In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Partly Sunny with a High of 81

📰 Smooth Sailor Brings Yacht Rock Vibes to Hardin Valley

📰 Hard Knox Hooligans Invite Families to a Roller Derby Interest Meeting

🗓️ Hogwarts Week - Create a Magical Keepsake at the Golden Snitch Ornament Workshop

🗓️ Sweet Times Await at Corryton’s Annual Fall Apple Festival

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Smooth Sailor Brings Yacht Rock Vibes to Hardin Valley

Grab your lawn chairs and get ready to sail into a night of smooth rock nostalgia! The Hardin Valley Event Center will host Knoxville’s own yacht rock tribute band, Smooth Sailor, on Friday, October 10th, for a relaxed open-air concert under the pavilion. Gates open at 5:00 PM, with the show beginning at 7:00 PM.

Known for their pitch-perfect renditions of 1970s and 1980s soft rock favorites, Smooth Sailor delivers a feel-good mix of classics from artists like Steely Dan, Toto, and Hall & Oates. Tickets are $20 and available at ticketsource.com/hvec. Guests can enjoy great food, cold drinks, and free parking—all while soaking in the breezy vibes of an evening designed for easy listening and good company. The event is covered and will go on rain or shine, so gather your crew and come sail away for a night of music and memories in Hardin Valley

Hard Knox Hooligans Invite Families to a Roller Derby Interest Meeting

The Hard Knox Hooligans are rolling into a new season with energy, community spirit, and a couple of exciting events this October! Families interested in youth roller derby are invited to a Family Interest Meeting and All-Wheels Rollout on Tuesday, October 21st at 6 PM at the Hardin Valley Event Center (2620 Willow Point Way) This is the perfect opportunity to meet the coaches, learn about the program, and see what it takes to get your child geared up for the fast-paced world of junior roller derby. Participants will get information on the required safety equipment — including quad speed skates, helmets, pads, and mouthguards — to help their young athletes roll safely with the Hooligans.

To kick off their season, the Hooligans are also hosting their first fundraiser — a Car Wash on Saturday, October 11th from 9 AM to 1 PM at O’Reilly Auto Parts, 5904 Clinton Highway. Community members are encouraged to stop by, get their car sparkling clean, and support these dedicated young skaters. Funds raised will go toward gear, uniforms, and event costs for the team. Whether you’re a parent of a future roller derby star or just want to cheer on a great local youth group, October is the perfect time to connect with the Knoxville Junior Hooligans and help them keep rolling strong!

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Knox County Master Gardeners - 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.).

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.

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 remaining October games are October 13th at 7:15 PM and October 26th at 1:00 PM.

Book lovers, mark your calendars! The Bottom Knox invites readers to gather for a cozy evening of cocktails, conversation, and community at Peter Kern Library (407 Union Ave.) on Wednesday, October 15th, for their monthly Sip N’ Read Book Club. This unique event blends the best of Knoxville’s literary and social scenes—giving guests the chance to unwind with a drink and a good book in one of the city’s most iconic speakeasies. More Info & Tickets

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

Knox County Master Gardeners - 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.

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

Craft, Sip & Connect, October 20th - Grab your yarn and your favorite project—unfinished or otherwise—and head to Intrepid Nitro Coffee and Tea in Bearden (5201 Kingston Pike #6) for a fun evening of creativity and community!

Are you ready to RUMBLE! Join us Tuesday, October 21st at 6:00 pm for “The Main Event - Jack vs Jim” Course #357 at 35 North Bar & Grill, 11321 Kingston Pike. The class will be an interactive 1.5 hour presentation on the history and virtues of Jack Daniels and Jim Beam. During the class, you'll be the judge for comparable priced whiskey samples from Jack Daniels and Jim Beam. We'll tally the judges scores and declare a winner of the Jack vs Jim bout. May the best whiskey win! 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

Knox County Master Gardeners will 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].

Step into the glow this Halloween as Candlelight transforms Jackson Terminal into a moody, candlelit concert hall on October 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

Hogwarts Week - Create a Magical Keepsake at the Golden Snitch Ornament Workshop

Calling all wizards, witches, and Harry Potter fans! ✨ Join the fun on Wednesday, October 9th from 6–8 PM for a Golden Snitch Ornament Workshop, where participants can craft their very own magical ornament inspired by the beloved game of Quidditch. Each attendee will design and decorate a shimmering Golden Snitch to take home—a perfect addition to your holiday décor or a gift for a fellow Potterhead.

This hands-on workshop costs just $20 per person, making it an enchanting and affordable evening for all ages. Spaces are limited, so don’t let this one fly away! Secure your spot

Sweet Times Await at Corryton’s Annual Fall Apple Festival

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18th from 9 AM to 2 PM as Washington Presbyterian Church hosts its beloved Annual Fall Apple Festival at the church pavilion and park, located at 7405 Washington Pike NE, Corryton. This long-standing community favorite is packed with fall fun, delicious food, and family-friendly activities—all for a great cause.

Visitors can enjoy a full day of music, apple-themed treats, and local charm. Indulge in apple butter, fried and baked apple pies, cider, hot tamales, pulled pork lunches, and more. Explore the country market, kids’ activities, Granny’s attic, and a lively silent auction, with all proceeds supporting local mission efforts. Admission and parking are free, but bring cash—it’s a cash-only event. Come early, stay late, and enjoy this festive Corryton tradition!

Become a Knoxville Insider Sponsor

Are you a new or established business looking to become known in our Knoxville Insider community? We are looking for locally-owned businesses that would like to become a Knoxville Insider sponsor! Sponsorships can include:

• Hero or section banners

• Logo

• Video

• Print

• Spotlight Directory

• and more…

Reach out to us at [email protected].

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]!