In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Cloudy with a High of 37

📰 Artists on Location 2026 Brings Plein-Air Painting and Art Sales

🗓️ Once Upon a Time - a Study of Folklore and Fairytales

🛍️ Shop Local

🗓️ Upcoming Events

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Today’s Record High: 73 in 2002 — Record Low: -3 in 1897

Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show Returns to Downtown Knoxville

As East Tennessee begins to look toward spring, the Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show is set to return to the Knoxville Convention Center from February 6th–8th, bringing three days of inspiration, ideas, and hands-on experiences for homeowners, renters, and design enthusiasts alike.

Presented by BlueWing Homes, this annual event transforms the convention center into a vibrant showcase of creativity and innovation. Attendees can explore more than 10,000 square feet of Grand Gardens, along with 200+ vendors offering the latest in home improvement, interior design, appliances, landscaping, and lifestyle services. From renovation planning to simple seasonal refreshes, the show is designed to meet people wherever they are in their home journey.

Show hours run Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65+) and military, and free for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at dogwoodarts.com or at the door.

Beyond shopping and browsing, the House & Garden Show emphasizes learning, entertainment, and community connection. The How-To Stage, sponsored by Aqua Clear Water Systems, features expert-led presentations on home improvement, real estate, and gardening, alongside appearances by local musicians, comedians, and influencers. The Demo Zone offers hands-on demonstrations and practical advice from industry professionals, giving attendees the chance to gain real-world skills for upcoming projects.

The event also highlights Knoxville’s creative community through the Maker Market, sponsored by Pella Windows & Doors, where visitors can shop one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, and handmade goods from local and regional artists. The Community Organization Fair, sponsored by David’s Abbey Carpet and Floors, brings together more than 30 nonprofit and community organizations, offering attendees a chance to connect with causes making a difference across East Tennessee.

Adding to the excitement, attendees can enter to win a $5,000 Home Improvement Giveaway, courtesy of ORNL Federal Credit Union.

With its blend of inspiration, education, local makers, and interactive features, the 2026 Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show offers a fresh way to step out of winter and welcome the season ahead—while supporting the arts and creative culture that make East Tennessee special. More Info

Artists on Location 2026 Brings Plein-Air Painting and Art Sales

The Guild of the Knoxville Museum of Art presents Artists on Location 2026, a weeklong plein-air painting event that celebrates East Tennessee through original art.

From April 19th - 23rd, a group of local and regional artists—selected through a competitive juried process—will fan out across Knoxville to paint outdoors, capturing scenes ranging from bustling urban streets to quiet garden and natural settings. The public is invited to watch the artists work in real time as paintings take shape throughout the city.

The week of painting culminates in a two-day art show and sale at the Knoxville Museum of Art, offering a rare opportunity to purchase freshly created, original works inspired by Knoxville and the surrounding region. The show and sale will be held April 24th, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and April 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Both events are free and open to the public.

New for 2026 is the introduction of the “La Petite Show,” featuring small original works created on 5x7-inch canvases. This addition is designed to make collecting original art more accessible, giving new and younger collectors an affordable entry point into owning fine art while still supporting working artists.

In addition to sales opportunities, artists will compete for up to $4,000 in prize awards, and proceeds from artwork sales will benefit both the participating artists and the Knoxville Museum of Art. The event strengthens the museum’s connection to the regional arts community while offering collectors a meaningful way to support creative work made right here in East Tennessee.

Artists on Location is organized by the Guild of the Knoxville Museum of Art, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the museum through fundraising, community engagement, and arts education.

The Knoxville Museum of Art, located at 1050 World’s Fair Park, is open to the public at no charge and serves as a cornerstone of Knoxville’s cultural landscape. Through exhibitions, programs, and events like Artists on Location, the museum continues its mission to celebrate the region’s visual culture and foster lifelong engagement with the arts. More Info


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Outrun The Po Po Returns to Knoxville Dragway for a High-Speed Day of Racing and Community Fun

Rev your engines and mark your calendar—Outrun The Po Po is roaring back to Knoxville Dragway on March 7th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for a full day of high-octane fun, friendly competition, and community support.

Now in its 4th annual year, this popular event invites drivers to go head-to-head with local law enforcement officers in a unique, lighthearted racing showdown that blends adrenaline with goodwill. Whether you’re lining up to race or cheering from the sidelines, the atmosphere promises excitement, laughter, and plenty of engine noise.

The event is open to all types of cars, with bikes also welcome to participate. Drivers can choose to line up solo or race other vehicles, making it accessible for seasoned racers and first-timers alike. Gates open at 10 a.m., with racing kicking off at 12 p.m. and running through 4 p.m. Concessions will be in full swing throughout the day, so spectators can enjoy lunch while watching the action.

Beyond the thrill of the track, Outrun The Po Po is also a charitable event, with a portion of proceeds benefiting local law enforcement to support gear, equipment, and related needs. It’s a great example of how motorsports and community partnership can come together for a positive cause.

Admission is affordable and family-friendly, with kids 10 and under admitted free, making it an easy outing for racing fans of all ages. With hundreds already showing interest, this event is shaping up to be one of the most energetic and talked-about race days of the spring.

If you love fast cars, friendly competition, and supporting the local community, Outrun The Po Po at Knoxville Dragway is an event you won’t want to miss.

Once Upon a Time - a Study of Folklore and Fairytales

Step into a world of myth, magic, and meaning when the Oak Ridge Public Library hosts Once Upon a Time: The Study of Folklore and Fairytales on February 18th at noon in the Library Auditorium at the Oak Ridge Civic Center (1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge).

Held in celebration of National Tell a Fairy Tale Day, this engaging lunchtime program invites the community to explore the deeper stories behind the tales that have been passed down for generations. Led by folklorist Emily Curtis, the presentation peels back the curtain on how folklore and fairytales were shaped, shared, and preserved across cultures and centuries.

Attendees will learn about the influential salons of Madame d’Aulnoy, the surprising connections between Charles Perrault’s fairytales and French gardening, and the lasting impact of the Brothers Grimm on how stories are collected and categorized. The program also examines how contemporary folklorists study oral traditions today, helping us better understand what these stories reveal about the people and communities who tell them.

Designed for curious minds and lovers of literature, history, and culture, the event offers a thoughtful look at why fairytales endure—and why they still matter. Whether you grew up enchanted by these stories or are interested in their academic and cultural significance, this talk offers fresh insight into familiar tales.

The event is free and open to the public, with registration available through the Oak Ridge Public Library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oak Ridge Public Library, the program reflects the library’s ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and enriching cultural experiences for the community.

For those ready to rediscover the stories behind “once upon a time,” this midday event promises an illuminating and imaginative journey.

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

🗓️ January 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 |

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

🗓️ February 3rd - Knoxville’s technology community is invited to kick off the new year with energy and connection at KTech CONNECT: Knoxville’s Technology Expo on from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The free, in-person event will take place at Bridgewater Place (205 Bridgewater Road). | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 3rd - Looking for a fun and easy way to support a local nonprofit while enjoying a night out in downtown Knoxville? BeLocal Bingo is happening on February 3rd, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Maple Hall (414 South Gay Street). | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ 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 4th - Galentine’s season is all about celebrating friendship, fun, and a little self-care, and Galentine’s at Blink is bringing all three together. Hosted by Blink Lash & Beauty Bar Hardin Valley (10612 Hardin Valley Road), from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 6th - Trading card collectors and pop culture fans are invited to celebrate Valentine’s season with a unique twist at Hearts and Holofoils, taking place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Pellissippi State Community College’s Hardin Valley Campus (10915 Hardin Valley Road). | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 6th - You are invited to enjoy a day of shopping, connection, and giving back at Sip and Shop: A Day of Love and Wellness, happening from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Tellico Yacht Club (100 Sequoyah Rd, Loudon). Hosted by Daneault and Silpada, this special event blends local shopping with a meaningful mission. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 6th - Valentine’s season gets a fun and flirty twist with Love Is in the Air: Young Singles Speed Dating Party, happening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Hi-Wire Brewing (2020 Barber St). Designed specifically for singles ages 21–34, this lively event offers a fresh way to meet new people in a relaxed, social setting. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 6th - 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 |

🗓️ 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 7th - Those who enjoy sewing, quilting, or crafting with fabric are invited to gather for Sew and Share from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Fountain City Branch Library (5300 Stanton Road). | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 7th - Grab your best friends and make plans for a fun-filled day of shopping and celebrating friendship at Galentine’s Day at The Southern Market (5400 Homberg Drive), from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Southern Market is hosting a special event designed to make Valentine’s season extra sweet. | 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 10th - Knoxville women in business are invited to enjoy an evening of conversation and celebration at Working Women & Whiskey – Knoxville from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The networking event will be held at Finn’s Restaurant & Tavern, (9000 Kingston Pike), blending Valentine’s charm with a touch of Fat Tuesday flair. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 13th - Country music fans can look forward to a high-energy night at The Mill & Mine (227 West Depot Avenue) when Chase Matthew brings his Holdin’ It Down Tour 2026 to Knoxville, with the show beginning at 8:00 p.m. Known for blending modern country grit with Southern storytelling, Matthew’s Knoxville stop promises an electric live performance in one of the city’s favorite music venues. | 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 14th - Knoxville-area shoppers are invited to experience an evening inspired by global tradition and local creativity at Souk Bazaar, taking place at the Farragut Community Center (239 Jamestowne Blvd #201) from 12pm - 7pm. Hosted in the Assembly Hall, this special market invites the community to come together to shop local, connect, and support small businesses in a festive, family-friendly setting. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ February 15th -Knoxville shoppers are invited to celebrate love, friendship, and the arrival of spring at the Hello Market Spring Valentine’s Day Market from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. The market will take place at 11214 Outlet Drive. | 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 20th - Local veterans are invited to be honored and celebrated at a Veterans Appreciation Dinner, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at The Church at Sterchi Hills (904 Dry Gap Pike NE). Hosted by Synergy HomeCare of Knoxville–Morristown, the evening is dedicated to recognizing and thanking those who have served our country. Call or text (865) 474-9304 to reserve your seat. | Add to Calendar |

🗓️ 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 - 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 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. | 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) |

🗓️ February 28th - You are invited to gather for the Annual Chinese New Year Open House Celebration from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Balanced You Clinic (6512 Baum Drive, Suite 12). This community-centered event celebrates the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse with an afternoon focused on connection, nourishment, and renewal. | 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:

Veterans:

🗓️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

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