In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Partly Sunny with a High of 82

🗓️ Craft, Sip & Connect at Intrepid Nitro Coffee and Tea Bar

📰 New Historic Markers Unveiled at Bethel Cemetery

🗓️ Knox County Master Gardeners October & November Events

📰 Film Fest Knox Returns This November

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

New Historic Markers Unveiled at Bethel Cemetery

The Hazen Historical Museum Foundation has unveiled three new interpretive markers at Bethel Cemetery (1917 Bethel Ave.), bringing fresh historical context to one of the city’s most significant Civil War sites. The cemetery, which now joins the Tennessee Civil War Trails program, contains more than 1,600 Confederate dead, along with around 50 “Union Men,” 40 Civil War veterans, and several widows. A monument to the Confederate dead was first erected in 1892, with contributions from both Confederate and Union veterans.

The new markers, funded through grants from the Tennessee Wars Commission and the Knoxville Civil War Roundtable, move the stories of the cemetery, its monument, and the Winstead family caretakers outdoors for greater accessibility. Recent archaeological work, including a ground-penetrating survey, also revealed new insights into the layout of burial sites. The Foundation hopes the markers will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Bethel Cemetery’s layered history while offering a thoughtful perspective on how its monuments and symbols are understood today.

Film Fest Knox Returns This November

Knoxville’s international celebration of cinema is back with Film Fest Knox, happening November 6th–9th, at Regal Riviera. Presented by Visit Knoxville and Regal, the multi-day festival highlights regional filmmaking while connecting it to stories and talent from across the globe. Audiences can expect an exciting mix of narrative and documentary screenings, filmmaker panels, workshops, and community events—all designed to celebrate film as both an art form and a cultural connector.

The festival features two major competitions: the American Regional Cinema Competition, with the winning film receiving an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run, and Made in Tennessee, showcasing works created in the Volunteer State. Co-founded by The Public Cinema, FILM FEST KNOX continues to grow Knoxville’s reputation as a hub for creative filmmaking. Whether you’re a dedicated film lover or just curious about discovering something new, this festival offers a chance to see bold, ambitious cinema right in the heart of downtown. 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 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

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.

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 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 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

Get ready for a family-friendly event that rolls in some serious fun! On October 5, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Zoo Knoxville is opening its gates to a fleet of trucks, construction vehicles, and first responder rigs for Touch A Truck with Bob the Builder.

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 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 October 13th at 7:15 PM and 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

Get ready to sip, sample, and savor local flavor! Taste of Turkey Creek returns on October 10th, from 6 PM to 9 PM, hosted at The Pinnacle at Turkey Creek (11251 Parkside Drive). This annual culinary event brings together Knoxville’s top restaurants, food vendors, and chefs for a night of delicious bites, refreshing drinks, and community fun.

Mark your calendars for RacetoberFest, a high-octane weekend of racing and music at Knoxville Dragway on 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 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.

Get into the autumn spirit with some creative pumpkin decorating on 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.

The Improvised Shakespeare Company is making a special stop at the Clayton Arts Center on 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

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 October 17th, at the East Tennessee History Center (601 S. Gay St), hosted by Friends of the Knox County Public Library. More Info

Get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time at the Birdhouse Fall Hoedown, happening October 19th from 3:00 to 8:00 PM. Join us at The Birdhouse Neighborhood Center (800 North 4th Avenue) for an evening of live country music, hoedown dancing, family-friendly fun, and southern charm. Get Tickets

Sweeten up your autumn evenings with a fun, creative evening! On 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

Book lovers in North Knoxville, mark your calendars! The Halls Branch Library (4518 E. Emory Road) will host its Used Book Sale on October 25th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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 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.

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

Knox County Master Gardeners October & November Events

The Knox County Master Gardeners (KCMG) have a full lineup of free educational events this fall, offering opportunities for the community to deepen their gardening knowledge and connect with local experts.

On October 9th (10:30–11:30 a.m.), Janet Cushman and Marian Phillips will present Ferns: Habitats, Types, and Growing Methods at the UT Eastern Regional Office (1801 Downtown West Blvd.).

Later in the month, Master Gardener Cid Letsinger will host Q&A sessions at the Norwood Branch Library (1110 Merchant Dr.) on October 18th and November 15th from 10 a.m.–noon.

Other highlights include a Zoom presentation on October 29th (11 a.m.–noon) about becoming a KCMG volunteer, led by Extension Agent Rylan Thompson. To register, email [email protected] or call (865) 215-2340. On November 8th (10 a.m.–noon), a Garden Classroom event at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum (2743 Wimpole Ave.) will teach proper tree-planting techniques, complete with refreshments and a raffle.

KCMG will also participate in the Fall Festival & Plant Sale at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens on October 26th (1–5 p.m.), which is free but requires preregistration at [email protected].
More Info

Craft, Sip & Connect at Intrepid Nitro Coffee and Tea Bar

Grab your yarn and your favorite project—unfinished or otherwise—and head to Intrepid Nitro Coffee and Tea in Bearden for a fun evening of creativity and community! On this special night, guests can enjoy delicious coffee and tea drinks while working on their knitting or crochet projects in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

This casual two-hour gathering is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow makers, share a laugh, and maybe even make a new friend. Whether you’re finishing up that one project you’ve been meaning to complete or just looking for a cozy place to unwind, you’ll feel right at home. The event takes place at Intrepid’s Bearden location, 5201 Kingston Pike #6. Bring a friend, bring your yarn, and get ready to get tangled in good company!

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