In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 82

🗓️  34th Annual Cherokee Fall Festival

📰 Movies in the Cave Returns to Cherokee Caverns

🗓️ Beach Party on the Plaza

📰 Call for Volunteers: GermanFest 2025 Needs You!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

34th Annual Cherokee Fall Festival Returns to Sequoyah Birthplace Museum

Step back in time and celebrate Cherokee culture at the 34th Annual Cherokee Fall Festival, hosted by the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tennessee’s only tribally owned museum. The festival takes place Saturday, September 6, and Sunday, September 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Visitors can enjoy an immersive cultural experience featuring Native American food, traditional Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music, and dance. In the museum, guests can watch the 1800s Acorn Printing Press in action, while a blacksmith works on-site. Additional demonstrations will explore Cherokee life in the 1700s, and history buffs can enjoy a Civil War reenactment.

The festival also offers the chance to meet members of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. Special performances by the Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa, official cultural ambassadors of the Eastern Band, will highlight the event. Other attractions include a reconstructed 1800s dog-trot log cabin, a meet-and-greet with Miss Cherokee, and the opportunity to have your name written in Cherokee.

Visitors can also view student posters from Cherokee Elementary School, join children’s and adult blowgun competitions, and savor delicious traditional foods like Indian fry bread and Indian tacos.

This event is funded in part by the Tennessee Arts Commission Rural Arts Program Grant and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

Location: Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Vonore, TN
Info & Vendor Inquiries: (423) 884-6246

Come for the history, stay for the culture—this year’s Cherokee Fall Festival promises an unforgettable weekend! More Info

Movies in the Cave Returns to Cherokee Caverns

Get ready for a truly one-of-a-kind movie night—Movies in the Cave is back at Cherokee Caverns! Step into the cool, magical depths of the cave and enjoy your favorite films in a setting unlike anywhere else.

The lineup kicks off August 23 with Journey to the Center of the Earth, followed by the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus on September 12 & 13. On October 4, get into spooky season with The Nightmare Before Christmas, and wrap up the year with holiday cheer watching Elf on November 22.

The theatre room inside the cave offers seating, but you’re welcome to bring your own small, comfy camp chair (please, no oversized chairs, loungers, or love-seat styles due to space). A cozy blanket is a great idea—the cave stays at a refreshing 58° year-round.

Before and after each movie, you can take a self-guided tour of the cave—an adventure all its own. The pathways are wheelchair and stroller-friendly, making it an accessible event for everyone.

Whether you’re a movie lover, a cave explorer, or both, this is a Knoxville-area experience you won’t want to miss! More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

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

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. knoxcountymastergardener.org/events-news

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) More Info

Step away from the screen and step into inspiration at The Pink Bride Wedding Show, happening August 17th (12 PM – 4 PM) at the Knoxville Convention Center. Whether you’re newly engaged or finalizing your finishing touches, this show is your one-stop destination to bring your dream wedding to life. ThePinkBride.com

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

Beach Party on the Plaza

Who says you need sand and surf to have a beach party? We’re bringing the seaside vibes straight to McGill Plaza for a night of music, food, and family fun! August 23 |  6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza, 101 N Campbell Station Rd

Live Music: Get ready to groove as The 103.5 WIMZ Garage Band takes the stage with classic hits and a touch of yacht rock to keep the summer feeling alive.

Dress the Part: Hawaiian shirts are highly encouraged—because no beach party is complete without them!

What’s Happening:

• 3–4 local food trucks serving tasty eats

• Beach-themed games for all ages

• Bright, summery décor to set the scene

• Fun for the entire family

Free for Everyone: Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, this event is completely free for the community. Don’t forget to show them some love! More Info

Call for Volunteers: GermanFest 2025 Needs You!

Knoxville’s beloved GermanFest is right around the corner, and organizers are calling on the community to help make it a success. This annual celebration of German culture takes place Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at First Lutheran Church & School, 1207 N. Broadway.

From traditional German food and music to family-friendly activities and cultural exhibits, GermanFest offers a day full of fun—and it wouldn’t be possible without dedicated volunteers. Whether you’re helping set up, serving bratwurst, welcoming guests, or keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, your time and energy will help bring the spirit of Germany to Knoxville.

Volunteering is a great way to connect with the community, meet new friends, and be part of one of the city’s most anticipated summer events. Shifts are flexible, so you can still enjoy plenty of the festivities while lending a hand.

Event Date: August 23, 2025
Location: First Lutheran Church & School, 1207 N. Broadway, Knoxville

Learn more: germanfestknoxville.com
Sign up to volunteer: Volunteer Form

Lend your time, bring your enthusiasm, and help make GermanFest 2025 an unforgettable celebration!

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