In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 75

📰 Call for Artists - Entries Open for 20th National Juried Exhibition at The Emporium

📰 UT Design Students Seek Local Stories for Community Art Project

🗓️ Trick-or-Treat Underground - Cherokee Caverns’ Family Halloween Event Returns

🗓️ Foraging on the Farm - Discover Wild Foods and Medicinal Plants

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Call for Artists - Entries Open for 20th National Juried Exhibition at The Emporium

The Arts & Culture Alliance has announced a call for entries for the 20th Annual National Juried Exhibition, one of Knoxville’s most anticipated fine art showcases. This prestigious exhibition, set to take place February 6th–28th, 2026, at The Emporium Center, will feature 40–50 selected works representing a wide range of styles, mediums, and artistic voices from across the nation.

Open to both emerging and established artists, the competition offers $1,800 in cash awards and the opportunity to display work in Knoxville’s historic arts hub. Eligible submissions include 2-D and 3-D media such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, jewelry, printmaking, and digital art—though works created with artificial intelligence systems will not be accepted.

Artists may submit entries online at www.knoxalliance.com/nje-entry by Sunday, December 14th. Don’t miss this chance to share your creativity and be part of a celebrated national exhibition that continues to elevate and connect the arts community in East Tennessee and beyond.

UT Design Students Seek Local Stories for Community Art Project

UT is inviting older adults to take part in a creative storytelling collaboration with graphic design students. As part of this project, participants will share meaningful stories from their lives during a series of conversations—either by phone or video call—taking place through September and October.

The students will then transform these stories into visual art and graphic designs that reflect the participants’ unique life experiences. These artworks will be displayed at The John T. O’Connor Senior Center, celebrating community connection and the power of storytelling through design.

Participation is voluntary and aims to foster intergenerational dialogue while inspiring others through personal narratives expressed in art. Those interested in joining can sign up at The John T. O’Connor Senior Center front desk or call (865) 523-1135 for more information.

The project is led by Kimberly Mitchell from UT’s College of Architecture and Design and Lizzie Bowland from the College of Social Work.

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.).

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, This event is held at Painting Around, 2917 W. Beaver Creek Dr in Powell. Secure your Spot

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.

Grab your lawn chairs and get ready to sail into a night of smooth rock nostalgia! The Hardin Valley Event Center (2620 Willow Point Way) 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. Get Tickets

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 Hard Knox Hooligans (roller derby) are 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.

Lace up your hiking boots and grab your leash—Tails on Trails: Hike to Save Pets is happening Saturday, October 25th, from 8:30 AM to 1 PM at Baker Creek Preserve! This family-friendly fundraiser supports a special fund through the University of Tennessee Veterinary Department, created in memory of two beloved cats to help pet owners struggling to afford emergency vet care. 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 remaining October games are October 13th at 7:15 PM and October 26th at 1:00 PM.

The University of Tennessee Creative Writing Program will host acclaimed poet, translator, and educator Yesenia Montilla for a public reading on Monday, October 13th, at 7 PM in the Lindsay Young Auditorium at the John C. Hodges Library. This special literary event is free and open to the public, inviting poetry lovers and students alike to experience Montilla’s powerful voice and artistry.

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.

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.

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!

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)

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

Get ready for an evening where words cast spells and verses raise goosebumps! On Monday, October 21st, from 7–9 PM, Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Ave) and the Knoxville Poetry Slam are teaming up to present the Spooky Poetry Slam, a night of hauntingly creative performances. More Info & Tickets

On Tuesday, October 22nd, from 6–8 PM, Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Ave) invites the community to a truly unique celebration—Welcome Home - Celebrating the Ijams Bat House! Guests will begin the evening with a short, scenic guided walk around Mead’s Quarry, leading to the exciting unveiling of Ijams’ newest “residents’” home. More Info & 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

Experience Ijams Nature Center in a whole new light—or rather, twilight—during the Haunted History of Ijams Hike on Thursday, October 23rd, from 7 PM–9 PM. This guided evening adventure invites participants to explore the scenic trails of Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Avenue) while uncovering the fascinating, lesser-known stories that have shaped its landscape. More Info

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

The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum invites the community to celebrate the beauty of the season at its annual Fall Festival & Plant Sale on Sunday, October 26th, from 1–5 PM. This beloved event brings together gardening enthusiasts, local artists, and community partners for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and fall fun. More Info 

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

Trick-or-Treat Underground - Cherokee Caverns’ Family Halloween Event Returns

Get ready for one of Knoxville’s most unique Halloween traditions — the Historic Cherokee Caverns Annual Trick or Treat in the Cave (8524 Oak Ridge Highway) is back for two weekends of family fun this October! Visitors of all ages are invited to don their favorite costumes and explore the glowing cave paths filled with themed scenes, festive lights, music, photo ops, and plenty of candy.

This one-of-a-kind experience takes place deep underground, where the cave’s cool 58-degree temperature keeps things comfortable as you stroll past stunning stalagmites and stalactites. Families can grab dinner or hot cocoa from The Grotto Café, shop local vendor booths for handmade crafts and treats, and even relax by the campfire. The cave path is stroller and wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive adventure for everyone.

The event runs October 17th–19th and October 24th–26th, with varying hours each day. Tickets are $15 for ages 4 and up, and children 3 and under get in free. Parking is also free. More Info & Tickets

Foraging on the Farm - Discover Wild Foods and Medicinal Plants

Reconnect with nature and explore the hidden abundance of East Tennessee at Foraging on the Farm (9528 Middlebrook Pike), hosted by Strong Roots Resources on October 11th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This immersive outdoor experience invites participants to stroll through a scenic West Knox County farm while learning about wild foods and medicinal plants that thrive right in our region.

Guided by local foraging experts, attendees will discover how to identify, harvest, and use native plants for both nourishment and healing. The workshop offers a hands-on way to deepen your connection to the land and understand traditional Appalachian plant knowledge. Tickets are $30, but barter opportunities are welcome—participants are encouraged to reach out with trade proposals.

Whether you’re a seasoned herbalist or simply curious about sustainable living, this event promises a refreshing blend of education, community, and appreciation for the natural world. Learn more or reserve your spot

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