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In this Knoxville Insider Issue…
🌤️ Weather | Partly Sunny with a High of 71
🏢 Business Corner - Look Back to See What Really Grew Your Business
🛍️ Shop Local
🗓️ Upcoming Events
GURU starts Nov 12. Have you saved your spot?
What do Molly Ringwald, Dan Levy, Amy Porterfield & a world record have in common? They'll all be at GURU Conference 2026. 100% Free. 100% Virtual.
If you're obsessed with marketing like we're obsessed with marketing, GURU is the must-attend conference of the year. We'll be covering all things email marketing: B2B, B2C, newsletters, deliverability, email design, AI & more.
You can expect to walk away with new email strategies, the very latest digital trends, and how to step up your email performance. But don't worry, we also like to have fun. This year's theme is rom-com, so there will be DJs, meet-cutes, and a cutest pet contest. (Start prepping your dog's headshot now.)
Don't miss out. Join us Nov 12th & 13th for the largest virtual & free email marketing conference, powered by Constant Contact.
Record: HIGH - 83 in 1961 | LOW - 22 in 1954
Handmade Holiday Gifts at the Old City Holiday Market
Need some gifts with a story behind them? The Old City Holiday Market returns to the 100 block of West Jackson Avenue on December 13th, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Presented by Dogwood Arts, the market brings together local artists, crafters, makers, and food vendors in the heart of the historic Old City. It's an easy way to finish your holiday shopping, support small businesses, and enjoy a festive afternoon downtown, with the Old City's shops, coffee spots, and restaurants just steps away.
The 53rd Annual WIVK Christmas Parade
For more than half a century, the WIVK Christmas Parade has marked the start of the holidays in downtown Knoxville, and it returns on December 4th, at 7:00 PM.
The parade travels along Gay Street to Jackson Avenue, filling downtown with floats, marching bands, community groups, and of course, Santa Claus himself. Bring blankets, bundle up the kids, and stake out your spot along Gay Street early. The best viewing spots go fast!
Downtown streets close ahead of the parade, so plan extra time for parking.
Newsletter cut short in your email?
Business Doctor Tip: Look Back to See What Really Grew Your Business
When John looked back at a company he grew from $500K to $6.5 million a year, the growth came from a mix of cold calls, organic referrals and on-purpose referrals. The on-purpose referrals did the heavy lifting. Later, the same approach took another business from $1.2 million to $8.5 million in two and a half years. Look at your last 10 customers. Where did they really come from?
Book a qualification call or call (865) 255-4722.
Lace Up Under the Lights at Holidays on Ice
Few things say "Christmas in downtown Knoxville" like skating under the twinkling lights of Market Square. The Holidays on Ice outdoor skating rink opens for the season on November 27th, the night of the Regal Celebration of Lights, and stays open through January 3rd.
Whether you're a confident skater or holding tight to the wall, it's a festive outing for date nights, family nights, and out-of-town guests alike. Grab a hot cocoa from a nearby café, take a few laps, and soak up the holiday atmosphere downtown. More Info
Farragut's Countdown to Light the Park
Farragut is ready to flip the switch on the holiday season. Join neighbors at Founders Park (Campbell Station) for the Countdown to Light the Park on November 23rd, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, as the town counts down to lighting up the park for the holidays.
Once the lights are on, Light the Park glows every evening from November 24th through January 3rd, perfect for a festive evening stroll with the family or a stop on your holiday lights tour. More Info
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🗓️ Now through November 7th - Walnut Springs Winery in Strawberry Plains is launching their Wine Maze experience — A Night of Pour Decisions. The concept is exactly what it sounds like: you wander through the corn maze with wine in hand, discovering five tasting stations tucked into the twists and turns, each one bringing a new pour and a new vibe. Boots are encouraged. Getting a little lost is part of the fun. More Info & Tickets
🗓️ Now through November 15th - The Clarence Brown Theatre presents Clyde's, by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, in the new Jenny Boyd Theatre on the UT campus. More Info
🗓️ November 4th - Laura Resau is coming to the East Tennessee History Center (601 S Gay Street) on November 4th at 6:00 PM to answer exactly that question, in a talk called "The Alchemy of a Novel." More Info
🗓️ November 5th - 7:30 PM - The Knoxville Ice Bears - Military Appreciation Night vs. the Macon Mayhem, at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum (500 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue). More Info
🗓️ November 6th - It’s time to Go Big Orange! The University of Tennessee’s Homecoming Parade returns to campus at 4:00 p.m., bringing Volunteers together to celebrate the traditions, history, and spirit of Rocky Top. The entire Knoxville and campus community is invited to join the fun and show off their Tennessee pride! More Info
🗓️ November 6th-7th - The Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC), the Knoxville nonprofit that builds and maintains many of the area's natural-surface trails, hosts its annual Fall Fest on November 6th–7th at Baker Creek Preserve and Urban Wilderness Gateway Park. It's AMBC's biggest fundraiser of the year, and it's FREE to attend. More Info
🗓️ November 6th-8th - Ready to get a head start on your Christmas list? The Knoxville Christmas Fair, a long-running East Tennessee holiday tradition, fills the Knoxville Expo Center (5441 Clinton Hwy) with handmade gifts, ornaments, seasonal décor, and one-of-a-kind crafts from local and regional makers. More Info
🗓️ November 7th - November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and East Tennessee is kicking it off together. The Epilepsy Foundation of East Tennessee hosts its Epilepsy Awareness Walk from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at World's Fair Park (720 11th Street). More Info
🗓️ November 7th-8th - For the first time ever, Zoo Knoxville (3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive) is inviting four-legged family members to visit during Dog Days, presented by PetSafe Brands, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The zoo is open for regular admission, and you can bring your well-behaved dog along for the adventure. More Info, Rules, & Tickets
🗓️ November 7th - 3:00 PM — The Knoxville Ice Bears - Bluey's Teddy Bear Toss vs. the Huntsville Havoc. Bring a new teddy bear to throw on the ice! Knoxville Civic Coliseum (500 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue). More Info
🗓️ November 8th - Knoxville Opera presents Voices of Valor, a large-scale Veterans Day concert honoring the service and sacrifice of America's veterans, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (711 S. Northshore Drive), in partnership with the Cathedral Concert Series. More Info
🗓️ November 8th - Plant lovers, this one's for you. Flora & Folia (226 N. Peters Road) is turning four, and they're celebrating by giving back. Free Plant Day on November 8th, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
🗓️ November 10th - Contemporary artist Patricia Pasbrig of Textured Strokes is teaching "Acrylic Painting with Modeling Paste," a full-day sculptural acrylic workshop, at Chota Recreation Center, Classroom A (145 Awohili Drive, Loudon). ⏰ Registration deadline: November 1st. More Info
🗓️ November 12th - Blount Mansion's (200 W. Hill Avenue) Semiquincentennial Celebration Lecture Series, honoring America's 250th anniversary, wraps up its fall run with Dr. Katy Chiles presenting "Phillis Wheatley and the Black American Revolution", at 6:00 PM. More Info & RSVP.
🗓️ November 12th-13th - Few pieces of music build like Ravel's Boléro, and few places are as grand for hearing it as the historic Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street). The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents Bartók & Boléro at 7:30 PM, conducted by Music Director Aram Demirjian and featuring acclaimed pianist Jeremy Denk. More Info
🗓️ November 13th - 7:30 PM — The Knoxville Ice Bears - Tattoos & Terror vs. the Huntsville Havoc (yes, it's Friday the 13th). Knoxville Civic Coliseum (500 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue). More Info
🗓️ November 13th-14th - Used Book Sale at Cedar Bluff Branch (9045 Cross Park Drive), 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
🗓️ November 14th - After a hit first year, First Presbyterian Church (620 State Street) downtown is bringing back its Arts & Crafts Fair, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. More Info
🗓️ November 14th - Get a head start on your gift list with something truly one of a kind. Concord United Methodist Church's United Women in Faith hosts its 9th Annual Artisan Craft Fair, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 11020 Roane Drive.
🗓️ November 14th - Get ready for a magical day of shopping, creativity, and community at The Mystical Market at Enchanted Hollow from noon to 8 p.m.! Explore unique handmade goods and mystical treasures from local vendors, grab a bite from food trucks, and enjoy live entertainment and a children’s area for the little ones. More info
🗓️ November 15th - After the success of its very first Night Meowket, Scruffy's Cafe (1015 N. Broadway), Knoxville's cat café, is bringing the fun back for the holidays with the Winter Meowket, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
🗓️ November 17th - The Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestras (KSYO) open their new season with their annual Fall Concert, featuring student musicians from across East Tennessee. KSYO's ensembles range from beginning string players to its advanced Youth Orchestra. More Info
🗓️ November 17th - Jim Henson's Labyrinth: In Concert is coming to the historic Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street) at 8:00 PM to celebrate the beloved 1986 film's 40th anniversary. More Info
🗓️ November 17th - What does it take to keep going through career changes, setbacks, and life as part of a military family? A panel of Knoxville women will answer that question at "Built for This," a fireside chat experience on resilience from Ladies Lifestyle Network Knoxville. The evening takes place from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at The Hub Pro Studio (1104 Merchant Drive, Suite 103). More Info & Tickets
🗓️ November 18th - Grab a friend and your sense of humor, because no art experience is required. Contemporary artist Patricia Pasbrig of Textured Strokes is back at El Toro Bar & Grill (1938 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge) with a cozy new Paint & Sip. More Info
🗓️ November 19th - For 22 years, he was the guy America fell asleep laughing with. Now Jay Leno is bringing his stand-up comedy to the historic Tennessee Theatre (604 S. Gay Street) for one night only, at 7:30 PM. More Info
🗓️ November 19th-22nd - Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic! at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum (500 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue) for nine performances. More Info
🗓️ November 19th-December 19th - Scrooge, the Cratchits, and three very persuasive ghosts are back. The Clarence Brown Theatre's A Christmas Carol returns for the holiday season, running November 19th - December 19th, on the UT campus (1714 Andy Holt Ave). More Info
🗓️ November 20th - Christmas at Chilhowee - It's a perfect first holiday outing for families. Last year's celebration included a choir performance, a tree lighting, free photos with Santa, holiday crafts, a Touch-a-Truck, and free hayrides around the park to see the lights. Bundle up and make it a new family tradition from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Chilhowee Park (3301 E. Magnolia Avenue).. More Info
🗓️ November 20th - Get ready to say hello to the holiday season. Pinnacle at Turkey Creek (11251 Parkside Drive) is hosting All Is Bright, a free evening of festive family fun, on November 20th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
🗓️ November 20th-21st - Get a jump on your holiday shopping, or just come hunting for treasures. The Knoxville Flea Market fills the Knoxville Expo Center (5441 Clinton Highway) with more than 275 booths the weekend before Thanksgiving. More Info
🗓️ November 21st - A Medieval Holiday Festival takes over the grounds at 865 Axe Throwing (5821 Babelay Road) from noon to 7:00 PM, with vendors, activities, and entertainment all day long.
🗓️ November 22nd - The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra continues its beloved holiday tradition with Handel's Messiah, performed with the Knoxville Choral Society, at 2:30 PM, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. More Info
🗓️ November 22nd - If your holiday list calls for something you won't find at the mall, mark your calendar. The Retropolitan Craft Fair, one of Knoxville's longest-running indie craft fairs, returns to the Mill & Mine, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
🗓️ November 24th-29th - Eternal youth has never looked so deadly, or so hilarious. Death Becomes Her, the Broadway musical comedy based on the cult-classic 1992 film, kicks off the Tennessee Theatre's (604 S. Gay Street) 2026–27 Broadway season. More Info
🗓️ November 25th-29th - Fantasy of Trees, benefiting Dolly Parton Children's Hospital (formerly East Tennessee Children's Hospital), fills the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley Street) with a dazzling forest of decorated Christmas trees during Thanksgiving week. More Info
🗓️ November 26th - The Regal Knoxville Turkey Trot 5K and Little Gobbler Kids' Run, organized by the Knoxville Track Club, returns on Thanksgiving morning, starting near the Mill & Mine (227 W. Depot Avenue) in downtown Knoxville. Register & More Info
🗓️ November 27th - The day after Thanksgiving, downtown Knoxville turns on the holiday magic. The Regal Celebration of Lights lights up the city's Christmas tree from 5:15 PM to 9:00 PM in the Krutch Park Extension at Market Square. More Info
🗓️ November 27th - 6:00 PM — The Knoxville Ice Bears - Fight Night vs. the Athens Rock Lobsters, the perfect post-Thanksgiving outing. Knoxville Civic Coliseum (500 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue). More Info
🗓️ November 28th - Old City Market, presented by Dogwood Arts, fills the 100 block of West Jackson Avenue with local makers, artists, and bakers for a special Small Business Saturday market, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. More Info
🗓️ November 28th - The Gobbler 5K & 10K hits Fountain City's Adair Park on November 28th, at 8:30 AM, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The start line sits next to the Knoxville Parks & Recreation building at 1807 Adair Drive. More Info
🗓️ December 4th-5th - Used Book Sale at Bearden Branch Library (100 Golf Club Road), 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
🗓️ December 5th-6th - The Knoxville Holiday Market, from the team behind the Chattanooga Market, brings more than 150 local and regional makers to the Knoxville Convention Center (701 Henley Street). More Info
🗓️ December 6th - This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, December 4, and Knoxville is celebrating together downtown. Chanukah in the City returns to Market Square, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
🗓️ December 6th - East Tennessee Sacred Circle Dance hosts its Winter Solstice Sacred Circle Dance on December 6th, at 7:00 PM at the Knoxville Square Dance Center (828 Tulip Avenue). It's a community celebration of light, hope, and peace, facilitated by Kevin Meyer, Maggie Moon, and Diane Shenk. More Info
🗓️ December 11th-13th - The East Tennessee Makers Market includes three days of handmade gift vendors at the Knoxville Expo Center (5441 Clinton Highway), from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. More Info
Recurring:
🗓️ Tuesdays - Knoxville Dodgeball has been running weekly drop-in games at the Farragut Community Center Gym every Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM since April 2025, and the doors are open to anyone 18 and up. More Info
Networking:
Veterans:
🗓️ Free Veterans’ Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 20 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly. Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates
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