In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 76

📰 Community Resource Forum Invitation

📰 Explore Nightlife at Ijams with Moths & More - Ijams After Dark

🗓️ An Evening of Chills & Tales - Ijams Sunset Social — A Night of Scary Stories

🗓️ Zoom Room - One of Our Sponsors, is Celebrating their Birthday with Special Events all Week!

📣 Get your Knoxville Insider VIP Pass Today for Giveaways, Special Offers, and More!

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Community Resource Forum Invitation

You're invited to a Community Resource Forum at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Farragut on Wednesday, November 5th from 8:15 - 9:30 am. Light breakfast served at 8:15 am. Meeting begins at 8:30 am. 

This event is a great chance for community leaders and partners from all walks—non-profits, government, education, faith-based groups, and everything in between—to connect, share resources, collaborate, and explore volunteer opportunities. This is a recurring event. More info is on the image above, as well as the scheduled dates for 2026 meetings. 

Whether you’re leading a program, running a service, or just passionate about helping folks in our community, this is the room you want to be in. 

They’ll have a sign-in sheet and name tags at the door, so even if you don’t RSVP ahead of time, no worries—they’ve got you covered. But if you can, shoot an email to [email protected] to let her know you’re coming.

-contributed by Cheryl S.

Explore Nightlife at Ijams with Moths & More - Ijams After Dark

Step into the twilight world of moths and other nocturnal creatures with Moths & More: Ijams After Dark on Thursday, October 30th from 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM - an evening guided hike that blends natural history with adventure. Held at Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37920), this event showcases moths and other night-active species attracted to blacklight stations, while participants walk trails under the cover of darkness.

Naturalists lead the experience, helping guests identify species in real time, share insights into moth life cycles, and reveal the hidden biodiversity of Ijams after sundown. The hike spans uneven terrain of up to 1.5 miles and includes several stops for observation. Participants are encouraged to arrive early for check-in and parking, and those under 10 should consult age guidelines before attending.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just curious about what wings flutter in the night, Moths & More offers a magical chance to see the natural world from a new perspective. More Info & Tickets

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

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

The Knox County Master Gardeners (KCMG) are marking a major milestone—40 years of cultivating community and knowledge. A special celebration, open to the public, will take place on Friday, October 17th from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the UT Gardens Pavilion. More Info

Start your engines for a great cause! Gibbs Middle School is hosting its annual Wings & Wheels Car Show on Saturday, October 18th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 7825 Tazewell Pike, Corryton. Gates open at 8:30 AM, and all proceeds from the event will help fund student educational trips. Car owners can enter their vehicles for just $20 at the gate, with trophies and door prizes up for grabs.

Celebrate the season with a day full of family fun at the Fall Festival hosted by Crossroads Pharmacy, located at 7047 Maynardville Pike in Halls! The event takes place on Saturday, October 18th, from 10 AM to 4 PM, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most festive community gatherings of the season.

Get ready for a weekend full of scales, tails, and exotic adventures! The Show Me Reptiles Show is bringing America’s Reptile Expo back to Knoxville for two action-packed days of discovery on Saturday-Sunday, October 18th-19th. It will be held at the Knoxville Expo Center, 5441 Clinton Highway. Whether you’re a passionate reptile keeper or just curious about these fascinating creatures, this family-friendly event promises fun for everyone.

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! 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

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.

This weekend, October 18th–19th, the Concord Sailing Center invites the community to enjoy a spectacular weekend on the water at the Osprey Cup Youth Regatta, hosted at Concord Yacht Club (11600 S. Northshore Dr.). Spectators are warmly encouraged to attend and experience the excitement of Knoxville’s only youth regatta of its kind. Races take place Saturday starting at 12 PM and Sunday starting at 9:30 AM.

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

Take in the tranquil beauty of the Tennessee River beneath the stars during Ijams Nature Center’s Nighttime Paddle on Thursday, October 23rd, from 6:30–8:30 PM at Ijams River Landing (2915 Island Home Ave). This guided evening adventure offers a peaceful escape into nature while uncovering the hidden wonders that come alive after dark. More Info & Register

The Smoky Mountain Bourbon Society invites bourbon lovers to gather for an unforgettable evening of music, flavor, and fellowship at the SMBS Fall Social & Bottle Share on Friday, October 24th, from 6–11 PM at the Hardin Valley Event Center Outdoor Pavilion (2620 Willow Point Way). Details & Tickets

Get ready to rock your costume and your favorite spooky tunes at the 4th Annual Halloween Party hosted by School of Rock Knoxville (101 Sherlake Ln #101)! This frightfully fun evening is open to all ages and promises a night full of music, creativity, and community spirit on Friday, October 24th from 5:30pm - 8:00pm.

Calling all trivia buffs and Halloween lovers—Ijams Nature Center is hosting a Spooky Trivia Night on Friday, October 24th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Gather your friends and family for a chilling yet fun evening full of themed questions that explore Halloween lore, local nature mysteries, eerie science, and seasonal curiosities. More Info & Register

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.

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 

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

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 game is on October 26th at 1:00 PM.

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 

Get ready for a night of whimsical wonder at Ijams Nature Center on Saturday, October 25th, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Ijams Enchanted Forest. The Meads Quarry, part of Ijams’ forest preserve, will be transformed into a glowing, family-friendly Halloween celebration filled with seasonal crafts, games, trick-or-treating, and enchanting encounters. More Info & Tickets

Get ready for Knoxville’s favorite fall tradition for pets and their people — the 12th Annual Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade and Pet Expo at UT Gardens Knoxville! This year’s event, presented by the UT Gardens (2518 Jacob Drive), the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee (CAIT), promises a day packed with fun, furry festivities, and community spirit, on Sunday, October 26th at 1pm!

On Sunday, October 26th, join Ijams Nature Center at 1:00 PM for their annual Fall Foliage Hike, an ideal way to immerse yourself in the vibrant reds, golds, and oranges of East Tennessee in peak season. The hike departs from Ijams’ Meads Quarry Trailhead. More Info

Are you intrigued by local legends and the stories that linger just beyond the light? On Sunday, October 26th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, Ijams Nature Center invites you to uncover the hidden stories and haunting history of its trails with A Haunting History of Ijams Hike. The hike begins at Meads Quarry Trailhead, Ijams Nature Center (3526 Island Home Avenue). Reserve your Spot

Step into the soothing world of tea at The Great Tea-Off, on Wednesday, October 29th from 6:00pm-8:00pm, hosted by Flower Fire Spa at the Kraken’s Cup, 4815 N Broadway, STE 107, This first-ever Tea Blending Workshop and Contest invites you to explore how tisanes and herbal teas can support wellness and balance. You’ll learn about the healing properties of herbs, then get hands-on creating your own signature blend from a selection of tea bases and botanicals. Get Tickets

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

Celebrate fall with friends, family, and neighbors at the Hallelujah Hoedown, happening Friday, October 31st from 6:00–8:00 PM at East Knox County Elementary School (9315 Rutledge Pike, Mascot). This free, community-wide event promises a night of fun, laughter, and fellowship for all ages.

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

An Evening of Chills & Tales - Ijams Sunset Social — A Night of Scary Stories

Join Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Ave) on Tuesday, October 28th, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, for a hauntingly delightful night of storytelling at their Sunset Social: A Night of Scary Stories featuring the Smoky Mountain Storytellers. Set at dusk under the trees, this event will weave ghostly tales and chilling folklore, bringing the forest alive with the power of narrative.

Participants can stroll through twilight trails, gather by campfire glow, and experience the thrill of shared stories in a setting that’s part theater, part nature walk. Whether you’re a lover of spooky legends or just in search of a memorable Halloween evening, this event offers a beautifully atmospheric way to mark the night. Space is limited - More Info & Reserve your Spot

Zoom Room - One of Our Sponsors, is Celebrating their Birthday with Special Events all Week!

Get ready for a week of tail-wagging fun as Zoom Room celebrates its 2nd birthday with a Weeklong Birthday Bash, happening through Saturday, October 18th! The celebration combines tricks, treats, and plenty of puppy playtime for a week packed with excitement and community spirit.

The fun continues with Costume & Photo Day on Thursday, October 16th, and Games Day on Friday, October 17th for playful bonding. The week wraps up with a cozy Movie Night on Saturday, October 18th featuring The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Whether you’re a loyal Zoom Room customer or a first-timer, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our birthday and Halloween, meet fellow dog lovers, and have a blast with your furry best friend. More Info about Zoom Room

They are located at 10938 Springbluff Way and can be reached at (865) 378-7200.

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