In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Scattered Thunderstorms with a High of 81

📰 Raise a Glass at Bourbon 201

📰 Irish Fest on the Hill

📰 Knoxville’s Whoa Doggie Wins Big at Prestigious Fiery Food Challenge

📰 Get Ready to Pucker Up at the 2025 TN Pickle Festival!  

🗓️ All Things Puppy & Canine Good Citizen Day

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Raise a Glass at Bourbon 201 – A Spirited Summer Class at 35 North!

Class is in session! If you’ve ever wanted to deepen your bourbon knowledge (while sipping some of the best), don’t miss Bourbon 201 at 35 North on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned sipper, this class promises to be the most enjoyable education you’ll ever receive.

35 North has teamed up with Whiskey University (whiskeyuniv.com) to bring a year-long series of whiskey tasting classes to Knoxville. Bourbon 201 is part of this exciting lineup — take one class or attend the full series to earn your Bourbon Whiskey Certificate and the distinguished title of Apprentice Bourbon Taster.

During the interactive 90-minute class, you’ll:

• Learn the history, heritage, and distinct qualities of top distilleries

• Smell and taste six ½ oz. whiskey samples

• Enjoy an individually plated appetizer (included in ticket)

• Have the option to order additional food from the menu

 Cost: $75 (includes tastings, appetizer, tax, and gratuity)
 Location: 35 North | Knoxville, TN
 Time: 6:30 PM – Don’t be late — this is the only class that gets better with every pour!

Reserve your seat: the35north.com/knoxville-35-north-events
Call: (865)-288-0499 Email: [email protected]

Cheers to learning something new, one pour at a time!

All Things Puppy & Canine Good Citizen Day

Brought to you by Zoom Room Hardin Valley/Knoxville and the Humane Society, stop by the Humane Society, Tennessee Valley (6717 Kingston Pike) today (June 19th) and Friday (June 20th) from 11 AM to 6 PM!

Thursday (June 19th) is All Things Puppy - a full day focused on puppies! Learn tips, ask questions, and join us for a make & take fleece toy activity — perfect for your pup or to donate to a shelter dog!

Friday (June 20th) is Canine Good Citizen Day - Whether you’re prepping for the CGC or STAR Puppy test, or just want to practice your pup’s good manners, Friday is the day! They are offering practice sessions and testing throughout the day — no appointment needed.

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the longest day of the year with the sweet sounds of bluegrass music at the Bluegrass Summer Solstice concert! Enjoy an evening of toe-tapping tunes honoring one of Tennessee’s oldest and most beloved musical traditions. June 20 | 6 PM–8 PM at  Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza, 101 N Campbell Station Rd, Farragut More Info

Mark your calendars for a magical evening in nature at Seven Islands State Birding Park on June 20 from 7:30–9:30 PM! Celebrate the longest day of the year with an unforgettable mix of friendly competition, campfire treats, and summer serenity. More Info

Celebrate the longest day of the year with toe-tappin’ tunes and summery vibes at the Bluegrass Summer Solstice Celebration, proudly presented by Visit Farragut and Farragut Parks & Recreation! June 20 | 6–8 PM | Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza | 101 N Campbell Station Rd More Info

Master gardener Cid Letsinger will answer garden and plant questions at the Norwood Branch Library on Saturday, June 21st from 10 a.m. - noon. The library is located at 1110 Merchant Dr. Other master gardeners will be at community farmer’s markets in June, including those at Dixie Lee at Renaissance, Ebenezer Road, Tellico Village, New Harvest Park and Market Square. More Info

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

Knoxville’s Whoa Doggie Wins Big at Prestigious Fiery Food Challenge

Local hot sauce favorite Whoa Doggie is heating up the national spicy food scene after winning first place in three categories at the 2025 Fiery Food Challenge, held May 23–25 at ZestFest in Fort Worth, Texas. Celebrating its 28th year, the Fiery Food Challenge is known as the longest-running and most prestigious blind tasting competition in the fiery food industry, featuring competitors from around the globe.

Whoa Doggie, known for their handcrafted, small-batch hot sauces, salsas, and dry seasonings, walked away with top honors in these categories:

Alpha Dog Hot Sauce – First Place, American-Style Hot
A bold blend of Red Savina Habanero peppers and garlic, delivering an unforgettable flavor and heat combination.

Ankle Biter Hot Sauce – First Place, Caribbean
A bright and spicy balance of Scotch Bonnet peppers and Caribbean jerk seasoning, perfect for island-inspired dishes.

Guard Dog Salsa – First Place, Salsa Verde
A dynamic verde-style salsa made with jalapeños, Trinidad Moruga Scorpion peppers, fresh herbs, and cilantro.

And that’s not all—Alpha Dog Hot Sauce also took first place in the Habanero category at the 11th Annual NYC Hot Sauce Expo’s Screaming Mi Mi Awards in September 2024, cementing Whoa Doggie's status as a top contender in the hot sauce world.

Co-founded by Knoxville couple Billy and Heather Rivet, Whoa Doggie emphasizes flavor-first, artisan-crafted products that are gluten-free, vegan, and proudly part of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Pick Tennessee Products.

You can find Whoa Doggie products at select retail locations, local farmers markets, festivals, and online at www.whoadoggiesauces.com.

Whether you're a heat-seeker or just spice-curious, Whoa Doggie is proving that some of the best fiery flavors in the country come from right here in East Tennessee.

Get Ready to Pucker Up at the 2025 TN Pickle Festival! 

The 2025 Tennessee Pickle Festival is back and bigger than ever—happening Saturday, July 12 from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in Cookeville, TN!

Whether you're a fan of sweet, spicy, or classic dill, this festival is a must-attend summer celebration that puts pickles in the spotlight and fun in every corner!

What to Expect:

• Pickle EVERYTHING!

• $3 Adult Entry | Kids Enter FREE

• FREE Parking, FREE Kids Zone, FREE Petting Zoo

• Live Music All Day

• Pickle Eating Contest

• Pickleball Tournament

• Pet Pickle Contest – Best Dressed Pet

• Bungee Trampoline, Face Painting, Train & Carousel Rides

• Helicopter Rides & Axe Throwing Adventures

Shop & Snap:

• Boutiques, Permanent Jewelry, and Handmade Goods

• Flower, Charm & Hat Bars

• Summer Mini Photography Sessions by BettyJean Co.

Bring the whole family for a dill-ightful day of food, fun, and festivities. Whether you're competing in the pickle contests or snapping pics at the flower bar, you’re guaranteed to have a gherkin’ good time.

 Location: Putnam County Fairgrounds, Cookeville, TN
 Time: 10 AM – 4 PM | Saturday, July 12

Don’t miss this wildly fun and tangy tradition! More Info

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