In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Partly Cloudy with a High of 85

🗓️ Kids’ Spooky Fun: Costumes, Characters & Cartoons at the Tennessee Theatre

📰 Call for Artist Proposals: Emporium Exhibitions 2026–2027

📰 Friends of the Library Book Sale at Farragut Branch

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

🗓️ Community Vigil & Prayer Gathering at Market Square

🗓️ Upcoming Events (Lots of events!)

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Call for Artist Proposals: Emporium Exhibitions 2026–2027

The Arts & Culture Alliance is seeking proposals for exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville, scheduled between July 2026 and June 2027.

Artists and groups within 250 miles of Knoxville are invited to apply—submissions in all visual art media are welcome, though AI-generated work is not eligible. The deadline to apply is November 2nd.

Details and applications are available at knoxalliance.com/proposals.

Friends of the Library Book Sale at Farragut Branch

Book lovers, mark your calendars! The Friends of the Knox County Public Library will host a book sale at the Farragut Library, 417 N. Campbell Station Rd, on Friday and Saturday, September 26th–27th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Shoppers can browse an amazing selection of gently used books at unbeatable prices, with proceeds supporting library programs and improvements. Whether you’re looking for fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, or something new to add to your shelves, this is the perfect chance to stock up while supporting your local library.

Arrive early for the best selection, and don’t miss this opportunity to take home great reads while giving back to the community.

More details: Farragut | Knox County Public Library

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

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

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

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.

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

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

👉 Enter now: https://offer.ots-carpetcleaningtn.com/win-insider2025

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

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👉 Enter now: https://offer.ots-carpetcleaningtn.com/win-insider2025

Kids’ Spooky Fun: Costumes, Characters & Cartoons at the Tennessee Theatre

Get ready for a family-friendly start to spooky season as Costumes, Characters, and Cartoons returns to the Tennessee Theatre, 604 S Gay St, on Sunday, October 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free event is packed with fun for all ages, featuring PBS Kids specials on the big screen, meet-and-greet opportunities with favorite characters, and a chance for kids to show off their Halloween costumes in style.

To ensure everyone can enjoy the fun, a sensory-reduced experience will be available from 10:30–11 a.m. With plenty of costumes, laughter, and community spirit, it’s the perfect way to kick off the season.

👻 Mark your calendars, bring the whole family, and join the Tennessee Theatre for a morning of free spooky-season fun!

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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