~ from the East Tennessee History Society
WHEN: August 15, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay St., Knoxville, TN 37902 and surrounding streets
The East Tennessee Historical Society, in partnership with the Knox County Public Library, is proud to announce the return of the East Tennessee History Fair. This well-loved event will take to the streets of downtown Knoxville once more, but in a new way.
This FREE celebration will take place in and around the East Tennessee History Center in downtown Knoxville and will include:
- regional historic/cultural organizations
- living history
- live music by the Knox County Jug Stompers, Clinch River Ramblers, and more
- an old-time musical jam (bring your own instruments)
- square dancing
- film screenings at the Tennessee Theatre including 1776 the Musical
- children’s activities
- lectures from local historians
- and more!
The theme will center around our nation’s Semiquincentennial (250th) with a focus on these four pillars: Celebrate, Commemorate, Contemplate, and Commit. These pillars will be woven throughout the event with engagement areas and educational programming materials to spark conversation, encourage reflection, and help broaden our understanding of our diverse region.
Visit our website at easttnhistory.org for a full schedule!
We will be continually updating our website over the next week with a full line up of music, poetry readings, lectures, and more!
