In this Knoxville Insider Issue…
🌤️ Weather | Cloudy with a High of 84
📰 World-Renowned Landscape Architect Kim Wilkie Visits Knoxville
🗓️ Dads Get In for $1 — Father's Day Special at B&B Foam Dart Arena
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Record High 96 in 2011 | Record Low 46 in 1946


High School Horsepower Drag Race at Knoxville Dragway

Knoxville Dragway (160 Raceway Drive, Maynardville) hosts the High School Horsepower Drag Race on June 13th from 1:00 PM–11:55 PM — a full day and night of high-energy drag racing action featuring the next generation of motorsports talent right here in East Tennessee.
High School Horsepower events celebrate young drivers getting behind the wheel in a structured, competitive environment, and Knoxville Dragway's facility gives them the perfect stage to show what they've got.
Whether you're a racing fan who loves spotting raw talent early, a family coming out to cheer on a young driver you know, or just someone who can't resist the roar of engines and the smell of rubber on a summer day, this is the event for you.
Gates open early, the action runs deep into the evening, and the atmosphere at Knoxville Dragway never disappoints. Mark the date and come out to support these young racers. More Info
World-Renowned Landscape Architect Kim Wilkie Visits Knoxville for a Free Public Talk

He's designed gardens for some of the most iconic institutions in the world — Knox County Master Gardeners (KCMG), the Knoxville Plantsmen, and the Lakeshore Park Conservancy are co-sponsoring a very special evening with British landscape architect Kim Wilkie on June 11th from 6:30 PM–8:00 PM at Lakeshore Park's Marble Hall — and admission is completely free (donations welcome).
Wilkie's resume reads like a world tour of extraordinary places: his designs include the garden courtyard at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Earthworks at Broughton Park in England, and the stunning plant wall inside the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. He studied at Oxford University and completed his landscape architecture degree at UC Berkeley before building a distinguished career spanning from the Russian Arctic Circle to Southern Chile.
His book, Led by the Land, explores a philosophy grounded in the health of soil, water, and the long relationship between humans and the natural world since the last Ice Age — and his current focus on regenerative farming in both England and North America makes his work as timely as ever.
What makes this evening especially meaningful for Knoxville: Kim Wilkie spent time here as a teenager visiting family, and he returns now as one of the most recognized names in his field. KCMG Project Leader Walter Fain put it beautifully: "He returns as a world-renowned land architect to share his experiences and knowledge on responsible environmental practices." This is a rare opportunity to hear a truly global perspective on landscape, environment, and our responsibility to the land — right here in our own backyard. More Info
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Summer Book Sales at Knox County Libraries

The Friends of Knox County Public Library are holding Used Book Sales at branch libraries across the county all summer long, and the June lineup alone gives you four great chances to load up your shelves. Most books are $3 or less, and every single dollar raised goes directly to benefit the Knox County Public Library system — so you're feeding your reading habit and supporting one of Knoxville's most valuable community resources at the same time. Here's where to go this month:
June 5th — Corryton Branch Library (7733 Corryton Road, Corryton), 1:30 PM–5:00 PM
June 12th–13th — Cedar Bluff Branch Library (9045 Cross Park Drive), 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
June 23rd — Carter Branch Library (9036 Asheville Highway), 1:00 PM–7:00 PM
June 27th — Karns Branch Library (7516 Oak Ridge Hwy), 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Whether you're hunting for beach reads, stocking up for summer learning, or just love the thrill of a great find at a bargain price, these sales are worth marking on your calendar. More Info
Dads Get In for $1 — Father's Day Special at B&B Foam Dart Arena

Looking for a Father's Day that's a little more epic than brunch? B&B Indoor Foam Dart Arena (6709 Maynardville Pike) is making it easy to give Dad an unforgettable day with their Father's Day Special on June 21st from 11:00 AM–8:00 PM.
The deal is almost too good: dads get in for just $1. That's it. One dollar for a full day of foam dart battles, team action, and the kind of all-out family fun that creates stories you'll still be telling at Thanksgiving.
B&B is Knoxville's one-of-a-kind indoor foam dart arena — a climate-controlled, safe, high-energy battleground where families come to compete and connect. It's perfect for kids, teens, and yes, dads who are absolutely willing to get competitive on their special day.
Whether your family is into full squad tactics or just wants to run around and have a blast together, Father's Day at B&B is a guaranteed win. Nine hours of open play means you can drop in whenever works for your family and stay as long as the energy holds out. More Info

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🗓️ June 5th - First Friday ArtWalk transforms the streets, galleries, and shops of downtown Knoxville into a free, walkable arts experience on the first Friday of each month. The festivities kick off around 5:00 PM and run through the evening, with galleries and creative spaces staying open late, local artists displaying their work, and performance art popping up throughout the district. More Info
🗓️ June 5th - Used Book Sale at the Corryton Branch Library (7733 Corryton Road, Corryton) | 1:30–5:00 PM More Info
🗓️ June 5th - Downtown Knoxville's art scene is pulling out all the stops this First Friday. The Emporium (100 S. Gay Street) opens four brand-new exhibitions from 5:00 PM–9:00 PM — and with live music from Nick Marlow from 6:00 PM–9:00 PM and free parking on nights and weekends, there's no reason not to make a night of it.
🗓️ June 5th-6th - Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in Oak Ridge — and this landmark year's lineup is genuinely special. The festival brings together four of the country's most acclaimed storytellers: Sheila Arnold, Josh Goforth, Bil Lepp, and Elizabeth Ellis, making her very first Flatwater Tales appearance. More Info
🗓️ June 5th-6th - Rhinestone Fest takes over Knoxville's Historic Old City for a free, family-friendly celebration of all things Dolly Parton. Expect a Dolly-themed marketplace packed with handmade and fabulous finds inspired by the glitz, glamour, and charm of the one and only, alongside live music on the main stage. More Info
🗓️ June 5th - 7th - Shoppers and vintage lovers are invited to experience a weekend of unique finds and local flair as Vintage Market Days® of Knoxville returns June 5–7 with its spring event, “The Vintage Passport.” More Info
🗓️ June 5th-21st -If you have ever dreamed of stumbling upon a Golden Ticket, now's their chance to live it. Knoxville Children's Theatre is staging a live production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory running June 5th-21st. More Info
🗓️ June 5th-21st -Knoxville Children's Theatre is presenting The Hobbit — Patricia Gray's stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved classic — with multiple showtimes throughout the run. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:00 PM, Saturdays at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM, giving families plenty of chances to catch it. More Info
🗓️ June 5th-24th - Camp Webb offers more than 70 summer camps - welcoming kids from age 4 (Camp Wonderoo for pre-K) through rising 7th graders for a summer packed with adventure, sports, specialty skills, and memories. More Info
🗓️ June 5th-July 30th - Concerts on the Square, presented by First Century Bank, returns to Market Square for its summer series of free Jazz Tuesday concerts, running every Tuesday in June and July from 7:00 PM–9:00 PM. More Info
🗓️ June 6th - Start your summer with a day of family fun at the 4th Annual Tennessee Valley Fair Kickoff to Summer from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center. More Info
🗓️ June 6th - Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (2743 Wimpole Avenue) is hosting A Garden's Story: Mindful Photography from 10:00 AM–11:30 AM — a hands-on workshop that will change how you look at the world around you, camera or phone in hand. More Info/Register
🗓️ June 6th - The Saving Grace 5K takes place at Victor Ashe Park (4901 Bradshaw Road) on June 6th — and whether you're a seasoned racer or someone who just wants to walk a mile for a meaningful cause, there's a distance for you. More Info & Signup
🗓️ June 6th - Marble City Opera is bringing its beloved annual Opera in the Park concert to Lakeshore Park (6410 S. Northshore Drive) from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM — and admission is completely free. Food trucks will be on-site to round out the evening, making this a true community gathering in one of Knoxville's most beautiful outdoor settings. More Info
🗓️ June 6th - Fountain City Town Hall, in partnership with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and HawgMolly Fishing, is hosting Bobby Wilson Fishing Day at the Fountain City Lake "Duck Pond" from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM — and it is completely free to attend. More Info
🗓️ June 6th - Margo Price — the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who has become one of the most celebrated voices in American roots music — brings her tour to the Bijou Theatre. More Info
🗓️ June 6th - The Knoxville Ice Cream Festival returns to the World's Fair Park Festival Lawn from 11 AM–6 PM — and it's completely free to attend. This is the kind of event that checks every box for a perfect summer day out: cold treats, sunshine, live entertainment, and something fun for every member of the family.
🗓️ June 6th - Grammy-Nominated, award-winning country artist Brandon Maddox - a Nashville songwriter with a catalog of around 2,000 original songs and a sound that's pure, down-home country - is performing at Iron Works Grille on the River (1641 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains), running 6:00 PM–9:00 PM. More Info
🗓️ June 6th - Blount Mansion Association invites you to Martinis at the Mansion - their annual garden party fundraiser - at 5:30 PM at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center (200 W. Hill Ave). More Info
🗓️ June 6th - The Knoxville Firefighters Association presents Long Run Rocks — A Tribute to the Eagles at Chilhowee Park at 8:00 PM. Expect a full night of Eagles classics — "Hotel California," "Take It Easy," "New Kid in Town," and more — performed live in one of Knoxville's most iconic outdoor venues. More Info
🗓️ June 6th - Marble City Opera heads outdoors for its beloved annual Opera in the Park — a free concert at Lakeshore Park. More Info
🗓️ June 7th - Beautiful cars, great coffee, and a cause that matters — this one checks every box. The 5th Annual Heads Up For Hunger with Cars & Coffee rolls into Knoxville Dragway (160 Raceway Drive, Maynardville) from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM — and every bit of it benefits Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, one of the most impactful hunger-relief organizations in our area.
🗓️ June 10th - Sesame Street Live: Elmo's Got the Moves comes to the Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street) at 6:00 PM — an interactive live stage show that puts kids right in the middle of the action from the very first moment. More Info
🗓️ June 11th - New2Knox's Friendship Speed Dating event takes over Hi-Wire Brewing (2020 Barber Street) on June 11th from 6:30 PM–8:00 PM — and the concept is exactly as fun as it sounds. More Info
🗓️ June 11th - Paul Thorn, the Mississippi-born singer-songwriter beloved for his warm, witty, deeply human take on life, love, and the South, comes to the Bijou Theatre at 8:00 PM - presented by local music legend WDVX. More Info
🗓️ June 12th-13th - Summer Book Fest, presented by Knox Social Club, is bringing a full weekend of literary fun to Crafty Bastard Brewery (6 Emory Place). More Info
🗓️ June 12th-13th - Used Book Sale at the Cedar Bluff Branch Library (9045 Cross Park Drive) | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM More Info
🗓️ June 13th - Cowboy Junkies: Celebrating 40 Years and Beyond comes to the Bijou Theatre at 8:00 PM — a milestone anniversary tour from one of the most quietly influential bands of the last four decades. More Info
🗓️ June 13th - If you've been looking for a reason to get outside, give back, and connect with good people — here it is. Faith N Friends Farm (8505 Corryton-Luttrell Road, Luttrell) is hosting a Community Farm Workday from 12:00 PM–3:00 PM — and whether you're a seasoned gardener or someone who just wants to show up and help, you are welcome here.
🗓️ June 13th - The Water Lantern Festival — voted the #1 Festival in the World by USA Today — is coming to Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center (3301 E Magnolia Ave), with gates opening at 6:00 PM and the lantern launch happening from 9:00 PM–10:00 PM. Get Tickets
🗓️ June 13th - The Red, White & Bloom Makers Market takes over the Hardin Valley Event Center Pavilion (2620 Willow Point Way) from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, bringing together 70 local artisans, bakers, and crafters under one roof - plus food trucks. More Info
🗓️ June 14th - Summer Movie Magic: Spaceballs at the Tennessee Theatre. More Info
🗓️ June 14th - Summer Movie Magic: Wizard of Oz at the Tennessee Theatre. More Info
🗓️ June 14th - Fashion, nature, and a whole lot of Technicolor - this year's Fleurish might be the most stunning one yet. Fleurish, Ijams Nature Center's annual sustainable fashion show, returns from 6:00–9:00 PM on the Ijams lawn. More Info
🗓️ June 18th, 20th - The season closes with two performances of The Tragedy of Carmen — a 90-minute adaptation of Bizet's iconic Carmen - at the Historic Grove Theatre in Oak Ridge. More Info
🗓️ June 18th-28th - PAT, the acclaimed one-woman play written and performed by Lisa Soland, returns for a limited engagement, now making its debut at the Jenny Boyd Theatre on the campus of the University of Tennessee - UT's newly opened performance space. More Info & Tickets
🗓️ June 19th - The Annual MLK Jr. Parade/March and Juneteenth Celebration returns with a full day of community, history, and joy honoring the end of slavery in the United States. The parade steps off at 10:00 AM from Chilhowee Park and makes its way to Dr. Walter Hardy Park (2089 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave), where the Juneteenth Celebration runs from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM with live music, dancing, food, local vendors, and more. More Info
🗓️ June 19th - Dancing Machine: A Tribute Band to the Jacksons takes the stage at Market Square from 7:00 PM–9:00 PM as part of the City of Knoxville's Variety Thursdays – Concerts on the Square series. More Info
🗓️ June 20th - Taste of Summer: Wine and Food Festival returns to the Knoxville Museum of Art (1050 World's Fair Park Drive) from 5:00 PM–9:00 PM — an elegant, immersive evening where the culinary scene takes center stage. More Info
🗓️ June 20th - RiverView Family Farm (12130 Prater Lane) is throwing a Barn Dance on from 6:00 PM–9:30 PM - an open-to-the-public evening of live line dancing instruction, great food, and the kind of genuine good time that's hard to find. Admission is just $10 per person, and children under 5 get in free.
🗓️ June 20th - Celebrate summer in full bloom at the Lavender Festival from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Jackson Square. This free, family-friendly event transforms the historic district into a vibrant day of shopping, music, food, and fun. More Info
🗓️ June 20th - Knoxville Brewfest returns to World's Fair Park, with 60+ local and regional breweries pouring from 4:30 PM–8:30 PM — including gluten-free and non-alcoholic options. Live music, local food vendors, and a beautiful outdoor setting make this one of Knoxville's most beloved annual events. More Info
🗓️ June 21st - Get ready for a citywide celebration of music as Make Music Knoxville returns! For one exciting day, music will fill the streets, parks, patios, stages, sidewalks, and public spaces across Knoxville, transforming the city into one giant free music festival. More Info
🗓️ June 23rd - Used Book Sale at the Carter Branch Library (9036 Asheville Highway) | 1:00–7:00 PM More Info
🗓️ June 24th-27th - Nief-Norf SYNNERGY comes to Knoxville - a four-day contemporary music festival and conference that's genuinely unlike anything else happening in East Tennessee this summer. Think cutting-edge new music performed live by world-class artists, with 12 free public concerts woven throughout the week. No ticket required. Just show up and listen. More Info
🗓️ June 25th - Music for Seniors: Love Notes - A Musical Afternoon of Romance comes to the Episcopal Church of the Ascension (800 S. Northshore Drive) from 2:00 PM–3:00 PM, presented by the acclaimed Knoxville Opera. More Info
🗓️ June 26th - Kathleen Madigan - The Day Drinking Tour comes to the Bijou Theatre at 7:00 PM — and if you've ever caught her on a late-night show, her Netflix specials, or heard her on the radio, you already know what you're getting: razor-sharp, relatable, laugh-until-it-hurts comedy delivered by someone who has been doing this at the highest level for three decades. More Info
🗓️ June 27th - The Third Annual Blackberry Festival and 5K takes over 2910 W Emory Road in Powell from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, hosted by Powell Presbyterian Church — and the lineup is everything a perfect summer Saturday should be. More Info
🗓️ June 27th - The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony comes to the Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street) — one of the most prestigious nights in women's basketball, and it happens right here in Knoxville, home of the WBHOF. More Info
🗓️ June 27th - Used Book Sale at the Karns Branch Library (7516 Oak Ridge Hwy) | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM More Info
Networking:
🗓️ June 10th - The Vine Network hosts its monthly Faith Based Business Boost meeting from 8:30 AM–10:00 AM at 4900 Horsestall Drive — and it's completely free, no membership required.
Veterans:
🗓️Free Veterans’ Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 17 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly. Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates
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