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📰 Celebrate Nature at Stanley's Ninth Annual Butterfly Festival

📰 Old City Block Party

🗓️ Experience the Art of Ink at the Knoxville Tattoo Convention

🗓️ FREE Vessel Examinations Next Saturday

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Flutter into a day of family fun and discovery at Stanley's Ninth Annual Butterfly Festival on Saturday, August 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This free community event celebrates one of nature's most fascinating pollinators while offering activities and educational experiences for all ages.

Held at the beautiful Davenport-Stanley Farm, the festival features hands-on children's butterfly craft stations, educational exhibits, local artisan vendors, and opportunities to learn how to create butterfly-friendly gardens. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

A highlight of the day is the "Beneficial Plants that Attract Butterflies to Your Garden" seminar, where guests can discover which plants provide food and shelter for butterflies throughout their life cycle. The presentation is followed by a guided walking tour showcasing many of these beneficial plants.

Visitors can also explore Monte's Meadow during a walking tour and scavenger hunt, where butterflies thrive among native plants in a beautiful natural setting. The meadow is part of the historic Davenport-Stanley Farm, with portions of the family farmhouse dating back to the early 1800s.

Local artisans will be on hand with handcrafted goods, making it a wonderful opportunity to support local makers while picking up unique gifts or treasures.

Admission is free, and no registration is required, making it easy to enjoy a relaxing day celebrating butterflies, gardening, history, and the beauty of East Tennessee. Bring the whole family and discover why butterflies are some of nature's most important—and inspiring—pollinators!

Kick off your weekend with an evening of culture, music, and community at the Old City Block Party on Friday, July 10, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in downtown Knoxville's Old City.

This month's block party will feature a special preview of the Knoxville Asian Festival, giving attendees a sneak peek at the performances, traditions, and activities that will be showcased during the full festival on August 30.

Guests can enjoy an exciting lineup of live entertainment, including the colorful Wah Lum Kung Fu Lion Dance, traditional Japanese shamisen music, vibrant Indian and Philippine dance performances, interactive Japanese drumming, martial arts demonstrations by a local kendo club, and hands-on Asian arts and crafts. Visitors can also learn more about the diverse cultures represented throughout the event and enter to win a new Nissan Kicks through a special raffle.

Whether you're discovering a new cultural tradition or simply enjoying a summer evening downtown, the Old City Block Party offers something for all ages. Bring your family, meet up with friends, and experience an exciting celebration of Knoxville's vibrant multicultural community. More Info

Tattoo enthusiasts, artists, and fans of creative expression won't want to miss the Knoxville Tattoo Convention, returning August 14–16, 2026, at the World's Fair Exhibition Hall.

This three-day event brings together talented tattoo artists from across the country for a weekend celebrating artistry, craftsmanship, and tattoo culture. Whether you're planning to get your next piece, admire the work of renowned artists, or simply experience the energy of the tattoo community, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch live tattooing, meet award-winning artists, and browse a marketplace featuring artwork, apparel, collectibles, and tattoo-inspired merchandise. The convention also includes exciting tattoo contests, where artists showcase their skills and compete for top honors.

From first-time attendees to lifelong collectors, the Knoxville Tattoo Convention offers a welcoming atmosphere for anyone who appreciates bold creativity and self-expression. It's a unique opportunity to see incredible artwork come to life while supporting talented artists from across the region and beyond.

The event takes place at the World's Fair Exhibition Hall, located at 935 World's Fair Park Drive in downtown Knoxville. Tickets are available in advance online or at the door during the event.

Whether you're adding to your collection or simply exploring one of the area's most creative gatherings, the Knoxville Tattoo Convention promises an unforgettable weekend of art, talent, and inspiration. More Info

The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Knoxville-First Flotilla invites all Jefferson County boaters to get a free vessel safety examination on Saturday, July 11th, at the boat launch at the Dandridge Municipal Park on Chestnut Hill Road and Public Drive.

Coast Guard Auxiliary-certified vessel examiners will perform a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) for your boat (personal pleasure craft only) or jet ski between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. No appointment is needed; just show up. There is no charge, and there are no consequences if you don't pass. Our goal is to help make boating as safe as possible for you, your family, and your friends through education and awareness.

An examiner will inspect your boat’s equipment, including navigation lights and life jackets, to ensure your safety on the water. Your boat will earn the VSC decal if it meets all the requirements. Paddle craft (kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards) can also receive an inspection. Your decal may provide third-party benefits – consult your insurance provider for more information. Additionally, the decal informs the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency that your vessel complies with all their requirements.

Boaters are urged to take advantage of programs offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron; volunteer organizations dedicated to promoting safe boating. To find out more, visit www.cgaux.org or www.usps.org.

Interested in learning about how a VIP Pass can help your business? Reach out to [email protected] for more information!

Recurring events

🗓️ July 2nd-31st - The "Where's Waldo?" Scavenger Hunt is returning to Downtown Knoxville, and it's free for the whole family. Starting July 1st and running all month long, Waldo will be hiding inside dozens of downtown businesses — shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, and more — just waiting to be spotted. More

🗓️ July 9th - Zoo Knoxville's Summer Concert Series continues with a performance by the Tennessee Wind Symphony — and this one has some history behind it. The show was originally scheduled for June 18th but was rescheduled due to a storm forecast. More Info & Tickets (Free for zoo members)

🗓️ July 10th - Looking for a fun way to spend your Friday evening? Head to Kern's Bakery on Friday, July 10, from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. for an energetic night of country music, line dancing, and community fun! More Info

🗓️ July 10th - Soundscapes at the Knoxville Museum of Art returns, with nationally touring saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Saxl Rose taking the stage at 7:30 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM). More Info

🗓️ July 10th - Movies Under the Stars returns for its 14th year at Ijams Nature Center, and the July screening is a classic that'll hit different under an open sky. All Dogs Go to Heaven screens at the Ijams Visitor Center Lawn (2915 Island Home Ave.) Doors open at 7:00 PM, and the movie begins at dark — roughly 9:00 PM in July. Arrive early to grab a good spot. More Info

🗓️ July 10th - GalFunction and Show Your Shine LLC are hosting a Friday Table Talk at The Hub Pro Studio (1104 Merchant Drive, Suite 103) from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM — an hour and a half of guided conversation, honest dialogue, and the kind of support that only comes from fellow female entrepreneurs who are in it alongside you.

🗓️ 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 11th - RetroFlea returns to Retrospect Vintage Store (108 W Anderson Ave NW) on July 11th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM — six hours of browsing more than 25 vintage vendors bringing deals across all eras and varieties of vintage goods.

🗓️ July 11th - Faith Promise Church is hosting Win the City from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 5830 Haynes-Sterchi Road, and the community giveaway includes: Free car washes, Free haircuts, Free hygiene bags, Free food, Free family portraits, Kids activities, Free oil changes (registration required for oil changes only — all other services are walk-up, no registration needed) Register for your free oil change

🗓️ July 11th - Tea & Treasures (4104 W. Martin Mill Pike) — a charming shop billed as "a unique collection of old and new" — hosts its 2nd Saturday Marketplace from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (weather permitting).

🗓️ July 11th - WIVK's Southern Life Expo, presented by Visit My Smokies, is coming to the Knoxville Expo Center from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM — and the best part? It's completely free to attend. More Info

🗓️ July 11th - Mark your calendar: 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, starting at 11:00 AM. More Info

🗓️ July 11th - Looking for a unique summer evening the whole family will enjoy? Mark your calendar for Knoxville Aerial Arts and Ijams Nature Center present the Whimsical Woodlands Aerial Circus from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets Here

🗓️ July 16th - IBN Masterclass will be held from 8:45 AM to noon at Bearden Banquet Hall (5806 Kingston Pike), Incredible Business Networking — co-hosted by Jennifer Maizel of Marvelous Maizel Marketing. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ July 18th - Rain Barrel Workshop at 9:00 AM at 100 Monterey Rd, Oak Ridge. For $50, instructors will teach you how to transform a standard 55-gallon barrel into a functioning rain barrel for your garden — and you leave with the finished product in hand. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ July 19th - Knoxville Social Circle is heading to Augusta Quarry (520 Augusta Ave) at 12:00 PM for an afternoon of swimming, floating, relaxing, and soaking up some summer sun. Whether you want to jump in, lounge by the water, or just hang out and chat, the format is as low-key as a summer afternoon should be.

🗓️ July 25th - Blitzfire — the quarterly signature event at B&B Indoor Foam Dart Arena (6709 Maynardville Pike) — is happening from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and it's unlike anything else in our area. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ July 26th - Sonny's Original Southern Pub and Nicks Moto are hosting a group ride to the legendary Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. and you're invited to roll with them. The day kicks off with breakfast at Sonny's (2613 Adair Dr) at 8:00 AM, with kickstands up at 9:30 AM sharp. Come with a full tank of gas, and bring your own water and snacks — there's no food or drink available at the museum, though the group will be stopping at nearby restaurants along the way.

🗓️ 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 1st - The Kuumba Festival — East Tennessee's largest African American Cultural Arts Festival — returns to Market Square, and it is exactly what it sounds like: a full, joyful, free celebration of culture, community, craft, and creativity in the middle of the city. 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

🗓️ August 7th-9th - The 2026 Kerbela Shrine Circus returns to Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center (1600 Phillip Fulmer Way SW). More Info

🗓️ August 8th - Tea & Treasures (4104 W. Martin Mill Pike) — a charming shop billed as "a unique collection of old and new" — hosts its 2nd Saturday Marketplace from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (weather permitting).

🗓️ August 8th - Irish Fest on the Hill returns at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in downtown Knoxville, from 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM. The event honors Knoxville's deep Irish heritage through an afternoon of live Irish bands, traditional Irish dancers, kids' games, and classic Irish food — the kind of spread that leaves everyone happy and full. More Info

🗓️ August 9th - Old City Market transforms West Jackson Avenue into an outdoor showcase of Knoxville makers, artists, bakers, and crafters on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM — additional markets are on Sept 20th, Oct 18th, and Dec 13th. More Info

🗓️ August 9th - The Back-to-School Bash at B&B Indoor Foam Dart Arena (6709 Maynardville Pike) is happening from noon to 4:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ August 13th-15th - The Flexible Jewelry Event at Fountain City Jewelers (2802 Essary Drive), and it's exactly what it sounds like: a special showcase of bracelets and rings crafted from genuine 14K gold, diamonds, and natural gemstones. The event runs all three days during regular store hours — Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. No appointment needed. Stop in anytime August 13th–15th. More Info

🗓️ Celebrate summer at Loudon Riverfest on Saturday, August 15, at Riverside Park and Legion Park (201 Ferry St.).

🗓️ August 15th - History Hootenanny returns to the East Tennessee History Center (601 S Gay St) and Krutch Park, running 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM — and the best part is that it's completely free and open to the public. More Info

🗓️ August 22nd - GermanFest Knoxville returns to First Lutheran Church (1207 Broadway) from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM — a full nine hours of German culture, Southern hospitality, and the kind of sheer, wholehearted fun that you can only find at a festival that includes competitive dachshund racing. More Info

🗓️ August 28th - Appalachian Arts Craft Center is hosting Appalachian Voices: Stories, Laughter & Creativity — a special community luncheon celebrating creativity, storytelling, and the rich culture of Appalachian life. The event takes place at the Oak Ridge Conference Center (1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge) from 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ August 30th - The 13th Annual Knox Asian Festival takes over World's Fair Park and the Knoxville Museum of Art from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Presented by the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee, this is one of the most genuinely immersive cultural events in the entire state — and it's right here in Knoxville. More Info

🗓️ September 16th - Big Kahuna Wing Festival at World's Fair Park; Thousands of pounds of wings; Competitive wing cook-off; Wing eating contest; Live entertainment; Kids activities; Pyro musical fireworks show. More Info

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

🗓️Free Veterans’ Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 20 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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