Make the most of warm summer days with these awesome ideas for things to do in Knoxville in July. From u-pick adventures to outdoor movies and festivals, you’ll find all the best ideas right here.
Best of all, this big list of activities in Knoxville TN will help you create memories that last a lifetime.
Fun Things to Do in Knoxville in July
Discount Movie Deals
July will be the last month you can take advantage of the $2-$3 movie deals at Regal and AMC. These discounted movies include older kid-friendly flicks that are perfect for the whole family.
Blueberry Picking
Visiting a u-pick blueberry farm is another popular activity taking place in July. Several farms offer both blackberries and blueberries, so you may be able to pick both at the same time.
Free Outdoor Concerts
Grab a blanket or camp chair and enjoy a little music under the stars.
You can keep the evening cheap by bringing a cooler of your own food. Or even better, you can support a local business by grabbing food from a local restaurant or food truck.
Plan a Beach Vacay
There’s still time to plan a last-minute beach vacation this summer. Our big list of the closest beaches to Knoxville can help you find the picture-perfect location.
July 4th Events
Celebrate Independence Day in Style with this big list of July 4th events near Knoxville.
Super Swimming Spots
As the heat ramps up, why not check out one of our fantastic swimming holes like Meade’s Quarry or The Cove? Keep in mind there are no lifeguards on duty, so swimming at these locations is at your own risk.
If you’re a little more traditional, you can always opt for a relaxing day at the local public swimming pool or splash park.
July Events in Knoxville
Sunflower Festival at Narramore
July 1, 2023
Narramore Farms, Kingston
$12
Admission includes sunflower field viewing with 1 picked sunflower. There will also be yard games, children’s activities, live music, and concessions.
You can also purchase various flower-picking packages that allow you to pick additional sunflowers.
Nightfall Sunflower Festival
July 1-23, 2023
Nightfall Acres, Philidelphia
$8 and up
Basic admission includes access to the sunflower field, yard games, and selfie-photo props. Optional add-ons include pick-your-own sunflowers, u-pick zinnias, and tractor rides.
Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt
July 1-31, 2023
Downtown Knoxville
FREE
Pick up your Waldo passport and start searching for Waldo in downtown stores. Each Waldo sighting will earn you 1 passport stamp.
Participants will be competing to earn gift cards and prizes.
Fireworks Bean Bag Toss Craft
July 1, 2023
Home Depot
FREE
Bring the kids out for a fun and free make-and-take project where they will create their own bean bag toss games. All supplies are included.
Fanboy Expo
July 7-9, 2023
Knoxville Convention Center
$35 – $700 Depending on Package Chosen
Meet and greet with a variety of cast members from various shows and movies including Cobra Kai, Lord of the Rings, Willy Wonka, Jay and Silent Bob, and more!
Craftsmen’s Fair
July 7-16, 2023
Gatlinburg Convention Center
$10/adults, kids are free
There will be over 200 vendor booths at this popular bi-annual craft fair. There will also be live demonstrations and free kids’ activities.
Extend the fun by exploring Gatlinburg after the event.
Hidden Creatures Next Level Scavenger Hunt
July 8, 2023
World’s Fair Park, Knoxville
$25 per person or $85 per 4 person team
In this city-wide escape game, players will use their phones to solve puzzles and find mythical hidden creatures.
Vintage Baseball Veterans Appreciation Day
July 8, 2023
Historic Ramsey House
FREE Admission
If you’ve never experienced vintage baseball, check out this neat video to see what you can expect. In addition to being a fun game, it’s a great history lesson for the kids.
For this double header veterans will enjoy a free combo meal, and be able to participate in special activities and games. Get more details here.
Jefferson County Fair
July 11-15, 2023
Jefferson County Fair Grounds, Jefferson City
$8 per person 6 and over + $5 for parking
Enjoy all summer has to offer with a trip to this traditional county fair with rides, games, contests, delicious food, music, and more!
Kid A-Riffic Fun in the Park
July 12, 19, & 26, 2023
Multiple Locations
FREE Admission
The city is hosting fun mid-week mini-festivals for kids throughout the summer. Each week, the event will be held at a different location.
Activities will include various crafts and games and it’s all completely free. These events are held mid-day on Wednesdays, so unfortunately, it won’t be convenient if you have to work.
Knoxville Airport Model Train Show
July 15, 2023
Hilton at Tyson Mcgee, Alcoa
$12/adults, FREE/ages 12 and under
At this model train show guests can view a variety of train layouts and displays, view train drag races, and purchase trains and related accessories.
Cherokee Caverns Christmas in July
July 15, 2023
Cherokee Caverns, Knoxville
$12
Head on down to the cave to enjoy an underground screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carey.
Summer Market Series
July 15, 2023
The Southern Market, Knoxville
FREE Admission
At this summer market, shoppers will enjoy live music while shopping from artisan vendors and boutiques.
In addition to the usual indoor shops, there will be additional outdoor vendors and food trucks on site.
Jurrasic Empire Dinosaur Adventure
July 15-16, 2023
Chilhowee Park and Expo Center
$20
At this prehistoric event, kids can get up close and personal with life-size animatronic dinosaurs.
Open Bluegrass Session
July 16, 2023
Meads Quarry
FREE Admission
There will be a beginner’s jam session followed by a session for more experienced musicians. Guests are welcome as participants or audience members.
These are acoustic sessions featuring guitar, upright bass, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and dobro.
Southeast Crab Feast
July 22, 2023
New Harvest Park
$17.50
Guests will enjoy all-you-can-eat steamed blue crabs along with fish and chips. This event supports a variety of charities as well as small southern crabbers in NC, SC, GA, & FL.
This event happens twice a year and sells out every time. So, get your tickets early. The next one is in September.
Terrarium Building Workshop
July 22, 2023
Hey Bear Cafe, Knoxville
$55
At this crafty event, guests will create their very own ecosystems using Earth Star Bromeliads as the shining star.
The cost of this program includes the glass terrarium containers, the primary plant, and all necessary supplies. Decorative rocks and figurines are also included at no additional charge.
Repticon
July 22-23, 2023
Chilhowee Park and Expo Center
$6-$15
See live animals from around the world and purchase exotic pets and reptiles.
Free Family Night
July 28, 2023
The Muse Children’s Museum, Knoxville
FREE Admission
Once a month families can enjoy free admission to The Muse, our local children’s museum.
Did we miss one of your favorite things to do in Knoxville in July? Please send us the details so we can add it to the list.
Erica has lived in East TN for over 9 years. She enjoys exploring this gorgeous region with her husband and 3 lively children. As a former teacher turned homeschool mom, she loves finding fun and affordable activities the entire family will love, especially if they cultivate a love for learning!