In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 77

🗓️ Get Ready for the Thrill of the Lakeside Rodeo!

📰 Step Up to the Plate for the 4th Annual History Hootenanny!

🗓️ Tiaras, Targets, and Teacups: A Whimsical Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Knoxville

📰 Let’s Go Elk Bugling!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Get Ready for the Thrill of the Lakeside Rodeo!

Saddle up for an unforgettable evening at the Lakeside Rodeo, held at the historic Prater Farms—a Tennessee Century Farm established in 1798. Set against the stunning backdrop of Fort Loudoun Lake, this action-packed, family-friendly event features bull riding, barrel racing, and more.

Whether you're a longtime rodeo fan or just looking for a fun night out, the Lakeside Rodeo offers an authentic taste of Tennessee tradition and adrenaline.

August 15 & 16 | 12150 South Northshore Drive | Gates open at 5:30 PM | Rodeo begins at 7:30 PM

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action! More Info

Step Up to the Plate for the 4th Annual History Hootenanny!

The East Tennessee Historical Society invites you to step into the past at the 4th annual History Hootenanny—a lively, family-friendly open house celebrating the rich and diverse history of East Tennessee! This year’s theme, “Sports History,” shines a spotlight on our newest feature exhibition: Home Runs & Home Teams: A History of the National Pastime in Tennessee. August 16 | 10 AM – 4 PM | Free Event | East Tennessee History Center

Explore the East Tennessee History Center and discover what makes our region’s history so unique through interactive exhibits, mini lectures, music, and more. From baseball lore to historic house tours, there’s something for everyone.

Event Highlights Include:

• Mini-lectures from local historians

• Live music

• Sports-themed children’s activities

• Knoxville walking tours

• Screenings from the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image & Sound

• Self-guided tours of the iconic Tennessee Theatre

• Free shuttles to the Historic House Museums of Knoxville

• A special screening of Clarence Brown’s Angels in the Outfield at the Tennessee Theatre

Bring the whole family and experience history in motion at this fun-filled, one-day event. Admission is FREE!

For the full schedule, visit:
https://www.easttnhistory.org/event/history-hootenanny-3/

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:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

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

Tiaras, Targets, and Teacups: A Whimsical Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Knoxville

Mark your calendars for a heartwarming and enchanting afternoon on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., as the Knoxville community gathers for Tiaras, Targets, and Teacups, a magical fundraising event in support of the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of Knoxville.

Since 1985, the RMH has been a beacon of comfort for families with critically ill or injured children, offering a home-away-from-home with private rooms, warm meals, laundry facilities, and more — all at little to no cost. This mission thrives through community generosity, and now you have a chance to be a part of it.

This whimsical tea party features:

• An afternoon tea buffet full of delightful treats for kids and adults alike

• Meet-and-greets with whimsical characters from Princess Parties by Mary

• Outdoor games courtesy of Blasters & Burgers

• Craft activities led by Poppets Play Place

• A chance to win raffle baskets packed with goodies from local favorites like The Kraken’s Cup, Blasters & Burgers, and more

Each ticket includes full access to the tea buffet, one raffle ticket, and all games and crafts. Plus, a portion of all ticket sales — and proceeds from additional raffle tickets — will go directly to the Ronald McDonald House.

With open seating and a family-friendly atmosphere, you're bound to leave with new friends and great memories. So grab your tiara, aim your Nerf blaster, and raise your teacup for a cause that makes a difference.

For dietary accommodations or additional questions, be sure to reach out to the event hosts. Let's show our love and support for this vital community resource — one cup of tea at a time. More Info

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

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Reach out to us at [email protected].

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