In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 76

📰 It’s Here! The Knoxville Insider VIP Pass

📰 Yakov Smirnoff Brings Clean Comedy Wave to the Bijou Theatre

🗓️ 25th Annual Hola Festival

🗓️ East Tennessee Homestead Festival: Learn, Grow & Thrive

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

It’s Here! The Knoxville Insider VIP Pass

Big news for Knoxville locals—your insider access just got an upgrade! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Knoxville Insider VIP Pass, a free digital wallet pass you can easily add to your Apple or Google Wallet. With it, you’ll unlock exclusive offers, special savings, and the latest announcements from businesses and events across the city—all delivered straight to your phone.

Think of it as your all-access pass to the best of Knoxville. From pop-up deals at your favorite restaurants, to early-bird announcements about local festivals, to insider-only perks at shops and venues—you’ll always be in the know. And since it lives in your digital wallet, you’ll have it handy anytime, anywhere.

This is your chance to stay connected, save money, and experience Knoxville like a true VIP. Don’t wait—get your free VIP Pass today and be the first to know what’s happening around town. Knoxville’s best-kept secrets won’t stay secret for long!
Click here to get the Knoxville Insider VIP pass.

Yakov Smirnoff Brings Clean Comedy Wave to the Bijou Theatre

Get ready to ride the wave of laughter—Yakov Smirnoff, the beloved comedian famed for his timeless one-liners and the catchphrase, “What a country!,” is bringing his Clean Comedy Wave Tour to the Bijou Theatre on Sunday, November 23rd. The evening kicks off with doors opening at 6:00 PM, followed by the show at 7:00 PM. Tickets, ranging from $25.75 to $76.75, go on sale Friday, September 12th at noon.

Joining Yakov are two rising comedy stars who promise to keep the energy high—viral sensation Jaron Myers, best known for his hilarious takes on everyday life (including a breakout Chick-fil-A bit), and Christian McCartney, whose quick-witted punchlines and TikTok fame make him a perfect complement to Smirnoff's humor.

Whether you grew up laughing at Smirnoff’s innocent, immigrant-inspired jokes or are looking for a feel-good comedy night with friends, this event is perfect for anyone craving laughter—and maybe a little nostalgia. Mark your calendars and set your reminders—you won't want to miss this clean comedy classic with a modern twist. More Info

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.

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

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

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. More Info and Tickets

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

Lavender Faire - featuring 4 local lavender farms and including baked goods, flowers, pottery, jewelry, textiles, vintage, and more! Sunday, September 27th from 10am-3pm, 116 Carr Street in Knoxville, (865) 584-9000

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

Bonfire Fridays with 2 Brothers Services. - Gather at 188 Hill Road in Knoxville on select Fridays—September 26th, October 24th, November 21st, and December 19th—from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM for a night of laughter, conversation, and cozy fireside vibes. Families are encouraged to bring a snack, a drink, and a chair, and settle in for an evening where kids can play while adults network in a laid-back, welcoming environment.

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

25th Annual Hola Festival

The 25th Annual HoLa Festival returns to World’s Fair Park on Sunday, September 28th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Guests can enjoy live music and dance performances, authentic Latin cuisine, draft beer, artisan crafts, and the always-popular Parade of Nations. With heritage booths, children’s activities, and community resources, there’s something for all ages to explore and enjoy. More Info

East Tennessee Homestead Festival: Learn, Grow & Thrive

Calling all aspiring and experienced homesteaders! The East Tennessee Homestead Alliance (ETHA) invites you to the Annual Homestead Festival—a two-day exploration of sustainable living set against the scenic Smoky Mountains at the Hardin Valley Event Center. Join fellow enthusiasts September 12th–13th for hands-on workshops, inspiring talks, live demonstrations, homemade market goods, local food trucks, and a lively community that shares your passion.

Whether you're curious about herbal remedies, soil mastery, or sustainable chicken butchering, the festival has something for every experience level—no tuition, just immersive learning. The best part? It’s like attending college without the debt! More Info

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