In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 83

🗓️ Blues, Rock, and Electric Vibes at the Knoxville Drive Electric Festival

📰 Scruffy City Orchestra’s 2025 Fall Concert

🗓️ Pilot Light 25th Anniversary Block Party Takes Over Jackson Avenue on September 14th

🗓️ Come Relax at a Lawn Chair Concert with Pete Schlegel

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Blues, Rock, and Electric Vibes at the Knoxville Drive Electric Festival

Get ready for a day of live blues and rock music at the 5th Annual Knoxville Drive Electric Festival, happening Saturday, September 27th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Pellissippi State Community College’s Hardin Valley Campus. While the festival is all about exploring the future of electric vehicles, it’s also a chance to kick back and enjoy an incredible lineup of performances.

The stage will be buzzing with energy from School of Rock, followed by the soulful sounds of Tangled in Blues, and closing with the crowd-pleasing jams of Mighty Blue. In true festival spirit, all the music will be powered by a Ford F-150 Lightning EV, proving that electric power can fuel more than just cars—it can drive a whole day of entertainment.

With food trucks serving up local eats, a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere, and plenty of space to relax while soaking in the tunes, the festival is as much about community connection as it is about technology. Whether you come for the cars, the food, or the music, the Knoxville Drive Electric Festival offers a perfect blend of discovery and fun. Did you know? Last year’s Knoxville event was the third-largest event out of 300 National Drive Electric Month events held all around the country! More Info

Scruffy City Orchestra’s 2025 Fall Concert

Dr. Ace Edewards leads Scruffy City Orchestra, Knoxville’s other orchestra, for Visions and Virtuosos, a special event featuring our very own virtuosos – this year’s Concerto Competition winners: 

Rebecca Deal, Adult winner and UT music performance student, performing Ibert Flute Concerto, Mvt. IIIby Jacques Ibert. Caroline Ning, Youth winner from Science High School in Johnson City, performing Orchestral Czárdásfor alto saxophone by Pedro Iturralde.

Other “visions” on the program include Eine Vision (Meine Jugend) Ouverture by Franz Lehár and the U.S. premiere performance of Dritte Symphonie (Third Symphony) by Carl Reinecke.

Sunday, September 28th at 5:00 p.m. at The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 711 S. Northshore Drive.

Admission is Free (donations welcome). Seating is limited. Please reserve here 
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

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 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. Reserve your spot today

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

Come Relax at a Lawn Chair Concert with Pete Schlegel

Pilot Light 25th Anniversary Block Party Takes Over Jackson Avenue on September 14th

Pilot Light, Knoxville’s nonprofit home for original and experimental music, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an all-day block party in the Old City this Sunday, Sept. 14th, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The venue at 106 E Jackson Ave. will be “turning itself inside out” with two outdoor stages featuring 12 hours of rapid-fire mini-sets from over 40 bands. Outside, fans can grab refreshments, beer and Pilot Light merch, while a replica of the club’s iconic interior—red walls, bathroom graffiti and all—takes shape in the street. Inside, the venue will transform into a pop-up museum of Pilot Light history, featuring show flyers and photos from across its 25-year legacy.

The anniversary caps a milestone year for Pilot Light. Founder Jason Boardman announced he will step down at the end of 2025, with incoming executive director Kat Brock and creative director George Rutsyamuka set to share leadership beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Since reincorporating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2017, Pilot Light has sought new ways to ensure its sustainability. This summer, it launched its first membership campaign. New members can pick up personalized membership cards and commemorative posters, signed and numbered by Boardman, at the block party.

This is an all-ages, FREE event presented by Pilot Light with support from TN Arts Commission.  More Info

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