Here’s what’s happening around East Tennessee today, along with helpful community resources and interesting things to discover beyond our backyard.

Motivation Monday

Start the week by looking for one opportunity to encourage someone else. Small acts of kindness often have the biggest impact.

Today’s Highlights

  • Early voting started Friday, July 17, and ends Saturday, August 1. Info here.
  • An Evening with Band of Horses & Dinosaur Jr.: Two acclaimed alternative rock bands take the stage at Tennessee Theatre for an evening of live music in downtown Knoxville. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and brings together Band of Horses’ indie folk-rock sound with Dinosaur Jr.’s influential alternative rock style.
  • Adult Rhythm Tap Class: Whether you’re dusting off your tap shoes or trying something new, the Adult Rhythm Tap Class at BAPA: Broadway Academy of Performing Arts & Events Center offers adults of all experience levels an opportunity to learn, move and have fun in a welcoming environment.
  • Jacob Poling Quartet: Enjoy an evening of live jazz during a performance by the Jacob Poling Quartet at Bistro at the Bijou. It’s a great way to unwind with exceptional local musicians while enjoying dinner in downtown Knoxville.

Featured Resource

KUB Construction: Traffic advisories and construction-related impacts are communicated primarily through the online construction map.

Community Calendar

Ijams Nature Center: Ijams offers programs, activities, and events for all ages on a weekly basis, and almost every day. Check their Calendar of Events here.

July Outdoor Concert Series: The  Downtown Maryville Alliance announces the launch of a free, outdoor concert series coming to the Charles West Amphitheater in Jack Greene Park each Thursday during the months of June and July 2026. This inaugural season will feature an exciting lineup of regional and national talent, bringing live music to downtown Maryville each Thursday from 7-9 p.m. Below are the dates and performers:

  • July 23 – J & The Causeways
  • July 30 – Wyatt Ellis

Outdoor Knoxville: A calendar produced by Legacy Parks Foundation has a comprehensive list of upcoming local outdoor events. Find it here.

Visit Knoxville published 2026 Guide: The free 2026 Official Knoxville Visitors Guide is now available: Visitors Guide.

Helpful Community Links

Stay informed throughout the day:

KCS Calendar: Stay informed with Knox County Schools calendar here.

Knoxville/Knox County Planning Commission: The Planning Commission meets the second Thursday of each month. Find agenda, minutes, and information here.

Mayor’s Kickin’ It with Kincannon: City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon shares a monthly podcast Kickin’ It with Kincannon.

Mayor Glenn Jacobs weekly podcast: Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs provides a weekly podcast.

Weather: The latest weather forecasts from WBIR Weather.

Across Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains Travel: Keep up to date on the TN/NC park Basic Information, Visitor Centers, Park Closures and Alerts, Parking Tags, Camping, Hiking, and general Visit Planning, all here.

TN Government meetings: Follow the latest here.

Tennessee Entertainment for All: The TN Vacation website links visitors to any region of Tennessee, featuring up-to-date venues and performances for all ages and preferences.

Tennessee Travel Information: As you make travel plans, get information on all travel issues across Tennessee, here.

Across America

July is National Family Reunion Month: Summer is a popular time for families to gather. National Family Reunion Month celebrates reconnecting, sharing stories, and making new memories with loved ones.

National: Latest U.S. headlines at Google News US.

Congress: 42 meetings this week. Weekly Review

Entertainment: Latest in Movies, Music, TV, Books, Arts, Design, Celebrities at Google Entertainment.

Science: Latest in Environment, Space, Physics, Genetics, and Wildlife, at Google Science.

Sports: Latest in NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, Soccer, NASCAR, & more sports at Google Sports.

Stocks: Follow the stock market: Market Watch.

U.S. Supreme Court: Follow the decisions of the top court here

Around the World

World: Latest World headlines at Google News World.

United Nations: Latest UN News.

Today in History

1969: Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon, fulfilling President John F. Kennedy’s goal of landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade.

Tennessee Trivia

Did you know? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most-visited national park, welcoming more than 13 million visitors each year.

😊 Today’s Smile

Why don’t scientists trust atoms?

Because they make up everything.

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