School is out for the summer, so it’s time to make summer bucket lists where we can do all the fun things we want to do.
Here is a list of activities in Oak Ridge which I think you’ll want to add to your summer bucket list:
Lavender Festival: June 15, 8am-4pm, Jackson Square, Oak Ridge, TN
The Lavender Festival is a great family outing. It is hosted in the beautiful historic Jackson Square where lavender is the star of the show. There are over 100 vendors that participate with activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. Kids’ highlights are the splash fountain, smoothie bike, mini train ride, a bee scavenger hunt, learning about pollinators, and the art spot.
4th of July Fireworks: July 4, Sundown, A.K. Bissell Park, Oak Ridge
The City of Oak Ridge puts on a spectacular firework show every 4th of July. The event is kicked off by the Oak Ridge Community Band’s performance at 7:30pm at A.K. Bissell Park followed by the fireworks at sundown. If you are not interested in the concert, but still want to see the fireworks, you do not need to go to the park to view them. There are many areas around the park where you can have great views of the firework show. Our family always goes across the street to the high school to view the fireworks. Make sure to find a spot early, as the fireworks attract large crowds. Bring chairs and blankets to sit on.
Story Time: Oak Ridge Public Library, Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:30am
Your summer adventures will begin at the summer reading program put on by the Oak Ridge Public Library. Every Monday and Tuesday from June 3-July 8 at 10:30am, the library has a special guest that will come and perform. It culminates in a party held on July 9 for all those who have completed their summer reading logs. The library holds the program outside at the amphitheater in A.K. Bissell Park, weather permitting. Otherwise, story time will be held in the Civic Center gym next to the Public Library. The library does a phenomenal job with the program. It is a must do with your kids, even if you do not do the summer reading program. Sign up and more information here.
Flatware Tales Storytelling Festival: June 7-8 Oak Ridge, TN
The Flatware Tales is a storytelling festival held annually in Oak Ridge. They bring in top storytelling performers who tell dazzling tales to entertain and educate. The best performance for families to attend is the Saturday morning show at the Oak Ridge Public Library. Other performances are held at the Grove Theater, the Oak Ridge Public Library, and Oak Ridge Senior Center. Some of the events are free, others require purchased tickets. The free events require tickets due to limited space, so make sure to check their website for specific details.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration: June 15, 12-6pm, Old Scarboro School Site, Hampton Rd, Oak Ridge, TN
Celebrate Juneteenth at the second annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration at the historic Scarboro School site. There will be vendors, food trucks, carnival games, live gospel and R&B music, bingo, free giveaways for youth, spoken word, and so much more. Bring chairs for an afternoon event. There will be special parking for those who have accessibility needs.
Oak Ridge Community Band Concerts
The Oak Ridge Community Band hosts concerts throughout the summer showcasing a variety of music for all ages to enjoy. All concerts are free and open to the public. If held outside, bring your own chairs, or blanket to sit on. Enjoy the shows!
Independence Day Concert July 4, 7:30pm A.K. Bissell Park, Oak Ridge
Fall Showcase August 18, 3:30pm First Baptist Church, Oak Ridge
Labor Day Concert September 1, 7pm A.K. Bissell Park, Oak Ridge
