To begin construction, crews needed to install a repair barge. | Photo via @mayorkincannon
In case you missed it, the historic Gay Street Bridge closed earlier this year due to structural damage. The bridge will be reopening, but not to cars — at least not yet. Let’s catch you up on the progress.
By the numbers
127 years. That’s how old this bridge is. It was built in 1898 and originally cost $233,000 to build.
$40-$50 million. The estimated cost of repairing “a bridge that’s that age” for vehicular traffic, according to Knoxville Deputy Director of Engineering Christopher Howley. The city is not currently pursuing this option, instead opting for time to develop a long-term plan.
$2.85 million. The amount that the city has invested in opening the bridge to pedestrians.
When will the bridge reopen?
The Gay Street Bridge has been closed since June 2024. After months of assessment and design, construction began on the repairs in May 2025.
It’s expected to reopen to pedestrians and cyclists by year end.
Mahjong Play Day | 1-3:30 p.m. | Bogartz In Bearden | Free | Meet new friends, enjoy food, and test your strategy in this popular tile game.
Thursday, June 26
New Harvest Farmers Market | 3-6 p.m. | New Harvest Farmers Market | Cost of purchase | Everything at the market is grown, raised, or made by vendors within a 150-mile radius of Knoxville.
Friday, June 27
Sunset Cinema | 7 p.m. | French Memorial Park | Free | Grab your picnic blanket + the family for this outdoor screening of “The Minecraft Movie.”
Saturday, June 28
2025 Bijou Jubilee: Pre-Show Soul Party | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Bijou Theatre | $179 | Before you watch Mavis Staples light up the stage, relax in the VIP lounge with brisket and ribs, an open bar, and live music.
The Official Pride Bar Crawl | 4-11:59 p.m. | Skybox Sports Bar and Grill | $27+ | Your ticket will get you two to three drinks or shots, access to the after-parties, and drink + food specials.
Terror in the Woods 2025 | 7 p.m. | Ijams Nature Center | $20 | Join this highly anticipated annual event with two outdoor horror film screenings + a haunted trail.
Sunday, June 29
Old Seiver Summer Soiree Market | 1 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing Knoxville | Cost of purchase | Shop from 30+ vendors selling goods like jewelry, art, baked goods, plants, and more.
Knoxville is getting its first bouldering gym. Climbing Roots, set to open in South Knoxville at a date yet to be determined, will feature training walls for all experience levels, a Ninja Warrior course, kids zones, top-out boulders, and more. (Inside of Knoxville)
Biz
Knoxville’s Startup Day has a new name, date, and programming — say hello to 865 Fest. The rebranded startup event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 16 with startup pitch competitions, keynote speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and panel discussions.
Shop
Knoxville is bringing in new retail spots this summer. Clothing store Brandy Melville is now open in Market Square in the former Fruit Jar Alley space, and vintage boutique and record store Hi-Fi & Fly is set to open in West Knoxville this July. (Knox News)
Knoxvillian
UT chemistry professor George K. Schweitzer was posthumously recognized as the Guinness World Record holder for longest career as a professor. Schweitzer taught at UT for a total of 76 years + published two chemistry textbooks, numerous chemistry articles, and ~20 genealogy guidebooks. (Knox News)
Health
Today from 8 to 10 p.m., the Knox County Health Department will conduct mosquito spraying in parts of East Knoxville. Spraying comes after the health department detected the presence of West Nile Virus in mosquitos in the area. Residents are encouraged to stay inside during this time. (WATE)
Sports
Check out a quarterback breakdown comparing Joey Aguilar and Nico Iamaleava’s stats from the local experts on the Tennessee Volunteers. Stay updated on the Vols with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Eat
WBIR’s Cassie Nall has the right idea — these temps have us craving a cold scoop of ice cream. Go for Cruze Farm like Cassie, or try another local spot like The Sugar Queen Creamery.
Post of the Day
In case you live under a rock missed it, Taylor Swift recently made a trip to the Scruffy City to attend a wedding at RiverView Family Farm.
Before you rush to touch the same grass Taylor did, keep in mind that it’s a working cattle farm, so venue tours are by appointment only. Check out the history of Taylor’s Knoxville visits (did you know she performed at Farragut High School in 2007?), and while we’re on the topic, share your favorite local wedding venue with us.
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.
What is the average lifespan of an eastern newt in the wild?
The majority of respondents (~47%) newt knew that the eastern newt lives, on average, 12-15 years. Here’s how the rest of you responded: ~27% | 5-8 years ~20% | 8-12 years ~7% | 15-20 years
In case you missed it, you can find newts with a longer lifespan around Knoxville this summer.
The Wrap
The Wrap
I love any excuse to make weeknights a little more fun — who says Saturdays deserve all the attention?
If you feel the same way, don’t forget about the free upcoming concerts on Market Square. This Tuesday marked the final Jazz Tuesday until September, but there are still a few summertime Variety Thursday shows to look forward to.
