In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

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Record: HIGH - 101 in 1983 | LOW - 57 in 1893

Welcome Aboard, Concord Yacht Club — Our Newest Sponsor!

We're thrilled to welcome Concord Yacht Club (CYC) as the newest sponsor of the Knoxville Insider — and honestly, we can't think of a better fit. CYC is a nonprofit that has been getting East Tennesseans out on the water for generations, and their reason for partnering with us is simple: they love this community as much as you do, and they want more of their Knoxville neighbors to discover that sailing is right here in their backyard.

If you've ever driven past The Cove at Concord Park and spotted a fleet of white sails gliding across Fort Loudoun Lake, you've already seen Concord Yacht Club in action. Tucked along South Northshore Drive (11600 S. Northshore Drive), CYC has been a fixture on the lake since organized sailing began there in the late 1940s — the club was incorporated as a Tennessee nonprofit back in 1951 — making it one of the longest-running recreational traditions in the Knoxville area.

Here's the part most people don't know: you don't need to own a boat to sail at CYC. The club maintains a fleet of community boats — Optis, Sunfish, 420s, and Catalina 22 keelboats — and welcomes all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned racers. Members enjoy a clubhouse and terrace overlooking the lake, docks, a sandy beach, picnic pavilions, and a playground, along with weekly racing, regional regattas, and a full calendar of social events.

CYC is also serious about growing the next generation of sailors. Through the Concord Sailing Center, the club offers sailing instruction for adults and youth alike — including a popular Summer Sail Camp — plus subsidized rates for students, support for university and high school sailing teams, and Sea Scout Ship 300. It's community outreach with a breeze behind it.

if you've always wanted to learn yourself, CYC's most requested offering is its Adult Learn to Sail Class — no experience needed, just the ability to swim. The next session runs on September evenings (5:30 PM–8:00 PM), where you'll learn everything from rigging and knot tying to tacking, jibing, and righting a capsized boat. Class details here

So why sponsor the Knoxville Insider? Because CYC's mission — promoting and cultivating the sport of sailing in East Tennessee — starts with reaching people who love where they live. That's you, our readers. They believe the folks who show up for Knoxville's festivals, markets, and lake days are exactly the folks who'd fall in love with an evening sail on Fort Loudoun Lake.

Please join us in giving Concord Yacht Club a warm Knoxville Insider welcome! Curious about membership, classes, or just stopping by? More Info

🏁 Racing

Knoxville Toys for Tots Needs a Building — Can You Help?

Knoxville Toys for Tots is putting out a desperate call to the community: They need a building to store toys from September through the end of December, urgently.

This year, the organization is expecting to serve more than 9,000 children across our community — and to do that, they need a safe, secure space to receive, store, organize, and distribute the toys that make Christmas possible for thousands of East Tennessee kids. If you or someone you know has a warehouse, building, or large storage space that could be donated or made available during this window, please reach out.

This is the kind of ask that only takes one person saying yes to change everything for thousands of families. Please share this with anyone who might be able to help.

📞 Contact Keith: (865) 679-4388

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Planning a Bridal Shower?

Whether you're the bride, the maid of honor, the mom who got voluntold, or the friend who's been put in charge of the whole thing — this one's going to make your life a lot easier.

The Hub Pro Studio is hosting Sip, See, & Say Yes — a free Bridal Shower Showcase on August 27th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 1104 Merchant Drive, Suite 103. It's a relaxed, drop-in evening designed to connect bridal shower planners with some of Knoxville's favorite local businesses, all in one beautiful event space. Come anytime, stay as long as you'd like, and leave with a head full of ideas and a list of vendors you actually trust.

Here's what to expect: local businesses who specialize in events and celebrations, inspiration and ideas for every element of your shower, a chance to explore The Hub Pro Studio itself as a potential venue, and giveaways from the vendors on hand. The first 20 guests through the door receive a complimentary swag bag.

Admission is completely free. RSVP before the day of the event for an additional entry into the giveaway drawings. More Info & RSVP

GermanFest is Tomorrow - Dachshund Races, Oompah Bands, Stein Holding, and Schnitzel

GermanFest Knoxville takes over First Lutheran Church (1207 Broadway) on August 22nd from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM — a full day of German culture, food, music, and fun that earns its tagline: "Travel to Germany without a passport."

The entertainment lineup alone is worth the trip. Live Oompah Bands keep the energy up all day, the UT Organ Studio performs in the church's stunning sanctuary, and a Kinder Choir rounds out the musical lineup. Want to participate? Polka lessons are on the schedule, and the Stein Holding competition is exactly as it sounds — and more entertaining than you'd expect.

Beyond the music, the day is packed with activities: a German Car Show, Dachshund Races (truly a highlight of any festival), a Kinder Zone for the little ones, Kirche Tours of the historic church, and a Marktplatz featuring local artisans, German wares, and a silent auction.

And of course — the food. Authentic German dishes, cold beer, and the kind of spread that makes a Saturday afternoon stretch happily into evening.

Admission is free. Just show up. Full Schedule & Details

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🗓️ 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 - Cody Johnson brings his 2026 Live Tour to Thompson-Boling Arena, at 7:30 PM — and if you haven't locked in tickets yet, now's the time. More Info

🗓️ August 22nd - Magnolia Art House celebrates its Grand Opening on August 22nd from Noon to 6:00 PM at 1405 E. Magnolia Avenue — a new venue joining the growing arts spaces along the Magnolia corridor.

🗓️ 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 - Local author Morgan Edwards celebrates the release of their newest novel, The Moon's Promise, at 12:00 PM at The Kraken's Cup (4815 N Broadway, Suite 107). It's a free community event and a chance to meet the author, get your copy, and hear about the book straight from the person who wrote it.

🗓️ August 29th - Lanterns & Legends returns to Ancient Lore Village (7107 Sevierville Pike) 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. More Info & Reservations

🗓️ 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 - The UT Creative Writing Program presents a reading by Rochelle Hurt — poet, nonfiction writer, and University of Tennessee faculty member — at 7:00 PM in the Lindsay Young Auditorium of John C. Hodges Library on the UT campus. The event is free and open to the public. 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 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. More Info

🗓️ September 2nd-20th - Clarence Brown Theatre presents Jeffrey Hatcher's electrifying adaptation of Dial M for Murder — opening night September 2nd at 7:30 PM at the Clarence Brown Theatre on the UT campus. The show runs through September 20th, with performances most Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. 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 - 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 10th - Scruffy's Cafe is teaming up with The Plant Trolley — Knoxville's beloved mobile plant truck — for their very first Planter Painting Night, happening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 1015 North Broadway. It's cozy, it's creative, and if you have even a passing fondness for cats or plants, you're going to have a great time. More Info

🗓️ September 11th - The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute brings their all-new HELP! show to the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 PM — a full evening celebrating The Beatles' iconic second film and its soundtrack, along with the greatest hits from every era of the band's ever-changing career. 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-20th - The Tennessee Valley Fair opens at Chilhowee Park — ten days of everything that makes a real county fair: agricultural competitions, carnival rides, fair food, exhibits, and the kind of community atmosphere that only shows up once a year. Over 125,000 visitors from across the region will make their way through the gates before it's over. More Info

🗓️ 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 - 2 Brothers and Sunflower Village Farm are launching Bonfire Fridays — a recurring series of kid-friendly outdoor networking nights built around good company, open air, and a proper bonfire. The series kicks off September 18th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce in Clinton before moving to 188 Hill Road for the remaining dates: October 18th, November 20th, and December 18th — all 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

🗓️ September 18th-20th - Vintage Market Days® of Knoxville returns to the Knoxville Expo Center (5441 Clinton Hwy) for a full weekend (Friday and Saturday from 10 AM, Sunday wrapping at 3 PM) — with the theme "An American Story." More Info

🗓️ September 18th - Knox County Master Gardeners and Beardsley Farm are hosting a free Gardening Workshop at Beardsley Farm (1741 Reynolds Street) 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. More Info & Register

🗓️ 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 - Marble Springs State Historic Site hosts Sevier Day 281 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 1220 W. Governor John Sevier Highway — a free, all-day living history celebration honoring John Sevier's 281st birthday. The tagline says it best: "Party like it's 1745." More Info

🗓️ 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 23rd - The Kraken's Cup Tearoom and Schakolad Chocolate Factory have teamed up for A Chocola-TEA Experience: Tea and Chocolate Pairing — a guided flavor adventure at 6 PM at The Kraken's Cup (4815 N Broadway, Suite 107). More Info

🗓️ 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 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. More Info

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

🗓️ October 17th - The October Sky Festival returns to Oliver Springs on from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM — a free, all-day community celebration of the town's rich heritage and its place in American cultural history. Oliver Springs was the filming location for the beloved 1998 film October Sky, based on Homer Hickam's memoir about a coal miner's son who fell in love with rocketry and went on to work for NASA. More Info

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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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