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📰 European Heritage Festival

📰 Orange Hat Brewing's Cornhole League

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🗓️ Paddle Beneath the Full Moon

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Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Europe without leaving Knoxville at the European Heritage Festival on Saturday, August 16, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM in Market Square.

This free, family-friendly festival brings together the diverse cultures and traditions of Europe for a day filled with delicious food, vibrant performances, hands-on activities, and unique shopping.

Embark on a culinary journey by sampling authentic dishes, desserts, and treats representing countries from across the continent. Throughout the day, the stage will come alive with traditional folk dancing, live music, and cultural performances that showcase Europe's rich artistic heritage.

Families will find plenty to enjoy with free traditional craft workshops for children, offering young visitors the opportunity to create keepsakes while learning about European customs and traditions.

Be sure to explore the artisan marketplace, where talented vendors will feature handcrafted goods, cultural treasures, and one-of-a-kind gifts inspired by European heritage.

Whether you're reconnecting with your roots, discovering a new culture, or simply looking for a fun day out in downtown Knoxville, the European Heritage Festival offers something for everyone.

Pack your curiosity, bring your family and friends, and enjoy a day where history, culture, music, food, and community come together in the heart of Market Square.

Event Details

Looking for the perfect midweek activity? Gather your favorite teammate and get ready for the Fall Cornhole League at Orange Hat Brewing in Hardin Valley, kicking off Wednesday, August 12.

Whether you're a seasoned cornhole champion or simply looking for a fun excuse to enjoy great craft beer with friends, there's a league for every skill level. Games will be played every Wednesday, making it the perfect way to unwind after work with a little friendly competition.

Choose the division that best fits your game:

Registration is $100 per team, and registration closes August 5, so be sure to sign up before spots fill.

Grab a partner, choose your league, and spend your Wednesday evenings tossing bags, enjoying locally brewed beer, and hanging out with friends at Orange Hat Brewing. Whether you're chasing the championship or simply looking for a fun weekly outing in Hardin Valley, this fall league is the perfect way to welcome the season. More Info

If you love pickles—or simply enjoy quirky, one-of-a-kind festivals—you won't want to miss Gherkinfest 2026, happening August 15–16 at Schulz Bräu Brewing Company in Knoxville. This two-day celebration is packed with fun, flavor, and plenty of pickle-inspired entertainment for all ages.

Schulz Bräu's Bavarian-inspired biergarten provides the perfect backdrop for this delightfully unique festival, where visitors can enjoy pickle-themed food and drinks, live music, and a lively atmosphere all weekend long. Browse handcrafted goods from local artisans and craft vendors while sampling creative culinary treats inspired by everyone's favorite brined snack.

No Gherkinfest would be complete without appearances by the legendary Pickle Priest and the whimsical Pickle Fairy, adding even more fun, laughs, and photo opportunities throughout the weekend.

Whether you're a devoted pickle lover or simply looking for a unique summer event, Gherkinfest offers something for everyone. Bring your family, gather your friends, and enjoy an unforgettable weekend filled with great food, live entertainment, local vendors, and plenty of pickle-themed surprises.

Mark your calendar for August 15–16 and head to Schulz Bräu Brewing Company for one of Knoxville's most entertaining and delightfully quirky festivals of the year!! More Info

Experience the Tennessee River in a whole new light during Ijams Nature Center's Full Moon Paddle, an unforgettable nighttime adventure that combines kayaking, wildlife, and stargazing.

The next guided paddle takes place on Wednesday, July 29, from 8:30–10:30 PM, with additional outings scheduled for Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29. Launching from Ijams River Landing, this two-hour excursion offers a peaceful way to explore the river after sunset.

Led by knowledgeable Ijams naturalists, participants will paddle beneath the glow of the full moon while discovering the fascinating plants, animals, and geological features that come alive after dark. Along the way, guides will also share insights about the night sky, making this a unique experience for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an evening unlike the ordinary.

No kayak? No problem. Your registration includes a kayak, personal flotation device (PFD), and headlamp, so all you need to bring is weather-appropriate clothing, water, and a sense of adventure. While guests are welcome to bring their own paddle, PFD, or headlamp, personal kayaks are not permitted for this guided event.

Whether you're an experienced paddler or trying kayaking for the first time, the Full Moon Paddle offers a relaxing opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Tennessee River under a canopy of stars. It's a memorable summer outing that showcases Knoxville's natural beauty from an entirely different perspective. More Info

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

🗓️ Now through July 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 25th - Floyd's Antiques and Estate Sales (1900 West Emory Rd, Powell) is hosting Christmas in July on July 25th from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM — a full nine-hour celebration that somehow manages to be festive and summery at the same time.

🗓️ July 25th - Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Ave) is hosting Wilderness Basics: Beginner Outdoor Skills from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. All participants must complete an Assumption of Risk Form before the program. If you've already filled one out for another Ijams Education Program this calendar year, you're all set. New participants can complete it at ijams.org/waiver. Tickets are $15 plus a small service fee. Register

🗓️ July 25th - Shinedown — one of the best-selling rock bands of the past two decades, with a list of number-one singles longer than most bands' entire catalogs — brings the Dance Kid Dance Act II World Tour to Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center at 7:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ July 25th - Howard Pinkston Branch Used Book Sale (7732 Martin Mill Pike SW) Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at the Pinkston Branch Library. One day, one location, great prices. A solid Saturday stop.

🗓️ July 25th - Book Besties & Co. is hosting the 2026 A Meet (& Greet) Cute Author Signing Event from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the World's Fair Exhibition Hall (935 Worlds Fair Park Drive). The author lineup is stacked with names readers will recognize immediately: Kandi Steiner, Staci Hart, Holly Renee, Rebecca Jenshak, Julia Connors, Madison Wright, Willow Winters, Julie Olivia, Chelsea Curto, and dozens more — 35+ authors total, all in attendance for signings. Get Tickets

🗓️ July 25th - Crossroads Pharmacy is hosting their RX Kickoff Festival from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at their new location at 7404 Tazewell Pike in Corryton — and the whole community is invited to come shop, eat, and help them mark the occasion. Want a vendor table? Spots are $20 cash. Contact Maddie at (865) 399-9068 to reserve yours.

🗓️ 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 - Gibbs Youth Sports is hosting their End of Summer Bash on July 26th from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gibbs Ruritan Park (7827 Tazewell Pike NE, Corryton) — a free, family-friendly afternoon built around good food and local shopping.

🗓️ 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 27th - Truth Trekkers Co-op is hosting an open homeschool field trip to Ancient Lore Village (7107 Sevierville Pike) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. More Info and Reserve your spot

🗓️ July 28th - Knoxville Area Gardening Tips and presenter Mohana Yethiraj are hosting the Sprout Your Smart Yard Workshop at the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum (2743 Wimpole Avenue) on July 28th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM — a 90-minute, hands-on session led by local Master Gardeners that walks you through the first steps toward certifying your landscape as a Tennessee Smart Yard. tnyards.utk.edu. Register

🗓️ July 29th - Hook & Needle is hosting Stitch & Pitch at Covenant Health Baseball Park as the Knoxville Smokies take on the Pensacola Wahoos — and your $98 ticket comes with a lot more than a seat. Hook & Needle locked down concourse seating with indoor pub, patio, and stadium options, giving you actual elbow room to knit, crochet, or work on whatever's in your bag without fighting bleachers or the afternoon sun. Gates and the buffet open at 6:00 PM, first pitch is at 7:00 PM. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ 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 30th - The Winery at Seven Springs Farm (1474 Highway 61 E, Maynardville) is hosting a Pressed Flower Mason Jar Class from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM — and space is limited, so if this sounds like your kind of evening, grab your spot now. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ 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 1st - The Polish Heritage Festival comes to the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (711 S. Northshore Dr) — an evening that begins with Mass at 5:00 PM and flows into three hours of cultural celebration from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ August 1st - Hello Market — organized alongside Linked-Different and community partners — is hosting their Back to School Community Event on August 1st from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 11214 Outlet Drive. Admission is free. All ages are welcome.

🗓️ August 1st - Playtime in the Plains (8537 Asheville Highway) is hosting a Back to School BASH!! from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM — a three-hour community celebration with the whole family in mind.

🗓️ August 4th - The Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 2026 Speaker Series breakfast with Mike Keith — Hall of Fame broadcaster, VFL, and the new Voice of the Vols — from 7:15 PM to 9:00 AM at Jewelry Television (9600 Parkside DrIve). The event is presented by Rackley Roofing, the official roofers of the Vols. More Info

🗓️ August 5th - Kat Mahn of Kat's Purrfect Getaways is hosting a Cruise Education Night: Celebration of Music Down the Danube from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Reef Coffee (138 West End Ave, Farragut) — a relaxed, two-hour evening designed to give you the full picture on an upcoming group cruise with AmaWaterways, one of the top names in river cruising. RSVP to Kat: call or text (865) 396-3783, or email [email protected]

🗓️ August 7th - Knox County Parks & Rec wraps up its Sunset Cinema: Movies in the Park series with a screening of Jaws at 7:00 PM at The Cove at Concord Park (11808 S Northshore Drive) — an outdoor movie night that starts with pre-screening activities and rolls into the film once the sun goes down.

🗓️ 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 8th - O'Connor Senior Center is hosting a Crafters Yard Sale on August 8th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 611 Winona Street, and shoppers get in free. The sale features new and gently used craft supplies, handmade goodies, and the kind of unexpected treasures that tend to turn up when crafters clear out their stashes. Have a table full of craft supplies you'd like to sell? Vendors are still being accepted. Register online or contact Brenda directly for details ([email protected] or (865) 523-1135.

🗓️ 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 11th-18th - Crafty Bastard Brewery – Emory Place (6 Emory Place) A full week of used books at the Emory Place location of Crafty Bastard Brewery, during business hours. Yes, you can browse books and grab a beer at the same time. No further justification needed.

🗓️ August 11th-18th - Crafty Bastard Brewery – West (9937 Kingston Pike) Same week, second location — Crafty Bastard's West location runs its own sale simultaneously. Two chances to find something great at one of Knoxville's favorite breweries.

🗓️ August 12th-15th - Statemint Maryville is bringing their Fall Pop-Up Adult Consignment to White Star Station (133 W Broadway Ave, Maryville). The shop carries women's and men's clothing, shoes, and accessories in sizes XS–4XL. 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

🗓️ August 14th - Denise Kiernan — author of the instant New York Times bestsellers The Girls of Atomic City and The Last Castle — brings her latest book to the East Tennessee History Center (601 S Gay St) from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. The event is presented in partnership with the Friends of the Knox County Public Library. More Info

🗓️ August 14th-16th - Tattoo enthusiasts, artists, and fans of creative expression won't want to miss the Knoxville Tattoo Convention at the World's Fair Exhibition Hall. More Info

🗓️ August 15th - The VW Drag Fest & Show comes to Knoxville Dragway (160 Raceway Drive, Maynardville) on August 15th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM for a full day dedicated entirely to the VW community. This is a Volkswagen-ONLY event with car show judging, bracket drag racing, a swap meet, camping (Friday night), and 14 hours of everything a VW enthusiast could want. Gate & Car Show Registration · Vendor/Swap Meet · Camping

🗓️ August 15th - Celebrate summer at Loudon Riverfest 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 20th -New Harvest Farmers Market hosts Nourish Kids — a free program for children ages 2–12 — on the third Thursday of every month at the New Harvest pavilion (4775 New Harvest Lane). The next session is from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with another on September 17th. More Info

🗓️ August 21st - Constellation Concerts is bringing The Music of Adele: Under The Stars to the Knoxville Convention Center — a one-night-only immersive concert experience featuring Brenna Greene on vocals alongside a live orchestra. Two show times are available: 6:30 PM and 8:45 PM. 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 23rd - Intrepid Nitro Coffee and Tea Bar and Bowman Studios are teaming up for a Make a Dog Toy Class from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Intrepid Nitro (11432 Hardin Valley Rd). Tickets are $12, and you leave with a handmade toy your dog will actually use. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ August 27th - Knoxville Museum of Art is hosting a Music for Seniors Free Daytime Concert from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at 1050 World's Fair Park Dr SW — and it's open to the public, no ticket required. 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 29th - Powell Branch Used Book Sale (330 W Emory Rd) Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at the Powell Branch Library. One-day sale, all the good stuff.

🗓️ August 29th - Flutter into a day of family fun and discovery at Stanley's Ninth Annual Butterfly Festival 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. More Info

🗓️ 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 6th - 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

🗓️ September 11th-12th - Farragut Branch Used Book Sale (417 N Campbell Station Rd) Two days, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM each day. Go ahead and put it on the fall calendar now.

🗓️ September 12th - Powell Pet Palooza 2026 — the second annual community celebration for pet lovers in the Powell area — returns to Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church (7753 Oak Ridge Hwy) on September 12th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The event is organized by the Powell Small Business Network and Sara's Waggy Tails LLC, and they're promising bigger and better than last year.

🗓️ September 12th - The Marine Mud Run returns to Harmony Family Center (4901 Montvale Road, Maryville), and this year they're shaking things up — new course layout, new obstacles, and new mud added to the classics. What stays the same: roughly 3 miles of off-road running through scenic trails, fields, hills, and mud pits, finished off with water. Wear old clothes and shoes. Showers are on site. Register; More Info

🗓️ September 17th - Knox County Mobile Meals and the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee are hosting Power of the Purse® 2026 at Rothchild Catering and Conference Center (8807 Kingston Pike) — doors open at 4:45 PM and Purse Madness starts at 6:00 PM sharp. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ September 26th - Friends of the Knox County Public Library is hosting the Book Fair for Adults from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the East Tennessee History Center (601 S Gay St) — and it's free to get in.

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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