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📰 The Town That Launched a Rocket - October Sky Festival Returns to Oliver Springs

📰 S'mores, Starlight, and Kid-Friendly Networking at Bonfire Fridays

🗓️ The World's Greatest Beatles Tribute Hits the Bijou, and They're Celebrating HELP

🗓️ Paint a Planter, Meet the Cats, and Go Home with a Plant

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🗓️ Upcoming Events

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If you've seen the movie, you already know the story. If you haven't, this is a perfect reason to watch it before you go.

The October Sky Festival returns to Oliver Springs on October 17th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM — a free, all-day community celebration of the town's rich heritage and its place in American cultural history. Oliver Springs was the filming location for the beloved 1998 film October Sky, based on Homer Hickam's memoir about a coal miner's son who fell in love with rocketry and went on to work for NASA. The festival takes its name from that legacy and has grown into a full community celebration spread across three venues: the Oliver Springs Historical Society Museum, Arrowhead Park (530 Kingston Ave), and the Oliver Springs Train Depot.

The day brings together vendors, exhibitors, a Kids Zone, and the kind of small-town atmosphere that's genuinely hard to find anymore. Oliver Springs has a story worth knowing — it was established in 1821 as a coal mining town, later became a resort destination when the railroad arrived, and has been home over the years to Joseph Estabrook (5th President of the University of Tennessee), the family of Senator Howard H. Baker, and entertainers Johnny Duncan, Levi Kreis, and Janelle Arthur. More Info

2 Brothers and Sunflower Village Farm are launching Bonfire Fridays — a recurring series of kid-friendly outdoor networking nights built around good company, open air, and a proper bonfire. The series kicks off September 18th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce in Clinton before moving to 188 Hill Road for the remaining dates: October 18th, November 20th, and December 18th — all 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

The September kickoff is a great way to ease into the concept, and the October–December evenings at 188 Hill Road open things up even more: 20 acres of space to set up your tent wherever you want, making it as intimate or as sprawling a family evening as you'd like. Bring a snack, a drink, and a chair. Bring the kids.

If you've ever wanted to know what it felt like to be in the room when The Beatles were at their peak, The Fab Four is as close as it gets.

The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute brings their all-new HELP! show to the Bijou Theatre on September 11th at 7:30 PM — a full evening celebrating The Beatles' iconic second film and its soundtrack, along with the greatest hits from every era of the band's ever-changing career. Think "Help!," "Yesterday," "A Day In The Life," "Twist And Shout," "Here Comes The Sun," and "Hey Jude" — all performed with the kind of uncanny, note-for-note precision that has earned The Fab Four their Emmy Award-winning reputation as the gold standard of Beatles tributes.

What sets The Fab Four apart from every other tribute act is the detail. Three costume changes walk you through each distinct era of the band's career. The performances are so precisely rendered that audiences routinely describe feeling like they're watching the real thing — and they've had plenty of practice, having amazed audiences in Japan, Australia, France, Hong Kong, the UK, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil. They also provided motion capture performances for the Cirque du Soleil Beatles LOVE Show's 10th anniversary revamp, and recorded the soundtrack for the CBS TV movie The Linda McCartney Story. More Info

Scruffy's Cafe is teaming up with The Plant Trolley — Knoxville's beloved mobile plant truck — for their very first Planter Painting Night, happening September 10th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 1015 North Broadway. It's cozy, it's creative, and if you have even a passing fondness for cats or plants, you're going to have a great time.

Your ticket covers everything: all painting supplies plus your very own planter to take home, delicious mocktails, two full hours with Scruffy's resident cafe cats, and a ticket to "adopt" a plant from The Plant Trolley. You'll leave with a painted planter, a new leafy friend, and probably a cat hair or two on your sweater. As the organizers put it: "Come paint, sip, play with cats, and leave with a planter and a new leafy friend."

There's a meaningful layer to it too — all of Scruffy's cafe cats are available for adoption through Feral Feline Friends, and all proceeds from event nights benefit both the rescue organization and The Plant Trolley. So your fun Thursday evening is also doing real good in the community.

Spots are limited. Grab your ticket before they're gone. More Info

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

🗓️ August 20th - New Harvest Farmers Market hosts Nourish Kids — a free program for children ages 2–12 — on the third Thursday of every month at the New Harvest pavilion (4775 New Harvest Lane). The next session is from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with another on September 17th. More Info

🗓️ August 21st–23rd Turn up the volume for an unforgettable weekend of classic rock and high-energy performances at The Mountain Music Festival, coming to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. More Info

🗓️ August 21st - Constellation Concerts is bringing The Music of Adele: Under The Stars to the Knoxville Convention Center — a one-night-only immersive concert experience featuring Brenna Greene on vocals alongside a live orchestra. Two show times are available: 6:30 PM and 8:45 PM. More Info

🗓️ August 22nd - Cody Johnson brings his 2026 Live Tour to Thompson-Boling Arena, at 7:30 PM — and if you haven't locked in tickets yet, now's the time. More Info

🗓️ August 22nd - Magnolia Art House celebrates its Grand Opening on August 22nd from Noon to 6:00 PM at 1405 E. Magnolia Avenue — a new venue joining the growing arts spaces along the Magnolia corridor.

🗓️ August 22nd - GermanFest Knoxville returns to First Lutheran Church (1207 Broadway) from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM — a full nine hours of German culture, Southern hospitality, and the kind of sheer, wholehearted fun that you can only find at a festival that includes competitive dachshund racing. More Info

🗓️ August 22nd - Once upon a time, there was the perfect Saturday afternoon—and it's happening from 2–6 p.m. at the very first Fairy Tales + Fuzzy Tales at Hi-Wire! More Info

🗓️ August 23rd - Intrepid Nitro Coffee and Tea Bar and Bowman Studios are teaming up for a Make a Dog Toy Class from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Intrepid Nitro (11432 Hardin Valley Rd). Tickets are $12, and you leave with a handmade toy your dog will actually use. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ August 27th - Knoxville Museum of Art is hosting a Music for Seniors Free Daytime Concert from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at 1050 World's Fair Park Dr SW — and it's open to the public, no ticket required. More Info

🗓️ August 28th - Appalachian Arts & Craft Center is hosting Appalachian Voices: Stories, Laughter & Creativity — a special community luncheon celebrating creativity, storytelling, and the rich culture of Appalachian life. The event takes place at the Oak Ridge Conference Center (1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge) from 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ August 29th - Local author Morgan Edwards celebrates the release of their newest novel, The Moon's Promise, at 12:00 PM at The Kraken's Cup (4815 N Broadway, Suite 107). It's a free community event and a chance to meet the author, get your copy, and hear about the book straight from the person who wrote it.

🗓️ August 29th - Lanterns & Legends returns to Ancient Lore Village (7107 Sevierville Pike) at 7:00 PM — a full evening of dinner, handmade lanterns, a glowing scavenger hunt, woodland characters, acoustic music, and a fire or illuminated LED performance as the village comes to life after dark. It's one of those nights that earns the word "magical" without trying too hard. More Info & Reservations

🗓️ August 29th - The music will take over Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Central Filling Station, Schulz Bräu Brewing, Next Level Brewing, and Corner Lounge, creating a unique music discovery festival featuring some of the best up-and-coming talent from Knoxville and beyond. More Info

🗓️ August 29th - Powell Branch Used Book Sale (330 W Emory Rd) Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at the Powell Branch Library. One-day sale, all the good stuff.

🗓️ August 29th - Flutter into a day of family fun and discovery at Stanley's Ninth Annual Butterfly Festival from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This free community event celebrates one of nature's most fascinating pollinators while offering activities and educational experiences for all ages. More Info

🗓️ August 30th - The 13th Annual Knox Asian Festival takes over World's Fair Park and the Knoxville Museum of Art from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Presented by the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee, this is one of the most genuinely immersive cultural events in the entire state — and it's right here in Knoxville. More Info

🗓️ August 31st - The UT Creative Writing Program presents a reading by Rochelle Hurt — poet, nonfiction writer, and University of Tennessee faculty member — at 7:00 PM in the Lindsay Young Auditorium of John C. Hodges Library on the UT campus. The event is free and open to the public. More Info

🗓️ August 31st - Knoxville will come together for a meaningful evening of remembrance, awareness, recovery, and hope during International Overdose Awareness Day from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. To learn more email: [email protected]

🗓️ September 1st - Adventure Field Day and Owl Presentation Field day activities for all ages, plus a special owl presentation. One of those evenings that's equally fun for kids and adults. More Info

🗓️ September 2nd-20th - Clarence Brown Theatre presents Jeffrey Hatcher's electrifying adaptation of Dial M for Murder — opening night September 2nd at 7:30 PM at the Clarence Brown Theatre on the UT campus. The show runs through September 20th, with performances most Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. More Info

🗓️ September 3rd - Amy Speace — award-winning singer-songwriter and author — brings The Cardinals Tour: Words & Music to The Open Chord Stage (8502 Kingston Pike), just two days after her debut book of poetry hits shelves. It's her first live show built around the intersection of her music and the new book, making this a genuinely rare kind of evening — part concert, part literary event, all Amy Speace. More Info

🗓️ September 3rd - Experience the beauty of music and nature at Knoxville Symphony in the Garden at the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum. More Info

🗓️ September 4th - The Goonies (1985, PG-13) @ Mabry-Hazen House · mabryhazen.com · Presented by Pellissippi State

🗓️ September 4th - Grab your favorite four-legged friend and enjoy a magical night under the stars at Ijams Nature Center for a special screening of All Dogs Go to Heaven as part of the Movies Under the Stars series presented by Ijams and Central Cinema. More Info

🗓️ September 3rd–20th Get ready for romance, ridiculous misunderstandings, and plenty of theatrical chaos when the Tellico Community Players present Ken Ludwig's hilarious farce, Moon Over Buffalo, September 3–20 at the Tellico Community Playhouse in Loudon. More Info

🗓️ September 6th - Big Kahuna Wing Festival at World's Fair Park; Thousands of pounds of wings; Competitive wing cook-off; Wing eating contest; Live entertainment; Kids activities; Pyro musical fireworks show. More Info

🗓️ September 11th-20th - The Tennessee Valley Fair opens at Chilhowee Park — ten days of everything that makes a real county fair: agricultural competitions, carnival rides, fair food, exhibits, and the kind of community atmosphere that only shows up once a year. Over 125,000 visitors from across the region will make their way through the gates before it's over. More Info

🗓️ September 11th - Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975, PG) @ James White's Fort · jameswhitesfort.org

🗓️ September 11th-12th - Farragut Branch Used Book Sale (417 N Campbell Station Rd) Two days, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM each day. Go ahead and put it on the fall calendar now.

🗓️ September 11th-13th - A Knoxville tradition for nearly 50 years, Greek Fest at St. George Greek Orthodox Church (4070 Kingston Pike) returns, inviting the community to enjoy authentic Greek food, music, dancing, culture, and hospitality. More Info

🗓️ September 12th - Punk Rock Flea Market Knoxville 2026 takes over the Mill & Mine (227 W Depot Ave) from Noon to 9 PM — the street closes down, 200 themed vendors set up shop, the music doesn't stop, and the whole thing runs nine hours straight. Tattooing, food trucks, and brews round out the day. More Info

🗓️ September 12th - Knoxville Car Show 2026 | Classic Car Community returns to Christ United Methodist Church (7535 Maynardville Pike) from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM — hosted by Christ UMC's United Methodist Men in partnership with the Halls Crossroads Historical Museum. Register a Vehicle

🗓️ September 12th - Literary Legends Book Festival, hosted by Brooke Woods and the Literary Legends Knoxville Book Club, is taking over Kern's Food Hall (2110 Chapman Hwy) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM — and admission is completely free. Just head to Eventbrite and reserve your spot so the organizers know how many book lovers are coming. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ September 12th - Looking ahead: the Tennessee Smart Yards and Friends Festival is set for 10:00 AM–2:00 PM at the University of Tennessee Gardens. More Info

🗓️ September 12th: Get ready for one of Knoxville's most unique shopping and entertainment experiences! The Punk Rock Flea Market Knoxville returns to The Mill & Mine bringing an all-day celebration of art, music, food, and alternative culture. More Info

🗓️ September 12th - Powell Pet Palooza 2026 — the second annual community celebration for pet lovers in the Powell area — returns to Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church (7753 Oak Ridge Hwy) on September 12th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The event is organized by the Powell Small Business Network and Sara's Waggy Tails LLC, and they're promising bigger and better than last year.

🗓️ September 12th - The Marine Mud Run returns to Harmony Family Center (4901 Montvale Road, Maryville), and this year they're shaking things up — new course layout, new obstacles, and new mud added to the classics. What stays the same: roughly 3 miles of off-road running through scenic trails, fields, hills, and mud pits, finished off with water. Wear old clothes and shoes. Showers are on site. Register; More Info

🗓️ September 12th - Get ready for an exciting day of shopping, food, music, and family fun at the newly reimagined Lenoir City Street Festival in Historic Downtown Lenoir City! More Info

🗓️ September 12th - 13th - Discover the rich history, traditions, and culture of the Cherokee people at the 35th Annual Cherokee Fall Festival, taking place September 12–13 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tennessee. More Info

🗓️ September 15th - Food lovers won't want to miss Taste of Blount 2026, taking place September 15 from 6–8 p.m. at Theater in the Park in Maryville. This annual event showcases the best of Blount County's culinary scene, featuring samples from local restaurants, caterers, and gourmet grocers. More Info

🗓️ September 17th - Knox County Mobile Meals and the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee are hosting Power of the Purse® 2026 at Rothchild Catering and Conference Center (8807 Kingston Pike) — doors open at 4:45 PM and Purse Madness starts at 6:00 PM sharp. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ September 18th-20th - Vintage Market Days® of Knoxville returns to the Knoxville Expo Center (5441 Clinton Hwy) for a full weekend (Friday and Saturday from 10 AM, Sunday wrapping at 3 PM) — with the theme "An American Story." More Info

🗓️ September 18th - Knox County Master Gardeners and Beardsley Farm are hosting a free Gardening Workshop at Beardsley Farm (1741 Reynolds Street) from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, focused on three of the most practical topics for this time of year: cover crops, hot composting, and fall gardening. More Info & Register

🗓️ September 18th - Herbie Fully Loaded (2005, G) @ Farragut Museum · visitfarragut.org

🗓️ September 18th - Raise a glass to an unforgettable evening at the 2026 Tennessee Cocktail Festival on September 18, from 6:00–9:15 PM at The Mill & Mine in downtown Knoxville.

🗓️ September 19th - Marble Springs State Historic Site hosts Sevier Day 281 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 1220 W. Governor John Sevier Highway — a free, all-day living history celebration honoring John Sevier's 281st birthday. The tagline says it best: "Party like it's 1745." More Info

🗓️ September 19th - October 11th - Prost! One of Knoxville's favorite fall traditions is back as Schulz Bräu Oktoberfest 2026 returns with weeks of authentic Bavarian fun, live entertainment, and unforgettable festivities.

🗓️ September 19th - November 7th - Walnut Springs Winery in Strawberry Plains is launching their Wine Maze experience — A Night of Pour Decisions. The concept is exactly what it sounds like: you wander through the corn maze with wine in hand, discovering five tasting stations tucked into the twists and turns, each one bringing a new pour and a new vibe. Boots are encouraged. Getting a little lost is part of the fun. More Info & Tickets

🗓️ September 23rd - The Kraken's Cup Tearoom and Schakolad Chocolate Factory have teamed up for A Chocola-TEA Experience: Tea and Chocolate Pairing — a guided flavor adventure at 6 PM at The Kraken's Cup (4815 N Broadway, Suite 107). More Info

🗓️ September 25th - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, PG) @ Blount Mansion · blountmansion.org

🗓️ September 26th - Friends of the Knox County Public Library is hosting the Book Fair for Adults from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the East Tennessee History Center (601 S Gay St) — and it's free to get in.

🗓️ September 27th - The Green Thumb Gala returns to the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum for an unforgettable evening celebrating the beauty of the Garden and the community that helps it thrive. More Info

🗓️ October 2nd - Ghostbusters (1984, PG) @ Marble Springs State Historic Site · marblesprings.net · Presented by Borderland Tees

🗓️ October 6th - Firepits and S'mores Galore with Fairy House Building A perfect fall night at the quarry — firepits, s'mores, and the creative magic of building tiny fairy houses in the woods. More Info

🗓️ October 7th - Up (2009, PG) @ Historic Westwood · knoxheritage.org/westwood

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

🗓️Free Veterans’ Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 20 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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