In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 78

🗓️ Celebrate Local Flavor at the 16th Annual Pesto Festo

📰 Marble City Opera Opens Season with Baritones, Boots, & Bats

📰 Concord Yacht Club & Sailing Center Hosts 2nd Annual Open House

🗓️ Scruffy City Orchestra Presents Visions and Virtuosos

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Concord Yacht Club & Sailing Center Hosts 2nd Annual Open House

Founded in 1951 but with roots going back to 1947, the Concord Yacht Club is a nonprofit organization built by members, for members. Despite the word “yacht” in its name, the club is far from exclusive—membership is affordable, family-oriented, and focused on learning and fun. With nearly 75 years of history, CYC continues to thrive as “East Tennessee’s WINDow on the WATER.”

Set sail into community fun! The Concord Yacht Club & Sailing Center invites you to their 2nd Annual Open House on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 2–4 PM at 11600 S. Northshore Drive. This family-friendly event is your chance to explore one of East Tennessee’s best-kept secrets—an all-volunteer club dedicated to teaching sailing to people of all ages and experience levels.

Throughout the afternoon, guests can learn about programs such as Sail Camp for ages 8–16, High School Sailing, Sea Scouts for ages 14–21, adult “Learn to Sail” classes, and even U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s Classes. The club’s Sailing Fleet ensures you don’t need your own boat—members have access to keelboats and dinghies. Exhibits from water partners like the TWRA, Army Corps of Engineers, and TVA will also be on hand. As a special treat, sailboat racing begins at 1 PM (weather permitting), providing a beautiful backdrop to the day’s festivities.

Whether you’ve always dreamed of learning to sail, are curious about programs for your kids, or simply want to enjoy an afternoon by the lake, this Open House is the perfect opportunity to discover what CYC is all about. Gate opens at 1:30 PM; admission and parking are free. More Info

Marble City Opera Opens Season with Baritones, Boots, & Bats

Opera meets the underground this fall as Marble City Opera launches its 13th season with a one-of-a-kind concert, Baritones, Boots, & Bats, on Sunday, September 14th, at 3:00 PM. The performance takes place inside the breathtaking Historic Cherokee Caverns (8524 Oak Ridge Highway), where the natural acoustics and a cool 58° setting create a truly unforgettable experience. Tickets are just $25.

The concert features baritones Maurice Hendricks, Daniel Spiotta, and Joel Brown, accompanied by pianist Dustin Lin, performing a mix of opera and musical theater favorites. Audiences may recognize Spiotta from his role as Silvio in Pagliacci and Hendricks from Il Tabarro, both standout Marble City Opera productions. This will be the fourth concert inside Cherokee Caverns, an exclusive venue that opens only for special events like concerts, movie nights, and holiday celebrations.

Known for its creative site-specific productions and commitment to both world-class and local talent, Marble City Opera continues to enrich East Tennessee’s cultural landscape while providing opportunities for emerging artists. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy music that soars beneath the earth’s surface—an experience past attendees have called “wonderful,” “unique,” and “so much fun.” More Info & Tickets

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

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. 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

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 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. More Info

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

Celebrate Local Flavor at the 16th Annual Pesto Festo

Mark your calendars for a night of food, fun, and community spirit at the 16th Annual Pesto Festo & Dinner on the Farm, hosted by Slow Food Tennessee Valley. This beloved event takes place on Saturday, September 20th, at Lick Skillet Farm, celebrating the best of East Tennessee’s farms, producers, and food changemakers.

Guests will enjoy an incredible farm-fresh dinner crafted by Chef John Bryant of Bistro by the Tracks, plus a full evening of festivities including a lively pesto contest, kids’ activities, a farm wagon tour, a farmer presentation, and live music under the stars. The night continues with a bonfire, and for those who want to extend the celebration, camping is available on-site. To cap off the weekend, participants can gather for a relaxed Sunday brunch at the farm.

Pesto Festo is more than just a dinner—it’s a community gathering rooted in supporting local food systems and connecting with the land and the people who grow our food. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an unforgettable evening filled with flavor, music, and fellowship. More Info

Scruffy City Orchestra Presents Visions and Virtuosos

Knoxville’s “other orchestra,” the Scruffy City Orchestra, returns this fall with Visions and Virtuosos, a special concert celebrating rising talent and rarely heard masterpieces. Under the baton of Dr. Ace Edewards, the performance takes place on Sunday, September 28th, at 5:00 PM at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (711 S. Northshore Drive). Admission is free, though donations are encouraged, and seating is limited—reserve your spot through Eventbrite at the Cathedral Concert Series site.

The highlight of the evening features this year’s Concerto Competition winners, showcasing extraordinary local virtuosos. Rebecca Deal, adult winner and UT music performance student, will perform the dazzling third movement of Jacques Ibert’s Flute Concerto. Caroline Ning, youth winner from Science Hill High School in Johnson City, will bring to life Pedro Iturralde’s lively Orchestral Czárdás for alto saxophone.

The program also includes Franz Lehár’s Eine Vision (Meine Jugend) Overture and the U.S. premiere of Carl Reinecke’s Third Symphony, offering Knoxville audiences a rare chance to hear works seldom performed on American stages. With its mix of virtuoso flair and visionary compositions, this concert promises an evening of inspiration, discovery, and exceptional artistry. More Info

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