Celebrate Fall at Powell’s October Fest!

Issue #657

30 Sep

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 80

📰 The Kerbela Shriners Present Their 2025 Circus: A Spectacular Family Tradition

🗓️ Celebrate Fall at Powell’s October Fest!

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 95 in 2019 — Record Low: 35 in 1888

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

Get One-of-a-Kind Custom Gifts at M&D Creations Halls — Now Open Saturdays!

If you are looking for custom, one-of-a-kind gifts, then we have great news for you! Beginning this Saturday, M&D Creations Halls (6828 Maynardville Pike) will be open on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM. The shop is opening its Saturday hours through December, giving customers more opportunities to stop by.

In addition to Saturday hours, M&D Creations is open Monday–Tuesday from 10 AM–6 PM and Wednesday–Friday from 10 AM–5 PM. The store offers a wide selection of handcrafted items and custom gifts, perfect for browsing or discussing personalized ideas with the owners. Whether you’re looking for unique décor, special gifts, or a one-of-a-kind creation, M&D Creations Halls is ready to welcome you & create your custom gift if you have an idea in mind that you do not see in the store.

The Kerbela Shriners Present Their 2025 Circus: A Spectacular Family Tradition

The 2025 Kerbela Shriner Circus promises a magical weekend of excitement, wonder, and nostalgia from October 3rd–5th at Thompson-Boling Arena at the Food City Center. Doors open early with two showings each day—an afternoon parade and performance, followed by an evening spectacle complete with a grand Shriner parade and a full circus show.

Families and spectators can expect an unforgettable lineup of acts: trapeze artists, magicians, daring acrobats, clowns, and more. Beyond the big top, the experience includes bounce houses, animal attractions, face painting, and photo moments with performers. The Shriner parade brings a colorful, larger-than-life procession of costumes and pageantry, setting the stage for the evening’s main event.

As a long-standing fundraiser for the Shriners’ charitable work—especially their support of children’s hospitals—this circus is more than entertainment. Every ticket helps further the organization’s mission to improve lives and extend care to those in need. More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

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

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.

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.

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.

24th Annual Clinch River Fall Antique Festival - on Saturday, October 4th, 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.

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

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

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. 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

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. 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!

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:

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

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

Cookie Decorating Class at The Kraken’s Cup

Sweeten up your autumn evenings with a fun, creative evening! On Tuesday, October 22nd from 6:00-8:00 PM, Volunteer Cookie Co. will host a Cookie Decorating Class at The Kraken’s Cup, located at 4815 N Broadway, Suite 107. Participants will learn basic decorating techniques and leave with six beautifully decorated cookies of their own. The ticket includes all decorating materials, tea, a scone, and the icing & sugar cookie recipes to take home.

This class is perfect for couples, friends, or solo participants looking for a cozy, hands-on experience. The cost is $50 per person, and seating is limited—so it’s encouraged to register early. Gluten-free cookie kits are available for an additional $9 per set, and participants are asked to note any food allergies when signing up. Payment is handled via Venmo or invoice when you reserve your spot. More Info & Reserve your seat

Celebrate Fall at Powell’s October Fest!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 11th from 11 AM to 5 PM, when Powell comes alive with the spirit of fall at October Fest, hosted at Painting Around (2917 W. Beaver Creek Dr, Powell, TN). This family-friendly event is part of a larger seasonal series and promises a full day of fun, food, and festivities.

Guests can shop from local boutiques, art, and jewelry vendors, indulge in sweet treats and food truck favorites, and enjoy activities like face painting and permanent jewelry. With something for everyone, October Fest is designed to bring the community together while celebrating the season in style.

Vendors are still being accepted for this and other upcoming festivals, including the Christmas Market on December 6th. Best of all, 50% of vendor fees will be donated to LIFT East Tennessee, supporting children with autism and other developmental needs. Whether you’re there to shop, eat, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, October Fest is a chance to celebrate fall while giving back to the community.

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