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It’s Almost Time: The 7th Annual Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival

Issue #605

08 Aug

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Partly Cloudy with a High of 84

📰 The Healing Arts of the Ancients: An Herbal Medicine Workshop

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 101 in 1930 — Record Low: 53 in 1989

It’s Almost Time: The 7th Annual Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival

Get ready — one of East Tennessee’s most anticipated summer events is almost here!

On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the skies over Townsend will come alive with the glow of hot air balloons, the sounds of live music, and the joy of family-friendly fun at the 7th Annual Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival.

This beloved tradition isn’t just about beautiful balloons — it’s a community-powered fundraiser that benefits the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and Townsend Elementary School, helping to sustain local services and support education in our mountain town.

Festival Details:

  • Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025

  • Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

  • Location: Townsend, Tennessee

What to Expect:

  • Colorful hot air balloons lighting up the evening sky

  • Live music by Rhythm Collective

  • Local art & craft vendors (some demonstrating on-site!)

  • Delicious options in the Food Truck Court

  • Refreshing drinks in the Beer Tent

  • Activities for the whole family

Whether you’re here for the glow, the food, the music, or the cause — mark your calendar and join us for a magical evening in the Smokies. More Info

The Healing Arts of the Ancients: An Herbal Medicine Workshop

Step into the hills of Ancient Lore Village and explore the timeless connection between plants and healing. The Healing Arts of the Ancients is a hands-on herbal medicine workshop designed for both beginners and experienced herbal enthusiasts.

Ancient Lore Village | September 13th | 11:00 AM

This immersive event blends education, tradition, and nature in a beautiful setting where guests can learn and create their own herbal remedies.

Workshop Highlights:

  • Learn about common herbs and their traditional uses in wellness and rituals

  • Create your own herbal remedies to take home, including teas, salves, or tinctures

  • Take a guided walk through the Village’s natural areas to observe herbs in their natural environment

  • Enjoy herbal refreshments

  • Listen to fireside storytelling inspired by ancient healing lore

Tickets are limited, and this unique experience is expected to fill quickly. Early registration is encouraged.More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

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

Dig Into Gardening: August Events with Knox County Master Gardeners

Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just garden-curious, August is full of free, educational opportunities to get your hands in the dirt with the Knox County Master Gardeners!

Learn to Love Moss
August 14, 10:30–11:30 AM
UT Extension East Region Office (1801 Downtown West Blvd)
Discover the hidden beauty and benefits of moss with Rosanne Smith and Jean Hess during this Speakers Bureau presentation.

Native Plants & Soil Classes
Burlington Library (Aug. 16, 1–4:30 PM)
Corryton Community Center (Aug. 23, 1–4:30 PM)
Explore the role of native plants and healthy soil in creating vibrant landscapes.
Free to attend—email [email protected] to register.

Guided Nature Walks at Collier Preserve
August 19, 7 PM
Powell Branch Library (316 W. Emory Rd)
Join master gardeners for a 1-hour evening stroll through a native plant garden and birding haven.

Tennessee Smart Yard Workshop
August 18, 5:30–7 PM
Knoxville Botanical Gardens (2649 Boyd’s Bridge Pike)
Learn how to make your yard environmentally smart and sustainable.

Ask a Master Gardener Booth
August 16, 10 AM–Noon
Norwood Branch Library (1110 Merchant Dr)
Bring your garden questions and get expert advice from Cid Letsinger.

Catch master gardeners at local farmers markets throughout August including Dixie Lee at Renaissance, Ebenezer Rd., Tellico Village, New Harvest Park & Market Square.

Thinking of Becoming a Master Gardener?
August 27, 11 AM–Noon (Zoom)
Learn about volunteering opportunities and how to join the program.
Email Rylan Thompson at [email protected] or call 865-215-2340 to register.

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