19 Things to Do in Knoxville This Week · July 9–12, 2026

Arts & Culture

Semiquincentennial Celebration Lecture Series: Lisa Oakley

Join historian Lisa Oakley at Blount Mansion for a free lecture on Revolutionary-era stories in classrooms and museums as part of the America 250 celebration.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:00 PM · Blount Mansion, Knoxville

First Friday ArtWalk

Downtown Knoxville's monthly gallery crawl returns with businesses and art galleries staying open late to showcase new exhibits, local makers, and community connection.

Friday, July 10, 2026 · Downtown Knoxville

Art Day at The Commune

The Commune hosts a participatory art day before their evening circus-themed show — bring your creativity and stay for the night.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 · The Commune, Knoxville

Tennessee Artists Association Monthly Meeting

Knoxville's Tennessee Artists Association holds its free, open-to-all monthly meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 7:00 PM · Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6500 Northshore Dr., Knoxville

Music & Nightlife

Memphis May Fire at The Mill & Mine

Metalcore heavyweights Memphis May Fire headline a stacked bill with Caskets, If Not For Me, and Royale Lynn at The Mill & Mine.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 7:00 PM · The Mill & Mine, 227 W Depot Ave, Knoxville

Salsa Party at Sonny's Brewing

Hit the dance floor at Knoxville's Friday night salsa party at Sonny's Brewing for $10, with dancing that runs well into the evening.

Friday, July 10, 2026 8:00 PM · Sonny's Brewing, Knoxville

Circus Night at The Commune

Come in your best circus attire for a stacked lineup of live acts at this intimate Knoxville venue, with a $5 suggested donation for 21+ guests.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 · The Commune, Knoxville

Family-Friendly

Summer Concert Series with Tennessee Wind Symphony at Zoo Knoxville

Enjoy a free outdoor concert featuring the Tennessee Wind Symphony and more at Zoo Knoxville as part of their summer concert series.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:00 PM · Zoo Knoxville, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville

Where's Waldo Scavenger Hunt – Downtown Knoxville

Pick up your passport at any participating business, collect stamps at each Waldo sighting across Downtown Knoxville, and win prizes — running all July.

Friday, July 10, 2026 · Downtown Knoxville

Park & Play: Hardin Valley Community Park (Super Heroes)

A superhero-themed outdoor play event for kids at Hardin Valley Community Park with activities and fun for the whole family.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 10:30 AM · 12734 Hickory Creek Rd., Knoxville

Festivals & Special Events

FanBoy Expo

Tennessee's largest pop culture event returns to the Knoxville Convention Center with celebrity guests, comic pros, cosplay, vendors, and live entertainment for 30,000 attendees.

Friday, July 10, 2026 · Knoxville Convention Center

Date Night

Soundscapes at the KMA: July 2026

Spend a Friday evening at the Knoxville Museum of Art with live music, free admission, and the backdrop of world-class art exhibitions.

Friday, July 10, 2026 7:30 PM · Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Drive

Saturday Bachata Party at Champion Ballroom

Dance the night away at Knoxville's weekly Saturday bachata party at Champion Ballroom, open to all levels.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 8:00 PM · Champion Ballroom, Knoxville

Outdoors & Active

Movies Under the Stars at Ijams Nature Center

Catch a free outdoor movie screening at Ijams Nature Center under the summer stars.

Friday, July 10, 2026 7:00 PM · Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville

Valley Flower Farm U-Pick

Create your own bouquet at Valley Flower Farm, open every weekend in July and August for u-pick flowers about 30 minutes from Downtown Knoxville.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 · Valley Flower Farm, 3104W Gallagher Ferry Rd, Knoxville

Norris Dam State Park 5K/10K Walk with East Tennessee Wanderers

Lace up for a scenic 5K or 10K walk at Norris Dam State Park with the East Tennessee Wanderers group — all paces welcome.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 9:00 AM · Norris Dam State Park

Float Day at Augusta Quarry

Beat the summer heat with YPK's Float Day — paddleboard, swim, or post up at the dock at Augusta Quarry, followed by lunch at Kern's.

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

Food & Drink

The Fairy's Summer Feast: A Mixology Event

A creative cocktail-making mixology event with a whimsical summer theme at a South Knoxville venue.

Friday, July 10, 2026 6:30 PM · 7107 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville

Caymus Wine Dinner at Raven

An exclusive 5-course dinner at Raven in Maryville, each course paired with wines from the Caymus portfolio — an elevated night out near Knoxville.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 · Raven, Maryville, TN