In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Mostly Cloudy with a High of 70

📰 Support Local & Independent Talent - Vote in the Southern Lights Entertainment Awards

📰 Welcome Back to M&D Creations!

🗓️ Volunteers Needed for Wreath Pick-Up at Area Veterans Cemeteries

🗓️ Droves at the Grove - 10 Bands - All Day

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Support Local & Independent Talent - Vote in the Southern Lights Entertainment Awards

Southern Lights Entertainment is inviting music lovers and supporters of independent talent to do more than just listen — they’re inviting you to vote.

The Southern Lights Entertainment Awards are a fan-based celebration designed to honor outstanding artists and entertainers from across the region and beyond. What makes this awards show stand out is its core mission: fans decide the winners. Every vote counts, and every vote helps elevate independent artists who are building their careers without the backing of major labels.

Founded by Pamela Little, Southern Lights Entertainment was created to give artists something often missing in the entertainment industry — a fair, transparent platform powered by real fan support. Southern Lights isn’t just an awards show; it’s a growing business and community focused on visibility, opportunity, and authentic recognition for grassroots talent.

Fan voting is now open, giving supporters the chance to rally behind their favorite musicians, bands, podcasters, and creatives. With strong engagement already building, the voting process is a key part of what makes Southern Lights so impactful: it connects artists directly with the audiences who believe in them most.

The celebration culminates in the Southern Lights Entertainment Awards Show in November 2026, bringing artists, fans, and community supporters together for a night dedicated to creativity, perseverance, and southern entertainment culture.

Whether you’re passionate about discovering new artists or supporting those already on your playlist, Southern Lights Entertainment gives you a voice. Voting isn’t just a click — it’s a way to help shape careers and spotlight independent talent on a larger stage.

Vote Here

Welcome Back to M&D Creations!

M&D will be re-opening tomorrow at 10am — same M&D you know and love, just a few small updates!

New Name: M&D Creations LLC, New Hours: 🕙 Monday–Friday | 10am–5pm Saturday | By appointment NEW Loyalty Card! For all retail purchases — spend $35 or more and receive one punch per visit as our way of saying thank you! Retail purchases only, not good with any custom or personalized orders.

They can’t wait to see their customers again (and meet new ones!) and help with your business and personal needs - from apparel and hats to swag and gifts — all with no minimums (and quantity discounts available for larger orders)!

Services include: Embroidery, DTF, Sublimation, Vinyl, Laser Engraving, and more!

They appreciate the community support of their family-owned business. They truly care about their customers and look forward to creating something special for you soon!

Local VIP Passes - No App, No Signup, Just Perks

Interested in learning about how a VIP Pass can help your business? Reach out to [email protected] for more information!

Volunteers Needed for Wreath Pick-Up at Area Veterans Cemeteries

Community volunteers are invited to take part in upcoming wreath pick-up efforts at local veterans cemeteries, helping honor and respectfully close out this season’s remembrance activities.

Wreath pick-up is scheduled for January 10th at 9:00 a.m. at both Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries in Knoxville:

• The “Old” Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, located at 5901 Lyons View Pike

• The “New” Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, located at 2300 Governor John Sevier Highway

A second pick-up day will take place at Knoxville National Cemetery, 939 Tyson Street NW, on January 17th at 10:00 a.m.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves, broom sticks, and plastic tarps to assist with collecting wreaths. Pick-up trucks are also needed to help transport wreaths to on-site dumpsters, making this a great opportunity for individuals, families, service groups, and organizations to lend a hand.

These efforts help ensure that the cemeteries remain well cared for while continuing to show respect for the veterans laid to rest there. Community participation is vital to making the process smooth and meaningful.

Droves at the Grove - 10 Bands - All Day

The local music scene takes center stage on January 31st, at 2:00 p.m. with Droves at the Grove, a high-energy live music event hosted at the Historic Grove Theater (123 Randolph Rd, Oak Ridge). This all-ages show brings together an impressive lineup of regional bands for an afternoon packed with loud guitars, raw energy, and community vibes.

Presented by No Return Address, the event features performances from Dynamic Panic, Swamp Mawgs, Face Cake, No Return Address, Sixer Six, The Worn Out Soles, JLuke, Trainfoot and the Mighty Caboose, Richie, The Fish Wives, and 13 Spiders. With such a diverse roster, attendees can expect a wide range of sounds—from gritty rock to eclectic indie influences—making it a must-see for fans of live, local music.

Whether you’re a regular on the local music circuit or just looking for something different to do on a Saturday afternoon, Droves at the Grove offers a chance to discover new bands, support local artists, and enjoy a lively atmosphere in one of our area’s most beloved venues. Mark your calendar and come experience the noise, the talent, and the energy.

NEW - You can now add events directly to your calendar with our event Add to Calendar links.

Multi-Day Events that are ‘Now through a certain date are listed below the dated events.

Recurring events

🗓️ January 7th - Looking for midweek laughs or a chance to test your own comedic chops? Stand Up Comedy Open Mic returns to Barrelhouse (621 Lamar St. NE) from 7 p.m.–10 p.m., offering an energetic night of live comedy with free entry. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 9th - South Knoxville’s vibrant creative scene takes center stage, as the South Knoxville Art Walk returns from 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Hosted by Printshop Beer Co. (1532 Island Home Ave) and neighboring South Knoxville merchants, this free, public event invites the community to explore art, music, and local flavor along the river. Held on the second Friday of each month, the Art Walk showcases a wide range of visual art while highlighting the talents of local artists and makers.

🗓️ January 9th - You are invited to turn a meal into meaningful support during a special Panera Bread Dine & Give Back Day benefiting the Knox County CAC Office on Aging Senior Companion Program. The fundraiser takes place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Panera Bread (at the 4893 N. Broadway Street NE location). | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 9th–11th - One of East Tennessee’s most anticipated automotive traditions is back this January as the 42nd Annual Cabin Fever Car & Motorcycle Show takes over the Knoxville Expo Center (5441 Clinton Highway) from 8am - 4pm. This three-day event brings together car and motorcycle enthusiasts from across the region for a weekend packed with horsepower, craftsmanship, and classic style. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 10th - Magic players and fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender have a special event to look forward to this January. Paragon Gaming (4232 Asheville Highway) is hosting a Magic the Gathering: Avatar DOUBLE DOWN event, starting at 12:00 p.m. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 10th - Get ready to shake, rattle, and roll as Elvis’ Birthday Bash takes over Sweet P’s Barbecue (3029 Tazewell Pike) on January 10th from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Back by popular demand, this lively celebration honors the music and larger-than-life spirit of Elvis Presley—with a fun twist. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 10th - You are invited to take part in a meaningful morning of connection, remembrance, and encouragement at the 7th Annual A Hike to Remember 22, happening from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The event begins at Nixon's Deli #4, located at 224 N Peters Road NW. This annual hike is a suicide prevention initiative built around a simple but vital message: You Are Valuable. More Info & Register | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 10th–11th - Repticon Knoxville is slithering back into town for a full weekend of family-friendly fun and fascination at the Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center. More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 13th - Get ready for a dazzling night of iconic music and elevated dining with Red Piano Nights - An Elton John Tribute at The Pearl at Aspire (777 Aspire Drive, Clinton). More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 14th - If a career change is on your New Year’s list, UT Medical Center is opening the door to new opportunities with its New Year, New Career Hiring Event from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Advance registration is encouraged. For questions or more information, attendees can contact (865) 305-4521 or email [email protected]. | RSVP for in-person event | RSVP for virtual event | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 16th - Fans of timeless rock are in for a treat when DREAMS — A Fleetwood Mac Experience comes to Crafty Bastard Brewery – West (9937 Kingston Pike) from 7 PM–9 PM. This live show invites audiences to relive the magic, mystique, and unforgettable sound of Fleetwood Mac in an intimate, high-energy setting. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 17th–19th - Get ready to travel back in time when Dinosaur Adventure roars into Knoxville at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center. This immersive, family-friendly experience brings prehistoric giants to life with life-sized, realistic dinosaurs that move and roar, creating an unforgettable adventure for kids and adults alike. More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar (Jan. 17th) | Add to Calendar (Jan. 18th) | Add to Calendar (Jan. 19th) |

🗓️ January 20th - Local professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners are invited to kick off 2026 with a laid-back social networking event designed to make building connections fun and easy. Networking on Tap: IBN Evening Social takes place from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at Orange Hat Brewing – Hardin Valley (10246 Hardin Valley Road). | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 25th - Welcome the New Year with culture, community, and hands-on fun at the Japanese New Year Celebration at Market Square from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Hosted by Knox Asian Festival, this festive afternoon brings beloved Japanese traditions to the heart of downtown. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 25th - Corgi lovers, get ready for an afternoon of short legs, big smiles, and plenty of tail wags. The (Indoor) Corgi Meet Up is happening at 3:00 pm at Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus, offering a cozy, weather-proof way for corgis and their humans to mingle. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 27th - Step into an evening of timeless style, smooth vocals, and classic romance at Red Piano Nights: A Frank Sinatra Tribute at The Pearl at Aspire (777 Aspire Drive, Clinton). More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 27th - Hosted by 35 North Bar & Grill (11321 Kingston Pike), guests are invited to the Buffalo Trace Wheaters & Ryes Course #423 (starting at 6:00 p.m.), an in-depth whiskey tasting focused on some of the most sought-after and difficult-to-find bottles produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. This is not an introductory class—this course is designed for experienced bourbon fans who want to explore elite wheated and rye expressions in a guided, educational setting. Get Tickets | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 28th - Veterans and supporters are invited to gather for an evening of connection, conversation, and camaraderie at Pints With Patriots: Veterans Social,  from 6 p.m.–8 p.m. at Printshop Beer Co. (1532 Island Home Ave). | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 31st - You are invited to dress up for a powerful cause at The ChainFree Ball, an inaugural fundraising gala hosted by ChainFree, taking place at 6pm, at the Crowne Plaza Knoxville. The evening blends art, advocacy, and celebration—raising critical funds to help end the practice of continuous dog tethering across East Tennessee. More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 31st - Card collectors, sports fans, and hobby enthusiasts will want to mark their calendars for a big day at Covenant Health Park (502 E. Jackson Ave. NE) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Collective Trading Company is bringing The Smokies Card Show to one of Knoxville’s most exciting venues for an inaugural, stadium-scale event. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 21st - Enjoy a day-long immersion in movement, music, and tradition at Celebrate Spring! Traditional Circle Dances from Greece, the Balkans and Armenia, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will be held at Broadway Academy (706 N Broadway). The cost for the full-day experience is offered on a sliding scale of $40, $60, or $80. Advance registration is required and can be completed at www.InTheDance.com. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ Now through March 15th - Experience the Smoky Mountains like never before with Smoky Night Lights, a brand-new 360° immersive music and light show debuting after dark at Zoo Knoxville. This captivating event invites guests to step into the spirit of the Smokies through a multi-sensory, multimedia experience that blends nature, sound, and light in stunning harmony. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ Now through March - The Winter Farmers Market by Nourish Knoxville is back for the 2025–2026 season, bringing fresh, local food and artisan goods to Market Square every Saturday from December through March, 10 AM–2 PM EXCEPT December 27th, January 3rd, and January 10th.

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

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

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]!