In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 83

📰 Mighty Musical Monday: Freddie Brabson & Tinca Tinca - No-Cost Concert at the Tennessee Theatre

📰 865 Fest: Knoxville’s Celebration of Innovation

🗓️ Dive Into Fall Fun at the 2025 Tennessee Valley Fair

🗓️ Spellbinding Trivia at Xul Beer Co.: A Harry Potter Night to Remember

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Mighty Musical Monday: Freddie Brabson & Tinca Tinca - No-Cost Concert at the Tennessee Theatre

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of music and community at the historic Tennessee Theatre with Mighty Musical Monday on Monday, September 1st at noon (12pm)—a free concert you won’t want to miss! This edition will showcase the incredible talent of House Organist Freddie Brabson on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, joined by the Knoxville-based indie rock band Tinca Tinca.

Known for their ambient, melodic sound, Tinca Tinca blends influences from artists like Grizzly Bear, Flaming Lips, and Arctic Monkeys to create upbeat songs that inspire joy, connection, and hope. Since their debut in 2021, the band has been featured on WDVX, WUTK, and Real Knoxville Music, and has graced stages at the Tennessee Theatre, Bijou Theatre, Dogwood Arts Festival, and more. Their growing presence in Knoxville’s music scene makes them an exciting complement to Brabson’s artistry on the Mighty Wurlitzer.

The concert is free and open to the public, making it the perfect lunchtime outing. While lunch will not be provided, guests are welcome to bring their own, and concessions will be available for purchase inside the theatre. Come enjoy a one-of-a-kind musical experience that celebrates both Knoxville’s musical heritage and its vibrant, evolving local talent. More Info

865 Fest: Knoxville’s Celebration of Innovation

On Tuesday, September 16th, Knoxville’s premier entrepreneurial event, 865 Fest, returns with a full day of inspiration, networking, and innovation at Bridgewater Place. Formerly known as Startup Day, this annual celebration brings together founders, investors, executives, and business leaders to spotlight the region’s growing startup ecosystem.

The event features dynamic keynotes, thought-provoking panels, interactive breakout sessions, and pitch competitions where six startups will compete for $15,000 in prizes. A student pitch competition and the presentation of the Traction Award will also highlight the next generation of innovators and successful entrepreneurs making their mark in East Tennessee.

With programming from morning to evening—including a closing networking happy hour—865 Fest is the perfect place to connect, learn, and celebrate Knoxville’s entrepreneurial spirit. Tickets are $75 for general admission, while students and government officials can attend for free. More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Discover your inner artist at Paint & Gogh: The Immersive Experience on Saturday, August 30th. Set inside the breathtaking Van Gogh exhibit, this guided workshop invites you to choose from iconic masterpieces and create your own with step-by-step instructions. More Info and reserve your spot

Looking for a faith-centered way to meet new people in Knoxville? On Saturday, August 30th, the Christian Singles Hub invites you to a unique gathering at the Knoxville Museum of Art—a chance to mingle, share stories, and connect in an inspiring, relaxed setting. The event runs from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and is open to all (18+). 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

Get ready to groove—All‑Ages Silent Disco at Kern’s Food Hall is hitting the scene on Sunday, August 31st, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly event where guests of all ages—from kids to parents—lace up and dance under the summer sky. You bring the energy, music flows through wireless headphones, turning the outdoor event lawn into a colorful, rhythmic haven. More Info

Looking for a thrilling night out? The Dinner Detective brings its interactive, true‑crime murder mystery dinner show to Knoxville, merging captivating storytelling with a delectable meal. On select weekend nights throughout 2025 - guests are invited to the Hilton Knoxville Hotel (501 West Church Avenue) to step into a real-time, suspenseful world full of intrigue and laughs. More Info & Tickets

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.

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. More Info

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.

Network & Learn - Break the Stuck: Mastering Momentum to Breakthrough - Are you a professional woman feeling stuck in your business or personal growth? On Tuesday, September 9th at 11:00 AM, eWomenNetwork Knoxville is hosting “Break the Stuck: Mastering Momentum to Breakthrough to an Unprecedented Level of Success” presented by Felicia Searcy. Led by Abigail Tiefenthaler, this in-person event will give you tools to overcome procrastination, beat self-doubt, and finally gain the momentum you’ve been missing. More Info & Register

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

A Night Out with New Friends | Dinner with Strangers - Looking to expand your social circle and enjoy a memorable evening in great company? A Night Out with New Friends: Knoxville | Dinner with Strangers 2025 offers just that—a unique dining experience designed for mingling, connection, and making new friends over a delicious meal. These events turn the usual dinner out into something far more exciting and meaningful. More Info

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

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

Dive Into Fall Fun at the 2025 Tennessee Valley Fair

Get ready for ten days of family-friendly excitement—the Tennessee Valley Fair is back from September 5th–14th, at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center in Knoxville. Celebrating over a century of tradition, this beloved annual event highlights East Tennessee’s rich heritage, agriculture, and creativity.

This year's Fair is packed with vibrant attractions to entertain every age and interest. Highlights include the carnival midway with unforgettable rides—available via ride wristbands at varying prices depending on the day—plus Ag Alley and interactive AgVenture Scavenger Hunts, nostalgic Antique Engines & Tractors, and the lively Anastasini Circus. For attendees 21+, there are beer gardens to enjoy as you explore the grounds.

Beyond the fun, the Fair fosters year-round support for local agriculture, art, and community through its nonprofit foundation, ensuring this East Tennessee tradition continues to thrive. More Info

Spellbinding Trivia at Xul Beer Co.: A Harry Potter Night to Remember

Witches, wizards, and Muggles alike—dust off your wands! Harry Potter–Themed Trivia is conjuring up enchantment at Xul Beer Company’s downtown location (213 E. 5th Ave, Knoxville) on Tuesday, September 2nd, at 7:00 PM. This specially themed Trivia Tuesday, hosted by Not Rocket Science Trivia, is the perfect chance to test your Hogwarts knowledge, enjoy a clever brew, and connect with fellow fans.

Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff, expect bewitching questions and a festive atmosphere that brings the world of Harry Potter to life—no broomsticks required! Best of all, it’s held at Xul’s inviting downtown venue, making it ideal for a magical night out.

Don’t worry about spells or house points—just bring your trivia sparkle and embrace a night of nostalgia, laughs, and friendly competition. Are you brave enough to face the Triwizard challenge of trivia? More Info

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