From the responsibilities of its elected officials to how Knoxvillians can get involved, here’s everything you need to know about local government in the 865. | Photo via City of Knoxville
One of the most important ways to become an engaged member of your community is by knowing how your local government works. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Knoxville’s government and how locals can get involved.
Knoxville operates under a mayor-council form of government, where a City Council of nine members — plus a Mayor — are elected to four-year terms. Six members represent a specific district, while the remaining three members and Mayor are elected at-large.
Knoxville’s City Council acts as the city’s legislative body, taking on tasks such as:
Making and amending policy
Land use and zoning decisions
Implementing the city budget
Regulating beer permits
On Tuesday, Aug. 26, residents can elect two City Council candidates from each district to appear on this year’s general election ballot — before you vote, check out our guide for the Primary Election.
Movies Under the Stars | 7 p.m. | Ijams Nature Center | $12 | Grab your fellow dancing queens for a screening of “Mamma Mia” — food trucks and the beer garden will be open.
Neon Glow Party | 8:30 p.m. | Ball Camp Park | Free | This back-to-school kickoff party features foam pits, splatter paint, and silent disco dance parties that will keep you glowing all weekend long.
Saturday, Aug. 23
11th Annual GermanFest | 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. | First Lutheran Church + School | Free+ | Stop by this family-friendly fest with food, drinks, a kid zone, live performances, and more.
Anniversary Dinner | 6-9 p.m. | Maryville College Downtown Center | $60 | Celebrate 20 years of the Maryville Farmers Market with a meal planned by collaborating chefs.
Sunset On Central | 3 p.m. | North Central Street | Free+ | The 7th installment of Knoxville’s biggest free music festival is back with nearly 30 artists who will perform across four stages.
Sunday, Aug. 24
12th Knox Asian Festival | 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. | World’s Fair Park | $4+ | Experience the culture of 14 Asian countries, from Indonesia to Nepal + see performances, shop from vendors, and catch a Sumo wrestling competition.
Brush and Brew | 2-5 p.m. | Intrepid Nitro Coffee and Tea Bar | $15 | Sip on your favorite coffee + tea drinks while creating a beginner-friendly painting.
Tiaras and Targets and Teacups | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Kraken’s Cup Tearoom | $45 | Get ready for a day brimming with tea, tiny sandwiches, princess encounters, and supporting the Ronald McDonald House.
✈️ Southwest Airlines lands at McGhee Tyson Airport in March 2026
Presented by Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
Five daily round-trips to + from Knoxville, along with the airline’s schedule through April 6, 2026, are available at Southwest.com. | Photos provided by Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
Southwest Airlines is coming to Knoxville early next year, offering flights from McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) to four US cities starting March 5.
The airline will arrive at Rocky Top on popular demand, expanding its route and kicking off one of the biggest flight expansions ever for McGhee Tyson Airport.
Southwest flights from TYS are already available to book to destinations including:
Nashville, TN (BNA), with two flights every day
Dallas, TX (DAL)
Orlando, FL (MCO)
Baltimore, MD (BWI)
“We’re honored that Southwest, a leading American company serving millions of travelers each year, will be expanding its reach in the Volunteer State, and we’re grateful for their continued economic investment,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.
Residents can check Area Median Income guidelines, determined by household size, for Knox County online. | Rendering provided by MoxCar Marketing + Communications
Real Estate
Two new properties have over 200 units of affordable housing on the market. The Overlook at Beaumont is offering rental assistance for those making up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) + First Creek at Austin’s Phase 3 has assistance for those making 80% of AMI and those 62+ making 50%.
Number
$882,100. That’s the contract City Council approved + awarded Design & Construction Services, Inc. for sidewalk repairs. As part of the 2025 Sidewalk Replacement Project, a total of 34,000 sqft at 42 sites are set to be prioritized.
Opening
Knoxville’s first Whataburger will open on Cumberland Avenue on Monday, Aug. 25. WBIR reporter Kaitlin Riordan takes a look inside + dives into future plans for two other locations. (WBIR)
Coming Soon
In more foodie news — The Lunchbox has officially closed its final location on Kingston Pike + a new Italian eatery is moving in. See which one. (Knox News)
Outdoors
The Colquitt Foundation donated $750,000 to Friends of the Smokies for the areas affected by Hurricane Helene. The funds will go toward repairing cabins, schools, and other landmarks around Cataloochee Valley. (WBIR)
Edu
Four Knox County schools ranked in the top 50 of Tennessee high schools according to U.S. News & World Report’s list. Notably, L&N STEM Academy came in at No. 6 + Farragut High School was No. 13.
Joey Aguilar continued to grow during the course of training camp + had good command, leading to the decision of being named quarterback. Hear from the local experts on the Tennessee Volunteers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
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.
I’m sure y’all already have plenty of Vols apparel, but I have to throw in a local pick from me. Chattanooga’s Pairé Charm Bar has dropped a Vols silk charm necklace — I could see it being the talk of the tailgate.
