While the summer solstice is June 21, the summer season in the 9 Lakes has officially kicked off. The lakes and parks are filled with boaters and campers, while the seasonal waterside restaurants are open and offering fun places to relax with friends and family. The month of June is also jam packed with festivals to enjoy. All five weekends feature multiple events to choose from across the 9 Lakes region. Art, music, food and heritage events are waiting to be explored.

The first weekend of June offers up two great events on Loudoun Lake. The Bike, Boat, Brew & Bark Festival in downtown Knoxville is a pet friendly event celebrating outdoor recreation activities in the urban river corridor of Knoxville. Further down river, the 56^th Annual Lenoir City Arts and Crafts Festival will offer the work of 200 plus artisans.

If your visit brings you to the area on the 2^nd weekend of June, Oak Ridge will be celebrating their 75^th anniversary at the annual Secret City Festival. Take time to visit the Manhattan Project National Historic Park.

The third weekend of June is a “spirited” weekend celebrating the culture and heritage of agriculture in the 9 Lakes. Choosing between the annual Popcorn Sutton Jam in Newport, Big Kahuna Wing Festival in Knoxville, or the Lavender Festival in Oak Ridge doesn’t have to be a choice. Each festival will feature one of the “spirits” that the region has become renowned for: whiskey, craft beer, and wine.

Keeping with traditions of Midsummer Day from the Celtic calendar, the rich agricultural heritage of the 9 Lakes is again on display on the 4^th weekend of June. Oakes Daylily festival in Corryton is an annual event showcasing 1000 varieties of daylilies. This family owned farm is a model of legacy planning and sustainable farming. Wine, music, and a visual tapestry of blooming flowers draw thousands to the event. Nearby, Maryville is home to a “celebration of fermentation” at the Hops in the Hills 4^th annual event. The downtown street festival features a car show, BBQ, and of course, local artisan beers.

The last weekend of June will include many traditional lakeside fireworks displays, but is also the weekend reserved for the annual White Lightning Festival held in Cumberland Gap. Visitors will not only learn about the history of moonshine in East Tennessee, but can hike the nearby Cumberland Gap National Historic Park.

Five weekends in June- so much to see, explore, and experience!