Whether you’re looking for Broadway-style theater, live music under the stars, family-friendly films, art exhibitions, or community festivals, there’s plenty to enjoy across East Tennessee this week.
Week of July 16–22
This week’s highlights are compiled from the Arts & Culture Alliance and participating arts organizations across East Tennessee.
On Stage
Through July 26
- Knoxville Children’s Theatre: Newsies Jr. Knoxville Children’s Theatre: Newsies Jr.
- Oak Ridge Playhouse: Come From Away Oak Ridge Playhouse: Come From Away
July 23
- Knoxville Opera: Opera Under the Stars at Augusta Quarry. Knoxville Opera Under the Stars: A Summer Series at Augusta Quarry
Live Music
Downtown Maryville Summer Concert Series
The free Thursday evening concert series continues at Charles West Amphitheater in Jack Greene Park from 7–9 p.m.
- July 17: Cedric Burnside
- July 24: J & The Causeways
- July 31: Wyatt Ellis
Saturday, July 25
Enjoy Barbecue & Bluegrass at Good Shepherd, featuring the Grassy Creek Bluegrass Band, barbecue dinner, fellowship and live music beginning at 5 p.m.
Family Fun
Summer Movie Magic
The Tennessee Theatre continues its popular Summer Movie Magic series with classic family films shown in one of Knoxville’s most beautiful historic venues.
Exhibits & Galleries
July 23: Beck Cultural Exchange Center: Elgin Cleckley: Empathetic Design Beck Cultural Exchange Center: Elgin Cleckley, Empathetic Design
Through July 31
- The Emporium Center: Arts & Culture Alliance Members Exhibition The Emporium Center: Arts & Culture Alliance Members Exhibition
- Broadway Studios & Gallery: Temporal Angst by Taryn Ferro Broadway Studios and Gallery: “Temporal Angst” – by Taryn Ferro
- Fountain City Art Center: Jerry’s Artarama Staff Exhibition Fountain City Art Center: Jerry’s Artarama Staff Exhibition
- Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts: David Ellsworth Retrospective, curated by Craig Edelbrock Arrowmont Jerry Drown Wood Studio Gallery: David Ellsworth Retrospective curated by Craig Edelbrock
- The District Gallery: Entry Earned – A Father’s Test The District Gallery: Entry Earned – A Father’s Test
Looking Ahead
The Clayton Center for the Arts has unveiled its 2026–27 season featuring nationally known performers, bluegrass, comedy, family entertainment and more. Memberships are now available and include early ticket access and ticket discounts.
This Week’s ArtBeat Picks
- Best Date Night: Opera Under the Stars
- Best Free Event: Downtown Maryville Summer Concert Series
- Best Family Activity: Summer Movie Magic
- Best Gallery Visit: Arts & Culture Alliance Members Exhibition
Know of an upcoming concert, play, festival, exhibit or arts event? Email news@knoxtntoday.com for consideration in an upcoming edition of ArtBeat.
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