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GermanFest - Dachshund Races, Oompah Bands, and a Biergarten

If you love German food, cold beer, and the chaotic joy of watching dachshunds race, this festival is for you!

GermanFest returns to First Lutheran Church on Broadway (in the heart of the 4th & Gill neighborhood) on August 22nd from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM — a full nine hours of German culture, good food, great music, and community fun right in downtown Knoxville.

Here's what the day looks like: German street food and desserts, an oompah band keeping the energy going, a biergarten (plus a root biergarten for the non-drinkers), a live concert by the UT Organ Studio inside the church, a German car show, a Marketplatz with vendors, church tours, and activities for kids. And yes — dachshund races and a stein holding competition, both of which are exactly as entertaining as they sound.

It's one of those events that manages to be equally fun for the whole family and a great excuse for adults to spend a Saturday afternoon in the biergarten. Either way, you're winning. More Info

Sunset on Central - 23 Artists, 5 Venues, Free All Day

Sunset on Central rolls through the Central Street corridor on August 29th from 3:00 PM to midnight — a free, all-day, multi-venue music event spread across Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Schulz Bräu, Corner Lounge, Next Level Brewing, and Central Filling Station. That's 9 hours of live music, 5 stages, 23 artists, and zero dollars at the door.

Produced by the Knox Music Coalition, this event is a full celebration of Knoxville's local and regional music scene — the kind of lineup where you're walking from one venue to the next all afternoon and realizing at 10 PM that you've discovered three new favorite artists. The mix is wide: indie, folk, soul, rock, and more, rotating across all five spaces throughout the day.

Parking is easy in the Central Street area, and you're free to flow between venues as the day unfolds. Just show up, pick a starting point, and let the music take you the rest of the way. More Info

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& Juliet Plays the Tennessee Theatre

& Juliet - the Tony Award-winning Broadway jukebox musical - runs August 4th - 9th at the Tennessee Theatre (604 S Gay Street), and the premise alone is worth the ticket: What if Juliet didn't die? What if she put down that dagger, grabbed her girls, and headed to Paris to figure out who she actually is?

The entire soundtrack is built from pop hits you already know and love — Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Ariana Grande, Backstreet Boys, Lizzo, and more — woven into a story about starting over, finding yourself, and having a really good time while you're at it. It's big, it's fun, it's exactly the kind of night out that Tennessee Theatre does best. More Info

Film Fest Knox and The Public Cinema present their monthly free screening series at the Regal Riviera

It's not every Wednesday night that you get to see a David Lynch production for free on the big screen downtown.

Film Fest Knox and The Public Cinema present their monthly free screening series at the Regal Riviera — and the August pick is "Nadja" (1994), showing on August 26th at 7:00 PM. No ticket cost, no reservations needed.

Nadja is an art-house vampire film shot in lush black-and-white in New York City, produced by David Lynch and directed by Michael Almereyda. It's stylish, atmospheric, and genuinely unlike anything you'll catch at a standard multiplex — exactly the kind of film this series was built to showcase. The Film Fest Knox monthly screenings are a year-round program dedicated to bringing independent, international, and art-house cinema to Knoxville in a free, accessible format.

If you haven't been to one of these yet, this is a great entry point — a good movie, a beautiful downtown theater, no cost, on a Wednesday evening. It doesn't take much more than that. More Info

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🗓️ August 2nd - Tennessee Dachshund Rescue is hosting a Dachshund Meet-Up at Wagbar Knox (6729 Malone Creek Drive) from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM . More Info & Signup your Dog

🗓️ 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 2nd - Start your engines and head to West Town Mall for Tennessee's largest Cars & Coffee event from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Whether you drive a classic muscle car, an exotic supercar, a lifted truck, a vintage cruiser, or your daily driver, all makes and models are welcome. More Info

🗓️ August 4th - BeLocal of K-Town is hosting BeLocal Bingo in the Maple Room at Maple Hall (413 S Gay St SW) from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM — a 90-minute charity bingo night benefiting A Step Ahead, an East Tennessee nonprofit. Learn more about their work at astepaheadeasttn.org.

🗓️ 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 - BnB Knoxville and Painting Around have teamed up for Family Night - Create & Play from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at 6709 Maynardville Pike — a two-hour evening where the kids and adults split up and each do their own thing, then come back together. More Info & Reserve your Spot

🗓️ August 7th - Looking to meet someone the old-fashioned way? Put down the dating apps and make real connections at the Speed Dating Party for Knoxville Singles (Ages 35–50) at Hi-Wire Brewing in downtown Knoxville. More Info

🗓️ 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. More Info

🗓️ August 7th and 8th - 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

🗓️ 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 - The KCMG Garden Classroom is presenting "Garden Myths Busted" — a free, two-hour class that takes on common gardening misconceptions with the kind of evidence-based guidance only a Master Gardener can deliver. 10:00 AM–Noon Corryton Community Center, 9331 Davis Drive, Corryton. Registration is required — email [email protected]; 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 - Pygmy Harbor Farm (2222 Robin Ben Lane) is hosting an Open Farm Day from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM — three hours to explore the property, meet the friendly goats, shop directly from the farm, and just breathe some fresh air. 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 - Appalachian Ballet Company is holding auditions for their 2026–2027 season at Van Metre School of Dance (215 West Broadway, Maryville) — with slots available for dancers ages 10 and up. The audition fee is $20. More Info

🗓️ August 15th - KCMG is leading a guided nature walk at Collier Preserve (316 W. Emory Road) focused on "Plants for the Watershed." Collier Preserve sits within the Beaver Creek watershed and features real-world examples of how plants help manage stormwater runoff under Emory Road. A Knox County Master Gardener will lead the walk. Free, no ticket needed — just show up at 9:00 AM. 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 - Hops & Hounds (263 Belgrade Rd, Oak Ridge) and Blackbird Chapterhouse Book Store are hosting Millennial Night at 7:00 PM — an 80’s and 90’s themed evening with karaoke, food, drinks, and the main event: an Adult "Scholastic" Book Fair where you can earn Personal Pan Pizzas. More Info about Hops & Hounds

🗓️ 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 - Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee hosts the 5th Annual Hunger Action Month Kick-Off Breakfast from 7:45 AM to 9:00 AM at the Second Harvest Great Hall (136 Harvest Lane, Maryville) — co-hosted by the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce, Blount Partnership, and Loudon County Chamber of Commerce. More Info & Register

🗓️ 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 - Knoxville Dragway (160 Raceway Drive) is hosting Backside Bounty Series Race #5 at 5:00 PM — and they're throwing in a live concert between rounds to make sure there's never a dull moment. More Info

🗓️ 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 3rd - Amy Speace — award-winning singer-songwriter and author — brings The Cardinals Tour: Words & Music to The Open Chord Stage (8502 Kingston Pike), just two days after her debut book of poetry hits shelves. It's her first live show built around the intersection of her music and the new book, making this a genuinely rare kind of evening — part concert, part literary event, all Amy Speace. 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 - Looking ahead: the Tennessee Smart Yards and Friends Festival is set for 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the University of Tennessee Gardens. More Info

🗓️ 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 12th - 13th - 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. More Info

🗓️ September 15th- 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. 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.

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Veterans:

🗓️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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