⚽ Why Market Square turned into a sea of red, white, and blue

You can feel Knoxville getting busier by the week. More people downtown, more events on the calendar, and more spots to grab a drink or dinner outside while the weather cooperates.

This edition has a little bit of everything, from World Cup excitement to local food finds and summer traditions returning. If you have been waiting for the right excuse to make plans, this might be it.

⚡ TVA rolls out 20-Year energy plan

The Gist: The Tennessee Valley Authority released a 20-year plan to handle a massive surge in electricity demand, fueled by rapid population growth and new data centers. After a decade of flat energy usage, this new blueprint accounts for changing technology and shifting federal regulations. TVA is hosting a public webinar on July 2 to explain the details, and the community has until July 22 to submit feedback.

Why It Matters: This plan shapes the long-term reliability and cost of our local power. With the region growing quickly, public input ensures the grid stays stable and affordable for everyone.

⚽ Market Square turned into a sea of red, white, and blue

The Gist: Last Friday, June 19, a big downtown crowd packed Market Square for a free watch party as the U.S. men's team beat Australia 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup, clinching a spot in the knockout round after just two matches. Visit Knoxville, One Knoxville SC, and Regions Bank teamed up to bring the event downtown with local vendors and kids' activities.

Why It Matters: It's a rare burst of big-time soccer energy in the heart of the city, and One Knoxville SC says it's already eyeing bigger downtown activations as the tournament rolls on. One Knox caps the group stage with a USA vs. Türkiye watch party at Kern's Food Hall today.

🍗 Comfort food, craft beer, and game-day energy

Perched right on Market Square's historic bricks, Myrtle's Chicken + Beer pairs Southern staples with a front-row seat to summer. Catch the World Cup action with three-dollar pints and two dollars off appetizers, or toast the Fourth of July weekend with a Patriot cocktail and their layered tomato pie skillet.

Whether you crave the crispy fried chicken sandwich with hot honey aioli or a fresh turkey burger on the patio, it’s the ultimate neighborhood hangout.

🌿 Where the green things grow wild

South Knoxville has Stanley's Greenhouse, a 200-year-old farming secret just across the river. Peak summer means the greenhouses are overflowing with forty tomato varieties and hardy, pollinator-loving Rose of Sharon shrubs sporting deep violet petals and ruby red centers.

It is a peaceful place to wander for low-maintenance ponytail palms! Drop by to greet the plants a Happy National Pollinator week, or next Saturday for an Independence Day garden stroll.

Meet Samoa, a medium-sized adult Pit Bull mix

True to his breed, this handsome fellow is a total goober and a bit of a confident, happy lug who loves to be your cuddly shadow. Samoa is ready to be a wonderful adventure partner, though he does need a home without young kids due to his clumsy, enthusiastic nature.

To learn more about this goofy guy,

🏍️ Ride Red Honda Demo Truck | Honda of Knoxville | 06/26-06/27 | More 
Factory motorcycle test rides, raffles, festive music, and local food trucks.

🏬 North Knoxville Opening | Academy Sports + Outdoors | 06/26-06/28 | More
Mystery gift cards, interactive gear demonstrations, and exclusive giveaways.

🎷 Concerts on the Square: Aaron Irwin Trio | Market Square | 06/30 | More 
Free. Warm jazz drifting across downtown's open-air living room.

🔎 Where's Waldo Scavenger Hunt | Downtown Shops | starts 07/01 | More 
A month-long search for the hidden icon across vibrant storefronts.

🎖️ 4th of July at the Farmers Market! | New Harvest Park | 07/02 | More 
Crafts, festive family lawn games, and farm-to-table shopping in the park.

🎤 Kathleen Madigan: The Day Drinking Tour | Bijou Theatre | 06/26 | More
The dry-witted road-comedy veteran brings two near-sold-out shows.

🏀 Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony | Tennessee Theatre | 06/27 | More
The sport's legends honored on the Official State Theatre stage.

🔪 Movies Under the Stars: Terror in the Woods | Ijams Nature Center | 06/27 | More
Ticketed slasher double-feature with a haunted trail on the lawn.

🏳️‍🌈 4th Annual West Knox Pride | Hey Bear Cafe | Knoxville | 06/27 | More
Vendor fair, resources, and community joy themed "Joy and Liberation."

🍝 A Taste of Italy: A Hands-On Culinary Journey | West Knoxville | 06/28 | More
Ticketed. Cook your way through Italy, no passport required.

🎻 Old Time Jam with Sarah Pirkle | Boyd's Jig & Reel | Knoxville | 06/30 | More
Free. Fiddles and pickers trading Appalachian tunes over a pint.

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

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