Big Ridge Bluegrass Festival

Issue #607

10 Aug

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 87

📰 The Two Gentlemen of Verona – Shakespeare Under the Summer Sky

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 100 in 1980 — Record Low: 54 in 1879

44th Annual Big Ridge Bluegrass Festival

Get ready for a toe-tappin’ summer night under the stars! On August 15th, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Big Ridge State Park will come alive with the sounds of the mountains for the 44th Annual Bluegrass Festival—and best of all, it’s FREE to attend.

Gather your friends and family, pack your lawn chairs, and settle in for an evening filled with soulful Appalachian fiddle, banjo, and harmony that will make you want to clap along. Local artisans will be on hand with unique crafts, and an array of delicious food trucks will be ready to serve up festival favorites to keep you fueled for the fun.

Whether you’re a lifelong bluegrass fan or just looking for a beautiful way to spend a summer evening, the Big Ridge Bluegrass Festival offers the perfect mix of music, community, and the great outdoors.

Come for the music, stay for the memories—this is one East Tennessee tradition you won’t want to miss! More Info

The Two Gentlemen of Verona – Shakespeare Under the Summer Sky

By William Shakespeare

Best friends Valentine and Proteus leave their hometown of Verona for Milan, determined to become true gentlemen. But the road to adulthood is never smooth! Along the way, they face fierce rivals, meddling parents, quick-witted clowns, and even an unforgettable dog. Through romance, betrayal, and reconciliation, these young men—and the determined women who love them—navigate the hilarious and heartfelt trials of growing up.

Shakespeare’s very first comedy, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, is by turns silly, profound, and timeless, asking questions that still resonate today:

  • Who must I become to get what I want in life?

  • Do I stay true to myself or adapt to the world around me?

  • Is what I want today what I’ll still want tomorrow?

Performed by the talented graduate acting company of the Clarence Brown Theatre, this production brings fresh energy and humor to one of the Bard’s earliest works—perfect for Shakespeare fans and first-timers alike.

  • Friday, August 15 | 8:30 – 10:00 PM
    Hi-Wire Brewery (2020 Barber St.)

  • Friday, August 22 | 3:30 – 5:00 PM
    UT – 21st Century Plaza (Rain location: Student Union Room 362BC)

  • Wednesday, August 27 | 2:00 – 4:30 PM
    Knoxville Museum of Art – June and Rob Heller Garden

Admission: Free and open to the public.
Experience Shakespeare in a relaxed, outdoor setting and enjoy an evening of wit, wonder, and unforgettable performances. More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

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. https://the35north.com/knoxville-35-north-events

Mark your calendars for a true East Tennessee tradition! Join us on Friday, August 15th from 6:00 to 10:00 PM at Big Ridge State Park for the 44th Annual Bluegrass Festival—an evening filled with music, community, and summer fun under the stars. More Info

Get ready to look to the skies! The 7th Annual Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival is lifting off once again in Townsend on August 16th (3:00 PM – 9:00 PM), offering a magical evening of floating colors, local flavors, and family-friendly fun. More Info

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. More details and tickets available at: ijams.org

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

Book Launch Party: Not Good People by Audra McElyea

Join us for an evening of suspense, conversation, and celebration as we welcome thriller author Audra McElyea for the launch of her gripping new novel, Not Good People. October 17th | 6:00 PM | East Tennessee History Center

This locked-room thriller will keep you guessing until the very end—following strangers drawn to a secluded resort, where dark secrets are exposed and lives hang in the balance.

Event Schedule

  • Hour One:
    Enjoy an engaging conversation between Audra McElyea and Abby Ham, WBIR-TV news anchor, as they discuss the inspiration, twists, and chilling tension behind Not Good People.

  • Hour Two:
    Mingle with fellow book lovers, savor light refreshments, purchase your own copy of Audra’s latest release, and meet the author during an exclusive book signing.

About the Author:
Audra McElyea is a former corporate buyer and magazine contributor turned bestselling thriller author—writing her books in their villain era. Her previous novels include One Little Word, If You See Me, and Hush, Dear Sister.

Come for the suspense, stay for the stories—this is one launch party you won’t want to miss! More Info

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