We have a lovely long Fourth of July weekend coming up — time to celebrate! But don’t wait until the Fourth to get started! Here are some enjoyable options for every day of the weekend.
Friday:
- Start the weekend off right with a trip downtown for First Friday activities. Downtown galleries will be open and welcoming you to their new July exhibits, restaurants and bars will offer musical entertainment and Market Square will be buzzing!
- Speaking of buzzing, the Night Hike at Ijams Nature Center beginning at 8 p.m. will help you tune in to the critters who are out and about when it’s dark. The walk includes games and activities as you search for salamanders and call for owls. For ages 6 and up. Reservations required; click here.
Saturday:
- Start the day with a visit to the Market Square Farmers Market where you can load up on fresh produce and other goodies for a Fourth of July picnic. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; come early for the best selection!
- Later that day, head west to Windy Hill Farm in Loudon for the first of a series of summer concerts the boutique resort is hosting. Cruz Contreras of the Black Lillies kicks off the series at 8:30 p.m. Get more info and tickets here.
Sunday:
- Sunday might be a good day for a hike on one of Knox County’s many greenways or at a state park or in the Smokies — the options are endless! Another possibility is popping in at Central Filling Station between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for Brunch and Browse. Grab some grub from one or more of the food trucks on site and then check out the wares from local makers. More info here.
Monday:
And now, the main event. Here are some happenings to celebrate the country’s Independence Day!
- Independence Day Anvil Shoot, Museum of Appalachia, Norris: Celebrate the 4th of July the old-fashioned way: by shooting large hunks of metal into the sky! The festivities also include a national bell-ringing ceremony, music, Southern cookin’, and craft demonstrations. Anvil shoots occur on the hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. More info here.
- Norris Day: The town of Norris celebrates the Fourth all day long with old-fashioned activities that include Fun Runs, a kids’ dog show at 9 a.m., a duck race at 10 a.m., a bike parade at 11:30 a.m., sack races at noon, inflatables and water slide throughout the day, an evening concert at 7 p.m., and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- Mighty Musical Monday: Enjoy a free patriotic concert by house organist Freddie Brabson at noon at the Tennessee Theatre. The music will be accompanied by historic footage from the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound. Guests are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch; concessions also will be available for purchase.
- Festival on the Fourth, World’s Fair Park: The free fest includes music, food vendors and fun activities from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Festival Lawn. At 8 p.m. the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform followed by fireworks at 9:35 p.m. Learn more here.
- Fourth of July on Mabry’s Hill: The Mabry-Hazen House will offer good food from food trucks and local beers for purchase, live music, games, house tours and good views of the City’s fireworks. From 5 to 10 pm. Get tickets here.
- Fourth of July Concert by the Oak Ridge Community Band begins at 7:30 p.m. at AK Bissell Park, Oak Ridge. Enjoy patriotic tunes and fireworks at the free concert.