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📰 Tributes & Tunes Honors First Responders on the 25th Anniversary of September 11

📰 Enjoy an Evening of Music at Knoxville Symphony in the Garden

🗓️ Get Weird at Knoxville's First Oddities & Art Market

🗓️ Laugh Out Loud with Don’t Tell Comedy

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Knoxville will come together for an evening of remembrance, gratitude, and community during Tributes & Tunes: A Benefit Concert for First Responders on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the World's Fair Park Performance Lawn.

Held on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, this special event honors the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the first responders who serve and protect our communities every day. Presented by PHILLIPS in partnership with Concerts For Our Own and the City of Knoxville, the concert will blend heartfelt memorial tributes with an uplifting celebration of music and community.

The evening will feature an all-local lineup of East Tennessee talent, showcasing the region's incredible musicians while supporting an important cause. Sterl the Pearl will serve as host, with performances by Cruz Contreras and the Black Lillies and special guest appearances from Con Hunley, Eric Baker, Jill Andrews, Hanna Marie Kelley, Jeanine Fuller and The True Funk Souldiers, with additional artists to be announced.

Whether you're honoring the memory of those lost on September 11, recognizing the dedication of today's first responders, or simply enjoying an evening of outstanding local music, Tributes & Tunes promises to be a meaningful and memorable community event that celebrates resilience, service, and the enduring spirit of Knoxville. More Info

Experience the beauty of music and nature at Knoxville Symphony in the Garden on September 3, at the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum.

This free community event, presented in partnership with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, invites guests to stroll through the gardens while discovering live musical performances in four unique garden spaces. As the evening unfolds, visitors can enjoy a variety of ensemble performances before gathering for a special culminating concert in the picturesque Rita Johnson Garden, where music fills the air as the sun sets behind the Dogwood Center's stunning floor-to-ceiling windows.

Arrive early to enjoy dinner in the garden, available for purchase from 5–7 p.m., before performances begin throughout the property from 7–9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, explore the beautiful gardens, and soak in an unforgettable evening of live music in one of Knoxville's most scenic settings.

Whether you're a longtime symphony fan or simply looking for a relaxing night outdoors, Knoxville Symphony in the Garden is the perfect way to celebrate the beauty of music, nature, and community. More Info

Looking for something delightfully different? The Oddities & Art Market is making its Knoxville debut on October 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Knoxville Convention Center, bringing an unforgettable shopping experience filled with the strange, unusual, and wonderfully creative.

Browse more than 100 artists and vendors offering everything from crystals, gems, handcrafted artwork, jewelry, and unique gifts to fossils, taxidermy, and other fascinating oddities. Guests can also explore the mystical side of the market with psychics and tarot readers, making this a one-of-a-kind event for curious shoppers and lovers of the unconventional.

Even better, every ticket supports a great cause. One hundred percent of the event's proceeds benefit Access Art, helping provide arts education programs and scholarships for underprivileged youth.

Whether you're a collector, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique day out, the Oddities & Art Market promises an unforgettable experience that's equal parts spooky, creative, and fun. More Info

Looking for a night of comedy with a twist? Don’t Tell Comedy is bringing its unique pop-up comedy experience to Knoxville on August 7 and 8, delivering an evening packed with laughs, surprises, and unforgettable performances.

Here's the catch: the venue and lineup remain a secret until the day of the show. That's right—ticket holders won't know where they're going or who they'll see until just before showtime, making every event a one-of-a-kind experience.

Featuring a mystery lineup of talented comedians, each show offers an intimate atmosphere where anything can happen. With successful events in more than 250 cities across the country, Don’t Tell Comedy has become known for creating unforgettable nights in unexpected locations.

If you're ready to embrace the unknown and enjoy an evening filled with surprise performances and nonstop laughter, grab your tickets and let Don’t Tell Comedy reveal the rest. Just don't expect anyone to tell you where you're going until it's time! More Info

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

🗓️ 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 4:00 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 - 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 15–16 - Whether you're planning a major home renovation, refreshing your landscaping, or simply looking for creative ideas, the 13th Annual Knoxville Home & Garden Show is the place to be at the Knoxville Expo Center.

🗓️ 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 21–23 Turn up the volume for an unforgettable weekend of classic rock and high-energy performances at The Mountain Music Festival, coming to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. 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 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 12 - Get ready for an exciting day of shopping, food, music, and family fun at the newly reimagined Lenoir City Street Festival in Historic Downtown Lenoir City! 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.

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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