🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 39

📰 First Lutheran School to Host Whole School Open House

📰 Free Screening of Paris Hilton’s Infinite Icon Documentary Comes to The Pinnacle Turkey Creek

🗓️ Celebrate Valentine’s Day Early with a Heart Planter Workshop at Barley’s

🗓️ Build Smarter Business Connections at Strategic In-Person Business Introductions

📣 Business Spotlight on BeLocal of Knoxville

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities

Families exploring educational options in Knoxville are invited to attend a Whole School Open House at First Lutheran School – Knoxville on January 22nd, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This welcoming evening offers an opportunity to step inside a school community that has been faithfully learning and serving since 1869.

The open house is designed to give prospective families a meaningful look at daily life at First Lutheran School. Guests will have the chance to tour classrooms, meet teachers, and connect with current FLS families to learn firsthand what makes the school’s approach to education unique. For those considering enrollment, staff will also be available to help families begin the enrollment process and answer questions along the way.

In addition to exploring the campus, attendees are invited to enjoy a relaxed soup and salad dinner, making the evening both informative and family-friendly. The event reflects First Lutheran School’s commitment to community, hospitality, and nurturing students academically, socially, and spiritually.

The open house will take place at First Lutheran School – Knoxville, located at 1207 N. Broadway NE. The event is open to the public, and families are encouraged to attend whether they are just beginning their school search or are ready to take the next step.

For families seeking a school rooted in tradition, faith, and strong relationships, this open house offers a warm introduction to all that First Lutheran School has to offer.

Knoxville residents are invited to a complimentary, limited-seat screening of Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir, a documentary deeply personal to Paris Hilton.

The screening will take place on January 30th at 7:00 PM at Regal Pinnacle in West Knoxville. Admission is free, but seating is limited. RSVPS will be accepted until seats are filled.

Black and pink attire is encouraged! 🩷🖤

The event is hosted by Katice Ramirez, founder of The Pearled Rose and a local small business and youth rights advocate, who was personally selected by Paris Hilton and 11:11 Media Impact to host this community screening.

Those interested in attending can RSVP by emailing [email protected]

-contributed by Katice R.

Moving to a new city can be exciting—and overwhelming at the same time. BeLocal of Knoxville was created to make that transition easier, warmer, and more connected for people who are new to the area. Through thoughtfully curated print and digital welcome guides, BeLocal of Knoxville introduces new residents to trusted local businesses, nonprofits, essential services, and things to do, helping them feel at home from day one.

The local franchise is led by Tiffany Davis, whose background in construction and architecture marketing shaped her deep appreciation for how local businesses operate and how important clear, authentic storytelling is to their success. Having lived in multiple states herself, Tiffany also understands firsthand how difficult it can be to find community, build trust, and feel like you belong in a new place. BeLocal of Knoxville was born at the intersection of those professional skills and personal experiences.

What makes BeLocal of Knoxville stand out is its intentional approach. Rather than overwhelming newcomers with endless lists, the guide is curated through the lens of someone who has been “new in town”—highlighting the businesses, services, and community touchpoints that truly matter when getting settled. The result is a resource that feels personal, practical, and deeply rooted in Knoxville’s culture, while also delivering meaningful brand awareness for the local businesses featured.

Community involvement is not an add-on for BeLocal of Knoxville—it’s a core pillar. Tiffany hosts free BeLocal Bingo events multiple times each month, each one spotlighting a different local nonprofit. These events help share nonprofit missions, collect needed donations, and create easy, welcoming opportunities for new residents to get involved. Beyond events, Tiffany stays actively engaged throughout Knoxville by attending networking groups, community meetings, and outreach initiatives, and by using the BeLocal platform to consistently elevate local causes and resources.

Looking ahead, BeLocal of Knoxville plans to expand its nonprofit features, grow its free community events, and collaborate with even more local partners who share a commitment to connection and service. Every piece of the platform is built with one goal in mind: helping Knoxville feel welcoming, informed, and interconnected for everyone who arrives here.

For more information, see their website. Tiffany Davis can be reached directly at [email protected] or by phone at (734) 363-9233. For new residents looking to plug into the community—or local businesses wanting to connect with newcomers—BeLocal of Knoxville is helping make Knoxville feel like home, one introduction at a time.

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

Looking for a creative and relaxed way to celebrate Valentine’s season? On February 9th, The Plant Trolley is bringing its popular V-Day Heart Planter Workshop to Barley’s Knoxville (200 East Jackson Ave) for an evening of plants, creativity, and good company. The workshop runs from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and takes place upstairs in Barley’s inviting banquet room.

This hands-on experience is designed for anyone looking to enjoy a laid-back night out, whether it’s a date night, a Galentine’s gathering, a family outing, or a solo evening of creativity. Participants will create their own heart-shaped planter and leave with a living keepsake just in time for Valentine’s Day. No prior experience is needed—everything is provided, and the focus is on having fun and getting creative.

Each ticket includes all the materials needed to build a custom heart planter, including a terra cotta planter, three plants of your choice, soil, paint, sealant, and plenty of decorative touches. Guests can enjoy food and drinks from Barley’s throughout the evening, and tickets even include a complimentary beer, with the option to trade the drink token for an extra plant. Kids are welcome to attend, making this a flexible event for all ages.

The Plant Trolley, a mobile plant shop serving Knoxville and Maryville, is known for bringing plants directly to the community through pop-ups, workshops, and events like this one. Their workshops offer a welcoming atmosphere where creativity and connection take center stage.

Advance purchase is encouraged so organizers can prepare for all attendees. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this workshop offers a fun and meaningful way to celebrate love, friendship, and a little greenery in the heart of Knoxville. More Info & Tickets

If growing your business through genuine, high-value relationships is part of your 2026 plan, eWomenNetwork Knoxville is hosting an event you’ll want on your calendar. On January 21st, local entrepreneurs and professionals are invited to gather for Strategic In-Person Business Introductions, a focused networking experience designed to go deeper than a typical meet-and-greet.

This in-person event brings together a small group of up to 12 participants, creating an intentional environment where everyone has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and supported. Attendees will have the chance to introduce their businesses, share what they do, and explore ways to collaborate with others in the room. Rather than quick exchanges of business cards, the emphasis is on meaningful conversation and strategic connection.

A key element of the event is the Wisdom Circle format, which encourages group discussion and shared insight. Participants can tap into the collective experience of the room to gain fresh perspectives, uncover new opportunities, and walk away with ideas they can immediately apply to their businesses. Whether you’re refining your message, seeking referrals, or looking for new resources, the structure of this gathering is designed to support real growth.

The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Reef Coffee, located at 138 West End Avenue in Knoxville. It’s an ideal midday break to step out of the day-to-day hustle, connect with like-minded professionals, and reset your focus for the year ahead.

As with many eWomenNetwork events, space is limited to keep the experience personal and impactful. Those interested are encouraged to register early to secure a seat at the table. If you’re ready to start 2026 with stronger connections and smarter conversations, this is a great place to begin. More Info & Register

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

Recurring events

🗓️ January 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 |

🗓️ January 20th - Swifties of all ages are invited to lace up their skates for Swiftie Skate, a fun-filled, music-powered night happening from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Skatetown (5713 N. Broadway Street NE). Admission is $15 per person, with skates included. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ January 20th - Clear out those never-used gifts and kick off the new year with connection, laughter, and a little surprise at ReGiftmas 🎁 — A Festive, Free Women’s Networking FUNction! This playful networking event takes place from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at 1104 Merchant Drive, Suite 103. More Info | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ 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 and 29th - Looking for a relaxing, creative night out this winter? The Crushed Glass and Resin Art Suncatchers class offers a hands-on opportunity to create a beautiful, light-catching piece of art—no experience required. Hosted by Southern Grace Mercantile, this class begins at 6:30 p.m. The class is held at Painting Around (2917 W. Beaver Creek Drive, Powell). More Info | Add to Calendar (Jan. 22nd) | Add to Calendar (Jan. 29th) |

🗓️ 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 23rd - 25th - 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. Hours are the 23rd from 6pm-9pm, and the 24th-25th from 12pm-6pm | Add to Calendar (Jan. 23rd) | Add to Calendar (Jan. 24th) | Add to Calendar (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 26th - Love to sing—or curious about joining a choir? Knoxville Sings – Spring 2026 invites singers of all experience levels to take part in a special one-night musical experience from 6:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. at Church Street United Methodist Church (900 Henley Street). | 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 - Get ready for an action-packed evening that supports a great local school! 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. Participation is $12.50 per person, and players should bring sticky socks—or you can purchase a pair on site for $3. | 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 - Get ready to crank up the volume, Knoxville. Back N Black: The Ultimate AC/DC Experience is roaring into the Bijou Theatre, delivering a night of hard-hitting rock that pays tribute to one of the greatest bands in music history. More Info | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ 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 3rd–5th - If you’ve ever wondered what your fine jewelry, watches, or rare collectibles might be worth, Fountain City Jewelers is hosting a special opportunity you won’t want to miss. The store will welcome National Rarities for a multi-day Estate Buying Event, offering the chance to receive professional, no-obligation evaluations with immediate payment available. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 6th - Downtown Knoxville’s art scene gets a major boost this winter as the Arts & Culture Alliance unveils five new exhibitions at the Emporium Center (100 S. Gay Street), with a public opening reception from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The free evening celebration will include live music by Celtic harpist Kim Perkins and a chance to meet many of the featured artists. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ 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 8th - Get ready for an afternoon packed with tail wags, teamwork, and total cuteness. Puppy Bowl 2026 is coming to Barrelhouse (621 Lamar Street) from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and it’s shaping up to be one of Knoxville’s most heartwarming events of the season. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 21st - Book lovers, mark your calendars — a brand-new literary celebration is coming to Knoxville. The Friends of the Knox County Public Library are hosting their first-ever in-person Book Ball, an elegant and imaginative evening designed to celebrate books, community, and the vital role libraries play in our lives, held from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.. This 18+ event is priced at $125 per person, with tickets limited and sales ending February 8th. More Info | 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 |

🗓️ February 27th - Mark your calendar for one of Loudon County’s most anticipated community events. The Taste of Loudon County and Business Expo is set to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Venue at Lenoir City, bringing together local flavors, businesses, and community connections all under one roof. The expo takes place at The Venue at Lenoir City (7690 Creekwood Park Blvd., Lenoir City). Admission to the Business Expo is free, and Taste of Loudon County tickets are just $10. | 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.

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

🗓️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

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:

Reach out to us at [email protected].

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]!