In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 56

📰 Alice, Disney Magic, and Cosplay Collide at Knoxville’s Free Alice in Wonderland & Disney Art Expo

📰 Foam Dart Fun for a Great Cause - Halls Elementary PTO Fundraiser Night

🗓️ Open Farm Day at Pygmy Harbor Farm - Meet the Goats and Shop Local

🗓️ Building Businesses through Faith & Connection - The Vine Network Starts this Wednesday

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Alice, Disney Magic, and Cosplay Collide at Knoxville’s Free Alice in Wonderland & Disney Art Expo

Knoxville is about to tumble down the rabbit hole as the Free Alice in Wonderland & Disney Art & Cosplay Expo takes over the Hilton Knoxville (501 West Church Avenue) from January 23rd–25th, bringing three days of fantasy, creativity, and fandom to downtown.

This immersive, family-friendly event celebrates the magical worlds of Alice in Wonderland, Disney, fantasy art, and cosplay, featuring artists, themed vendors, special guests, and interactive experiences. Guests can explore fantasy-inspired artwork, shop from creators, meet cosplayers in elaborate costumes, and enjoy photo ops that feel straight out of a storybook.

One of the highlights is the Alice in Wonderland-themed ball, happening Friday night, along with multiple cosplay meetups, fan panels, and art showcases throughout the weekend. Whether you come dressed as your favorite character or just want to soak in the atmosphere, the expo welcomes all ages and levels of fandom.

Best of all, general admission is free, making it a perfect outing for families, cosplay fans, and anyone who loves imaginative worlds and creative expression. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into Wonderland or strolling through a Disney-inspired fantasy realm, this is your chance — no ticket required.

Foam Dart Fun for a Great Cause - Halls Elementary PTO Fundraiser Night

Get ready for an action-packed evening that supports a great local school! On January 28,th, the Halls Elementary School PTO is hosting a B&B Indoor Foam Dart Arena Fundraiser from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 6709 Maynardville Pike.

This high-energy fundraiser gives kids and families a chance to run, dodge, and blast their way through a safe and exciting indoor foam dart arena while helping raise money for Halls Elementary. It’s a perfect way to burn off energy, enjoy time together, and support local students all at once.

Participation is $12.50 per person, and players should bring sticky socks—or you can purchase a pair on site for $3. For safety and entry, all participants must complete a required waiver in advance through Blasters and Burgers before arriving.

Whether you have a student at Halls Elementary or just want to support a fun community fundraiser, this event is a great way to give back while having a blast. Gather your friends, bring the kids, and head out for an evening of foam dart action for a cause that truly makes a difference.

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!

Open Farm Day at Pygmy Harbor Farm - Meet the Goats and Shop Local

Looking for a fresh-air adventure that’s fun, relaxing, and a little bit farm-tastic? Pygmy Harbor Farm (2222 Robin Ben Lane) is opening its gates for Open Farm Day on January 17th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Open Farm Day gives families and friends the chance to step onto a working local farm, meet the farm’s friendly goats, and explore the scenic grounds at their own pace. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, let kids experience animals up close, and enjoy the peaceful charm of East Tennessee farmland.

Visitors will also be able to shop directly from the farm, making it easy to support a local agricultural business while discovering unique farm products. Whether you’re a regular at farmer's markets or just curious about where your food and farm goods come from, this is a great way to learn more while enjoying a relaxed outdoor outing.

Pygmy Harbor Farm hosts Open Farm Days throughout the year, but this January gathering is a perfect way to start 2026 with something wholesome, hands-on, and heartwarming. Bundle up, bring the family, and enjoy a few hours surrounded by goats, fresh air, and the simple joy of life on the farm.

Building Businesses through Faith & Connection - The Vine Network Starts this Wednesday

Our small business and entrepreneurial community has a new place to connect, and it’s rooted in something deeper than just networking. The Vine Network is hosting its first faith-based business networking meeting on January 14th at 8:30 a.m. at 4900 Horsestall Drive, offering a welcoming space for local entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners to grow together through faith, purpose, and collaboration.

The Vine Network is built on the idea that meaningful relationships matter more than sales pitches. Whether you’re just starting out or already established, this gathering is designed to be relaxed, encouraging, and focused on genuine connection. There are no memberships or dues required, and the event is completely free to attend, making it easy for anyone in the Knoxville business community to check it out.

The morning begins with open networking from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m., followed by the main meeting from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Coffee and breakfast treats will be provided, and attendees are welcome—but not required—to bring something to share. You’ll want to bring your business cards, but don’t expect high-pressure sales tactics. The goal is to build relationships, encourage one another, and grow together.

For business owners who want to align their professional lives with their faith and connect with like-minded people in Knoxville, The Vine Network offers a refreshing alternative to traditional networking. It’s a place where purpose meets opportunity—and where real community can take root.

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 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 16th & 17th - Cruze Farm is bringing one of the most beloved family films of all time to the big outdoor screen as “Wonka” kicks off the return of Moovie Nights on January 16th and 17th at 6:30 p.m. at Cruze Farm (2721 Asbury Road). | Add to Calendar (Jan. 16th) | Add to Calendar (Jan. 17th) |

🗓️ January 17th - Wreaths Across America Wreath pick-up is scheduled at 10:00 a.m. at Knoxville National Cemetery (939 Tyson Street NW). | 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 - Looking for a fun night out that doesn’t revolve around alcohol? Fly Sober Night with Ace is landing at The Casual Pint – Northshore (2045 Thunderhead Rd) at 6:30 p.m., offering a refreshing new way to socialize, connect, and unwind — completely pressure-free. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ 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 22nd - 25th - Fishing fans of every age are invited to reel in excitement at the East Tennessee Fishing Show & Expo, taking over the Knoxville Expo Center (5441 Clinton Hwy) from January 22nd - 25th. This nation-class event celebrates the sport of fishing with gear, education, and family fun all under one roof. More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar (Thurs, Jan. 22nd) | Add to Calendar (Fri, Jan 23rd) | Add to Calendar (Sat, Jan 24th) | Add to Calendar (Sun, Jan. 25th) |

🗓️ January 24th - 2026 Winter Farmers Markets hosted at the Hardin Valley Event Center. Mark your calendar for upcoming market dates, including January 24th, February 14th & 28th, March 14th & 28th, and April 11th. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 24th - Country music fans in East Tennessee are in for a truly special night when THE COALMINERS present Always Loretta at the Clayton Center for the Arts – Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre on January 24th at 7:30 p.m. This one-of-a-kind concert is the only officially authorized re-creation of a Loretta Lynn performance, approved by the Loretta Lynn Estate, and it brings her music, spirit, and stories back to life in a way no other tribute can. More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 24th - The 2026 Read City season is about to roar to life with a prehistoric-themed kickoff the whole family will love. The Read City Kickoff: Stomp, Roar, Dinosaur!  takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bridgewater Place (205 Bridgewater Road) and marks the start of another year of reading, learning, and community fun. More Info | 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 30th - 31st - Chocolate lovers, mark your calendars—ChocolateFest is back and sweeter than ever at a new location! The popular festival returns January 30th - 31st at The Standard Knoxville in the Old City (416 W. Jackson Ave), bringing two days of indulgent tastings, boutique vendors, and a good cause. More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar (Jan. 30th | Add to Calendar (Jan. 31st) |

🗓️ January 31st - The local music scene takes center stage 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. | 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 |

🗓️ January 31st - February 1st - The Maker City Summit returns for its 10th year. Hosted by The Maker City, the Summit brings makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs from across the region together for hands-on learning, practical business education, and meaningful connection. More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar (Jan. 31st) | Add to Calendar (Feb. 1st) |

🗓️ February 6th–8th - The Knoxville RV Show returns to the Knoxville Expo Center (5441 Clinton Hwy). Whether you’re a seasoned road-tripper or just starting to dream about life on the open road, this three-day showcase brings hundreds of the latest RVs under one roof for easy side-by-side shopping. Admission for adults is $15 (cash only) at the door. More Info | Add to Calendar (Feb. 6th) | Add to Calendar (Feb. 7th) | Add to Calendar (Feb. 8th) |

🗓️ 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 |

🗓️ February 27th & 28th - What happens when a couple that hates country music goes moonshine tasting in Gatlinburg, only to find themselves transported to the land of Hee Haw with all its colorful characters?  Their arrival causes a musical rift, and now all the pop, rock, and country artists are singing the wrong genres. Miss Minnie Pearl sends them on a journey to find the Wizard of Hawz to set things right! Held at The Mill & Mine (227 West Depot Street). More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar (Feb. 27th) | Add to Calendar (Feb. 28th) |

🗓️ 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]!