Festival on the 4th
July 4
5 p.m.
World's Fair Park
Festival on the 4th is a free, family celebration featuring mini-golf, paddle boats, axe-throwing and more. Food vendors will be located on the World’s Fair Park lawns. The festivities run from 5-10 p.m., ending with a fireworks display. KnoxvilleTN.gov.
Mighty Musical Monday
July 6
12 p.m.
Tennessee Theatre
Noon organ concert featuring a patriotic theme with House Organist Freddie Brabson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, joined by bluegrass band Tipton Station. This is a free event, and complimentary popcorn and refreshments will be available. Bringing your own lunch is encouraged. TennesseeTheatre.com.
Admiral Farragut Birthday Party
July 8
6 p.m.
Farragut Town Hall
Celebrate the birthday of the first admiral of the U.S. Navy and listen to the national reading of the Declaration of Independence. This free event is part of Farragut’s celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday. TownOfFarragut.org.
Doing History: Engaging with Revolutionary Stories in Classrooms and Museums
July 9
6 p.m.
Blount Mansion
Public historians and classroom educators are responsible for translating historians' scholarship into engaging, interactive exhibitions and programs. Curator of Education, Lisa Oakley, has 35 years of experience sharing the stories of Revolutionary and Early Statehood East Tennessee with students and the public. She will share interesting sources and stories from her years teaching with the East Tennessee Historical Society. $10 donation suggested. BlountMansion.org.
250th Celebration & Expo
July 11
11 a.m.
The Cove at Concord Park
Knox County invites the community to a free "living history" event at The Cove, continuing the holiday festivities with a unique waterfront experience. This celebration merges a traditional summer park gathering with family-oriented activities and a spotlight on local history and community groups. The day kicks off with an expo and community activation from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., transitions into a concert at The Cove from 7 to 9 p.m., and finishes with a fireworks display. TN250.com.
Declaration: I Am Tennessee Launch & Reception
July 15
6:30-8:30 p.m.
East Tennessee History Center
This TN 250 project is a partnership between Knoxville's poet laureate, Linda Parsons; the Knoxville Writers Guild; and the East Tennessee Historical Society. Thirty Knox County writers share how Tennessee has shaped them in the document being produced. Grant funding is provided under an agreement with the State of Tennessee and is administered by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. EastTNHistory.org.