16 Things to Do in Knoxville This Week · July 2–5, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Charles M. Hall Alumni Association Gala

An evening gala hosted by the Charles M. Hall Alumni Association at the Knoxville Airport Hilton.

Friday, July 3, 2026 6:00 PM · Knoxville Airport Hilton

Festival on the 4th

Free annual Independence Day celebration at World's Fair Park with live music from Dirty Grass Soul, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, food trucks, mini golf, axe throwing, paddle boats, and fireworks at 9:45 PM.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM · World's Fair Park, Knoxville

Summer of Progress on 7/11

A local progressive community market and social event on July 11 featuring local vendors, speakers, and community connections organized by Knox Social Club.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 · Knoxville

Date Night

Vinyl Vibes with Captain Ed

Captain Ed spins vinyl records at Tomato Head for a laid-back evening of great food and good music.

Friday, July 3, 2026 6:00 PM · Tomato Head, Knoxville

BBQ, BAE, & BOURBON

A ticketed evening of BBQ, cocktails, and bourbon tasting at The Key — a great night out combining good food and great company.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 7:00 PM · The Key, Knoxville

Free Events

WestWend – WDVX Blue Plate Special

Free lunchtime live music performance by WestWend at the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center as part of the beloved WDVX Blue Plate Special series.

Thursday, July 2, 2026 12:00 PM · Visit Knoxville Visitors Center, 301 S Gay St, Knoxville

Food & Drink

Stars, Stripes + Spirits: July 4th Mixology Experience

A patriotic-themed mixology event where you'll craft Independence Day cocktails at this intimate South Knoxville venue.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 7:00 PM · 7107 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville

Caymus Vineyards Chef's Dinner

Exclusive multi-course chef's dinner featuring the renowned wines of Caymus Vineyards, carefully curated and paired by the culinary team in Maryville.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 6:00 PM · Maryville, Tennessee

Family-Friendly

Anvil Shoot Celebration

A uniquely American July 4th tradition — an anvil shoot celebration in nearby Clinton, TN, honoring a historic independence day custom.

Friday, July 3, 2026 9:00 AM · 2819 Andersonville Hwy, Clinton, TN

America's 250th Anniversary Celebration at The Cove

Free all-day lakeside celebration of America's 250th anniversary with history, music, family fun, and fireworks at The Cove at Concord Park, presented by Visit Knoxville and Knox County.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 · The Cove at Concord Park, Knoxville

Arts & Culture

Wayne White: Revenge of the Knoxville Girl

Closing weeks of Wayne White's solo exhibition at the Knoxville Museum of Art — a nationally recognized artist's irreverent, text-based works — free admission.

Saturday, July 4, 2026 · Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Drive

The Commune Art Day

An afternoon community art day at The Commune before their circus-themed evening show — a creative, participatory event open to all.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 · The Commune, Knoxville

Music & Nightlife

The Commune Circus Night

Circus-themed variety night at The Commune with a stacked lineup of performers — come in your best circus attire, $5 suggested donation, 21+.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 · The Commune, Knoxville (DM for address)

Outdoors & Active

Ijams Nature Center 5K/10K Walk with East Tennessee Wanderers

Group 5K/10K walk through the trails at Ijams Nature Center with the East Tennessee Wanderers — all paces welcome for a $5 fee.

Monday, July 6, 2026 9:00 AM · Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville

Float Day at Augusta Quarry – YPK

Young Professionals of Knoxville heads to Augusta Quarry for a summer afternoon of paddleboarding, floating, and swimming, followed by lunch at Kern's.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 11:00 AM · Augusta Quarry, Knoxville

Sports

Tuesday Bowling League – Fun with Friends Knoxville

A 7-week recreational bowling league at Western Ave Strike & Spare starting July 7, with all-inclusive pricing (shoes included) — no team or experience required.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 6:30 PM · Western Ave Strike & Spare, Knoxville