💗 Pink outfits requested: Downtown’s big celebration for Dolly

Hopefully you’ve got a little time to slow down, enjoy the long weekend, and soak up these last big days of summer. Whether you’re heading to a festival, catching a game, wandering through the Farmers Market, or just finding a good spot to enjoy the sunshine, there’s plenty happening around town.

There’s also a lot to celebrate closer to home, from a new greenway connection in Fountain City to fresh energy downtown and a special tribute to one of East Tennessee’s most beloved icons. Grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s get you caught up on what’s happening around Knoxville this week.

Wishing you and yours a fun, safe, and relaxing Labor Day weekend! ❤️

🌸 Downtown prepares for "What Dolly Did for Me"

The Gist: Knoxville will celebrate the life and legacy of East Tennessee legend Dolly Parton tomorrow night with a special memorial parade starting at 7 p.m. Led by the Cattywampus Puppet Council and a giant Big Dolly puppet, the half-mile procession steps off from the City County Building and makes its way through downtown before ending at the Dolly mural near Market Square. The Knox Honkers & Bangers marching band will also perform along the route in their signature bright pink attire.

Why It Matters: Following the country icon's passing, this parade offers neighbors a chance to join together and transform shared grief into a joyous celebration of her music and philanthropy. Locals are encouraged to wear colorful outfits and bring artwork or signs honoring the impact she had on her home region.

🌳 Fountain City's Dead-End Trail Finally Connects

The Gist: The City cut the ribbon on Aug. 18 on the Sue Clancy Greenway Extension in Fountain City, described by the City as a mile-long "missing link." It connects Adair Park and neighborhoods north of I-640 and Broadway to destinations south of Sharp's Ridge, closing a gap that long stopped walkers and cyclists at a creek. Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home and Cemetery, the Park at Fountain City apartments, and KUB provided property access to make it happen.

Why It Matters: A frustrating dead end is now a safe, connected route, and it feeds into the city's larger network of paved greenways and trails.

🍝 Behind the velvet curtain

Slip through the aperitivo bar Brother Wolf to find Osteria Stella, an intimate dinner spot from Jessica "Rabbit" King and Aaron Thompson.

The regional Italian menu leans rustic and handmade, from spinach-pasta Lasagna alla Bolognese to a proper Cotoletta alla Milanese. Sommelier Casey guides a 200-bottle, all-Italian list featuring orange wines alongside richer pairings like braised veal Osso Buco over saffron risotto. Save room for the pastry chef's new blueberry cannoli.

🎧 Vinyl crates and community chats

A weekend spent flipping through vinyl crates at Lost and Found Records always hits the right spot. Mike Armstrong opened the shop back in 1990, keeping the bins stocked with fresh LPs, out-of-print finds, turntables, and friendly dog greetings.

Right now, there is extra buzz in the air: drop in before tomorrow, September 3rd, to enter their giveaway for sold-out Cigarettes @ Sunset tickets at The Mill & Mine. Bring your want list, or just come dig!

Meet Terry, a wonderfully goofy Pit Bull Terrier mix

This young, medium-sized male is an absolute social butterfly who loves toys and treats, making training an enjoyable adventure. Terry is best suited for households with children aged ten and up, and requires a home without livestock or male dogs.

To learn more about this adorable boy,

🎻 Knoxville Symphony at the Garden | Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum | 09/03 | More 
Stroll through lush grounds filled with classical melodies as sunset approaches.

🖼️ Downtown Knox ArtWalk | Downtown Shops | 09/04 | More 
Free evening of open galleries, live art, and sidewalk wandering.

🐶 Movies Under the Stars: All Dogs Go To Heaven | Ijams Center | 09/04 | More 
Bring a blanket for an animated classic under open sky.

🚴 AMBC Dig, Eat, & Ride at Marie Myers & The Drop Inn | The Drop Inn Knoxville | 09/05 | More 
Trail maintenance, outdoor lunch social, and biking through fresh dirt paths.

🍗 Big Kahuna Labor Day Festival | World's Fair Park | 09/06 | More 
Thousands of wings, a kids' corner, and a fireworks finale.

📚 Literary Legends Book Festival | Kern's Bakery | 09/12 | More 
Local authors, food halls, crafts, and much more.

🎻 Scottish Jam Session | Boyd's Jig & Reel | 09/10 | More 
Fiddles and pints in a proper Celtic pub session.

🎉 The Fab Four: Tribute to the Beatles | Bijou Theatre | 09/11 | More 
Precision-played rock classics inside an intimate historic theatre.

🦇 Ijams After Dark: All About Bats | Ijams Center | 09/11 | More 
Nighttime trail walk discovering local bat species and nocturnal ecology.

🎸 The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Def Leppard's Hysteria | Knoxville Civic Auditorium | 09/11 | More 
Relive timeless 80s glam rock anthems performed in full orchestral detail.

⚡ Punk Rock Flea Market Knoxville 2026 | The Mill & Mine | 09/12 | More 
Street festival with indie vendors, local brews, live bands, and tattooing.

🥗 Knoxville Vegan Chef Challenge | The Historic Old City | until 09/30 | More 
Vote on creative plant-based menu items crafted by top local chefs.

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

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