Hardin Valley Farmers Market Season Finale

Issue #685

28 Oct

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 56

📰 Lincoln’s Other Proclamation: The Story Behind America’s Thanksgiving Tradition

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Support Local, Shop Local - Discover VIP Wallet Passes for Local Businesses

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

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Today’s Record High: 85 in 1991 — Record Low: 28 in 1957

Celebrate the Season: Winter Solstice Folk Dance

Mark your calendar for a truly special evening of connection and celebration! The Winter Solstice Folk Dance takes place Saturday, December 6th at 7:00 PM at the Knoxville Square Dance Center (828 Tulip Avenue).

This unique community event brings people together to honor the Winter Solstice — the turning point of the year when light begins to return — through folk dances from around the world. The evening features easy-to-learn circle dances that blend gentle movement, music, and mindfulness, creating an atmosphere of joy, reflection, and unity.

No dance experience is needed — just bring your curiosity, a spirit of celebration, and maybe a friend or two! It’s a beautiful way to connect with others and mark the season in a meaningful, heart-centered way.

Join in this beautiful tradition of community, light, and movement — and dance your way into winter with warmth and wonder! More Info

Lincoln’s Other Proclamation: The Story Behind America’s Thanksgiving Tradition

Step back in time and uncover the fascinating history behind one of America’s most beloved holidays! The Blount Mansion Association invites you to a special event, “Lincoln’s Other Proclamation: The Origin of America’s Thanksgiving Holiday Tradition,” on Thursday, November 6th, at 6:00 PM at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center (200 W. Hill Avenue).

The evening will feature Dr. William E. Hardy, Lincoln Scholar and Assistant Professor of History at Lincoln Memorial University, who will explore the origins of Thanksgiving and the little-known story of how President Abraham Lincoln — prompted by a poet and editor who campaigned for the idea for nearly twenty years — officially established the national holiday in October 1863.

Guests will enjoy an enlightening talk connecting history, gratitude, and the enduring spirit of unity that Thanksgiving represents.

This event benefits the Blount Mansion Association, home to Knox County’s only National Historic Landmark and the former residence of William Blount, the first and only governor of the Southwest Territory.

Hardin Valley Farmers Market Season Finale – Fun for the Whole Family

Wrap up the harvest season in true community style at the Pavilion Farmers Market Season Finale — happening Thursday, October 30th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Hardin Valley Event Center (2620 Willow Point Way).

This end-of-season celebration has something for everyone! Families can look forward to the Kids Night Blowout, featuring Angry Bird Slingshots, a Peg Perigo Train for Toddlers, Drift Cars, and a Parachute Launch — guaranteed fun for kids (and kids at heart).

Browse an incredible lineup of featured vendors, including 4 Corners Ranch, The Milk Lady, and The Shrimp Dock, offering everything from locally raised meats and dairy to seafood and seasonal goodies. You’ll also find plenty of 100% locally grown produce, baked goods, milk, and meats, along with a variety of other fall favorites.

Live music will be provided by Jack Hatfield, whose bluegrass picking and warm stage presence will set the perfect tone for an autumn evening.

Food and beverage options will be available from Chick-N-Sack and The Casual Pint – Northshore, ensuring you won’t leave hungry (or thirsty!).

Leashed dogs are welcome, so bring the whole crew — two-legged and four-legged alike — for this festive finale celebrating local farmers, makers, and music.

Don’t miss this final market of the season — an evening full of fresh food, family fun, and community spirit to close out the year in true Hardin Valley style!

Warm Hearts, Warm Hands - Bello Business Solutions Launches Winter Clothing Drive Drop-Off

As the temperatures drop, Bello Business Solutions is inviting the Knoxville community to come together and make a difference through its Warm Hearts, Warm Hands winter clothing drop-off. The initiative is collecting donations of coats, blankets, and gloves for people of all ages and sizes—from children to adults.

Organizers are also encouraging donations of hot hands, new underwear, hats, and socks, all of which will go directly to help those in need this winter. Donations can be dropped off at: 108 Stekoia Lane, Suite 102.

Support Local, Shop Local - Discover VIP Wallet Passes for Local Businesses

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Want a pass for your local business? Reach out to us at [email protected]!

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Specials, Events, & Announcements

Knoxville Insider
Giveaways, Contests, & Exclusives
First Giveaway starts Monday, 10/27 -
$50 to the Painted Tree

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Specials, Events, & Announcements

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

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. More Info & Reserve your Spot

Networking doesn’t have to be scary—unless it’s fun scary! 🎃 Join The Hub Pro Studio on Tuesday, October 28th, from 7 PM–9 PM for Galloween: Business Speed Dating, an energetic evening of quick-fire networking and festive fun designed especially for women in business. Hosted at The Hub Pro Studio, 1104 Merchant Drive, Suite 103, this GalFunction event offers a creative twist on traditional networking. Attendees will rotate through fast-paced one-on-one conversations. Learn more and grab 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

Get ready for an evening packed with fall festivities, food, and family fun on Wednesday, October 29th! Redemption Life Church invites the community to its annual Fall Fun Fest at 8109 Sharp Road in Powell. This free event is the perfect way to celebrate the season with something for everyone. 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

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. More Info & Tickets

Get ready for an evening packed with fall fun and family memories at Harvest Jam, the annual autumn celebration hosted by Pinnacle at Turkey Creek (11251 Parkside Drive) on Thursday, October 30th from 5pm - 8pm.

EARLY BIRD PRICING until October 31st - Makers, dreamers, and doers—your time is now! Early Bird pricing is open for just two more weeks for the 2026 Maker City Summit, happening January 31st–February 1st, 2026, in downtown Knoxville. Learn more and get tickets

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 31st at 7:30 PM / November 1st at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM / November 2nd at 2:30 PM. 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.

This Halloween, the Halls community is in for a treat—literally! Join Checkers at 700 East Emory Road for a fun-filled Trunk or Treat and Movie Night on Friday, October 31st, from 7 PM–9 PM.

This Halloween, Painting Around invites families and friends to stop by for a night of creativity, candy, and fun! Head over to 2917 Beaver Creek Drive in Powell on Thursday, October 31st, from 4 PM to 9 PM, for their festive Trick or Treat event.

Get ready to glow — Stellar Medical Aesthetics (11126 Kingston Pike, Suite 102) is officially opening its doors and inviting the community to celebrate at their Grand Opening Event on Tuesday, November 4th, from 4 PM–7 PM!

If you love cookies, creativity, or just a cozy night out, this event is calling your name! 🍪 Join Volunteer Cookie Co on Wednesday, November 5th, from 6:00pm–8:00pm. at The Kraken’s Cup (4815 N. Broadway, Suite 107) for a Fall-themed cookie decorating class that’s as fun as it is delicious. More Info & Tickets

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

You're invited to a Community Resource Forum at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Farragut, 11837 Grigsby Chapel Road, on Wednesday, November 5th from 8:15 - 9:30 am. Light breakfast served at 8:15 am. Meeting begins at 8:30 am. Not required, but if possible, email Tiffany at [email protected] to let her know you’re coming.

Ijams Nature Center will mark a major milestone this fall—50 years as a nonprofit organization—with a special Ijams Homecoming celebration on Saturday, November 8th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ijams Visitor Center, 2915 Island Home Ave. To RSVP or learn more, visit Ijams.org/50-years-of-stories or call (865) 577-4717.

Johnson University in Knoxville is hosting Pursue 2025, a dynamic conference designed to inspire and equip students considering lives of service. Taking place Friday, November 7th through Sunday, November 9th, the weekend features worship sessions, leadership workshops, breakout groups, and plenty of space for personal reflection and community. More Info and Register

Step into elegance and purpose at the Breakfast at Tiffany’s Fashion Show, hosted by the Junior League of Knoxville, on Saturday, November 8th, at 11 AM. The event will be held at the beautiful Cherokee Country Club (5138 Lyons View Pike SW). 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 November 15th from 10 a.m.–noon.

Get ready for a day full of flavor, fun, and farmyard excitement at the Bacon Festival at Friendly Farm (1104 Rebel Hollow Rd) on Saturday, November 15th, from noon to 5 PM! This family-friendly event celebrates all things bacon with delicious food, hilarious competitions, and hands-on farm fun. More Info & Tickets

As the leaves fall and planting season begins, Dogwood Arts is once again inspiring East Tennesseans to dig in and help Keep Knoxville Blooming through its beloved Bazillion Blooms campaign. Bare-root trees, standing 2–4 feet tall, are available for $25 each or $20 each when purchasing five or more, with your choice of white or pink blooms. Orders placed by Wednesday, November 19th can be picked up at the Dogwood Arts office (123 W. Jackson Avenue) on Friday, December 5th (10 AM–4 PM) or Saturday, December 6th (9 AM–12 PM). More Info/Order or call (865) 637-4561

Networking:

Bonfire Fridays with 2 Brothers Services. - Gather at 188 Hill Road in Knoxville on select Fridays—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

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