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

Tuesday Trivia

Did you know? The familiar “Happy Birthday to You” melody grew out of a classroom greeting song written by sisters Patty and Mildred Hill in the 1890s.

Today in History

  • 1565 – Spanish settlers founded St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States.
  • 1900 – A powerful hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, becoming the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.
  • 1966 – The television series “Star Trek” premiered on NBC.

Tennessee Trivia

The mockingbird is Tennessee’s official state bird.

😊 Today’s Smile

Why was the trivia book invited to every party? It always had something interesting to add.

Today’s Highlights

  • Museum Sprouts: Caravan of Camels — 9:30–10:30 a.m., McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture. The free preschool program explores camels through museum objects and activities; registration is required. Details
  • Story Thyme — 10–11 a.m., Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, 2743 Wimpole Ave. A morning story program offers families a garden setting for reading and discovery. Details
  • WDVX Blue Plate Special — noon–1 p.m., Visit Knoxville Visitors Center. The free lunchtime live-music series continues downtown. Details
  • Concerts on the Square — Jazz Tuesdays — 7 p.m., Market Square. Free jazz returns to downtown Knoxville as the September Tuesday concert series continues. Details

Featured Resource

Coming Thursday: Visit Knoxville and United Way of Greater Knoxville host a free Block Party from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Sept. 10 on Market Square, with live music, giveaways and appearances by UT mascots. A $10 lunch benefits the United Way 2026 fundraising campaign.

Community Connections

  • Ijams Nature Center: Find upcoming programs, activities and events. More
  • Knox County Public Library: Check programs and events at branches across Knox County. More
  • KCS Calendar: Keep up with Knox County Schools dates and activities. More
  • KUB Construction: Check current utility construction and possible traffic impacts. More
  • Weather: Check the latest local forecast. More

Beyond Knoxville

  • Across Tennessee: Explore Tennessee State Parks for destinations, activities and reservations. Read more
  • National: Catch up on the latest U.S. headlines. Read more
  • Science: Follow developments in science, space, environment and wildlife. Read more
  • Around the World: Follow international developments through United Nations News. Read more

National Month

Library Card Sign-up Month — September highlights the many opportunities a library card can unlock, from books and digital resources to programs, technology and lifelong learning.

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