Knoxville Car Enthusiasts Meet-Up at Baker Boy's Pizza

Issue #643

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Mostly Cloudy with a High of 78

🗓️ Community Vigil & Prayer Gathering at Market Square

📰 Knoxville Museum of Art’s Assistant Curator Awarded Prestigious Teiger Foundation Grant

🗓️ Upcoming Events (Lots of events!)

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

 Advertising Opportunities
 

Newsletter cut short in your email? If so,

Today’s Record High: 96 in 1927 — Record Low: 43 in 1985

Big news — your Knoxville Insider access just got an upgrade! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Knoxville Insider VIP Pass, a free digital wallet pass you can easily add to your Apple or Google Wallet. With it, you’ll unlock exclusive offers, special savings, and the latest announcements from businesses and events across the city—all delivered straight to your phone. Get the VIP Pass

National POW/MIA Recognition Day Cer

On Friday, September 19th, the Captain Bill Robinson Chapter 1078 of the Vietnam Veterans of America will host Knoxville’s annual National POW/MIA Recognition Day at the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial on the World’s Fair Site. This solemn event honors American service members who were prisoners of war and those still missing in action, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

The morning begins with a light breakfast at 9:00 AM, followed by the official program at 10:00 AM. The ceremony will feature Brigadier General Jim Mungenast, USAF (Ret.) as the keynote speaker, offering reflections on service, sacrifice, and the enduring commitment to bring every soldier home. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs will also participate, leading the proclamation and wreath-laying ceremony.

Sponsored by AARP Tennessee, the event is open to the public and provides an important opportunity for the community to stand in unity with veterans, families, and advocates who work tirelessly to preserve the memory of those who gave everything for their country.

Knoxville Museum of Art’s Assistant Curator Awarded Prestigious Teiger Foundation Grant

The Knoxville Museum of Art is proud to announce that Assistant Curator Kelsie Conley has been awarded the Teiger Foundation’s top curatorial grant, supporting a three-year exhibition series titled Appalachian Imaginary.

Launching in November 2025 with The Body is a Drum, The Voice a Song, The Soul a Fire, Conley’s series will explore Appalachian identity through themes of myth, material, memory, and migration. Future highlights include No Man’s Land (2026) and a solo exhibition for Knoxville native Wardell Milan. This prestigious recognition shines a national spotlight on both Conley and KMA, affirming their role in shaping contemporary Appalachian art.

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

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

Families, get ready for a fun and creative evening at Sidekick Sessions: Bluey Craft Night on Wednesday, September 17th from 6:00–8:00 PM at 2917 W. Beaver Creek Dr. This special event is all about teamwork, as kids and their parents pair up to design and decorate their very own Bluey-inspired doormat—a keepsake that’s as practical as it is adorable. Space is limited, so don’t wait to reserve your spot. Sign up now and get ready for a night of colorful fun with your little sidekick! More Info

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

Calling all nature lovers! The Holistic Wellness Center Morristown Maryville invites the community to a Group Hike with a Trail Guide on Saturday, September 20th, at 11:00 AM at House Mountain State Natural Area, 9601 Hogskin Rd in Corryton. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, meet new friends, and experience one of East Tennessee’s most scenic hiking spots.

Mark your calendars for a day of autumn fun at the Fall Market & Family Fair, hosted by Richland Baptist Church on Saturday, September 20th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The event takes place at 1115 Indian Ridge Road in Blaine and promises activities and entertainment for all ages.

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

Get ready for the most colorful battle of the year—Splatter Paint War, hosted by LIFT East Tennessee and Painting Around! This family-friendly, glow-in-the-dark paint fight is bringing music, laughter, and a whole lot of mess (the fun kind!) to an indoor, air-conditioned space where creativity and chaos collide. 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:

Join the Powell Small Business Network on Thursday, September 18th at 9:45 AM at Life House Coffee in Powell, 7545 Brickyard Rd.

Bonfire Fridays with 2 Brothers Services. - Gather at 188 Hill Road in Knoxville on select FridaysSeptember 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

Knoxville Car Enthusiasts Meet-Up at Baker Boy’s Pizza

Car fans, mark your calendars! Knoxville Car Enthusiasts is hosting an evening at the Baker Boy’s Pizza Halls location (7438 Maynardville Pike). The event kicks off at 7:00 PM on Friday, September 26th and runs “whenever you want”—making it the perfect come-and-go hangout for gearheads and friends alike.

Billed as “the sequel that nobody asked for,” this casual meet-up is all about community, laughs, and (of course) cars. Whether you’re a longtime Knoxville car enthusiast or just looking to make new friends over some great pizza, this event is open to everyone.

Bring your ride, bring your appetite, and join the fun at Baker Boy’s Pizza for a night of engines, eats, and new connections.

Community Vigil & Prayer Gathering at Market Square

On Sunday, September 21st from 7:00–9:00 PM, the Knoxville community is invited to Market Square for a special evening of hymns and prayer in honor of Charlie Kirk, Iryna Zarutska, Melissa & Mark Hortman, and the students at Evergreen High in Colorado. This two-hour vigil will offer space to lift up those directly impacted, while also praying for healing, peace, and hope in the world.

The event is open to everyone—a reminder to gather in unity, share faith through song, and come just as you are. It’s an opportunity to stand together in compassion and encouragement for those who need it most.

What did you think of today’s issue? (anonymous)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.