👀 UT is officially saying goodbye to these sixty-year-old dorms

Summer always brings a little extra energy to Knoxville. Market Square fills with music, patios stay busy long after sunset, and every weekend seems to come with a new festival or concert.

This week's Scoop is packed with ways to enjoy it all, from free outdoor shows and Shakespeare under the stars to great local food and family-friendly events. Whether you're making plans or just looking for something new, we've got you covered.

🏗️ Brand new dorms coming to UT Knoxville

The Gist: The University of Tennessee received state approval to replace three of its aging campus dorms (North Carrick, South Carrick, and Reese Halls) with modern student housing and academic spaces. This 253 million dollar public-private project will create living space for over 1,300 students to help accommodate a student population that topped 40,000 in the fall of 2025. Preparation work is starting now.

Why It Matters: Anyone who has walked around campus lately knows just how quickly UT is growing. Replacing these sixty-year-old buildings means future Vols can focus on their classes and college life without having to worry about outdated, rundown living spaces.

🛑 Keep it slow on the roads

The Gist: Tennessee kicked off its annual Operation Southern Slow Down this week to crack down on speeding across major highways. Through Saturday, the Tennessee Highway Patrol and local officers are ramping up patrols to catch speeders in high-risk areas. Captain Eric Miller warned that driving even three to five mph over the limit drastically cuts your reaction time and makes crashes far more dangerous.

Why It Matters: With summer travel peaking, this effort is all about keeping our Knoxville families and neighbors safe on the road. Taking a deep breath and easing off the gas pedal is a simple way we can look out for one another and make sure everyone gets home safely.

🥐 Fifteen years of sourdough and secrets

In Sequoyah Hills, The Plaid Apron has spent fifteen years quietly perfecting the neighborhood joint. Everything here is made from scratch, from the legendary bread course with pesto spread to their incredibly creamy grits.

Claim a table for "The Special": a weekday off-menu dish dictated by the morning's farm delivery. Or…. wind down at dinner with a perfectly seared salmon and a Port & Circumstance cocktail. It is local dining at its gentlest.

📚 Books, beats, and beautiful community threads

Magnolia Avenue holds a deeply special space. At The Bottom, history meets active creation. Founded by sociologist Dr. Enkeshi, this nonprofit honors an East Knoxville neighborhood through a Black-affirming bookshop, tea room, and podcast studio.

The calendar keeps the community moving, featuring West African drumming with Corey Hodge on August 7th. You can also support the young entrepreneurs from the summer camp at their upcoming Sew It Sell It Market Day.

Gallaudet is a spirited, medium-sized Pit Bull Terrier mix

This adult is deaf, yet he navigates the world with enthusiasm and walks wonderfully on a leash. He enjoys the company of other dogs, though he does best with confident companions who don't mind his occasional exuberance.

Given his play style, he is seeking a household without young children. Visit him to see his charm firsthand.

To learn more about this handsome boy,

👑 Newsies JR | Knoxville Children's Theatre | opens 07/16 | More
Disney's 60-minute newsboy-strike musical.

🌾 Gluten Free Festival | Kern's Bakery Food Hall | 07/18 | More
All-day fair spotlighting the city's growing gluten-free scene. Free.

👾 Knoxville Pokémon & TCG Show | Rothchild Catering and Conference Center | 07/18 | More 
A massive gathering for collectors to buy, sell, and trade rare treasures.

🎯 Dude Perfect Squad Games Tour | Thompson Boling Arena | 07/18 | More
Trick shots, giant games, and general controlled chaos.

🎭 Goblin Weekend: Trinket Fest | Fable Hollow Coffee and Bookshoppe | 07/18 - 07/19 | More 
A whimsical weekend of trinket trading, scavenger hunts, and green costumes.

🍨 Sundae School: National Ice Cream Day | Suttree Landing Park | 07/19 | More
Free family riverside celebration of, well, exactly what it says.

🎷 Concerts on the Square: Tidalwave Road | Market Square | 07/16 | More
Free open-air music to close out the workday, 7 to 9.

📖 Girls Gone Bible: Revival Tour | Bijou Theatre | 07/16 | More 
Shared worship, faith-filled conversations, and uplifting community stories.

✨ Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit | Tennessee Theatre | 07/17 | More
Grammy-winning Americana at Knoxville's most iconic Gay Street venue.

🤍 Grooves in the Garden Music Festival | Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum | 07/18 | More
All-white benefit for UUNIK Academy youth programs. 21+.

🎸 Live from the Hive | Market Square | 07/18 | More 
Heavy metal bands bring roaring riffs to the outdoor stage.

🎭 Knoxville Shakespeare: King Henry V | Ijams Nature Center | 07/19 | More
Outdoor Shakespeare under the trees, free with RSVP.

😎 Band of Horses and Dinosaur Jr. | Tennessee Theatre | 07/20 | More
Two indie-rock heavyweights closing out a Monday night.

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

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