As the rest of the country rings in a quarter millennium, Knoxville is following suit in a few unique ways. It feels like the whole town will be draped in red, white, and blue this weekend, with traditions old and new popping up in just about every neighborhood. From remembering where we came from to anticipating where we’re going, there’s a party for every flavor of the holiday this weekend.
American Revolution Experience Exhibit – East Tennessee History Center (July 1-2 & July 5-7, all day) To reflect on the 250th birthday of the United States, our little corner of history is propping up artifacts and firsthand accounts of the men who first established East Tennessee when America was founded. This exhibit will run the entirety of the week of Independence Day, with the center itself being closed on July 3 and 4 for the holiday.
Wine and Watercolors – Ancient Lore Village (July 2, 7 – 9 p.m.) Inspiration is easy to come by when your painting station is enveloped in a world of fantasy, At the Ancient Lore Village, guests are invited to hone their skills or maybe strike up a new one at Wine and Watercolors, where supplies and signature cocktails will be provided to get those creative juices flowing. Tickets for this event are listed at $35 per person.
Anvil Shoot – Museum of Appalachia (July 3 – 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) The Museum of Appalachia’s signature event is returning and expanding in scale. The now two-day celebration will include the time-honored tradition of the mountains as well as be surrounded by reenactments, historical lectures, and other tidbits of history to make the museum a two-day time machine. Activities, both practical and informative, are available at this all-encompassing festival.
Fireball Classic 5K – Neyland Drive (July 3, 9 p.m.) Come get a kickstart to the weekend and preemptively burn off some hot dogs at this late-night run for the whole family! Starting on Neyland Drive, you’ll take a long lap around Knoxville’s downtown in this competitive or recreation-based run. Registration is available up to the day of this event, with shirts distributed to every participant and medals for each grouping.
Independence Day Parade – Kingston Pike to Boring Road (July 4, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.) The patriotic procession will be cruising through town in style on Saturday morning. With vintage cars and other themed floats rolling down Kingston Pike to get the pre-cookout party started early, with this free demonstration from Knoxville’s community cornerstones.
Festival on the 4th – World’s Fair Park (July 4, 5 – 10 p.m.) The heart of Knoxville is arguably where the pulse of the celebrations can be found this weekend. Entry is completely free as bands will be dispersed throughout the lawn of World’s Fair all evening, with acts ranging from homestead bluegrass to a special set from the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. At 9:45 p.m., the night will be capped off by a fireworks display.
Fourth of July on Mabry’s Hill – Mabry-Hazen House (July 4, 5 – 10 p.m.) Knoxville’s historic venue is bringing tradition to the forefront of its celebration. Food, drink and games for kids will be in theme with the colonial fare as the Mabry-Hazen House rings in 250 years of America. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the door for this event.
Independence Day Cruise – Tennessee Riverboat (July 4, 6:15 – 10 p.m.) For a cool off in the evening, a voyage down the river might be the best nightcap for the holiday yet. Aboard the Star of Knoxville, you’ll get dinner and drinks included in your admission as well as a scenic view of the fireworks shows happening all around town on dry land. Tickets for this event start at $79.75.
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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