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📰 Dinner, Lantern Making, and Fireside Ambience

📰 Big Fun Tuesdays at Mead's Quarry - Ride, Swim, Eat, and Watch an Owl

🗓️ Big Kahuna Labor Day Festival

🗓️ Fall Gardening Workshop at Beardsley Farm - Cover Crops, Composting, and More

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Lanterns & Legends returns to Ancient Lore Village (7107 Sevierville Pike) on August 29th at 7:00 PM — a full evening of dinner, handmade lanterns, a glowing scavenger hunt, woodland characters, acoustic music, and a fire or illuminated LED performance as the village comes to life after dark. It's one of those nights that earns the word "magical" without trying too hard.

The evening starts with a chef-prepared dinner in the heart of the village: Forest Forage Salad with fresh strawberries, blueberries, feta, and white balsamic vinaigrette; The Lantern Noodle Bowl (campanelle pasta in creamy Alfredo, fresh spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, and herb roasted chicken); an herb-crusted cheese stuffed muffin; and a three-layer Rainbow Sprinkle Cake. Themed cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan accommodations are available when requested in advance.

After dinner, you'll make your own lantern to carry through the gardens and pathways as you follow the glow on a scavenger hunt filled with clues and surprises. Along the way, meet fairies and woodland characters, listen to acoustic music beside Boyd Hollow Falls, and watch the waterfall glow against the night sky for photos. Costumes and fairy wings are enthusiastically encouraged — but never required.

Ancient Lore Village events are rain or shine, with covered spaces, weather curtains, and heating or cooling throughout. Tickets are limited. More Info & Reservations

Big Fun Tuesdays — hosted by Ijams Nature Center and the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club at Mead's Quarry — run the first Tuesday of every month from May through October, and the final two events of the 2026 season are coming up fast. It's a free, all-ages evening that manages to pack in a social bike ride, food truck, beer garden, live music or activities, and whatever themed programming the month has in store. Gates open at 6 PM for the AMBC social ride (get there a few minutes early to sign in); activities and music kick off around 6:30 PM–6:45 PM.

September 1st — Adventure Field Day and Owl Presentation Field day activities for all ages, plus a special owl presentation. One of those evenings that's equally fun for kids and adults.

October 6th — Firepits and S'mores Galore with Fairy House Building A perfect fall night at the quarry — firepits, s'mores, and the creative magic of building tiny fairy houses in the woods.

Both events are completely free. Food truck and the Ijams beer garden will be open for food and drinks. Sponsored by Modelo.

Check the Ijams Calendar of Events for any weather cancellations before you head out.

The Big Kahuna Labor Day Festival takes over World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville on September 6th from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM — with the pyro musical fireworks show capping the night right at 9. Over its 13+ year run, the festival has raised more than $685,000 for local charities and consistently draws food lovers from across the Southeast for one of the most wing-focused events you'll find anywhere.

This year brings two big additions: an expanded layout covering both the Festival and Performance Lawns, and a brand new Taste of Knoxville Pavilion. The rest of the lineup is exactly what you'd want — more than 15,000 pounds of wings, the Wings Around the World Pavilion, a celebrity wing eating competition, bobbing for wings, a competitive wing cook-off, live music from 2 to 9 PM, and a Kids' Corner with entertainment for the little ones.

Tickets are tiered: the general festival pass gets you in the door with access to all the competitions, vendors, food trucks, live music, and the kids zone. The Wing/Culinary Experience ticket adds 15 complimentary wing and culinary samples. VIP ticket holders can enter at 2 PM. Lawn chairs are welcome. No outside food or drinks, no pets, and clear bags are strongly encouraged (all bags are subject to search). More Info

Knox County Master Gardeners and Beardsley Farm are hosting a free Gardening Workshop at Beardsley Farm (1741 Reynolds Street) on September 18th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, focused on three of the most practical topics for this time of year: cover crops, hot composting, and fall gardening. It's hands-on, grounded in East Tennessee growing conditions, and taught by the people who spend their time at one of Knoxville's most beloved community farms.

This one is free, but registration is required so they can plan accordingly. More Info & Register

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

🗓️ Through August 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

🗓️ Through August 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.

🗓️ Through August 16th - 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.

🗓️ Through August 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.

🗓️ Through August 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 16th - The Council of Flower Show Judges presents Ruby Rhapsody, a petite floral design and horticulture show honoring the ruby-throated hummingbird, from 12:30 to 3:30 PM at the Ijams Nature Center Visitor Center (2915 Island Home Ave). Admission is free. 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 19th - Patricia Pasbrig, Knoxville contemporary artist and the creative force behind Textured Strokes, is hosting a Paint & Sip Workshop at El Toro Bar & Grill (1938 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge) with two sessions to choose from: 1:00 PM–3:30 PM or 6:00 PM–8:30 PM. Register at texturedstrokes.com — look under Collection, then Events-Lessons for active sessions and times.

🗓️ August 19th - Porch Time, the beloved after-hours summer social at Mabry-Hazen House atop Mabry's Hill, is happening for the very last time from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. After nearly a decade, the museum is sunsetting the event — and they're doing it right, with a proper farewell as the sun goes down over downtown Knoxville. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ 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–23rd 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 - The music will take over Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Central Filling Station, Schulz Bräu Brewing, Next Level Brewing, and Corner Lounge, creating a unique music discovery festival featuring some of the best up-and-coming talent from Knoxville and beyond. 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

🗓️ August 31st - Knoxville will come together for a meaningful evening of remembrance, awareness, recovery, and hope during International Overdose Awareness Day from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. To learn more email: [email protected]

🗓️ 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 - The Goonies (1985, PG-13) @ Mabry-Hazen House · mabryhazen.com · Presented by Pellissippi State

🗓️ 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 3rd–20th 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 - Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975, PG) @ James White's Fort · jameswhitesfort.org

🗓️ 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 11th-13th - A Knoxville tradition for nearly 50 years, Greek Fest at St. George Greek Orthodox Church (4070 Kingston Pike) returns, inviting the community to enjoy authentic Greek food, music, dancing, culture, and hospitality. More Info

🗓️ September 12th - Punk Rock Flea Market Knoxville 2026 takes over the Mill & Mine (227 W Depot Ave) from Noon to 9 PM — the street closes down, 200 themed vendors set up shop, the music doesn't stop, and the whole thing runs nine hours straight. Tattooing, food trucks, and brews round out the day. More Info

🗓️ September 12th - Knoxville Car Show 2026 | Classic Car Community returns to Christ United Methodist Church (7535 Maynardville Pike) from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM — hosted by Christ UMC's United Methodist Men in partnership with the Halls Crossroads Historical Museum. Register a Vehicle

🗓️ September 12th - Literary Legends Book Festival, hosted by Brooke Woods and the Literary Legends Knoxville Book Club, is taking over Kern's Food Hall (2110 Chapman Hwy) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM — and admission is completely free. Just head to Eventbrite and reserve your spot so the organizers know how many book lovers are coming. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ 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 12th - 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 - Herbie Fully Loaded (2005, G) @ Farragut Museum · visitfarragut.org

🗓️ 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 19th - October 11th - 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 19th - November 7th - Walnut Springs Winery in Strawberry Plains is launching their Wine Maze experience — A Night of Pour Decisions. The concept is exactly what it sounds like: you wander through the corn maze with wine in hand, discovering five tasting stations tucked into the twists and turns, each one bringing a new pour and a new vibe. Boots are encouraged. Getting a little lost is part of the fun. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ September 25th - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, PG) @ Blount Mansion · blountmansion.org

🗓️ 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.

🗓️ September 27th - The Green Thumb Gala returns to the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum for an unforgettable evening celebrating the beauty of the Garden and the community that helps it thrive. More Info

🗓️ October 2nd - Ghostbusters (1984, PG) @ Marble Springs State Historic Site · marblesprings.net · Presented by Borderland Tees

🗓️ October 7th - Up (2009, PG) @ Historic Westwood · knoxheritage.org/westwood

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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