The Big Three Bourbon Distillers Class at 35 North

Issue #632

05 Sep

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Mostly Sunny with a High of 86

🗓️ The Big Three Bourbon Distillers Class at 35 North

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 103 in 1954 — Record Low: 50 in 2010

First Friday at The Emporium: A Celebration of Art, Music, and Culture

Celebrate Knoxville’s creative spirit today from 5:00–9:00 PM at The Emporium Center (100 S. Gay Street). Hosted by the Arts & Culture Alliance, this month’s First Friday features new exhibitions, live demonstrations, and music from Blount County’s own Robinella, whose jazz-infused Appalachian sound blends folk, gospel, blues, and country into a style all her own.

Exhibitions opening that evening include “Givin’ the What For,” curated by Michael Dickins and showcasing six women artists tackling themes of social justice, identity, and environmental issues, and “The Ethiopian” by photographer Cyndy B. Waters, a visual journey into the people and landscapes of East Africa. Visitors can also enjoy “Appalachian Memories” by Knoxville painter Matthew Kent Trinkle, donating proceeds to Friends of the Smokies, as well as works by abstract painter Sheila Letitia and botanical pottery by LeFish.

The exhibitions remain on display through Saturday, September 27th, with free admission and extended gallery hours on select Fridays. Whether you come for the art, the music, or the community, First Friday at The Emporium offers a vibrant evening celebrating local and regional talent.

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

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. More Info

Ask A Master Gardener tables will be at the Tennessee Valley Fair at both the Jacob Building and the Kerr Building from September 5th-14th. Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions or discuss garden issues.

On September 6th at 9 a.m. master gardeners will lead a one-hour guided nature walk at Collier Preserve, a native plant garden and birding area. Meet at the Powell Branch Library next to Collier Preserve, which is located at 316 W. Emory Road. 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

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. More Info

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

On Thursday, September 11th Knoxville photographer and Master Gardener Elle Colquitt will share tips on taking garden photographs. The free seminar will be held at the University of Tennessee Eastern Region Office at 1801 Downtown West Blvd. from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Step into a world of ancient wisdom and earth-based traditions at Ancient Lore Village on Saturday, September 13th, at 11:00 AM. The Village invites you to a hands-on workshop, Healing Arts of the Ancients: An Herbal Medicine Workshop, where nature, folklore, and wellness come together in an immersive experience. More Info & Tickets

Master Gardener Cid Letsinger will answer garden and plant questions at the Norwood Branch Library on Saturday, September 13th from 10 a.m. - noon. The library is located at 1110 Merchant Dr.

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. More Info

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

Ever wondered what truly makes a tea a “tea”? On Wednesday, September 17th, from 6:00–8:00 PM, The Kraken’s Cup Tearoom invites you to “What is Tea?”—a guided tea tasting workshop designed to introduce participants to the six distinct types of true tea. More Info & Tickets

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

On Wednesday, September 24th, from 6:00–8:00 PM, Volunteer Cookie Co. return to the Kraken’s Cup to host a hands-on Fall Cookie Decorating Class. More Info & Tickets

On Wednesday, September 24th from 11 a.m.-noon a Zoom presentation on how to become a Knox County Master Gardener volunteer will be held from 11 a.m. - noon. A session is also scheduled for Oct. 29th. To register, email extension agent Rylan Thompson at [email protected] or call (865) 215-2340.

On Friday, September 26th, the Knoxville Technology Council’s Women in Tech presents the fourth annual Women in Tech Expo: Grow Better Together, a full day dedicated to connection, empowerment, and professional growth. This year’s expo will bring together a diverse group of women from across industries to share inspiration, strategies, and opportunities to thrive both personally and professionally. More Info & Tickets

The Tennessee Smart Yard Workshop will be held Saturday, September 27th from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the University of Tennessee Gardens. Participants will learn ways to create a sustainable landscape that benefits the environment. Door prizes will include a rain barrel, composter, native plants, bat box and wildflower seeds. Participants may also drop off household pesticides to dispose of. Pesticides must be in original containers. 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:

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

Find Great Reads at the Powell Branch Library Book Sale

Book lovers, get ready to stock your shelves while supporting a great cause! The Friends of the Knox County Public Library will host a used book sale on Saturday, September 6th, at the Powell Branch Library, 330 W. Emory Rd, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

These community book sales are held throughout the year at library branches across Knox County, raising vital funds for branch improvements and other Friends initiatives. Every purchase helps support library programs while giving shoppers the chance to discover hidden gems, classics, and recent favorites—all at affordable prices.

Whether you’re a casual reader, a collector, or just looking for your next good read, the Powell Branch Library book sale is the perfect opportunity to browse, buy, and give back to your local library system. Don’t miss it!

The Big Three Bourbon Distillers Class at 35 North

Bourbon enthusiasts, mark your calendars! On Tuesday, September 16th at 6:30 PM, 35 North Bar & Grill will host The Big Three Bourbon Distillers Class #252—an interactive tasting and learning experience that explores the history and legacy of the distilleries responsible for more than 75% of the world’s bourbon.

This 1.5-hour class will guide participants through the rich traditions, craftsmanship, and unique flavor profiles of the “Big Three” bourbon producers. Guests will receive six ½-ounce samples of whiskies to smell, taste, and compare while gaining deeper knowledge of what makes each distillery’s products distinct. To round out the experience, the evening also includes an individually plated appetizer and gratuity in the ticket price, with additional food available for purchase from the full menu.

Tickets are $80 per person and seating is limited, making early reservations a must for this flavorful journey through America’s signature spirit. More Info and Tickets (at the link, scroll to this event on 9/16)

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