Calling All Women Who Love to Sing!

Issue #647

20 Sep

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Partly Cloudy with a High of 86

📰 Calling All Women Who Love to Sing!

🗓️ Community Vigil & Prayer Gathering at Market Square

🗓️ Upcoming Events (Lots of events!)

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 97 in 1925 — Record Low: 43 in 1889

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

Local Author Publishes Second Children’s Book to Honor Pets and Support Animal Rescues

A Knoxville children’s author has turned love and loss into stories that heal. After saying goodbye to her first fur baby, Zeek, in 2023, she wrote A Whisper from A.J. to remember him in a joyful way and to give her son a keepsake of their beloved dog. Now, inspired by her black lab River — who she says was sent to help their family heal — she has released a second book celebrating the bond between pets and people.

Her work is about more than storytelling. A portion of profits from her books are donated to animal rescues and wildlife organizations. In the past she’s supported Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in North Carolina, and with her newest release, she will be giving to Little Ponderosa Zoo and 865 Rescue and Rehome.

Her books, including the latest River-inspired tale, are available now on Amazon. Each purchase not only shares a heartwarming story but also helps local animals in need.

Calling All Women Who Love to Sing!

The award-winning K-Town Sound Show Chorus is spreading holiday cheer in a big way this year—and they’re inviting women from across Knoxville to join them! Their 2025 Christmas Chorus is a free opportunity for women to experience the joy of singing a cappella in the barbershop style while preparing for festive performances that bring the community together during the holiday season.

Rehearsals will take place on Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, September 25th through December 11th, at Oakwood Baptist Church (111 E Columbia Ave). The season will culminate in a special Christmas show on December 13th, with additional opportunities to perform and share holiday music throughout the community.

Whether you’re an experienced singer or simply love to sing and want to be part of something magical, the Christmas Chorus is a warm, welcoming place to make new friends and celebrate the season. Don’t miss this chance to raise your voice, spread joy, and create lasting memories! For more information, contact: Susan Brooks
at (904) 591-4407 or [email protected]

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

The wait is almost over—the Sunflower Festival is back at the Friendly Farm now through September 28th, offering 3 acres of breathtaking blooms plus fun for the whole family. Wander through fields of golden sunflowers, visit the petting zoo, enjoy farm games, grab a bite to eat, and make plenty of photo-worthy memories. More Info & Get Tickets

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, September 20th- 21st—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 21st, 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

Get ready for an unforgettable night: Little Mania: Midget Wrestling All-Stars is coming to Cotton Eyed Joe, 11220 Outlet Drive, on Monday, September 22nd. This is an 18+ event, where veteran performers and mini-wrestling stars take the ring for a show full of energy, athleticism, and larger-than-life fun. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the main event kicking off around 7:30 PM.

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

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.

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

On Saturday, September 27th, the Inskip neighborhood will burst into color, music, and celebration for We Are Inskip: Hear Us Roar! This free, family-friendly event begins at 11:00 AM with parade line-up at the school, followed by a lively New Orleans-style walking parade at noon. Parking is available at Inskip Elementary, 4701 High School Road.

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:

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

September Giveaway - Whole-Home Carpet + Stairs DeepClean, by On the Spot Carpet Cleaning

On The Spot Carpet Cleaning is giving you the chance to win their Whole-Home Carpet + Stairs DeepClean+ Giveaway. One lucky winner will receive up to five rooms and one flight of stairs professionally cleaned with their eco-friendly DeepClean+ system.

1 Big Winner… But everyone walks away with something! The Grand Prize can be used anytime up to 1 year.

Grand Prize Details:
🏆 Valued at more than $350
📅 Can be redeemed anytime within 365 days of winning
✅ Free entry, no purchase necessary

— delivered by Knoxville’s trusted local carpet cleaning team

Even if you don’t win, there’s a surprise bonus waiting for everyone who enters!

  • It’s free to enter

  • It only takes 10 seconds

  • And someone local WILL win

Award-Winning Novelist Carter Sickels to Read at UT Creative Writing Series

The University of Tennessee Creative Writing Program welcomes acclaimed novelist Carter Sickels for a free public reading on Monday, September 29th at 7 p.m. in the Lindsay Young Auditorium of John C. Hodges Library. The event is part of the UT Creative Writing Series and invites the community to engage with one of today’s most compelling literary voices.

Sickels is the author of The Prettiest Star, which earned the Ohioana Book Award in Fiction, the Southern Book Prize, and the Weatherford Award, and was named a Kirkus Best Book of 2020. His debut novel, The Evening Hour, was adapted into a feature film that premiered at Sundance in 2020. A 2024 finalist for both the John Dos Passos Prize and the Granum Prize, Sickels’s work has been widely published in outlets such as The Atlantic, Oxford American, and Poets & Writers. He currently serves as an assistant professor of creative writing at North Carolina State University.

Community Vigil & Prayer Gathering at Market Square

On Sunday, September 21st, 7:00PM–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.

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