Old City Market, Back to School Bingo for Books, and more. 
Happy Friday, Knoxville. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Knoxville Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead.
📰 In the news
Local happenings: A preventive scan uncovers a collapsed lung, Muse Knoxville eyes Chilhowee Park for its planetarium and playground, and the latest Natour sandwich shop debuts — catch up here.
State-level stories: adidas returning as UT’s official outfitter in 2026, Southwest launching daily Knoxville flights to four cities, and a Nashville brewery’s orange wheat winning gold — see what else is brewing.
National headlines: South Korea’s court dismissed a Baby Shark copyright claim, a judge blocked fishing around Pacific atolls, and retirees eye a bigger Social Security increase — peruse the best of the rest.
Highlights this week
- Shop local produce downtown every Saturday
- Celebrate East Tennessee sports history
- Learn to protect your business from cybercrime
- Get job help every Monday
- Prepare kids for AI-era careers
- Unlock dozens of travel deals with AARP
🫶 We got your back
Outdoors: Hiking near Knoxville isn’t just cardio, it’s your ticket to sun-dappled forests, lake views, and brag-worthy summits. These local trails have routes for every pace and mood.
Industry: Forget just BBQ and live music, our real claim to fame is ten companies pulling in over $300B. These Fortune 500 giants prove we’re a corporate heavyweight.
Money: Demystify credit cards for your teen with these easy credit lessons. They turn confusing plastic power into real-world know-how.
Gamehouse: Whether you’re plotting world domination in Risk, forging trading empires in Catan, or barely surviving a crew of delightfully ruthless space invaders, Token Game Tavern is your go-to for caffeine-fueled dice rolls and snack-powered strategy sessions.
Money: The average driver pays $175 a month on car insurance, but most of us are paying way too much. If it’s been a while since you shopped around, you’re likely part of that “most of us.” This comparison tool can save you hundreds.
👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?
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📆 Around town this weekend
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🎤 Alicia Harvey Solo @ Nauti K’s Riverside Bar & Grill | Friday (8/15) at 6:30pm – Put down the remote and swing by Nauti K’s for a proper country night where Alicia Harvey spins Patsy Cline-worthy ballads alongside her own originals, all honed on her grandma’s jukebox back in Nashville. It’ll be heartfelt, occasionally heartbreaking, and totally unfiltered.
🕺 Summer Movie Magic: Grease@ Tennessee Theatre | Friday (8/15) at 8:00pm – Think you still have the hand-jive moves memorized? Slip into your best leather jacket for a singalong screening of Grease at our town’s refurbished movie palace, complete with a Mighty Wurlitzer organ pre-show, fresh popcorn, and cold drinks to fuel your nostalgia.
This weekend
🥂 Melanin and Mimosas Brunch @ Scrambled Jake’s Breakfast Company | Saturday (8/16) at 12:00pm – Brunch just went next-level with Melanin and Mimosas. We’re talking bottomless bubbly, jams that hit your soul, and more melanin magic than your Sunday self-care routine. Dress comfy, bring your best stories, and toast to friends who know their brunch priorities.
🎸 Classic Rock 70s, 80s and Beyond @ The Star of Knoxville | Saturday (8/16) at 6:30pm – If you need an excuse to dust off your air guitar, Knoxville’s own Liquid Velvet is rolling through town with a 70s, 80s, and beyond tribute blowout, serving up Fleetwood Mac to Stevie Wonder covers, zero dress code, unlimited nostalgia.
🎸 Letterbomb – A Tribute to Green Day @ The Open Chord | Saturday (8/16) at 8:00pm – Dust off your flannel and snag a $15 advance ticket ($20 at the door) for angsty anthems courtesy of Letterbomb, a flawless Green Day tribute. Seating’s first come, first served, so arrive early or belt out “Basket Case” in line.
🛍️ Old City Market | Sunday (8/17) at 11:00am – Ditch the couch and meander through the Old City Market, where our charming brick streets become a pop-up gallery of local artists, crafters, and makers. It’s like Etsy in real life, with the bonus of fresh air and zero shipping fees.
🌭 1-Year Anniversary Party@ Chicago Hotdog and Sausage Company | Sunday (8/17) at 11:15am – If you’ve been itching for a reason to daydrink, swing by the one-year anniversary blowout at Chicago Hot Dog & Sausage Company. They’ll be grilling extra-beefy dogs, slinging bratwurst, and pouring ice cold beers. It’s the laid-back bash that rubs out your workweek stress.
🎞️ Daytime Docs – Man on Wire @ Lawson McGhee Library | Sunday (8/17) at 2:00pm – Whether you’re still holding your breath from Philippe Petit’s Twin Towers tightrope stunt or just love showing off your doc cred, this month’s Daytime Docs revisits that “artistic crime of the century.” Stick around for post-film banter and a browse of Sights & Sounds.
Next week
📚 Back to School Bingo for Books @ Burlington Branch Library | Monday (8/18) at 6:00pm – Need an excuse to leave your patio fortress? Stop by the library for Back to School Bingo for Books, where hunting down fairytales, thrillers, and self-help turns into a sport. Line up a bingo, earn a free bookmark, and boost your literary street cred.
🎨 Colorful Disco Ball Painting @ Howard Pinkston Branch Library | Tuesday (8/19) at 6:00pm – Unleash your inner party animal by painting a 2D disco ball in dazzling shades of your choice. This is no stuffy workshop—expect bold colors, funky vibes, and a whole lot of sparkle. Open to anyone 5 and up, so bring your mini-Picassos or unleash your own retro diva.
🤖 Preparing Kids for College and Careers in AI Era| Tuesday (8/19) at 7:00pm – Parents, want to keep up with your kids instead of Googling AI at midnight? This down-to-earth Knoxville gathering breaks down college and career prep in the age of ChatGPT, with zero jargon, plenty of practical tips, and a side of local charm.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
🎶 Live music & entertainment
- 8/15 Alicia Harvey @ Nauti K’s Riverside – 6:30 pm
- 8/16 Classic Rock 70s, 80s and Beyond @ The Star of Knoxville – 6:30 pm
- 8/16 Alicia Harvey @ Suttree’s High Gravity – 7 pm
- 8/16 Preacher Lawson @ Clayton Center for the Arts – 7:30 pm
- 8/16 Letterbomb (Green Day tribute) @ The Open Chord – 8 pm
- 8/17 Bluegrass Jam @ Boyd’s Jig and Reel – 12 pm
- 8/17 Sunday Night Trivia at Boyd’s Jig & Reel @ Jig and Reel – 6 pm
- 8/18 Back to School Bingo for Books @ Burlington Branch Library – 6 pm
- 8/19 B-Side Me @ Brackins Blues – 7 pm
🏠️ Price is right – Knoxville edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
Listed by: Lucas Haun (Keller Williams Signature)
Past the iconic water wheel in Old Westmoreland, this updated classic brings serious curb appeal with its fresh paint, blue stone porch, and flickering gas lanterns. The curved drive leads to lush landscaping and a water feature, while inside, designer updates shine in every corner. The kitchen is a culinary playground with marble counters, a six-burner cooktop, and a walk-in pantry ready for snack attacks or holiday feasts.
A sunroom with pool views, wet bar, and fireplace is basically an invitation to laze away the afternoon. Out back, brick pavers and a sparkling pool set the scene for summer parties, complete with a fireplace and grilling station. Even the laundry room gets a glow-up with custom cabinets and space for every last gift bag.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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