The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform its 41st annual Independence Day concert at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:45 p.m. | Photo via City of Knoxville
This Friday, the City of Knoxville will host its free Festival on the 4th. You already know that the annual event will feature music, fireworks, and plenty of fun — but what about parking? Check out these tips:
Free parking will be available at the World’s Fair and Blackstock parking lots + garages on 11th Street, Locust Street, Walnut Street, State Street, and Market Square.
Consider parking a bit further out and utilizing an electric scooter.
Hop on a KAT bus (Route 12 has a stop right by World’s Fair Park + a one-day pass is $2).
If you have any tips for parking when it comes to major events at World’s Fair Park, let us know and we’ll share them in the newsletter later this week.
Monday Night Book club | 6-8 p.m. | Fountain City Branch Library | Free | This month, join the book club to discuss “The Last Ranger” by Peter Heller.
Tuesday, July 1
BIG FUN TUESDAY: Tie Dye Party | 6 p.m. | Mead’s Quarry | Free | RSVP online + bring a pre-washed shirt, bandana, or other clothing item to tie-dye — stick around to grab dinner from a food truck.
Uncaged: Zac Brown Tribute Band | 8 p.m. | Open Chord Stage | $20+ | Get a little bit “Chicken Fried” at this tribute spanning the Zac Brown Band’s entire catalog.
Wednesday, July 2
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience | 10 a.m.-11:15 p.m. | Foothills Mall | $18 | Experience art in a brand new way, immersing yourself in the 360º digital exhibition.
Thursday, July 3
Fireball Classic 5K | 8 p.m. | G10 parking lot | $18+ | Join this summertime tradition with a 5K and a kids race.
Friday, July 4
4th Annual July 4th Celebration | 8-10 p.m. | The Sunsphere | $75 | Experience a private viewing of the city’s spectacular fireworks show featuring a buffet of summer classics, ice cream dessert station, and DJ tunes.
Saturday, July 5
A Salute to Heroes at the Knoxville Smokies | 5 p.m. | Covenant Health Park | $60+ | The $60 package gets you game tickets, a T-shirt and custom event decal, a snow cone, and $10 to use on merch, food, or drinks.
Orange Hat Brewing Co. announced that it’s opening a kitchen to bring food in-house for the first time. The brewery is currently hiring for prep, line cook, and kitchen management roles, but don’t worry — food trucks will still stop by a few times a week.
Transit
Have you tried a KAT Krawl? The transit agency partnered with a local nonprofit last week for a pub crawl on one of KAT’s buses, with a goal of increasing public transit awareness. If you missed this one, stay tuned — the organizations said they plan to host similar events every quarter. (WBIR)
Watch
In case you missed it, UT basketball player Jahmai Mashack is headed to the Memphis Grizzlies after becoming an NBA Draft Pick. Watch this heartwarming video shared by WBIR’s Emilie Rae Cochrane of Mashack’s family reacting to the news.
Seasonal
On the hunt for a luxe pool? Try using Resort Pass, a tool where you can find day passes to hotel and resort pools. We’re eyeing a day pass at the Historic Tapoco Lodge Resort, a ~1.5-hour drive from downtown Knoxville.
Mansion Monday
European villa or Knoxville single-family home? We’ll let you decide as you explore this 12,141-sqft lakefront home with unique features like the sunroom with a sky-painted ceiling + a walk-in closet that you have to see to believe.
Ranked
No. 73. That’s where Knoxville ranked on Resonance’s list of America’s 100 best cities. The ranking used data ranging from a city’s GDP to content on Tripadvisor and Instagram + highlighted Knoxville’s housing affordability and low unemployment rate.
Sports
Which SEC Quarterback are you most excited to watch this season? Hear opinions from the local experts on the SEC with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Start your day on a savory note with a tender steak and sunny-side-up egg. | Photo via The Plaid Apron
Plan your weekend and pour those mimosas. We’ve compiled a whole bunch of brunch options in Knoxville — whether you’re on the hunt for fluffy eggs or stacked chicken and waffles — along with menu recs, pro tips, and an interactive map to track ‘em.
Editor’s note: All times listed are brunch-only.
Weekend musts
Balter Beerworks|Saturday + Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Come hungry to savor a plate of classic shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles. Pro tip: Order a Baltering Mary, brunch cocktail made with their coffee oatmeal porter.
Pastry paradise
Wild Love Bakehouse | Wednesday-Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Grab a seat and savor fresh and flaky croissants with a coffee in hand. We’ve heard the fig and brie croissant is mouth-watering. This is your sign.
For a special occasion
The Plaid Apron | Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Local ingredients are the star at this long-standing favorite, whether you’re craving steak and eggs, almond cakes, or a salad. Pro tip: Cinnamon rolls go fast.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
