21 Things to Do in Knoxville This Week · July 16–19, 2026

Free Events

Concerts on the Square - Variety Thursdays

Free outdoor concert on Market Square featuring a broad spectrum of musical genres on the third Thursday of the month.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 7:00 PM · Market Square, Downtown Knoxville

Trivia at Maple Hall – YPK

Young Professionals of Knoxville gathers monthly for trivia night at the beloved Maple Hall bowling bar with great food and drinks.

Thursday, July 30, 2026 7:30 PM · Maple Hall, Knoxville

Music & Nightlife

The Beths at The Mill & Mine

New Zealand indie rock favorites The Beths bring their jangly, hook-filled sound to Knoxville's The Mill & Mine.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 · The Mill & Mine, Knoxville

Tidalwave Road Bluegrass Band at Concerts on the Square

Tidalwave Road Bluegrass Band performs free on Market Square as part of the summer Concerts on the Square series.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 7:00 PM · Market Square, Knoxville

The 90s vs Y2K Bar Crawl

A nostalgic themed bar crawl pitting 90s vs. Y2K vibes, kicking off at Skybox Sports Bar and Grill in Knoxville.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 4:00 PM · Skybox Sports Bar and Grill, Knoxville

Arts & Culture

Author Chat at Union Ave Books

An intimate author reading and discussion event at independent downtown bookstore Union Ave Books.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 6:00 PM · Union Ave Books, 517 Union Ave, Knoxville

Joan Rivers Tribute Drag & Comedy Benefit Show

A benefit drag and comedy show in the spirit of Joan Rivers at Sassy Ann's, raising money for performers who recently lost a stage.

Saturday, July 25, 2026 · Sassy Ann's, Knoxville

July Book Club at The Hive Bookshop

Young Professionals of Knoxville book club meets at The Hive Bookshop after hours to discuss Betty by Tiffany McDaniel.

Sunday, July 26, 2026 5:00 PM · The Hive Bookshop, Bearden, Knoxville

Food & Drink

Stem to Stem Grand Opening

Knoxville's newest cocktail and floral bar, Stem to Stem, officially opens its doors Friday with a celebratory grand opening event.

Friday, July 17, 2026 5:00 PM · Gay Street area, Knoxville

Wine & Shine at Volunteer Ministry Center

A wine-focused fundraiser and social gathering hosted at the Volunteer Ministry Center in downtown Knoxville.

Friday, July 17, 2026 6:00 PM · Volunteer Ministry Center, Knoxville

Summer Sips - Tea-Infused Cocktail Workshop

A hands-on cocktail workshop exploring tea-infused spirits and summer drink pairings at a downtown Gay Street location.

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 6:30 PM · 522 S. Gay Street, Knoxville

Date Night

Friday Salsa Party at Sonny's Brewing

Weekly salsa dance party at Sonny's Brewing — a lively combination of live Latin music, dancing, and craft beer.

Friday, July 17, 2026 8:00 PM · Sonny's Brewing, Knoxville

Balboa Swing Dance Series at Laurel Theater

Learn the California-born Balboa swing style in an intimate partner dance class at the Laurel Theater — $8 includes admission to the dance.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 · Laurel Theater, Knoxville

YPK 2026 Summer Soiree

Young Professionals of Knoxville hosts an enchanting garden party evening with charcuterie, summer libations, and live tunes for networking and mingling.

Friday, July 24, 2026 6:30 PM · Knoxville

Family-Friendly

Big Boys Do Read

A community literacy event celebrating reading among young men and boys, hosted at the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 · Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, Knoxville

73rd Annual Karns Community Fair

Tennessee's longest-running community fair returns to Karns High School with carnival rides, games, food, and fun for all ages.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 10:00 AM · Karns High School, Knoxville

Park & Play: Sterchi Hills (Luau)

A luau-themed free outdoor play event for families at Sterchi Hills Park with crafts and activities for kids.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 10:30 AM · Sterchi Hills Park, Knoxville

Outdoors & Active

Fort Loudon Dingy Dash

A spirited boating race event at Lenoir City Park on Fort Loudon Lake — a beloved summer tradition for local boaters.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 9:00 AM · Lenoir City Park, Lenoir City

Sports

FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party at Kern's

Catch the FIFA World Cup Final on the big screen at Kern's Bakery, a beloved Knoxville landmark turned event space.

Sunday, July 19, 2026 3:00 PM · Kern's Bakery, Knoxville

Festivals & Special Events

Ultimate Lake Party & Boat Parade on Tellico Lake

A full day of music, aviation, boat competitions, prizes, and lake fun on Tellico Lake — reserve your boat's spot early.

Saturday, July 25, 2026 · Tellico Lake, East Tennessee

Statemint West Knoxville Fall Consignment Pop-Up

A massive curated consignment pop-up shop for women and men at the Rothchild Grand Ballroom in West Knoxville.

Thursday, July 30, 2026 10:00 AM · Rothchild Grand Ballroom, Knoxville