In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Scattered Thunderstorms with a High of 88

📰 Penny-Priced Cultural Events for Local Students

📰 Strong Alley Roars to Life with Zoo Knoxville-Inspired Artwork

🗓️ This Sunday - Support Knoxville’s Ronald McDonald House with an Afternoon of Tea, Fun & Giving

📰 Call for Volunteers: GermanFest 2025 Needs You!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Penny-Priced Cultural Events for Local Students

The Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville is kicking off a new season of Penny4Arts—a beloved initiative that opens the doors to arts and culture events for East Tennessee students at the unbeatable price of just one penny, or at no cost at all!

Students from Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union counties—including those who are homeschooled or attend private school—can enjoy plays, concerts, dance performances, museums, and more, simply by attending with a paying adult. Most events allow up to three children per adult.

Families can explore historic homes, attend live concerts at the Bijou Theatre, enjoy local productions from Clarence Brown Theatre and Knoxville Children’s Theatre, watch contemporary dance performances by Circle Modern Dance and Momentum Dance Lab, and much more. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is also offering access to eight Masterworks and four Chamber Classics concerts, while Knoxville Opera and Marble City Opera bring vocal brilliance to the stage.

A number of organizations offer free admission to children year-round, including:

• Knoxville Museum of Art

• McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture

• WDVX

• East Tennessee Historical Society

• Blount Mansion

• Historic Ramsey House

• James White’s Fort

• Mabry-Hazen House & Bethel Civil War Cemetery

• Marble Springs State Historic Site

Families can explore the full event calendar at www.Penny4Arts.com.

Students ages 16–18 attending without an adult may be required to show proof of residency. Groups of four in this age group must include at least one full-paying student to participate.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to help local children engage with the vibrant cultural life of our region—all for a penny or less!

Strong Alley Roars to Life with Zoo Knoxville-Inspired Artwork

Something ‘Wildly Fun’ is coming to Strong Alley (just off Market Square downtown) this summer — thanks to a brand-new mural by local artist Gared Luquet, commissioned by Zoo Knoxville through Dogwood Arts’ Art in Public Places Mural Program.

Spanning 180 square feet, the piece showcases some of the Zoo’s most beloved residents — from a Southern white rhino and Malayan tiger to a giraffe, red panda, and Aldabra giant tortoise. The mural’s centerpiece, a striking Southern white rhino, appears to step right out of the wall, greeting visitors as they explore the 37 murals currently enlivening Strong Alley. Luquet, known for blending meticulous wildlife realism with playful, surrealist twists, has a growing history with Dogwood Arts.

Since first participating in the 2024 Dogwood Arts Mural Workshop at Maker Exchange, he’s had a solo exhibition in the Dogwood Gallery, created the fan-favorite “Smokey” mural in Strong Alley, and co-designed a large-scale Iris Apfel piece for KnoxWalls at Emory Place — Dogwood’s newest immersive public art destination in North Knoxville. More Info

-contributed by Shannon H.

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Get ready to shake off the back-to-school blues and light up the night—because the Neon Glow Party is coming to Ball Camp Park on August 22 from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM, and it’s going to be legendary! More Info

Parkway Drive-In Movie Nights - Friday & Saturday August 22nd-23rd - Pack up the car, grab your favorite people, and come enjoy movies the old-fashioned way—on the big outdoor screen under the stars! Featured Films: Weapons (R) – Starts at 8:45 PM (Rain or shine); The Naked Gun (PG-13) – Starts at 11:10 PM (Rain or shine)
More Info

Get ready for a day filled with fun, culture, and community at GermanFest, Knoxville’s beloved celebration of all things German! Mark your calendar for August 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church & School, 1207 N. Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. More Info

Get ready to dance in the streets—Sunset On Central is back for its 7th year, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever! Saturday, August 23 | 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
 Central Filling Station | 900 North Central Street |  FREE & Family-Friendly More Info

Step into the stillness of night and experience the magic of the new moon on a Dark Skies Hike at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Without moonlight to dim their glow, the stars and constellations will shine brightly overhead as you explore the wonders of the nighttime sky. August 23 | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Meeting Location: Bluebird Barn More Info 

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 More Info

Big Kahuna Wing Festival - Get ready for one of the South’s tastiest and most exciting events—The Big Kahuna Wing Festival returns this Labor Day weekend on August 31st at The World’s Fair Park! 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

This Sunday - Support Knoxville’s Ronald McDonald House with an Afternoon of Tea, Fun & Giving

Local small businesses are coming together in support of the Ronald McDonald House of Knoxville, a vital “home-away-from-home” that provides meals, housing, and comfort to families with hospitalized children - just steps away from their child’s bedside.

Enjoy an Afternoon Tea Buffet featuring a delightful spread of goodies for both kids and adults, courtesy of The Kraken’s Cup Tearoom. (Please contact them in advance with any dietary restrictions.)

• Meet & greet with beloved characters from Princess Parties by Mary

• Outdoor games hosted by Blasters & Burgers

• Creative crafts with Poppets Play Place

• A raffle basket giveaway featuring prizes from The Kraken’s Cup, Blasters & Burgers, Poppet's Play Place, Chicago Hotdog and Sausage Company, and more!

Your ticket includes:

• Full access to the afternoon tea buffet

• One raffle ticket

• Unlimited games and crafts

A portion of every ticket sale—and all proceeds from additional raffle tickets—will go directly to the Knoxville Ronald McDonald House, helping provide essential support to families during difficult times.

Purchase tickets and secure your spot for a magical afternoon filled with community spirit and sweet treats.

Join us for an unforgettable day of fun, kindness, and community generosity. Let’s make a difference—one tiny sandwich at a time! 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 23rd
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!

Become a Knoxville Insider Sponsor

Are you a brand new or established business looking to become known in our Knoxville Insider community? We are looking for locally-owned business that would like to become a Knoxville Insider sponsor! Sponsorships can include:

• 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]!