Nothing says summer quite like getting outdoors and experiencing all that our region has to offer—and that doesn’t just mean hiking and camping in the Smokies or fishing and kayaking in the Holston and Tennessee rivers. We’re talking outdoor concerts, movie nights under the stars, jetski trips, triathlons, cheering on racers at Vol Landing, disc golf tournaments, hot air balloons, and so much more. This is just a taste of how we plan to experience the season. How will you get outside and play?
JULY 12 & AUGUST 16
Movies Under the Stars
Ijams Nature Center and Central Cinema have brought back outdoor movie nights, and they’ll continue deep into the summer with Back to the Future in July and Across the Universe in August. Food trucks and beer garden, too! Find out more here.
JULY 20
The Knoxville Open
The Open is back, but not in golf this time! The Knoxville Disc Golf Association presents the tournament of tournaments at Victor Ashe Park, which boasts 18 holes and a whole lot of space to play. Support your favorite players and get outside! Check out the details here.
JULY 21-27
Tennessee River 600
Grab your personal watercrafts and head to Lenoir City for the 28th Annual Tennessee River 600. This weeklong adventure finishes at Paris Landing State Park and in part benefits the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Register online here.
AUGUST 1-4
Slow Down with Erick Baker
Join Erick Baker for the “Slow the World Down Weekend” at Windy Hill Farm & Preserve. Erick hosts activities to get you relaxing, then puts on an acoustic set Friday followed by a full band show outside at the Granary on Saturday. Reservations required.
AUGUST 3
K-Town on the River
August brings the return of Knoxville’s annual triathlon on the Tennessee River. Go solo or join with two or three others for team races. Plan for the sprint, Olympic, or Half-Iron lengths. And if racing isn’t your thing, grab a cooler, find a spot at Vol Landing, and cheer on the racers! Register for your race here.
AUGUST 17
Hot Air Balloon Festival
The balloons are back for the sixth year in the Great Smoky Mountains! Townsend Visitors Center puts on the annual festival as balloons from all over the country light up the sky and bring people along for tethered rides. Food trucks and beer abound! Get the details here.
Find more summer fun and submit your own events at cityviewmag.com/events.