Ghosts and Legends Await at Blount Mansion

Issue #623

27 Aug

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 77

📰 Celebrate Cherokee Culture at the Fall Festival in Vonore

🗓️ Windrock Park’s Fall Jam Returns This October

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 10197 in 1943 — Record Low: 50 in 1879

BUZZED! Adult Spelling Bee at Hi-Wire Brewing

On Friday, August 29th at 7:00 PM, Hi-Wire Brewing invites Knoxville to a night of wordplay, wit, and craft beer at the BUZZED! Adult Spelling Bee. This free, 21+ event promises plenty of laughs as contestants step up to the mic to test their spelling skills—all while enjoying the relaxed, vibrant atmosphere of Hi-Wire’s taproom on Barber Street.

The competition comes with some fun incentives. Contestants who nail their first word correctly will be rewarded with a complimentary flagship half-pour, making it the only spelling test where a beer is part of the prize. The evening’s top two spellers will take home Hi-Wire gift cards, bragging rights, and the satisfaction of having out-spelled the competition.

Beyond the buzz of the bee itself, the night also serves a greater purpose. The Alzheimer’s Association will be present with an informational booth, sharing details about the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s and offering ways for the community to get involved in the fight against the disease. It’s a chance to enjoy good company and good beer while also supporting a meaningful cause.

With Hi-Wire’s welcoming taproom, wide selection of craft brews, and playful community spirit, BUZZED! is shaping up to be more than just a spelling bee—it’s a night to gather with friends, cheer on contestants, and raise a glass to words well-spelled.

Celebrate Cherokee Culture at the Fall Festival in Vonore

Step back in time and celebrate the rich traditions of the Cherokee people at the Cherokee Fall Festival, happening September 6th–7th at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, TN. As Tennessee’s only tribally owned museum, Sequoyah Birthplace offers an immersive setting for this annual event that honors Native American heritage through food, music, dance, and living history.

Visitors can enjoy vibrant performances by the Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa, explore authentic Cherokee arts and crafts, and sample traditional foods. History comes alive through blacksmith demonstrations, reenactments of Cherokee life in the 1700s, a Civil War encampment, and even a demonstration of the 1800s Acorn Printing Press. Representatives from both the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will also be on hand, offering an opportunity to learn directly from community members and gain deeper insight into Cherokee culture.

The event is family-friendly and ADA accessible, with most activities held on the museum grounds. Parking is free and on-site. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 13–18, and free for children 12 and under. Families can take advantage of a special $25 family rate, making this a fun and affordable weekend outing for all ages.

Whether you’re drawn by the history, the performances, or simply the chance to connect with a vital part of East Tennessee’s cultural heritage, the Cherokee Fall Festival promises an unforgettable experience.

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Ready to flex that vocabulary after a drink or two? 🍻 Join us for BUZZED!, an adults-only spelling bee happening August 29 at 7:00 PM at Hi-Wire Brewing in Knoxville! More Info

Get ready to light up the night at AMP’D, the ultimate silent disco experience at the American Museum of Science and Energy! On Friday, August 29, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EDT, the museum transforms into a vibrant dance floor where you control the vibe. More Info

Big Kahuna Wing Festival - Get ready for one of the South’s tastiest and most exciting events—The Big Kahuna Wing Festival returns this Labor Day weekend on August 31st at The World’s Fair Park! More Info

Boating Safety Course - The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will host the BOAT AMERICA boating safety course on Saturday, September 6th, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at Carson-Newman University, 1645 Russell Avenue, Jefferson City. Register by September 3rd by emailing [email protected]. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.

Creative Writing Series - The UT Creative Writing Program is hosting a special evening celebrating the debut short story collections of two of its accomplished alumnae: Samantha Edmonds and Mariah Rigg. The reading will take place on Monday, September 8th, at 7:00 pm in the Lindsay Young Auditorium of John C. Hodges Library, Room 101 on the UT campus at 1015 Volunteer Blvd. Admission is free and open to the public.

Get ready for... Camp GalFunction: A 2-Year Celebration! Grab your marshmallow roasting sticks for the ultimate end-of-summer camp-themed celebration! Join us on Tuesday, September 16th at 7 PM as we celebrate two incredible years at The Hub Pro Studio with a night full of cozy, camp-inspired fun. More Info

Grab your clubs and join the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation (ETKF) for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and fundraising at Golfing for Kidneys on Thursday, September 18th, from 2:00–5:00 PM. The event will be held at Topgolf Knoxville (11400 Outlet Drive, Farragut). More Info

Networking:

Veterans:

Free Veterans’ 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

Ghosts and Legends Await at Blount Mansion

Dare to step into Knoxville’s haunted history this October with the Halloween Candlelight Tours at Blount Mansion. On October 17–18 and 24–25, the historic home opens its doors after dark, inviting guests to explore chilling tales of the supernatural woven deep into Appalachian lore.

Led by costumed guides, these spine-tingling tours wind through the halls of the 18th-century mansion, where whispers of ghosts, eerie phenomena, and stories of paranormal activity are shared by candlelight. It’s a rare opportunity to experience Knoxville’s only National Historic Landmark in a way you won’t soon forget—steeped in mystery, history, and just the right amount of fright.

The Halloween Candlelight Tours are $20 per ticket, with free on-site parking available. Space is limited, and these popular tours often sell out quickly, so early reservations are encouraged.

This fall, gather your courage and discover the shadows of Blount Mansion—where Knoxville’s history and hauntings meet. More Info

Windrock Park’s Fall Jam Returns This October

After a two-year break, one of East Tennessee’s favorite off-road gatherings is roaring back to life. Windrock Park’s Fall Jam will take place October 16th–18th in Oliver Springs, bringing together ATV and side-by-side enthusiasts for a weekend of adrenaline, adventure, and autumn fun.

This year’s event promises to be bigger than ever, with highlights including haunted trail rides, off-road competitions, evening bonfires, and plenty of food vendors. Live music will add to the festive atmosphere, making Fall Jam a celebration both on and off the trails. Additional details about competitions, performers, and schedules will be announced soon, giving riders and families even more reasons to plan their trip.

Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or simply looking for an unforgettable fall experience, Windrock Park’s Fall Jam is the perfect chance to hit the trails, connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and celebrate the season under the East Tennessee sky. More Info

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