Dogwood Arts Unveils Knoxwalls Murals & Music Festival

Issue #696

09 Nov

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 58

📰 Ijams Nature Center Completes 50-Year Vision with Landmark Land Acquisition

🗓️ Dogwood Arts Unveils Knoxwalls Murals & Music Festival

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

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Today’s Record High: 81 in 2020 — Record Low: 24 in 1995

Remembering Dean Paul of On the Spot Carpet Cleaning

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Dean Peal, the owner of our On the Spot Carpet Cleaning sponsor, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on Monday, November 3rd, at the age of 57. There will be a celebration of life at Riverstone Church, 1204 E. Gov. John Sevier Highway, on November 16th, at 4:00 p.m. All who knew him are invited.

Ijams Nature Center Completes 50-Year Vision with Landmark Land Acquisition

Ijams Nature Center has reached a remarkable milestone, announcing the acquisition of the final remaining privately owned parcel within its boundaries—a meaningful tribute to a beloved neighbor and a major step forward in conservation.

The two-acre property, located above Tharp Trace, belonged to longtime resident Art Rall, who passed away earlier this year. Rall was known for his independent spirit, love of softball, and deep appreciation for the peaceful natural surroundings that shaped his life.

With the acquisition, Ijams now encompasses 320 acres, strengthening wildlife habitat connectivity, safeguarding hillside views, and preserving continuous public access throughout the Urban Wilderness—a nationally recognized 1,000-acre outdoor recreation destination in the heart of Knoxville.

The timing is especially significant as Ijams celebrates 50 years as a nonprofit nature center.

As Ijams marks its half-century anniversary, this final puzzle piece represents both an ending and a beginning: the completion of a decades-long conservation mission and the promise of new stories for generations of visitors to come.

A Very Kraken Christmas Party

Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate—A Very Kraken Christmas Party is returning on December 7th, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., and it’s shaping up to be one of the most festive events of the season!

Hosted at The Kraken’s Cup (4815 N Broadway, STE 107), this cheerful holiday gathering invites guests of all ages to dress in their Christmas best and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon filled with seasonal magic. Strike a pose with Santa, indulge in a delicious Christmas afternoon tea buffet, and sing along to your favorite holiday classics in a cozy, joy-filled atmosphere.

Each ticket includes automatic entry into a holiday raffle, where guests have the chance to win a beautifully curated Christmas gift basket and other festive surprises. Best of all, this event is a fundraiser supporting The MUSE Children’s Museum—a portion of every ticket sold, plus all extra raffle donations, will go directly toward this beloved local nonprofit.

It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays while giving back to the community. Don’t miss this warm, whimsical Christmas experience—and help make a difference! More Info & Tickets

Dogwood Arts Unveils Knoxwalls Murals & Music Festival

Dogwood Arts has announced an exciting new signature event for 2026: the Knoxwalls Murals & Music Festival, debuting Saturday, May 30th, 2026, from 10 AM–8 PM in North Knoxville’s historic Emory Place. Designed to bring color, creativity, and community together in one energetic daylong celebration, this festival promises to become a standout tradition for Knoxville’s growing arts scene.

Emory Place will be transformed into an open-air studio and concert venue as ten muralists compete live, creating 8’×8’ murals while festival-goers watch the artwork come to life. Attendees can stroll through the district to enjoy live music from local and regional performers, explore nearby businesses, sample Knoxville favorites from food trucks, and let their kids get creative in the hands-on interactive mural zone.

Once the murals are finished, the public will have the chance to vote online to select the 1st and 2nd place winners, who will each receive a permanent mural commission somewhere in Knoxville. All murals created during the event will also be available through an online auction, with proceeds benefiting both the artists and the Dogwood Arts Mural Program — continuing the mission of bringing more public art to East Tennessee.

Building on the success of Dogwood Arts’ Mural Program—which has launched more than 60 murals since 2019—and the major 2024 KnoxWalls installation at Emory Place, this new festival marks an exciting next chapter for Knoxville’s public art movement. With live painting, music, food, family-friendly activities, and an open invitation to experience creativity in action, Knoxwalls Murals & Music Festival is set to become a vibrant annual celebration of the city’s artistic spirit.

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

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

Kick off the holiday season in true East Tennessee style at the 43rd Annual Christmas Fair, through November 9th at the Knoxville Expo Center (5441 Clinton Highway). This annual event is a Christmas shopper’s paradise, featuring hundreds of local and regional vendors offering one-of-a-kind arts, crafts, gifts, and holiday treasures — perfect for everyone on your list. The fair will be open Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 🎟️ Admission is $8, and tickets are available at the door.

Buffalo Bills Fans - There are five November games: November 9th at 1:00pm vs Miami, November 16th at 1:00pm vs Tampa Bay, Thursday, November 20th at 8:15pm vs Houston, and lastly on November 30th at 4:25pm vs Pittsburgh. Don’t forget, too, Labatt’s is on tap!! All are welcome to join us on Bills game days at Clancy's Tavern and Whisky House, 602 S. Gay Street. Clancy's provides a family-friendly, non-smoking environment with a large TV and reserved space just for Bills supporters.

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

Get ready for a night of orange-and-white nostalgia as Friends of the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound (TAMIS) host Vintage Vols and Know-It-Alls—an unforgettable evening celebrating UT football history! November 13th| XUL Brewery, 213 E. Fifth Ave. |  Festivities begin at 7 p.m. More info

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 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

Get ready for an uplifting musical experience as acclaimed artists David Phelps and Selah take the stage together at Fairview Knox Church, 7424 Fairview Rd. in Corryton on Saturday, November 15th, at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:20 PM). More Info & Tickets

Have a plant that’s struggling? Not sure how to tackle pests, pruning, or planting? The Knox County Master Gardeners (KCMG) are here to help! Join Master Gardener Cid Letsinger on November 15th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Norwood Branch Library (1110 Merchant Drive) for a free Plant Clinic open to the public. More Info

Join the McClung Museum, UT’s Department of English, Denbo Center for the Humanities & the Arts, and UT’s Creative Writing Program for a special evening with award-winning poet Annie Wenstrup (Dena’ina) on November 18th. A light reception begins at 5 p.m., followed by Wenstrup’s reading at 6 p.m. in the Frank H. McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture auditorium on the UT campus. (Please note: time and location differ from usual creative writing events.) More Info

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 November 19th can be picked up at the Dogwood Arts office (123 W. Jackson Avenue) on December 5th (10 AM–4 PM) or December 6th (9 AM–12 PM). More Info/Order or call (865) 637-4561

If you’ve ever wondered “what is tea?”, here’s your chance to explore the answer in style. Join the team at The Kraken’s Cup for a one-night-only tasting class on November 19th at 6:00 PM. The venue is located at 4815 N Broadway, Suite 107. More Info & Tickets

Get ready to step back in time as the Second Annual Norman Castle Siege returns to Millennium Manor Castle in Alcoa (500 N. Wright Road), hosted by The Lionheart Crusaders EMP. This exciting medieval festival takes place on November 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and promises a full day of armored combat, castle tours, and family fun.

Mark your calendars for one of Knoxville’s favorite fall traditions — the Retropolitan Craft Fair, happening November 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at The Mill & Mine, 227 W. Depot Ave. More Info

Experience the magic of music, community, and the holidays in an entirely new way at A Soundwalk Through the City, a free, family-friendly outdoor music event where you become part of the performance! Join Nief-Norf for Unsilent Night, an immersive soundwalk created by composer Phil Kline. December 5th |  Participants meet at 5:00 PM; For full details and schedule, visit www.niefnorf.org/unsilentnight.

Get ready to experience a festive favorite this December as the Holiday Market comes to the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall in downtown Knoxville for the first two weekends of the month—December 6th–7th and December 13th–14th (Saturdays: 10 AM – 5 PM & Sundays: 11 AM – 5 PM). More Info

Networking:

Local professionals and business owners are invited to mix, mingle, and make new connections at Networking Fun, hosted by The Harvesters Total Networking Team on Wednesday, November 5th, at 5:00 p.m. The event will be held at 9000 Kingston Pike, and offers an easygoing evening filled with great conversation, community spirit, and a few tasty snacks.

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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