History and tradition remain at the forefront of Knoxville’s mind, even a full week after the holiday. Whether it’s the annual gathering of geeks at the Convention Center or one of many educational, patriotic excursions at our parks and public spaces, the town continues to celebrate.
Coat of Many Colors Exhibition – Dogwood Arts Gallery (July 10, 5 – 8 p.m.) The first Friday event for the Dogwood Arts newest exhibit is here, celebrating LGBTQ+ voices across Appalachia and how they’ve helped shape the culture that we live in today. With over a dozen artists on display throughout the month of July, there’s a wide array of moods and mediums to be experienced in this vast community.
Fanboy Expo – Knoxville Convention Center (July 10 – 12, multiple times) Tennessee’s biggest pop culture celebration is back, and the stars are out in full force all weekend. The Knoxville Convention Center will be home to booths, cosplayers and live entertainment over the weekend. Amongst the main cast for this year’s convention is Ron Perlman, Shia LaBeouf, Heather Locklear and Linda Hamilton. Full day tickets start at $35, with weekend tickets at $85.
Hairspray: The Musical – Bijou Theater (July 10 – 12, multiple times) Brought to Downtown Knoxville by The Wordplayers, Tracy Turnblad returns to the stage and to the “Corny Collins Show.” Revisit 1962 Baltimore and the zero-to-hero story that continues to inspire troves of thespians across the country. This production comes with an age suggestion of 12 and up.
America’s 250th Celebration – Cove at Concord Park (July 11, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.) The independence celebration didn’t stop last week, as Knox County and Visit Knoxville are keeping the party rolling and open to the public all day Saturday. Complete with vendors, bike parades and a complimentary concert from country singer Carson Beyer, this event has all the makings of a sound community festival by the water. This event is completely free.
Independence Day – Tennessee Theater (July 12, 6 p.m.) 30 years later, and Roland Emmerich’s popcorn classic can still be hailed as one of the best summer movies of all time. Fly high with Will Smith and Bill Pullman as the 4th of July brings a whole lot more than fireworks reigning over the skies.
Charcuterie Workshop – Walnut Springs Winery (July 12, 3 – 5 p.m.) Craft your own afternoon snackboard at Walnut Springs this Sunday. Complete with all the meats and cheeses you could need, you’ll be guided through the presentation and panache it takes to make a snack board for every season.
Adam Delahoussaye is a freelance writer for KnoxTNToday who loves telling stories about music, arts, and culture in and around his hometown. Have a story for Adam? He can be reached at delahoussaye1267@gmail.com or by text at 865-919-5059 with your story idea.
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