🏷️ How to skip sales tax in Knox County next weekend

Some weeks are made for checking things off the list, and others are made for wandering around and seeing where the evening takes you. This one gives you plenty of options for both. Set the reminder to stock up during tax-free weekend then make time for the good stuff, too.

A plate of handmade pasta, a movie with real butter popcorn, or a sunset on the river sounds like a pretty good way to spend the rest of July.

🛍️ Tennessee's tax-free weekend returns for its 20th year

The Gist: Tennessee's annual sales tax holiday kicks off at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 31 and runs through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 2. Clothing and school supplies priced at $100 or less per item are exempt from sales tax, along with personal computers priced at $1,500 or less. Online purchases from Tennessee retailers also qualify.

Why It Matters: With shoppers saving 9.25 percent in Knox County during the holiday, it works out to real money on the essentials that pile up before the first day of school. This is the 20th year the state has run the holiday.

What's Next: The Tennessee Department of Revenue lists more than 150 eligible items, from backpacks to art supplies to school uniforms.

🏗️ Housing boost coming to historic St. Mary’s Site

The Gist: Knoxville is investing $2 million to turn the former St. Mary’s Hospital site into a $70-million housing development with developer Dominion Group. The project will preserve the historic building to create 40 accessible senior apartments, along with 109 new apartments and 21 townhomes. Construction kicks off next month and wraps up by June 2028.

Why It Matters: This plan preserves a beloved North Knoxville landmark while bringing much-needed housing to our area. Following recent additions like the new Public Safety Complex and McNabb Center, it is an exciting step forward in making our neighborhood more accessible for local seniors and growing families.

🍝 Handmade pasta worth planning around

Catch summer under Emilia's striped umbrellas with a cold glass, watching Market Square drift into evening. Chef Matt’s seasonal spot keeps things scratch-made, right down to the focaccia, hand-pulled mozzarella, and an authentic carbonara.

Their mixologists make bar seating an event, giving spot-on recommendations over easy conversation. Save room for the butterscotch budino. Reservations open at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

🍿 Real butter, soft seats, and single screen magic

Happy Holler houses Knoxville’s last independent single screen moviehouse, Central Cinema. Inside this hundred-seat room built by local film lovers, you will find comfortable seats, real butter popcorn, passion-filled decor, and a back patio for post-show debate.

Late July brings an American essentials series, a SoKno Pride showing of Bound, Maddie’s Secret with pre-recorded Q&As, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? on the big screen.

Marigold is a spirited seven-year-old Tabby mix

Weighing under six pounds, she looking for a caring home. This small, house-trained cat gets along wonderfully with kids and other cats.

Though special needs from Manx Syndrome require simple diaper care, her joyful hopping and playful heart make every routine worthwhile.

To learn more about this quirky girl,

🎒 Back to School Bash | Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union | 07/23 | More
Free school supplies, snacks, and family activities to kick off the year.

🌲 Wilderness Basics: Beginner Outdoor Skills | Ijams Nature Center | 07/25 | More
Compass work, fire-starting, and safe outdoor essentials with expert instructors.

🧠 Family Day: A Mom's Marvelous Brain | UT McClung Museum | 07/25 | More
Free hands-on activities exploring the science of motherhood and the brain.

🐴 Regional Horse Show | Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding | 07/25 | More
Equestrian showcase celebrating skill, joy, and therapeutic riding accomplishments.

🧵 Sew It Sell It Market Day | The Bottom | 07/25 | More
Summer-camp entrepreneurs sell their handmade creations to the neighborhood.

🌳 Story Thyme | Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum | 07/28 | More
Weekly toddler storytime tucked among the garden's quiet paths.

🎻 AJ Lee & Blue Summit | Bijou Theatre | 07/24 | More 
Dynamic roots and jam-packed bluegrass with soulful vocal harmonies.

🌸 YPK 2026 Summer Soiree | UT Gardens (Rose Garden) | 07/24 | More 
An elegant botanical evening of networking, charcuterie, and seasonal libations.

🎸 Shinedown | Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center | 07/25 | More 
Stadium rock show packed with explosive arena energy.

🛶 Full Moon Paddle | Ijams River Landing | 07/29 | More 
Guided twilight kayaking experience under the glowing night sky.

🛍️ Statemint Consignment Pop Up | Rothchild Catering & Event Center | 07/30-08/02 | More 
Bustling pop-up resale market featuring premium brand clothing and accessories.

👻 CreepyCon Halloween & Horror Convention | Knoxville Convention Center | 07/31-08/02 | More 
Immersive pop culture gathering: creative costume displays and villain encounters.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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