🌤️ Weather | Partly Sunny with a High of 53

📰 YOKE Youth Ministry Creates Community and Connection at Gibbs Middle School

📰 Earl’s is Now Open - A New Spot for Modern Comfort Food

🗓️ Farragut Health & Wellness Expo

🗓️ Rocky Hill Elementary Hosts Family Night and Book Fair

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities

Families in the Gibbs community are invited to check out YOKE Youth Ministry at Gibbs Middle School (7625 Tazewell Pike, Corryton), a weekly gathering designed to help middle school students connect, have fun, and grow in their faith in a welcoming, supportive environment. As the group continues to grow, organizers are excited to invite more students to come experience YOKE and see what it’s all about.

The Gibbs Middle School YOKE group meets every Tuesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria and is open to Gibbs Middle School students as well as homeschool students. Each meeting feels like a midweek church night, filled with fun games, group songs, and an engaging lesson focused on Jesus. It’s a relaxed, positive space where students can make friends, laugh, and feel encouraged during an important stage of life.

YOKE Youth Ministry is also active in some Knox County middle schools, giving students across the area the chance to participate. Families whose children attend other schools are encouraged to reach out to their school to see if a YOKE club is available or how one can be started. The Gibbs group is a great example of how YOKE creates meaningful community right on campus.

For older students, YOKE also offers a leadership pathway through its Future Folk Leader program. High schoolers interested in ministry or leadership development can serve alongside adult mentors, gain hands-on experience, and grow in their own faith. It’s a valuable opportunity that looks great on a resume while making a real impact.

Parents and students looking for a positive, faith-centered activity are encouraged to stop by on a Tuesday night and see what YOKE at Gibbs Middle School is all about. New faces are always welcome, and the group would love to grow alongside the students it serves. More Info

Our dining scene just got a delicious new addition. Earl’s, a comfort-food restaurant and bar, is officially open on 610 Waterfront Drive in South Knoxville, serving up fresh, flavorful dishes and a lively atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.

From the moment you walk in, Earl’s brings a warm, welcoming energy to the community — a place where locals can gather for good food, great drinks, and comfortable conversation. Guests have plenty of opportunities to make it part of their routine, whether that’s grabbing coffee and breakfast, enjoying a casual lunch, or lingering over dinner and cocktails.

At the heart of Earl’s experience is a menu that blends modern comfort with crowd-pleasing favorites. While specific menu items highlight fresh, made-to-order meals, early guests have already noted the restaurant’s approachable vibe and dynamic setting, perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking for a relaxed night out downtown.

Beyond dining in, Earl’s also offers easy online ordering for pickup and delivery, making it a go-to choice for busy days when you want flavor without the wait.

The opening of Earl’s adds a new spot to enjoy in the South Knoxville waterfront and builds on the area’s growing reputation as a place for unique food and drink experiences. With its combination of hearty meals, a full-service bar, and a relaxed yet buzzing room, Earl’s Knoxville is poised to become a favorite local hangout.

Whether you’re grabbing a mid-day bite, a weekend dinner, or a cocktail with friends, Earl’s hunger-satisfying comfort food and friendly atmosphere make it worth a visit.

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

Kick off February with a focus on health, wellbeing, and community at the 6th annual Farragut Health and Wellness Expo on February 1st, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Farragut Community Center (239 Jamestowne Boulevard, Farragut).

This free, family-friendly event brings together local businesses, healthcare professionals, fitness experts, and wellness advocates under one roof to showcase products, services, and resources that support whole-person health — from physical wellbeing and nutrition to mental and emotional balance.

The Farragut Health and Wellness Expo is a great way to connect with local health resources, discover new ways to care for your body and mind, and engage with neighbors who share similar goals for wellbeing. Plan to spend an afternoon exploring, learning, and celebrating the vibrant, health-minded spirit of the Farragut community.

Families are invited to enjoy an evening of learning, connection, and fun at Rocky Hill Elementary School’s Family Event and Book Fair, taking place on Thursday, February 26th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This special event offers a welcoming opportunity for students and their families to come together at the school for a relaxed and engaging night.

The book fair will be a highlight of the evening, giving students the chance to explore new books, discover favorite authors, and build excitement around reading. Family Night creates a fun atmosphere where parents, caregivers, and children can spend quality time together while supporting literacy and the school community.

Events like this play an important role in bringing families into the school, strengthening connections, and encouraging a love of learning beyond the classroom. Whether families stop by to browse books, meet other families, or simply enjoy time together, the evening is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all.

Rocky Hill Elementary’s (1200 Morrell Rd) Family Event and Book Fair is open to the school community, and families are encouraged to mark their calendars and plan to attend for an evening focused on reading, community, and family fun.

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

Recurring events

🗓️ January 22nd - Families exploring educational options in Knoxville are invited to attend a Whole School Open House at First Lutheran School – Knoxville (1207 N. Broadway NE) 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. | 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 - Young royalty and their families are invited to step into a storybook setting at Princess Day, happening from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Zoo Knoxville (3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive). This enchanting event offers a magical experience for children who love fairy tales, imagination, and meeting their favorite princess characters. | 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 - 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 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. Those interested in attending can RSVP by emailing [email protected] | 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 7th - Used Book Sale at the Fountain City Branch Library (5300 Stanton Road), running from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 7th - Those interested in learning a new creative skill are invited to attend a Beginner Crochet class hosted by Clinch River Yarn Company (725 N. Charles G. Seivers Boulevard, Clinton) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For those ready to pick up a hook and get creative, this beginner class at Clinch River Yarn Company offers a relaxed and enjoyable introduction to a timeless craft. More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ 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 9th - Looking for a creative and relaxed way to celebrate Valentine’s season? 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. More Info & Tickets | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 13th - Valentine’s week is getting a delicious twist with Let’s Get Saucy - Pasta Night, a hands-on pasta-making experience happening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hosted by Painting Around (2917 W. Beaver Creek Drive) in collaboration with Events by Angie, this cozy culinary event invites guests to roll up their sleeves and enjoy a fun, flavor-filled night out. Get your ticket - Single ticket ($35) or Couple ticket ($65) | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 15th & 22nd - Learn to Curl Lessons - Whether you’ve watched the Winter Olympics and thought, I’d like to try that, or you’re just looking for a fun, active way to try something different this year, curling enthusiasts of all ages and newcomers alike have two great chances to get on the ice in February thanks to the Great Smoky Mountains Curling Club at the Ice Chalet in Knoxville. More Info for February 15th | More Info for February 22nd | Add to Calendar (Feb. 15th) | Add to Calendar (Feb. 22nd) |

🗓️ February 21st - Used Book Sale at the South Knox Branch Library (4500 Chapman Highway), also from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | 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 26th - An Evening with Joy Harjo, as part of the 2026 Wilma Dykeman Stokely Memorial Lecture. The event will take place on February 26th, at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture in Knoxville and is free and open to the public. A reception will begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by the lecture at 7:00 p.m. (EST). Advance RSVPs are requested by February 20th (RSVP here). | 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 17 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]!