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📰 Knox County’s Proposed Zoning Changes: What Local Property Owners Should Know

📰 Dial M for Murder: A Thrilling Night at the Theatre

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🗓️ Kill the Lights Beer Festival

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Knox County is currently updating its zoning regulations through a new Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO. As part of that process, the County has released a second proposed zoning map—and many properties currently zoned Agricultural are now shown as Rural Residential.

According to Knox County Planning, all properties currently zoned Agricultural were assigned Rural Residential on the proposed map. Property owners whose land is shown as Rural Residential or Rural Preservation may request one of the new, more restrictive agricultural districts instead.

Although the proposed change would not stop a property’s current lawful use, it could affect how that property may be used or developed in the future. This may matter even if you do not currently operate a farm. Questions remain about future barns, sheds, workshops, greenhouses, livestock, beekeeping and other common uses of rural property. The Rural Residential proposal generally allows only one accessory structure outright, with additional structures potentially requiring conditional approval.

I understand that Knox County needs to plan responsibly for future housing. However, I believe existing Agricultural properties should remain Agricultural unless the owner voluntarily requests a change.

This is also about preserving the rural character of our community. Increased residential density can reduce open land, disturb natural habitats and place additional pressure on native wildlife. Once rural and forested land is divided and developed, it is difficult—if not impossible—to restore.

Most importantly, property owners should not have to discover an automatic zoning change and meet a deadline to preserve the zoning and rights they already have. Owners should be clearly notified and given an opportunity to make an informed decision before their zoning designation changes.

I encourage every Knox County property owner to review both their current and proposed zoning—even if they do not currently farm their land.

You can check your current zoning at https://www.kgis.org/kgismaps/map.htm. You can compare it with the proposed zoning, review the County’s materials and submit comments through the Advance Knox UDO feedback page.

Comments on the proposed zoning map and agricultural opt-in requests are currently due by August 31, 2026. Whether you support or oppose the proposal, please take a few minutes to understand how it may affect your property and make your voice heard.

Get ready for a suspenseful night at the theatre with Dial M for Murder, Jeffrey Hatcher’s electrifying adaptation of the classic thriller.

A jealous husband. A carefully crafted plan. One deadly phone call.

What begins as a seemingly flawless murder plot quickly spirals out of control as secrets are revealed, alibis unravel, and the tension builds. Audiences will be pulled into a gripping game of cat and mouse where nothing is quite what it seems—and the stakes couldn't be higher.

If you love mystery, suspense, and edge-of-your-seat drama, Dial M for Murder is one to add to your Knoxville calendar.

September 2–20, 2026 | Clarence Brown Theatre
Catch the show and see whether the perfect murder really can go according to plan. More Info

End your summer with a night of stand-up comedy and poetry under the stars at Ijams Nature Center! August 29, 2026 | 7:30–8:30 PM | Ijams Nature Center

The Tiny Stage Comedy Show returns to the back patio as part of the Ijams Sunset Series, bringing together a fun mix of Knoxville comedy favorites, local legends, and fresh new talent.

The lineup includes Savannah Wolfgram, Rowan Young, Ali Shrektor, Gail Grantham, Clinton Ricks, and Katelyn Hillen, with poetry by Asante Knowles and the evening hosted by Joel Palilla

Please note: This is an adult-only show, with most of the humor rated R, so leave the kiddos at home.

Chairs will be provided on the back patio, so just bring yourself, your sense of humor, and get ready to laugh your way out of summer! More Info

Get ready for an unforgettable day of craft beer, live music, food, and fun at the 5th annual Kill the Lights Beer Festival, presented by Xul Beer Company!

With more than 200 beers from 100 breweries from around the world, this festival is a must for craft beer enthusiasts looking to discover new favorites, sample unique brews, and experience some of the best breweries all in one place.

The festival will also feature new beer and merchandise releases, food vendors, and a live DJ, creating the perfect atmosphere for a day out with friends.

This year's festival takes over the brand-new Covenant Health Park, home of the Knoxville Smokies and One Knoxville SC. Breweries and vendors will be spread throughout the ballpark, giving attendees plenty to explore.

Stay hydrated! Water will be provided throughout the festival. Food is not included with admission, but several food vendors will be available on-site. Guests may also bring small snacks.

Follow @xulbeer and @killthelightsbeerfest for festival updates, brewery announcements, beer releases, and more.

Grab your friends and get ready to Kill the Lights! More Info

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

🗓️ 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 - Gather the whole family for All Play Live on August 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a high-energy morning packed with games, friendly competition, and plenty of fun at Kerns Food Hall.

🗓️ 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 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 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 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 22nd - Once upon a time, there was the perfect Saturday afternoon—and it's happening from 2–6 p.m. at the very first Fairy Tales + Fuzzy Tales at Hi-Wire! 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 3rd: Experience the beauty of music and nature at Knoxville Symphony in the Garden at the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum. More Info

🗓️ September 4th - Grab your favorite four-legged friend and enjoy a magical night under the stars at Ijams Nature Center for a special screening of All Dogs Go to Heaven as part of the Movies Under the Stars series presented by Ijams and Central Cinema. More Info

🗓️ September 3–20 Get ready for romance, ridiculous misunderstandings, and plenty of theatrical chaos when the Tellico Community Players present Ken Ludwig's hilarious farce, Moon Over Buffalo, September 3–20 at the Tellico Community Playhouse in Loudon. 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: Get ready for one of Knoxville's most unique shopping and entertainment experiences! The Punk Rock Flea Market Knoxville returns to The Mill & Mine bringing an all-day celebration of art, music, food, and alternative culture. 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 19 - October 11: Prost! One of Knoxville's favorite fall traditions is back as Schulz Bräu Oktoberfest 2026 returns with weeks of authentic Bavarian fun, live entertainment, and unforgettable festivities.

🗓️ 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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