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📰 A Vision for a Real Grocery Store in East Knoxville — Meet ONE FIVE

📰 Iron Forge Brewing Is Now Open Near Covenant Health Park

🗓️ Knoxville Is Going All Out for America's 250th — Here's How to Be Part of It

🗓️ Kid A'Riffic Fun in the Park Returns

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Some people see a boarded-up building. Chris Battle sees a grocery store. Sitting on the tailgate of his truck in the parking lot of a former Dollar General at 2265 McCalla Ave., just off Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Pastor Chris Battle is staring at the future.

It's called ONE FIVE — a full-service neighborhood market and project of his BattleField Farm & Gardens organization — and this morning, it gets its formal public launch. A fundraising luncheon happening TODAY will introduce the concept to local leaders, elected officials, and potential donors while kicking off the community campaign to make it real.

The 37915 ZIP code meets the USDA's definition of a food desert. Much of East Knoxville is also what researchers call a "food swamp" — overwhelmed by dollar stores, convenience stores, and fast food, with barely a fresh vegetable in sight. "When it's easier to buy weed than produce, it's a problem," Battle says simply.

ONE FIVE won't operate like a conventional grocery store. The name says it all: every item sold at just one nickel over cost. Not a markup. Not a profit margin. Five cents. And the store won't just sell food — it'll include a café and community meeting space, designed to be a gathering place for a neighborhood that deserves one. The long-term model depends on a combination of philanthropy, volunteers, and customers who can pay a little more to help subsidize access for neighbors who can't.

Battle has been building toward this for years — through community gardens all over East Knoxville, through the "Fannie Lou" Veggie Van that delivers produce directly into neighborhoods each week, through the Eastside Sunday Market at Dr. Walter Hardy Park (open Sundays June–September, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM). ONE FIVE is the next chapter.

Donations are already being accepted, and the community's support will be what makes this happen. More Info

Iron Forge Brewing Company officially opened its new Knoxville location — right alongside Covenant Health Park — and it is exactly the kind of neighborhood gem this stretch of downtown deserved.

Founded by Audrei and Rani Dabul, who opened their original location in Sevierville in April 2023, Iron Forge was built on one idea: a brewery should be a catalyst for community. The space features 18 craft beers on tap (all brewed in Sevierville), an entirely made-from-scratch menu — burgers, wings, steaks, flatbreads, pasta, entrees and appetizers — along with the very popular fried green tomatoes with bacon jam, roasted garlic aioli, and house-made pimento cheese.

A performance stage, pinball machines, ample indoor and outdoor seating, and a stunning view straight into the stadium round out a space that feels right at home at East Jackson and the ballpark.

All food and restaurant access is street-facing — walk right up from East Jackson Avenue whether there's a game or not. Iron Forge also brews the official draft beer for the Smokies: Smokies Light, available on tap right at the source. More Info

One day, one lake, one milestone birthday that only comes once every 250 years.

Mark your calendar for July 11th: the America's 250th Anniversary Celebration at the Cove comes to The Cove at Concord Park for a full day of free, family-friendly festivities presented by Visit Knoxville and Knox County — and it is going to be a show. Starting at 11:00 AM, the day kicks off with an expo and community activation featuring local artisans, historical exhibits, community partners, and hands-on activities for kids, plus food trucks and the kind of midsummer energy that only comes when an entire city is celebrating together. The daytime expo runs through 5:00 PM.

Then, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the Concert on the Cove takes over — live music against the backdrop of Fort Loudoun Lake as the sun goes down — before a massive fireworks display launched directly over the water closes out the evening. There is nothing quite like watching fireworks explode over a lake on a summer night, and this one will be especially meaningful: it marks the nation's 250th year, celebrated right here in East Tennessee.

Everything is free and open to the public. Concord Park sits along Northshore Drive in west Knoxville — plan to arrive early for the expo, stay for the concert, and let the fireworks write the ending. This is one of those nights you'll remember. More Info

The City of Knoxville's Kid A'Riffic Fun in the Park is back for another summer — and this year, the series travels to some new locations alongside the familiar favorites. Every Wednesday in June and July from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, Kid A'Riffic parks somewhere different around the city and throws a full morning of games, crafts, giveaways, and more for kids ages 2 to 12. Every event is completely free. No tickets, no registration, just show up ready to play.

This week, the series visits a new location — and coming up, June 17th brings Kid A'Riffic to Baxter Avenue Park. On June 24th, the event celebrates America's 250th birthday between James White's Fort and Blount Mansion, where kids can play while soaking up the history of Knoxville right in the heart of the city. Later in the summer, look for stops at West Hills Park (July 15th) and World's Fair Park (July 22nd), among others — including a special bike-friendly date at Covenant Health Park.

If you've got kids at home for the summer — or grandkids, nieces, nephews, or neighborhood kids you're always looking for something to do with — this is the series to put on repeat. It's the kind of thing that makes Knoxville summers feel a little bit magic. Check the City of Knoxville's website to see the full schedule of locations.
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Recurring events

🗓️ June 11th - 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 from 6:30 PM–8:00 PM at Lakeshore Park's Marble Hall — and admission is completely free (donations welcome). 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 11th-12th -The WordPlayers bring their production of Hairspray: The Musical to the Bijou Theatre (803 S. Gay Street) for a three-day run. More Info

🗓️ June 11th-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 11th-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 11th-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 11th-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 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 - The Pokémon/TCG Show by Poké-Mart Events is back — bigger and better than ever — from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM at 8807 Kingston Pike. Admission is just $5 at the door, and kids 12 and under get in FREE. More Info

🗓️ June 13th - Knoxville Dragway (160 Raceway Drive, Maynardville) hosts the High School Horsepower Drag Race 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. 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 2026 Knoxville Hamfest & ARRL Tennessee State Convention returns, starting at 8:00 AM at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church (701 Merchant Drive) — and this year carries an extra distinction: it's the official ARRL Tennessee State Convention for 2026, making it a major milestone in the local ham radio community. More Info

🗓️ 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 17th - Ancient Lore Village (7107 Sevierville Pike) is hosting a Starlight Movie Night featuring Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone from 7:00 PM–10:00 PM at their enchanting property — and the setting alone makes this an unforgettable evening. 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 19th-20th - Mabry-Hazen House presents "...And Then I Became Free: Stories of Emancipation at Mabry-Hazen House" — a special series of guided tours held in the Julia-Meek Guest House on the Mabry-Hazen campus, exploring the stories of enslaved African Americans connected to this historic property and their many paths to freedom. More Info

🗓️ June 20th - Knoxville AnimeDay 2026 (Summer Edition) — the 17th installment — runs from 10:00 AM–6:00 PM at the Holiday Inn Knoxville West – Cedar Bluff (9134 Executive Park Drive), and it's everything you love about anime conventions without the price tag. More Info

🗓️ June 20th - Powerhouse Diesel is throwing a Dads Day Out celebration from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at 7664 Maynardville Pike — and whether you're a diesel devotee, a proud dad, or just a family looking for a great Saturday outing, this event has something for everyone. More Info

🗓️ June 20th - Founding Fathers Fest: Grilling and Games in the Park is from 3:00 PM–7:00 PM at the Rustic Pavilion on the east side of Lakeshore Park (6014 S Northshore Drive) — and it's completely free and open to everyone. 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 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 - 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 from 11:00 AM–8:00 PM. 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 21st-27th - Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamp celebrates its 30th Annual Bluegrass Week June 21st–27th at Maryville College — and it's widely considered one of the finest acoustic music camps in the country. More Info

🗓️ June 23rd - The Farragut Museum's History Hour continues at 11:00 AM at Farragut Town Hall (11408 Municipal Center Drive, Farragut) — and this month's featured speaker is someone who really knows his history. Tim Holder — author, radio host, and history professor — will take the audience through the lives and legacies of the nation's first six presidents in what promises to be an engaging, accessible, and genuinely fascinating hour. 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 - The 2026 AAU Girls Basketball World Championships comes to Knoxville from June 24th–28th, with games taking place at the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley Street) and the adjacent World's Fair Exhibition Hall. 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

🗓️ July 1st - Josiah & The Bonnevilles bring their Redline North American Tour to the Bijou (803 S. Gay Street) at 7:30 PM — and if you haven't heard this band yet, you're in for a treat. More Info

🗓️ July 4th - The City of Knoxville's Festival on the 4th returns to World's Fair Park Performance and Festival Lawns from 5:00 PM–10:00 PM — and with free admission, free parking, live music, and fireworks over the downtown skyline, this is the quintessential East Tennessee Fourth of July. More Info

🗓️ July 10th-12th - FanBoy Expo takes over the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley Street) for three action-packed days — and with over 30,000 fans attending each summer event, this is one of the biggest and most electric weekends on the Knoxville calendar. More Info

🗓️ July 29th - One of the most celebrated voices in rock history is coming to Knoxville. Graham Nash brings his Live on Tour 2026 to the Bijou on July 29th at 7:30 PM — and with a career spanning more than six decades, this is as close to a living history of contemporary music as you can get in one evening. More Info

🗓️ July 31st-August 2nd - CreepyCon 2026 celebrates its 10th Anniversary at the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley Street) from July 31st through August 2nd — and Tennessee's biggest Halloween and horror convention has never looked better. More Info

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

🗓️ 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.

🗓️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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