“The Eight Great” is our curated list of calendar highlights presented monthly with Hellmouth Magazine, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to publishing quality cultural commentary. Vol. 2 is out now! Check it out: Website | Instagram
Music and performance abound in August. With an expanse of cultural and historical immersion, Knoxville’s offerings this month promise a rich tapestry of drums, dramatics and divas. From day to night, every weekend is packed with experiences worth exploring.
THRU SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
36th Shakespeare Festival, Knoxville Shakespeare @ the lawn in front of IJAMS Nature Center • Matinee Performances: Doors at 1:30 PM, Show at 2 PM, Nightly Performances: Doors at 7 PM, Show at 7:30 PM • $20
The Tennessee Stage Company presents its 36th Shakespeare Festival by Knoxville Shakespeare this year, featuring The Merry Wives of Windsor and King Henry V. These plays feature one of Shakespeare’s funniest and most unique characters, as well as a story filled with assassination plots, cut-throat betrayal, battles, political intrigue and unlikely alliances.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
The Queenz of Knoxville @ Sassy Ann’s • 9 pm–3 am • Shows at 10 PM and midnight • $25 (online ticketing only) • 21+
Although XYZ is gone, the party lives on at Sassy Ann’s while the community cooks up something new for Knoxville’s nightlife. Recurring every weekend in August, The Queenz of Knoxville are taking you on a journey through the decades, celebrating the biggest icons, unforgettable anthems and legendary looks of the ’80s, ’90s, Y2K, the 2010s, and today. Dress to match the decade, channel your favorite pop icon, or show off your best retro look.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
VEILED presented by Abrakapokus & Dropwise @ 1532 Island Home Ave. • 9 pm • $20 • 21+ • No BYOB
Underground warehouse rave? Look no further. This event features DJs Andrew Fetch, Q, Doomsayer, Dropwise and Abrakapokus. Leave your worries behind, craft beer and other alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at the venue. There is a strict no-camera policy in order to preserve this immersive experience for everyone.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 & 3
Kuumba Festival @ Chilhowee Park • 2–10 PM • FREE
The largest cultural heritage and music festival in East Tennessee that celebrates African Culture in Diaspora! The Kuumba Festival showcases Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Ensemble, Indigenous Vibes, West African Drum and dances by artists of all ages. Food and merchandise vendors have selections from around the world.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13–SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
No-Man’s Land @ the Knoxville Museum of Art • Museum hours 10 am–5 pm • 5:30 pm (KMA members only curator talk) • 6:30 pm (exhibition opening event) • FREE
Inspired by the visionary work of Kentucky coal miner-turned-evangelist Harrison Mayes after he experienced a life-changing epiphany, No-Man’s-Land explores genres, beings and geographies that exceed singular definition. Born in Tennessee in 1898, Mayes placed concrete beacons across the country, with plans for them to reach outer space and beyond. He installed these markers in so-called “no-man’s-land”—narrow, ambiguous strips of land between state and private property where no single authority could claim jurisdiction. This exhibition looks to artists who work in similarly uncharted territory.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 & SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Secretek @ (location revealed soon) • Gate hours: Fri. 4–8 PM, Sat. 12–4 PM • weekend pass only, $35 presale, $45 at gate • 21+
“I have a secret to tell you…an ancient ritual is set to occur…will you be there to hear the truth of the sound?” This entirely outdoors festival will be two back-to-back days laden with community, camping, and stacked lineups (+ bonus artists and secret sets). No camping pass. No separate day tickets. One price for everyone, for everything.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 & 30
13th Annual Knox Asian Fest @ World’s Fair Park & the Knoxville Museum of Art • August 29, 6–8 PM (VIP night show) • August 30, 10:30 AM–6:30 PM (festival) • Kids FREE, General $5.70
“Prepare to experience authentic foods, exciting performances, and traditional activities that represent the diverse cultures of Japan, China, South Korea, Indonesia, The Philippines, Taiwan, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Vietnam and beyond! The Asian Cultural Parade will start at 10:30 AM at the Water Fountain on the Festival Lawn. During the festival, booths for each country will feature food vendors, activities, & ongoing performances.”
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
Sunset on Central @ Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Schulz Bräu Brewing Co., Corner Lounge, Next Level Brewing Co., and Central Filling Station • 3 PM–midnight • FREE
This festival is designed to support Knoxville’s local music scene by filling the need for accessible, high-quality performance spaces. Spanning five walkable venues—Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Schulz Bräu Brewing Co., Corner Lounge, Next Level Brewing Co. and Central Filling Station—the festival transforms Central Street into an immersive, genre-agnostic playground for music lovers.
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