If you’re like me, Labor Day makes you a little sad. It’s the unofficial end of summer, of sitting poolside, of grilling out, of lazy afternoons. All we have to look forward to is pumpkin spice everything and a race toward the holidays. Sigh.
Wait! That’s not true! We have an exciting UT football season to look forward to, starting Saturday! And sweater weather! And leaf peeping! In the meantime, here are five fun ways to enjoy the Labor Day weekend in Knoxville:
First Friday: Wow! First Friday festivities are all over downtown this weekend, from the Knoxville Museum of Art and the UT Downtown Gallery to, like, everywhere! Go mosey around and enjoy the exhibits and the music and the wine and cheese cubes. It’ll be bustling!
Eagle Wings Motorcycle Association Rendezvous: If you’re big into big motorcycles, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to admire them when the Eagle Wings Motorcycle Association comes to town for its big rendezvous through Saturday. They’ll be taking rides through the mountains and whatnot, but the Knoxville Convention Center is their gathering spot. Go say howdy! More info here.
Big Kahuna Wing Festival: After you’ve partied with the Vols on Saturday, head to World’s Fair Park Sunday for the Big Kahuna Wing Festival. Sample some of over 10,000 pounds of wings, sip some brews, enjoy live music, let the kids play, and wrap it up with fireworks! $20 admission lets you sample the wings; $10 will let you in if you’re abstaining. More info here.
Sunflower Project: Enjoy your leisurely Monday, starting with a visit to the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum for the Labor Day Sunflower Project from 9 am to 1 pm. Local gardeners weave thousands of flowers into chain link to create a massive circle of flowers. Artists and musicians add to the charm. More info here.
Mighty Musical Monday: Finally, before you head home to throw something on the grill, enjoy a free concert at the Tennessee Theatre at noon. Mighty Musical Monday will feature house organist Freddie Brabson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, along with Ben Kreider and Andy LeGrand on classical guitar. See you there.