🤤 Skip cooking and consider your dinner plans officially solved

Feels like you already know: there is something fun about a week that practically tells you to eat out. Restaurant Week is back, giving all of us another reason to finally visit that spot we've been saving for "someday."

Add in festivals, First Friday, and a full weekend of events, and there is no shortage of ways to enjoy the city. We hope this edition helps you find something worth putting on the calendar.

🍽️ Restaurant Week: the best reason to eat local

The Gist: Nourish Knoxville, the nonprofit behind the Market Square Farmers Market, is hosting its Restaurant Week from August 3 through 9. Participating spots around town are rolling out special menus and deals, and the week doubles as a way to support Nourish's local food and farmer programs.

Why It Matters: It is a low-pressure excuse to finally try a place you have been meaning to visit, while backing an organization that helps keep local food accessible year-round.

✊ Celebrating Knoxville's Eighth of August

The Gist: Knoxville is preparing for the Eighth of August, a historic date marking Tennessee's Emancipation Day when Andrew Johnson freed the people he enslaved in 1863. Celebrations on Saturday include the Beck Cultural Exchange Center's 8 a.m. Libation Tribute Ceremony at Freemen's Mission Historic Cemetery, featuring guest speaker Ned Arter. The Mabry-Hazen House will also host free Stories of Emancipation tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Why It Matters: For nearly 160 years, Black families across Southern Appalachia have gathered on this date to honor ancestor history and celebrate freedom. Taking time to attend these gatherings keeps local history alive and connects us directly to the personal legacies of our East Tennessee neighbors. Reservations for the museum tours can be made at mabryhazen.com, while the morning tribute service is open to all.

🥟 Steamed buns and endless summer lingering

A low-key evening at Kaizen resets the whole week. Chef Jesse Newmister’s covered patio is built for unhurried nights, bathed in warm lighting and good energy. Go for the signature Nashville Man Bun, or catch weekly specials like kimchi-brined karaage chicken sandwiches and bacon-shrimp stir fry noodles.

They simply make squeezing out the last bit of the season taste incredible!

🧘‍♀️ Time to shake off the summer burnout

The Glowing Body offers a grounded sanctuary near the Old City. Women-owned since 2008, this plant-filled downtown studio pairs yoga with massage, reiki, reflexology, and physical therapy.

Catch extra Ropes Wall sessions with Jen this week, book Anita Garrett’s beginner series starting August 18, or try Katie Hunt’s targeted bodywork. Easing into autumn is starting to look completely manageable.

Meet Hymn, a wonderfully goofy adult mixed breed dog

Medium in size, this affectionate girl loves playing with balls, practicing her obedience cues, and soaking up back scratches in her foster home. She walks nicely on a leash and gets along wonderfully with dogs of all sizes.

To learn more about this adorable girl,

🦁 The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe | Knoxville Children's Theatre | opens 08/07 | More
Narnia comes to life in a spirited stage adventure, tickets required.

🧼 Foam Party Friday | The Bark | 08/07 | More 
Playful, bubbly wonderland experience for dogs and their owners in the park.

🎪 Kerbela Shrine Circus | Thompson-Boling Arena | 08/07-08/10 | More
Acrobats, animals, and big-top thrills fill the arena!

🌳 Storytelling at the Nature Playscape | Ijams Nature Center | 08/08 | More
Outdoor tales for little ones among the trees, RSVP.

🎒 Back to School Bash | Northwest Church of God | 08/08 | More 
Inflatables, games, food, and free school supplies.

🍀 Irish Fest on the Hill | Immaculate Conception Church | 08/08 | More
Music, dancing, food, and family fun with a Celtic spirit.

🎨 August First Friday | Emporium Center | 08/07 | More 
Exhibitions, studio tours, and live art across multiple gallery spaces.

🍸 Lemon Drop Festival | World's Fair Park | 08/08 | More 
Daytime party featuring 20+ signature cocktails, food trucks, and music.

👑 The Queenz of Knoxville | Sassy Ann's | 08/08 | More 
Dance party with themed throwback drag performances and pop hits.

🎸 Sunday Blues Cruise with EG Kight | Tennessee Riverboat | 08/09 | More 
EG Kight plays soulful roots blues during a scenic river cruise.

💍 The Pink Bride Wedding and Women's Expo | Knoxville Convention Center | 08/09 | More 
Dynamic showcase with tasting samples, fashion inspiration, and decor displays.

🍝 St. Cugino Day: Italian Vegetarian Celeb | The Mill & Mine | 08/09 | More 
Food tastings paired with natural wines and live vinyl beats.

🎨 14th Knoxville Tattoo Convention | World's Fair Park | 08/14-08/16 | More 
Live tattooing, world-class artists, vendors, and competitions.

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

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