In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 77

🗓️ Yard Sale with a Mission: Helping Knox

📰 Pavilion Farmer’s Market This Thursday

🗓️ 5th Annual Knoxville Drive Electric Festival

📰 Discover Earth’s Treasures at the 34th Annual Knoxville Gem & Mineral Show

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Discover Earth’s Treasures at the 34th Annual Knoxville Gem & Mineral Show

Get ready, rockhounds and treasure seekers—the Knoxville Gem and Mineral Society is hosting its 34th Annual Show on October 17th–19th at the Rothchild Conference Center (8807 Kingston Pike). This one-of-a-kind event showcases an incredible array of gems, minerals, fossils, meteorites, and lapidary art from around the world.

Visitors can explore everything from sparkling opals and turquoise to petrified wood, dinosaur bone, jaspers, agates, polished towers, spheres, and hand-carved animals. Vendors bring in fresh finds from major shows in Tucson, AZ and Denver, CO—making Knoxville one of the first places to see these unique specimens in person. Whether you’re a collector, jewelry maker, or simply curious about the natural beauty of the earth, there’s something here to amaze you.

Beyond the exhibits, the Knoxville Gem and Mineral Society remains deeply rooted in education and community. Proceeds from the annual show help fund over $3,000 in scholarships each year for students pursuing earth science degrees, while society members also visit local schools to spark curiosity about geology among elementary students. The society even offers hands-on classes at its clubhouse for both members and the public.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this extraordinary showcase of nature’s wonders. More Info

Pavilion Farmer’s Market This Thursday

Mother nature tried her best to rain on their parade last Thursday night but she was no match for their pavilion. A huge shout-out to all their market family and friends who came out and supported them - it was a blast!

They are doing it again this Thursday, September 11th at the Hardin Valley Event Center, 2620 Willow Point Way. They have the best in local produce, meats, and health, home and beauty products all provided by small businesses. Not to mention great food, drink, and entertainment. Bring the family and come hang out with us for your weekend pre-game!

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

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.

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. More Info

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

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

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

Yard Sale with a Mission: Helping Knox

Sometimes a yard sale is about more than clearing out closets—it’s about hope, love, and second chances. September 19th–21st, our community is invited to rally behind Knox, a sweet, snack-loving pup facing a rare neurological condition called Tethered Cord Syndrome. As the condition progresses, everyday joys like walking, standing, and playing have become increasingly difficult. His family has found a trusted medical team and is preparing for surgery this October, but the cost is steep.

To help make it possible, they’re hosting a Yard Sale with a Mission at 3013 Boright Dr. on September 19th–21st, starting at 9:00 AM each morning (after Knox’s walk, of course) and running into the afternoon. Every book, shirt, and treasure sold helps move Knox one step closer to a pain-free, happy life.

If you’re local, stop by to shop and support this worthy cause. If you’re not, sharing the event with friends and neighbors is just as impactful.

5th Annual Knoxville Drive Electric Festival

The 5th Annual Knoxville Drive Electric Festival rolls into the Pellissippi State Community College Hardin Valley Campus on Saturday, September 27th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This family-friendly celebration is part of National Drive Electric Month, and last year Knoxville’s event ranked as the 3rd largest in the nation.

This year’s festival will showcase 100+ electric vehicles representing more than 40 models, with their owners on hand to answer questions and share real-world experiences. Attendees can also get behind the wheel with 15+ of the latest EV models available in the test drive area. From sleek cars to practical trucks, it’s your best chance all year to explore the future of transportation in one place.

The fun doesn’t stop with the cars—enjoy live music from School of Rock, Tangled in Blues, and Mighty Blue, all powered by a Ford F-150 Lightning EV. Food trucks, e-bikes, One-Wheels, and other forms of electric transportation will add to the excitement. Kids especially will love checking out the city’s electric fire truck, police car, and bus up close.

Whether you’re curious about EVs, considering a purchase, or just looking for a fun community event, the Knoxville Drive Electric Festival promises a high-voltage day of learning, music, and family fun.
More Info

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