‘Tis the season for barbecues, outdoor get togethers, and music on the lawn
Here in East Tennessee, summer opens doors to all sorts of adventures, and music is no exception. Are you looking for some good old-fashioned country, or maybe something a bit jazzier? Want to see a big name up on stage, or a local gem just getting their start? Looking to kick back under the clear Southern sky, or let loose with the lights flashing? Whether you’re looking to relax with an intimate dinner-and-a-show with the family, liven things up at a concert with friends, or maybe ride solo and try something new, East Tennessee’s got an offering for you – if you know where to look!
For those looking forward to a musical adventure, but not quite sure where to start, we’ve got you covered.
ORNL Summer Sessions
July 8 & August 12 | 6pm & 4pm
Bring lawn chairs to the Oak Ridge series at A.K. Bissell Park to hear the Americana music of Sam Bush (July) and Sierra Hull (August). Come hungry; food trucks in attendance!
Concerts at the Cove
July 9 & August 13 | 6pm
Nothing beats an evening at Concord Park, especially when you add music to the mix! Catch bands Leftfoot Dave and the Magic Hats (July) and the Rockinfellerz (August) as the sun sets.
Clayton Park Concerts
July 9 & August 13 | 6pm
Knox County’s Concert on the Cove series also includes concerts at Clayton Park with Jay Dee (July) and Crawdaddy Jones (August). Take in the beauty and music.
Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
July 14 | 8pm
Have you heard the Rumours? The Mill & Mine is giving Knoxville a taste of this Tribute to Fleetwood Mac mid-summer at the downtown performance center.
Grooves in the Garden
July 15 | 5pm
This outdoor music fundraiser at the Knoxville Botanical Garden will have you out of your seat dancing to hits from the 70s through the 2000s.
Concerts on the Square
July 20 & August 17 | 7pm
Bring a picnic, wrangle the kids and dogs, and enjoy the music and dancing downtown on Market Square for a night of classic Eagles jams (July) and a night of salsa (August).
Bluegrass Brunch at Dancing Bear
August 7 | 10:30am
Dancing Bear will host its Sunday series featuring the music of Jeff Nelson & Friends, the culmination of their three-day-long inaugural Appalachian Homecoming weekend.
Concerts for our Own
August 10 | 7:30pm
Music for a cause? Yes, please! Catch Jay White on The Sweet Caroline Tour at the Tennessee Amphitheater, in support of Special Spaces, Love Kitchen, and Breast Connect.
Songs by the Brook
August 17 & August 31 | 6pm
Americana, folk, and bluegrass will ring throughout Alcoa’s Springbrook Park as three different bands take the stage each night. Vendors will be on site for something to eat!
Lawn Chair Concert Series
August 19 | 8pm
Amidst the wandering pathways of Founders Park in Farragut, you will find some good—and free—local music. Don’t forget your chair!
Music for the Seniors
August 22 | 2pm
Sarah Pirkle and Jeff Barbra, stars of local radio program “Behind the Barn”, will give a free concert at the South Knoxville Community Center. Sing along to the bluegrass!
Pickin’ on Nature
August 24 | 5pm
East TN Bluegrass Association hosts a night with Tim and Jodi Harbin & The J Birds on the Visitor Center lawn at Ijams Nature Center—with a beer garden and food truck on hand!