In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Mostly Sunny with a High of 81

📰 Join the NFFF Knoxville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb — Honor the Fallen

📰 Celebrate Sevier Day at Marble Springs State Historic Site

🗓️ Trees Knoxville Launches Free Volunteer Forester Program This Fall

🗓️ Constitution Day Lecture at Blount Mansion

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Join the NFFF Knoxville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb — Honor the Fallen

Knoxville will pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes TODAY at the Knoxville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, hosted by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The event will be held at the new Covenant Health Park, 500 East Jackson Avenue, starting at 9:00am, marking the first time this powerful, commemorative event will take place at the stadium.

Participants will climb the equivalent of 110 stories—the same number of stories as the World Trade Center towers—to honor the 343 firefighters, 60 law enforcement officers, and 8 paramedics who made the ultimate sacrifice on that tragic day in 2001. A bell tolls for each hero, and the names of those lost will be read aloud.

While the stair climb is designed for first responders, everyone is welcome to attend, show support, and help carry forward the memory.

Proceeds from the event benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and support families of fallen firefighters and caregivers who continue their legacy. More Info & to Donate

Celebrate Sevier Day at Marble Springs State Historic Site

Step back in time and celebrate Knoxville’s frontier roots at the Annual Sevier Day Celebration, honoring the 280th birthday of John Sevier, Tennessee’s first governor. The festivities take place on Saturday, September 20th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Marble Springs State Historic Site. Admission is free, making this family-friendly event the perfect way to enjoy history, community, and fun.

Guests can expect a full day of 18th-century demonstrations, including blacksmithing, salt-making, open-hearth cooking, and traditional crafts. Kids and adults alike will enjoy hands-on activities, games, and music throughout the day. Special lectures bring the past to life: Dr. Magra (University of Tennessee) will discuss Sevier’s role in the pivotal Battle of Kings Mountain at 11:30 AM, while Dr. Locklin-Sofer (Maryville College) will share insights on women’s roles in the 18th century at 2:00 PM.

No birthday is complete without cake! At 1:00 PM, join the community for a celebratory cake cutting—complete with sweet treats provided by Magpies Bakery. With history, crafts, lectures, and revelry, Sevier Day is your chance to party like it’s 1745 while learning about the people and stories that shaped Tennessee. 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

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. More Info & Tickets

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.

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.

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

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. More Info

Set sail into community fun! The Concord Yacht Club & Sailing Center invites you to their 2nd Annual Open House on Sunday, September 21, 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. 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 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

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. 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

Trees Knoxville Launches Free Volunteer Forester Program This Fall

Trees Knoxville is inviting the community to roll up their sleeves and dig into tree care with the launch of its Fall 2025 Volunteer Forester Program. This free four-week certificate course begins Wednesday, September 17th, and offers residents hands-on training in urban forestry while empowering them to help expand and care for Knoxville’s tree canopy. Participants who attend at least three sessions will earn a Volunteer Forester I Certification and the chance to lead future planting events.

Classes run Wednesday evenings from 6:00–8:30 PM, combining expert-led presentations, interactive discussions, and outdoor activities. Highlights include a session on “How Trees Work” with urban forestry consultant Paul Ries and City Forester Kasey Krouse; a tree-planting demonstration with Melissa Hinten, Trees Knoxville’s Executive Director; a deep dive into wood science with UT Professor Adam Taylor; and a final session on fall tree care with Certified Master Arborist Nicholas St. Sauveur of Davey Tree. Participants will also enjoy a mid-class break with light snacks, and outdoor portions encourage bringing a lawn chair or blanket.

While the program is completely free, donations are welcome to support Trees Knoxville’s mission of strengthening Knoxville’s urban forest. Registration is required and open now at treesknoxville.org/events . Spots are limited, so don’t wait to sign up!

By joining the Volunteer Forester Program, community members can take an active role in keeping Knoxville’s neighborhoods cooler, greener, and more resilient—one tree at a time.

Constitution Day Lecture at Blount Mansion

In honor of Constitution Day, the Blount Mansion Association will host a special lecture on Wednesday, September 17th, at 6:00 PM at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center (200 W. Hill Ave, Knoxville). The featured speaker will be Professor Mohamed Faizer, a distinguished faculty member at Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law.

Professor Faizer will present “The Constitution and the Reasons for Its Provisions,” offering insight into the foundational principles that shaped America’s governing document. With expertise in constitutional law, administrative law, and estate planning, Professor Faizer has published widely in the field and is often cited in the Annotated United States Code. His lecture promises to deepen understanding of both the historical context and modern relevance of the Constitution.

This event serves as a fundraiser for the Blount Mansion Association, the nonprofit steward of Knox County’s only National Historic Landmark. Suggested donation is $10 at the door (cash or card), and limited free parking will be available on-site. Seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to RSVP to [email protected].

To learn more about the history of Blount Mansion and its role as the home and capitol of Governor William Blount, visit www.blountmansion.org.

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