In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Mostly Sunny with a High of 82

🗓️ Create a Spooky Welcome at the Halloween Doormat Class

🗓️ Empanadas & Empathy: A Workshop and Fundraiser to Help Save Pets

📰 Ready, Set, Grow! PMI Professional Development Day

🗓️ Cheer on the Buffalo Bills at Clancy’s Tavern & Whiskey House

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Empanadas & Empathy: A Workshop and Fundraiser to Help Save Pets

On Friday, September 26th at 6:00 PM, food lovers and animal advocates alike are invited to Commonplace Coffee (6000 Chapman Highway) for Empanadas & Empathy, a hands-on workshop with a heart. This special event combines the joy of cooking with the mission of helping pet parents afford emergency veterinary care, through a fund created in partnership with the University of Tennessee Veterinary Department.

Led by Annette from The Spice & Tea Exchange of Knoxville, participants will learn to make three delicious varieties of empanadas—savory and sweet—while exploring the traditions of Argentinian and Cuban street food. Everyone will sample their creations during the workshop and take home recipes to continue the empanada fun in their own kitchens.

More than just a cooking class, this evening is a fundraiser to support a vital cause: ensuring that families in need don’t have to face losing a beloved pet because of the high cost of emergency care. By attending, you’ll not only leave with new culinary skills but also the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped make a difference. Reserve your spot today

Cheer on the Buffalo Bills at Clancy’s Tavern & Whiskey House

Buffalo Bills fans—your Knoxville game-day spot is here! Join fellow fans at Clancy’s Tavern & Whiskey House (602 S. Gay Street) for every Bills game this season, starting with the Sunday, September 14th matchup at 1:00 PM. Clancy’s provides a family-friendly, non-smoking environment with a large TV and a reserved space just for Bills supporters.

Fans can enjoy cold Labatt Blue, free parking at the State Street Garage, and free on-street parking for those with disabilities. After a great turnout for the first watch party, the group is excited to keep the energy going. September games include Sunday, September 14th at 1:00 PM, Thursday, September 18th at 8:15 PM, and Sunday, September 28th at 1:00 PM. October dates and times will be announced soon.

Whether you’re a lifelong Bills fan or just love a spirited game-day atmosphere, come join the fun at Clancy’s—Knoxville’s new home for the Bills Mafia!

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

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

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. More Info

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. Seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to RSVP to [email protected].

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

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. 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

Ready, Set, Grow! PMI Professional Development Day

Join the East Tennessee Project Management Institute for Professional Development Day 2025!

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 14th, and get ready for a full day of engaging speakers, career-boosting insights, and meaningful networking. This year’s theme, “Ready, Set, Grow!”, is designed for project managers and professionals eager to level up their skills and connect with the local PM community. It’s also the perfect opportunity for those who are new to town and looking to expand their network. 

🎟 Tickets are now on sale - don’t miss it! More Info & Tickets

-contributed by Iwona M.

Create a Spooky Welcome at the Halloween Doormat Class

Get crafty this fall and give your doorstep a seasonal makeover at the Halloween Doormat Class, hosted by Painting Around on Saturday, October 4th, from 4:00–6:00 PM. The event takes place at 2917 W. Beaver Creek Dr. in Powell and is open to anyone who wants to add a personal, spooky touch to their home this Halloween.

For just $35 per person, participants will create their own custom doormat—perfect for greeting trick-or-treaters or adding festive flair to your entryway. All supplies are included, and no prior experience is needed—just bring your creativity and get ready for a fun, hands-on evening.

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait to reserve your spot. Register today and get ready to craft a Halloween welcome that’s uniquely yours!

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