In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Scattered Thunderstorms with a High of 84

🗓️ Don’t Miss the Water Lantern Festival

📰 Wicked at Carl Cowan Park

📣 Business Spotlight: Carnival Party Land

🗓️ Free Veteran Ice Cream Social

📰 Pavilion Farmers Market

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Don’t Miss the Water Lantern Festival

It’s More than an Event — It’s an Experience.

Come together for an unforgettable night of reflection, connection, and community at the Water Lantern Festival at Chilhowee Park. This heartwarming event invites people of all ages and backgrounds to share in a beautiful evening filled with love, laughter, and light. August 9th | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM |  Chilhowee Park

Personalized Lantern Launch
As the sun sets, release your own lantern onto the water and watch it join hundreds of others as they float and glow across the surface, creating a magical, illuminated scene.

 Enjoy:

• Live music

• Food trucks

• Local vendors

• A family-friendly scavenger hunt

• The stunning lantern launch at twilight

Make memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're honoring a loved one, dreaming big, or just soaking in the moment, the Water Lantern Festival is a night you won’t soon forget. More Info

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

Free Veteran Ice Cream Social

Veterans and their families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of laughter, delicious joy, and heartfelt community at this special Ice Cream Social hosted by the Rocky Top Veterans Foundation. August 17th | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Cruz Farm (2723 Asbury Rd)

Come celebrate with:

• FREE handcrafted ice cream

• Time to relax, connect, and share stories

• A welcoming space to honor those who’ve served

This family-friendly gathering is our way of saying thank you to those who’ve dedicated their lives to service. Bring the whole family and savor a sweet summer moment together!

No registration required — just show up, smile, and enjoy. More Info

Veterans and their families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of laughter, delicious joy, and heartfelt community at this special Ice Cream Social hosted by the Rocky Top Veterans Foundation.

🎖️ Come celebrate with:

• FREE handcrafted ice cream

• Time to relax, connect, and share stories

• A welcoming space to honor those who’ve served

This family-friendly gathering is our way of saying thank you to those who’ve dedicated their lives to service. Bring the whole family and savor a sweet summer moment together!

No registration required — just show up, smile, and enjoy.

Carnival Party Land: Spreading Joy one stuffie at a time

In our fast-paced world, Carnival Party Land brings families together through hands-on fun, laughter, and creativity. This mobile party and event business serves Oak Ridge and surrounding East Tennessee communities with engaging activities like Stuff-A-Stuffie plush kits, glitter tattoos, sand art, carnival games, and themed party experiences. Every offering is designed to spark joy and lasting memories for kids and families alike.

Founded by Krystal Lansdell and her husband John during a challenging season marked by John’s epilepsy diagnosis, Carnival Party Land began as a way to stay together and rebuild purpose. What started in their living room has blossomed into a business that now brings smiles to hundreds of families — proving that from adversity can come celebration.

What sets Carnival Party Land apart is their personal touch. They're not a franchise or large-scale company — they're a family showing up with heart, energy, and a mission to make every child feel special. Whether it’s a school fundraiser, church carnival, or birthday bash, they tailor each event to the group they’re serving, offering themed kits, silent auction bundles, and customizable fun.

They’ve partnered with local groups like CASA, Little Ponderosa Zoo, and the Take My Hand Foundation, hosted free crafting events, and supported causes ranging from mental health to safe sleep awareness. Their involvement doesn’t stop at entertaining — they’re passionate about uplifting others and making a difference wherever possible.

Looking ahead, Krystal dreams of opening a permanent space — a vibrant, creative hub where families can gather, craft, and connect. Until then, they’re building momentum through pop-up parties, carnivals, and fundraising events that bring both joy and support to local schools and nonprofits.

To learn more, book an event, or follow the fun, visit www.carnivalpartyland.com  or email Krystal at [email protected] . You can also reach them by phone at (423) 920-1547.

Become a Knoxville Insider Sponsor

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• Hero or section banners

• Logo

• Video

• Print

• Spotlight Directory

• and more…

Reach out to us at [email protected].

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]!