In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 82

📰 Collective Trading Co. Monthly Card Show Brings Collectors Together

📰 Complimentary Sunsphere Admission for Knox County Residents this Friday

🗓️ Fall Day Trip: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Excursion

🗓️ RacetoberFest is Revving Up at Knoxville Dragway

🏆 September Giveaway - Whole-Home Carpet + Stairs DeepClean, by On the Spot Carpet Cleaning (Only two days left to enter! Giveaway ends on 9/30)

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Complimentary Sunsphere Admission for Knox County Residents this Friday

Knox County residents can enjoy a free visit to the Sunsphere Observation Deck on Friday, October 3rd, as part of Visit Knoxville’s Local Sunsphere Days. By showing a valid Knox County driver’s license, you will receive complimentary access to the 4th Floor Observation Deck, offering panoramic views of downtown Knoxville, the Smoky Mountains, World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River, and the University of Tennessee campus.

Admission is first-come, first-served, with a maximum of 40 people allowed every 30 minutes. The Sunsphere and Welcome Center will also stay open until 6 PM, giving visitors an extra hour to enjoy the exhibits, memorabilia, and newly refreshed mural celebrating the landmark’s history from the 1982 World’s Fair. Don’t miss this chance to experience Knoxville’s golden icon for free!

Collective Trading Co. Monthly Card Show Brings Collectors Together

Calling all collectors! The Collective Trading Co. Monthly Card Show is back, offering Knoxville’s premier trading card and collectibles experience. Hosted at Pellissippi State Community College’s College Center (10915 Hardin Valley Rd.), this family-friendly showcase is this Saturday, October 3rd from 9 AM to 3 PM and is free to attend, with plenty of free parking on-site.

The event features 50+ expert vendors with everything from sports cards (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, UFC, and more) to trading card games like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Lorcana, Flesh and Blood, Digimon, and One Piece. Collectors can also browse Japanese imports, vintage treasures, entertainment favorites like Marvel and Star Wars, grading slabs, and plenty of TCG accessories. Live breaks and trivia prizes happen every 30 minutes, keeping the energy high, while early arrivals score free swag.

With wide aisles, family-friendly vibes, and curated offerings (no clutter—just the best cards and collectibles), this showcase is the perfect spot to expand your collection or connect with fellow enthusiasts. Email [email protected] for vendor inquiries.

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Knoxville’s long-running celebration of Greek heritage returns this September with Greek Fest 2025, taking place September 26th–28th at St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Kingston Pike. On Friday and Saturday, festival hours are 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the festivities wind down on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. More Info 

Clarence Brown Theatre presents Sense and Sensibility, Kate Hamill’s witty, modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic. Running through Sunday, October 5th, the play follows the Dashwood sisters as they navigate love, loss, and social pressures, brought to life with humor and heart under director Casey Sams. More Info & Tickets

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

Get ready for some friendly competition and flashing lights at the Sunday Funday Pinball Tournament, happening Sunday, September 28th at Pins & Pints Pinball Pub, 1336 E. Emory Road in Powell. The action kicks off at 4:30 PM and welcomes players of all ages and skill levels to test their pinball skills in a fun, relaxed setting.

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.

Fans of Taylor and lovers of lively nights, get ready to celebrate! Join Silent Disco Knox and Hi-Wire Brewing (2020 Barber Street) for a magical night of music and community at the Taylor Swift Silent Disco Album Release Party, happening Friday, October 3rd, at 8:00 PM. More Info

Knoxville’s favorite children’s consignment event is back! The Duck-Duck-Goose Fall/Winter Event returns October 1st–4th, at the Knoxville Expo Center (5441 Clinton Hwy), bringing a huge selection of gently used kids’ clothes, gear, toys, and more. The hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This year adds a fresh twist with Half-Price Friday and the fun Duck Dash Saturday sale.

24th Annual Clinch River Fall Antique Festival - on Saturday, October 4, from 9 AM to 5 PM. This beloved tradition transforms Clinton’s charming downtown into a bustling marketplace of antiques, artisans, live music, food trucks, and even classic cars.

Car lovers, mark your calendars! The Cool Cars Rally in the Valley returns to the Hardin Valley Event Center, 2620 Willow Point Way, on Sunday, October 5th, from 4:00–7:00 PM (gates open at 3:00). This exciting showcase will feature a wide range of stunning vehicles parked under the pavilion, with plenty of food, drinks, and family fun to enjoy. More Info

Get ready to unleash your inner nostalgia! The Totally Rad Vintage Fest lands in Knoxville on Saturday, October 4th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall. This retro-inspired festival brings together vintage fashion, arcade gaming, quirky relics, and so much more—all focused on 80s, 90s, and Y2K vibes. More Info

The Improvised Shakespeare Company is making a special stop at the Clayton Arts Center on Thursday, October 16th at 7:30pm, and you won’t want to miss it! This inventive troupe will perform an entirely unscripted show—creating Shakespeare-style scenes on the spot based on audience suggestions. Think “you tell us a setting, character trait, prop, or title, and we deliver a fully improvised ‘Shakespearean’ play.” The result is hilarious, unpredictable, and astonishingly theatrical. More Info

Theater 23 invites audiences to an unforgettable live production of The Last Flight of the Electra, opening this October at The Grove Theater, 123 Randolph Rd, in Oak Ridge. This haunting play explores obsession, identity, and the mysteries that linger around the disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Showtimes: October 24th at 7:30 PM / October 25th at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM / October 26th at 2:30 PM / October 31st at 7:30 PM / November 1st at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM / November 2nd at 2:30 PM. More Info

Step into the glow this Halloween as Candlelight transforms Jackson Terminal into a moody, candlelit concert hall on Thursday, Oct. 30th. Performed by the Listeso String Quartet, this 60-minute program threads together spooky-season favorites. 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—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.

Looking for a fresh approach to business networking? BizGrow Networking invites local professionals to try something new at 5 Questions Speed Networking, happening Tuesday, September 30th from 5:30–7:30 PM at Aloft Knoxville West (364 Lovell Road). This free event promises a fun, interactive way to make connections that go far beyond the typical small talk. Get Tickets (it’s free)

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

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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

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

Fall Day Trip: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Excursion

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Smoky Mountains this fall on a day trip excursion on Thursday, October 16th. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury motor coach, with convenient pick-ups in Farragut (Cracker Barrel, 8:00 AM) and Knoxville (Walmart on Kinzel Way, 9:00 AM). The journey begins with an included lunch in Bryson City, NC, followed by time to explore local shops and boutiques before boarding the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

At 3:00 PM, you’ll step aboard the Tuckasegee River Excursion, a four-hour, 32-mile round-trip train ride that winds through stunning fall scenery. The trip includes a layover in Dillsboro, NC, where guests can enjoy shopping and dinner on their own before returning to Bryson City by 7:30 PM. The motor coach departs shortly after, returning to Knoxville by 10:30 PM and Farragut by 11:00 PM.

Tickets are $225 per person with a $50 deposit required at registration and final payment due by Friday, August 29th. Don’t miss this chance to soak in the autumn colors of the Smokies in style—call (865) 523-2796 to reserve your seat today!

RacetoberFest is Revving Up at Knoxville Dragway

Mark your calendars for RacetoberFest, a high-octane weekend of racing and music at Knoxville Dragway on Friday-Saturday, October 10th-11th. This two-day event features everything from index racing to small tire and street classes, with exciting head-to-head battles and a free spectator class that lets fans jump from the stands to the strip.

Friday’s action kicks off with gates opening at 4:00 PM and racing at 6:30 PM. Saturday continues the thrill ride with gates opening at 2:00 PM, drivers’ meeting at 5:30 PM, and racing beginning at 6:00 PM. Between rounds, enjoy live music from Cody Fuson at 7:00 PM. Classes include Small Tire, Low Budget Small Tire, Street, All Motor, Stick Shift, and Hard Tire—with prize money up to $10,000 on the line.

Admission is $15 Friday, $25 Saturday, or $35 for a weekend pass. With roaring engines, side-by-side competition, and live entertainment, RacetoberFest is the perfect way to spend a fall weekend at the track. More Info

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