In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Partly Sunny with a High of 81

🗓️ Pumpkin Decorating at Three Rivers Market

📰 Rothrock Used Book Shop Updates Hours and Adds New Features

🗓️ Local Author Audra McElyea New Mystery Novel Launch Party

📰 Smoky Mountain Gift Show & IGES: Must-Attend Trade Shows for Retailers

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Rothrock Used Book Shop Updates Hours and Adds New Features

The Friends @ Rothrock Used Book Shop, located inside the Lawson McGhee Library in downtown Knoxville (500 W Church Ave), is refreshing its hours and offerings this fall. The shop is now open 11 AM – 2 PM every day except Sundays and certain Saturdays when major downtown events, like UT home games, are scheduled. Typically, Rothrock is open Monday–Saturday from 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM, but these seasonal adjustments ensure smoother access for shoppers and volunteers alike.

Known for its wide selection of gently used books—most priced at $3 or less—Rothrock continues to delight readers with new initiatives. The popular $1 grab bags (five Fiction or Mystery books bundled together) have been a hit with bargain hunters. A new color-coded sticker system is also being introduced, letting customers easily spot recent arrivals and take advantage of themed sales. Beyond its shelves, Rothrock recently added a free book bin outside the shop, available even when closed, offering titles for all ages.

With its affordable prices, new browsing tools, and convenient downtown location, Rothrock remains a favorite stop for Knoxville book lovers looking for hidden gems and great deals.

Smoky Mountain Gift Show & IGES: Must-Attend Trade Shows for Retailers

Retailers looking to stock up on souvenirs, resort gifts, and specialty merchandise have two major opportunities this fall: the Smoky Mountain Gift Show in Gatlinburg (Nov. 5–8, 2025) and IGES (International Gift Exposition in the Smokies) in Sevierville (November 4th–6th) and Pigeon Forge (November 5th–8th).

Both events are trade-only and designed for small businesses to discover new products, meet suppliers, and write orders. The Smoky Mountain Gift Show will feature over 1,300 booths of souvenirs, décor, apparel, and holiday items, while IGES offers 500+ exhibitors across categories like Made in America, toys, sustainable goods, and campground merchandise.

Together, these shows create Tennessee Market Week, a one-stop opportunity to expand inventory, spot trends, and build connections. Admission is free for qualified buyers. More Info about IGES | More Info about Smoky Mountain Gift Show

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.

The Arts & Culture Alliance will host a new round of exhibitions at The Emporium Center (100 S. Gay Street) on Friday, October 3rd, from 5–9 PM, as part of Knoxville’s First Friday.

Get ready for a night of spooky, creative fun at Candy Casper Paint Night, happening Friday, October 3rd from 6 PM – 8 PM at Painting Around, 2917 W. Beaver Creek Dr., in Powell. This family-friendly event invites you to paint your very own sweet Casper-themed 11x14 canvas, perfect for adding a touch of Halloween spirit to your home. Get Tickets

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 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. More Info

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

Buffalo Bills fans-please come join us on Bills game days at Clancy’s Tavern and Whisky House, 602 S. Gay Street. They are currently 4-0 and have an awesome time with old and new friends cheering the team on!  The next game is this Sunday, October 5th at 8:00 PM. Clancy’s provides a family-friendly, non-smoking environment with a large TV and reserved space just for Bills supporters.  October games are Monday, October 13th at 7:15 PM and Sunday, October 26th at 1:00 PM.

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

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.

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!

Sweeten up your autumn evenings with a fun, creative evening! On Wednesday, 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. More Info & Reserve your seat

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

Local Author Audra McElyea New Mystery Novel Launch Party

Mark your calendars for an evening of intrigue and celebration as Knoxville author Audra McElyea unveils her latest mystery novel, Not Good People. The book launch event will take place on Friday, October 17th, at the East Tennessee History Center (601 S. Gay St), hosted by Friends of the Knox County Public Library.

Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Not Good People follows a group of strangers trapped at a remote destination during a snowstorm, where they soon discover they are caught in a deadly game with chilling consequences. At the launch, McElyea will share more about the suspense-filled story, her inspiration, and the craft behind her work.

🎟️ Tickets are just $5, which includes entry to the launch party and light snacks catered by Rothchild’s. It’s a perfect chance for local readers to meet the author, hear about her latest project, and be among the first to dive into her gripping new release. More Info

Pumpkin Decorating at Three Rivers Market

Get into the autumn spirit with some creative pumpkin decorating on Saturday, October 11th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Co-Op (Three Rivers Market, 1100 N Central St). Guests are welcome to bring their own pumpkin or purchase one from the store. For active co-op members, there’s a special perk—20% off pumpkins purchased at the event.

Kids won’t feel left out either—there’s a free reusable trick-or-treat bag for little ones while supplies last. AllEvents The event promises to be a festive, fall-themed gathering where friends, families, and neighbors can share in seasonal fun and creativity.

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