In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 86

🗓️  Ijams Hummingbird Festival

📰 Outdoor Screening of Mamma Mia! – August 22

🗓️ Bear-Varian Fall Festival

📰 Call for Volunteers: GermanFest 2025 Needs You!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

15th Annual Ijams Hummingbird Festival Soars into Knoxville

The 15th annual Ijams Hummingbird Festival: A Celebration of Wings, presented by Wild Birds Unlimited Knoxville, returns to Ijams Nature Center’s Homesite on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This beloved event offers a full day of nature discovery, featuring engaging speakers, guided hikes, Ijams’ animal ambassadors, hands-on science activities, art workshops, and a festival marketplace twice the size of last year’s—with over 50 vendors showcasing handcrafted art, native plants, garden décor, and nature-themed treasures.

A festival highlight is the bird-banding demonstration led by master bander Mark Armstrong. For an additional $6, small groups can watch as Armstrong weighs, measures, and bands birds, then allows one lucky participant to release the bird back into the wild. Bird-banding sessions run every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with early appointments offering the best chance to see a ruby-throated hummingbird.

Speaker Schedule

• The Wonder of Hummingbirds – Stephen Lyn Bales: 9 a.m.

• Bats: Understanding Their Role in Our Ecosystem – Susie Kaplar: 10 a.m.

• Gardening for Birds with Native Plants – Stephanie Mueller: 11 a.m.

• The Journeys of Migrating Birds – Clare Dattilo: 12 p.m.

Field Trips & Workshops

• Phenology Plot Tour & Training: 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m.

• Nature Journaling Workshop: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m. ($5 materials fee; pre-registration required)

• Bat House Tour at Mead’s Quarry: 10 a.m.

• Guided Hikes: Every 30 minutes

Tickets are $12 for ages 13+, $9 for ages 3–12, and free for ages 2 and under. Ijams members enjoy a 10% discount.

For more details or to get your tickets, visit Ijams.org/ijams-hummingbird-festival.

Sing Your Heart Out at Ijams’ Outdoor Screening of Mamma Mia! – August 22

Get ready for a night of music, laughter, and love as Ijams Nature Center teams up with Central Cinema to present the beloved musical Mamma Mia! on Thursday, August 22.

This heartwarming story follows Donna (Meryl Streep), an independent hotelier on the Greek islands, as she prepares for her daughter Sophie’s wedding. But Sophie has a secret plan—she’s invited three men from her mother’s past, hoping to discover which one is her father. Add the unforgettable songs of ABBA, and you have the perfect recipe for an evening of fun, friendship, and family.

Event Details

• Location: Ijams Nature Center

• Doors Open: 7:00 PM

• Movie Starts: Around 8:45 PM (at dark)

• Food & Drinks: Local food trucks and the Ijams beer garden will be serving up delicious meals, snacks, and beverages.

So gather your friends, bring your best singing voice, and be ready to belt out your ABBA favorites under the stars!

For more information, visit Ijams.org.

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

Autumn Adventures Await at the Bear-Varian Fall Festival

This fall, Anakeesta transforms into a mountain wonderland of seasonal color, festive flavors, and lively entertainment during the Bear-Varian Fall Festival, running August 29 – November 2.

Guests will be greeted by vibrant autumn décor throughout the park and treated to a packed lineup of seasonal fun, from whimsical steampunk zombies and retro 60s vampire vixens to rollicking polka trios and intimate acoustic sets.

Food lovers can indulge in Bavarian-inspired favorites, including giant pretzels and the decadent Black Forest Crepe. For those seeking a unique tasting experience, Anakeesta has partnered with local and regional craft breweries to offer the Bear Tasting Card—just $22.99 for six 8-ounce pours from multiple park locations. (Must be 21+ to participate.)

Whether you’re sipping local brews, tapping your toes to live music, or taking in the mountain views, the Bear-Varian Fall Festival promises unforgettable autumn adventures for the whole family.

For more details, visit Anakeesta.com.

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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