🌤️ Weather | Scattered Thunderstorms with a High of 89

📰 Celebrate the Queen of Soul with Rock Steady: An Aretha Franklin Tribute

📰 Savor the Flavors at Taste of Blount 2026

🗓️ 35th Annual Cherokee Fall Festival

🗓️ Celebrate 50 Years on the Water at the 2026 Sailboat Social

🗳️ Reader Survey - Tell Us What You Think!

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities

Reader Survey: We are curious! Why do you open and read the Knoxville Insider? We look forward to your feedback!

Experience the timeless music of Aretha Franklin as acclaimed performer Alexis Tidwell Bailey returns to the Oak Ridge Playhouse in Rock Steady: An Aretha Franklin Tribute, taking the stage August 7–8, 2026.

Known for her starring role in Mimi's Costume Closet on Peacock, as Dorothy in The Wiz at Oak Ridge Playhouse, and as Little Eva in the first national tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Bailey brings her powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence to a heartfelt celebration of one of music's greatest legends.

Audiences will journey through Aretha Franklin's remarkable career, exploring the music that transformed "Little ReRe" into the iconic Queen of Soul. The show features beloved classics such as "Respect" and "Think," along with lesser-known gems like "Eleanor Rigby" and "Make It With You," showcasing the depth and versatility of Franklin's extraordinary catalog.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering her music for the first time, Rock Steady promises an evening filled with unforgettable performances, soulful storytelling, and the songs that defined generations.

Don't miss this inspiring musical tribute at Oak Ridge Playhouse, located at 227 Broadway Avenue, and get ready to celebrate the enduring legacy of Aretha Louise Franklin. More Info

Food lovers won't want to miss Taste of Blount 2026, taking place September 15 from 6–8 p.m. at Theater in the Park in Maryville. This annual event showcases the best of Blount County's culinary scene, featuring samples from local restaurants, caterers, and gourmet grocers.

Guests can taste a variety of delicious creations while voting for their favorites in categories including appetizer, entrée, dessert, beverage, and overall winner. For an elevated experience, upgrade to the Chef's Table, featuring acclaimed Chef Cory Giaquinta of Raven Steakhouse & Lounge, where guests will enjoy reserved seating, table service, and an exclusive cooking demonstration and tasting.

New this year is the inaugural Momma Mel Casserole Cookoff, celebrating the legacy of beloved Blount County home cook and YouTube personality Melonie "Momma Mel" Effler. Local home chefs will compete with their favorite sweet and savory casserole recipes, adding a heartwarming new tradition to this delicious community event.

Whether you're discovering new local favorites or cheering on talented chefs, Taste of Blount is a flavorful evening you won't want to miss. More Info

Discover the rich history, traditions, and culture of the Cherokee people at the 35th Annual Cherokee Fall Festival, taking place September 12–13 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tennessee.

As Tennessee's only tribally owned museum, the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum offers visitors an immersive experience celebrating Cherokee history through hands-on demonstrations, cultural performances, and interactive exhibits.

Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy traditional Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, Native American music and dance, and authentic food, including Indian fry bread, Indian tacos, and other refreshments available for purchase. Visitors will also have the opportunity to watch the museum's historic 1800s Acorn Printing Press in action and see a blacksmith demonstrate traditional metalworking techniques.

Additional living history exhibits will showcase Cherokee life during the 1700s, along with Civil War reenactments that bring another chapter of the region's history to life. Guests can explore a reconstructed 1800s dog-trot log cabin, view student artwork from Cherokee Elementary School, and enjoy a variety of educational displays throughout the grounds.

One of the festival's highlights is the opportunity to meet members of both the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina. Visitors can also enjoy special performances by the Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa, the official cultural ambassadors of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Additional activities include meeting Miss Cherokee, having your name written in the Cherokee syllabary, and watching the popular adult blowgun competition held during the festival.

Whether you're interested in history, Native American culture, or simply looking for a unique family outing, the Cherokee Fall Festival offers an engaging and educational experience that honors the traditions and enduring legacy of the Cherokee people. More Info

Spend a summer afternoon on the lake at one of Knoxville's favorite boating traditions! American Boat Center is celebrating 50 years of serving Knoxville-area boaters with the 2026 Sailboat Social, a FREE Raft Up Concert on August 8, at Sailboat Cove on Fort Loudoun Lake.

Located near the sailboats between Turkey Creek and Concord Marina, this family-friendly event invites boaters to anchor, raft up, and enjoy an afternoon of live music surrounded by the beauty of East Tennessee's waterways. Bring your boat, your crew, and your favorite floats for a relaxing day on the lake.

This year's entertainment lineup features:

Music begins shortly after noon and continues until 6:00 PM, giving everyone plenty of time to enjoy the festivities and make it home before dark.

The Sailboat Social is free to attend thanks to American Boat Center and its sponsors, including Barletta Boats, Nautique Boats, Centurion Boats, Sportsman Boats, Label Industries, OJ Props, Dock and Deck, Tennesski, and additional sponsors to be announced.

Whether you're a longtime boater or simply looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday on the water, the Sailboat Social offers great music, beautiful scenery, and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Knoxville's boating community.

Mark your calendar for August 8, gather your friends and family, and head to Fort Loudoun Lake for an unforgettable afternoon of live music and lakeside fun! 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 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 - Sirens & Smiles Summer Social on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 1–3 PM at 501 E. Summit Hill Drive.

🗓️ 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 - Step into a storybook setting and celebrate creativity at the Village Maker's Fair on Saturday, August 1, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville. More Info

🗓️ August 1st - Calling all princes, princesses, and fairy tale fans! Get ready for an enchanting day filled with magic, music, and unforgettable memories at Knoxville Princess Day on Saturday, August 1, at the Knoxville Convention Center. 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 12th - 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. 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 15th & 16th - 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.

🗓️ 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 16th - 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. 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 18th - Raise a glass to an unforgettable evening at the 2026 Tennessee Cocktail Festival on September 18, from 6:00–9:15 PM at The Mill & Mine in downtown Knoxville.

🗓️ 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

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

Reach out to us at [email protected].

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]!