Indulge in Sweet Delights at ChocolateFest

Issue #388

31 Dec

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather | Showers with a High of 56

🍫 Indulge in Sweet Delights at ChocolateFest

♬ Roux du Bayou Brings Authentic Cajun Sounds to Knoxville

🪩 New Year’s Eve Silent Disco

🪩 New Year’s Eve Sunsphere VIP Party

📰 Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Presents Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 74 in 1984 — Record Low: -1 in 1880


The Knoxville Insider is for you, our readers. We encourage you to share your news, local hero stories, events, and more! Email us at [email protected].

Indulge in Sweet Delights at ChocolateFest

Get ready for the 9th annual ChocolateFest, a two-day celebration of all things chocolate, happening January 24th and 25th!

Kick off the weekend with a new exclusive event, ChocolateFest: After Dark, on Friday, January 24th, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This adults-only experience features premium chocolates, enchanting performances, live music, and a romantic atmosphere—perfect for a date night. Your pass includes complimentary tastings, a photo op, and access to a cash bar.

On Saturday, January 25th, dive into VIP Tasting Experiences offered at multiple time slots throughout the day (10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM). Enjoy a 45-minute chocolate tasting session featuring Knoxville’s finest vendors, or explore the vendor floor with General Admission to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts.

VIP Tasting Experience tickets include a tasting/show and vendor floor access. General Admission tickets provide vendor floor access only. Visit mychocolatefest.com to purchase your tickets. Don’t wait—secure your spot today for this sweet escape into chocolate heaven!

Roux du Bayou Brings Authentic Cajun Sounds to Knoxville

Get ready for a night of lively Cajun, zydeco, swamp pop, and Mardi Gras music as Jubilee Community Arts presents Roux du Bayou at the Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave, on Thursday, January 25th, at 8:00 PM.

Led by accordionist Paul Gregoire from Dulac, Louisiana, this Nashville-based band promises an unforgettable experience for Cajun dance enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Joining Gregoire are Wade Bernard on guitar and vocals, Jerry Prevost on drums, and Stephan Dudash on fiddle and guitar. In addition to authentic Louisiana sounds, the band incorporates oldies, rock 'n' roll, R&B, and vintage country into their dynamic performances.

$20 at the door $15 General Admission (Advance) $14 for JCA members, students, and seniors (65+) Tickets are available through TicketLeap, by mail, or at the door 30 minutes before the show.

Don’t miss this chance to experience the vibrant spirit of Louisiana in Knoxville!

Have an event to add? Let us know! [email protected]

Business Open House:

Circle Modern Dance is hosting a free Open House on Sunday, January 5th, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts, located at 2906 Tazewell Pike #A.

Community:

Peppermint Trail Downtown: through January 5th, 2025. Follow peppermint sidewalk decals to discover delightful holiday treats like candy cane coffees, craft cocktails, and seasonal desserts. More Info

Katie Holt in Conversation with Clare Gilmore: Union Ave Books is thrilled to host a special event featuring Holt’s debut novel, Not in My Book. Join them on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Union Ave Books, located at 517 Union Ave. More Info or direct RSVP link.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training: Learn how to identify, understand, and respond to the signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This is a free, in-person 8-hour training located at The Gateway, 530 W 5th Ave, Upstairs Conference Room, on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 from 9am - 4:30pm. Questions - please contact [email protected] or (865) 588-5550. Questions - please contact [email protected] or (865) 588-5550.

Find recurring events on our Community Events page.

Food:

How Do You Brew?: Discover the diverse techniques and vessels for brewing tea, on Wednesday, January 15th from 6pm-8pm, limited seating- $35 per guest, More Info

Paint & Sip Tea Party: Discover your artistic flair with a fun, interactive painting class, paired with a selection of teas and butter cookies, on Wednesday, January 22nd from 6pm-8pm. All painting supplies & treats are provided. More Info & Tickets

Tea Flights: offered Mondays - Thursdays at The Spice and Tea Exchange. Limited to 4 people per group at $8.99/person. Call the store for more information (865) 985-0913.

Networking:

New Networking Group! North Knox Connections - first meeting is on Monday, January 13th at Life House Coffee, 7545 Brickyard Rd starting at 8:30am.

Canine-Focused Business Networking: For local businesses serving canine clients, Wednesday, January 8th and Friday, January 24th at 8:30am at Zoom Room, 10938 Spring Bluff Way.

Theater & Music

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Presents Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) brings Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back to life like never before. Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at 8:00 PM at Knoxville Civic Auditorium More Info

Theater 23 Presents "Three Viewings": take place at the Old City Performing Arts Center, located at 111 State Street, on Thursday-Saturday, January 30th-February 1st, at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 2nd at 2:30pm. Tickets are available at theater23.org/tickets or at the door. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (865) 257-9493.

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 13 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

New Year’s Eve Silent Disco

Get ready to party like never before at Pretentious Beer Co.’s Silent Disco! Dress to impress, grab a beer, and hit the dance floor as multiple DJs spin music directly to your headphones. With three channels of music to choose from, you can groove to your own vibe all night long.

The event kicks off at 9 p.m. and is 21+ only. Tickets are $20, and space is limited, so don’t wait—this event sells out every year! Head to Pretentious Beer Co., 131 South Central Street, and get ready for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and fun. More Info & Tickets

Sunsphere 2025 New Year’s Eve VIP Party

Ring in 2025 with style at the Sunsphere Events New Year’s Eve VIP Party! This exclusive celebration takes place on Sunday, December 31st, from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the iconic Sunsphere in Downtown Knoxville.

Guests will enjoy a premium open bar, hors d'oeuvres, live music, a DJ, and spectacular views of Knoxville’s fireworks display at midnight. The event promises an unforgettable evening in one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Tickets are limited, so secure yours now to guarantee a spot at this one-of-a-kind celebration. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Sunsphere Events.

Cheers to 2025!

Knoxville Real Estate Insider

Thank you for reading our articles each Saturday! We're taking a short break for Christmas but will return in 2025. See you then!

Do you have specific real estate questions you'd like answered? Submit a Question. A realtor will have an answer for you in the next issue of the Knoxville Real Estate Insider.

Are you a local realtor selling a home or property? Do you have an upcoming open house? Let us know at [email protected] or (865) 234-2421! We can include them here.

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