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History

Three images of the Dempster Dumpster in action, showing the haul, dump, and pick up. Text reads, "Here's a One-Man Trash and Rubbish Collection System for your City."
History
Talkin’ trash: The Knoxville man who created the dumpster
George Dempster’s legacy in Knoxville is all about dumpsters and democratic politics.
April 10, 2026 11:27 AM
 · 
Grace Powers
The Sunsphere, a golden ball on top of a green structure, over several buildings in Knoxville
City
Why is Knoxville known as the Scruffy City?
Okay, maybe you already know that the name comes from a disparaging comment from the Wall Street Journal about the World’s Fair. But how did the name take off? And are we keeping it scruffy enough?
March 17, 2026
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A delicate floral teacup filled with tea sits on a saucer next to a tea strainer on a lace doily.
Events
3 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month in Knoxville
Attend a lecture, film screening, and tea gathering in honor of inspiring women in Knoxville.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Kelsea Ballerini in a sparkling red jumpsuit plays guitar and sings on stage, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd. Bright lights illuminate the performance.
Culture
15 celebrities with ties to Knoxville
From “Mad Men” to country radio, these famous faces were born, raised, or educated in the Scruffy City.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A historic, dark-brick mansion under a clear blue sky, with a path leading through well-kept green lawns surrounded by tall trees.
History
Historic Eugenia Williams House will open for tours this spring
Once home to Coca-Cola heiress Eugenia Williams, the 10,800-sqft riverfront estate will offer tours, cultural events, and walking trails across 24 acres.
February 24, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
The facade of Litton's Market, Restaurant, and Bakery. The building is brick with dark windows with blinds, and orange tables and chairs are sitting on the patio outside.
Food
Travel back in time at Knoxville’s oldest restaurants
Step into another era by visiting these restaurants where time stands still.
January 20, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
The corner of a large-scale Rubik's Cube on display. The center of the cube is mid-turn.
Culture
Unwrap these gifts given to the City of Knoxville
You won’t find a membership to the Jelly of the Month Club here.
December 15, 2025
 · 
Staff
A vintage program cover featuring a drawing of football player in orange.
Culture
Knoxville: The birthplace of the Southeastern Conference
From Dec. 8-11 in 1932, 13 institutions met in Knoxville to form the SEC.
December 4, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Tramell Tillman in a white shirt and striped tie stands with arms outstretched in an episode of "Severance," holding a baton, in front of a marching band dressed in blue uniforms with “LUMON” written on them. The room is lit with a cool blue glow. The band members play drums in the background.
Culture
UT alumnus Tramell Tillman makes history at the 2025 Emmy Awards
The actor became the first Black man to win the Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama for his role in the Apple TV+ show “Severance.”
September 15, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A bronze statue of Elvis Presley wearing a belt and holding in guitar. This display is in the Tennessee Welcome Center in Memphis and sits in a room with glass windows and doors.
Culture
Elvis Presley’s Tennessee and Knoxville history
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll lived in Memphis for a time, but his story includes visits to Knoxville and a legacy in Tennessee.
August 11, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
"I voted #GoVoteTN" stickers. There is a column for three stickers with the phrase surrounded by a red state of Tennessee.
City
Vote in the City of Knoxville Primary Election
This election will determine two candidates from each eligible City Council District to be on the General Election ballot in November.
August 6, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Outdoor market scene with white tents, vendors, and visitors on a grassy area. A golden sphere tower and city buildings in the background, under an overcast sky.
Play
15+ of the top free things to do in Knoxville
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Knoxville, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
May 27, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
The a ferry installs a barge on the far riverbank beneath the green and steel Gay Street Bridge on a sunny day.
City
Updates on the Gay Street Bridge repair project
It looks like the bridge will reopen for foot traffic as early as this year.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A movie theater marquee advertising a triple feature of Evil Dead movies.
Entertainment
Movies filmed in and around Knoxville
Use this list to see if you can spot the Knoxville scenes featured in movies that were filmed around town.
April 25, 2025
 · 
Shea Stapley
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Aerial view of a bustling outdoor festival with rows of white tents, vibrant crowds, and food trucks. A distinctive golden sphere structure towers above.
Culture
What to know before you go to Dogwood Arts Festival
From live performances and workshops to food, drinks, and parking, here’s what to expect at Knoxville’s signature spring festival.
April 17, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A grid of various colorful vintage album covers, showcasing diverse artwork and styles.
Events
Your guide to Record Store Day events + deals in Knoxville
Don’t miss limited-edition vinyl, in-store performances, and special deals at four local record stores.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Aerial view of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee at sunset with the Sunsphere and city buildings in view.
City
Knoxville is building a 25-year city plan. Here’s how to give input
Attend April listening sessions or share feedback online to help shape future growth, transportation, and development.
April 16, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
People raising beer mugs in a cheerful toast at an outdoor gathering, with warm lighting and greenery in the background, conveying a festive atmosphere.
Don’t miss these events during Knoxville Craft Beer Week
Don’t miss brewery deals, live music, and themed nights happening across Knoxville through Saturday, April 18.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Illustration of an indoor playground with a colorful climbing structure featuring a red plane, green slide, and children playing, watched by adults and a bear statue.
City
Muse Knoxville reveals first look at expanded museum
Newly released designs offer a preview of interactive exhibit zones coming to the museum’s new space in 2028.
April 9, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Opulent theater interior with ornate details. Red velvet seats and gold accents. Elegant stage with closed curtains.
Culture
Broadway at the Tennessee Theatre reveals 2026-2027 season lineup
Knoxville’s Broadway season is packed with fan favorites, and season packages go on sale this June.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
MKT Butterfly Milkweed
City
How to join the City Nature Challenge in Knoxville this April
Discover and document local species as part of a worldwide effort to track biodiversity this spring.
April 7, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A view of a green gold course with spectators lining the opposite side of a pond in its middle.
Sports
How to bring Augusta National to Knoxville
You don’t need to travel to Georgia to experience the beauty of Augusta. We rounded up some ways to replicate the Masters magic in Knoxville.
April 3, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
Easter eggs in a field of grass
Events
Hop to it: 3 Easter egg hunts in Knoxville this weekend
From meadowland adventures to pup-friendly events, here’s where to hunt for eggs around town.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A large glass pyramid structure against a clear blue sky, displaying the "Bass Pro Shops" logo. Trees and a building are visible at the base.
Culture
Knoxville businesses pull off clever April Fools’ Day pranks
See a fake Chilhowee Park makeover, a silent disco after closing, and more local gags we almost believed.
April 2, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal