ones. Additionally, the theatre is proactive in hiring BIPOC artists, highlighting the diverse cultures that contribute to the vibrancy of Knoxville.

The company's performances aim to bridge divides and invite conversations that might not happen elsewhere, making theatre accessible to a broad audience. This is part of their core mission, fostering a sense of community and shared humanity through the arts.

River & Rail’s community involvement extends beyond the stage. The company has launched a Performing Arts Label to support local artists across various music genres. In an effort to showcase this

For those interested in supporting or attending River & Rail’s upcoming events, or for more information on their programming, contact Afton Howard at [email protected] or call (865) 384-5886. Further details can also be found on their website at riverandrailtheatre.com.

Join River & Rail Theatre Company in celebrating the power of theatre to unite, inspire, and transform communities, one performance at a time.

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