5 Things to Do in Knoxville Before Summer Ends

1.) Get on the Water!

It isn’t summertime in East Tennessee if you’re not on the water! Meads Quarry & August Quarry in South Knoxville are both the peeerfect outlets if you’re looking for a change of scenery downtown area without having to travel very far. Rent SUP boards and kayaks or just jump in and swim for freeeee, baby!

About 45 minutes away, we hiiiighly recommend floating the river in Townsend. Mountain views? Check. A lil rush of adrenaline here or there? Check. Moments of pure relaxation? Check. A chance to leave your phone in the car, chat with your pals, and feel alive again? Check, check, check! We’ve tried both River Rage & River Rat tubing & can vouch for both of them. Ultimately, just get your bootie on a tube & enjoy 😆

Whichever you choose, the water is sparkling, the vibes are high, and the views make for Insta-worthy backdrops all summer long 🙌

2.) This Lil Piggy Went to Market

While there are technically indoor winter markets, nothing compares to a farmers’ market in the summer. In mid-August, you can find the most delicious tomatoes, peaches, and other peak summer fruits & veggies. Knoxville’s most popular farmers’ market is the Market Square Farmers Market which runs every Wednesday and Saturday until 1 PM. Besides the freshest produce, you can find pastries, kombucha, art, live music, plants, your will to live, etc. It’s honestly the best way to see what Knoxville offers all while supporting your local makers and enjoying the summer air!

3.) Take Me Out to the Ball Game

YES, we need you to get your bootie over to Covenant Health Park for a ball game before summer ends… but no, we’re not going to tell you whether that game should be baseball or soccer 😆

Both the Smokies (minor league baseball) and One Knox (professional soccer) use the stadium for their games so you can expect a fun time, a cold beer, and a fresh hot dog no matter which sport you choose to support 🙌 Because we’re here to root for the home team but we’re reeeeally here for the hot dogs…

PRO-TIP: the Smokies end their weekend games with fireworks if you want a lil extra pizzazz!

4.) Find a Festival!

Believe it or not, the end of summer in Knoxville is PACKED with local festivals. Is it borderline unbearably hot? NO MATTER, KNOXVILLE. WE WILL RISE & WE WILL FEST 😂🙌

After all, why was lemonade even invented if not to sustain extended time enjoying your city at festivals with your friends? 

Here are a few festivals still coming up this summer as of us writing this here article: Sunset on Central (a freeeeee music discovery festival that takes over North Knox), Knox Asian Festival, Gherkinfest at Schulz Brau, Big Kahuna Wing Fest, Greek Fest and who are we kidding, probably more. Told you there were lots of festivals 😆

5.) Ice Scream from the Top of My Lungs

Listen, ice cream can be enjoyed any day of the year and that’s not up for debate. (We’ll scream it from the tops of our lungs 😉) However, there’s something extra nostalgic (and extra necessary 👀) about cold ice cream on a hot summer day. Knoxville has plenty of delicious ice cream spots but our favorites for summer vibes are Cruze Farm’s Asbury location and the Sugar Queen Creamery in South Knoxville. Both are old houses that have been transformed into iconic ice cream shops with great outdoor areas and faabulous season flavors. I know I can’t get enough of anything peach flavored. (*pauses to wipe drool*)

Summer may be on her last leg, but we’re here to enjoy every last drop. Treat yourself to a fabulous end to your summer in Knoxville, babyyy!