🏘️ $5K to throw a block party? Yes please!

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Cooler air, packed weekends, and the kind of events that make you want to get out of the house…that’s where we’re at.

This week brings elephants, falafel, vintage treasure hunting, and a pint-sized pup who just might steal your heart. It’s a lot, and we’re here for it.

Catch the full list below and start planning something fun.

🥙 Falafel, Friends & a Knoxville Favorite

Step inside Yassin’s Falafel House and you’ll be welcomed with warm smiles and plates that never skimp. The gyros are tender, the falafel perfectly crisp, and the hummus is the kind you’ll keep thinking about long after you’ve left.

Generous portions, sweet flaky baklava, and genuine hospitality make this spot a standout. Since 2014, Yassin Terou’s kitchen has been serving up fresh Mediterranean flavors with heart. Learn more here.

💡 Imagine Paying Rent and Owning Equity

Zegacy makes it possible with rent-to-own homes designed for real people, not just perfect borrowers. If a mortgage feels out of reach, this is your bridge to homeownership.

• Get matched with trusted local investors
• Move in now, buy when you’re ready
• Build equity instead of wasting rent

Simple, transparent, and tailored to your life, so you can stop renting and start owning sooner than you think.

👉 Begin your journey with Zegacy today. Click here.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

❤️‍🔥 Downtown’s Bookish Treasure

Union Ave Books is the kind of spot that makes downtown Knoxville feel alive. Inside the Daylight Building, this woman-owned shop brims with character and shelves you’ll actually want to get lost in.

The staff have a knack for pulling the perfect read, whether you’re hunting for Dickens, a buzzy new release, or a hidden gem. Add in lively author events and you’ve got a bookstore that feels like the city’s own living room. Learn more here.

🎉 Knoxville Launches Grants for Neighborhood Gatherings

The Gist: Knoxville is rolling out a new “On My Block” grant program to help neighbors host free, community-building events. Residents, churches, nonprofits, and neighborhood groups can apply for up to $5,000 to cover costs like food, supplies, and entertainment for block parties, cookouts, or resource fairs.

Why it matters: These events are meant to strengthen connections in areas impacted by violence, making neighborhoods safer and more united.

What’s next: Applications opened Sept. 8 at KnoxvilleTN.gov/OnMyBlock and run through March 9, 2026.

🚧 Multi-day Alcoa Highway Closure Ahead

The Gist: Northbound lanes of Alcoa Highway between UT Medical Center and Gov. John Sevier Highway will shut down from just after midnight Saturday, Oct. 4, until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7. Crews will be blasting and clearing rock slopes, and emergency vehicles will be escorted through.

Why It Matters: This stretch connects Knoxville with Maryville, Alcoa, and McGhee Tyson Airport, so expect heavier congestion on backroads.

What’s Next: Detours include Pellissippi Parkway to I-40 or John Sevier Highway to Chapman Highway. Weather delays could push work to Oct. 18. Read more here.

Who’s Joel, you ask? He’s a 7-lb Cocoa Puff of puppy dreams!

At just 9 weeks old, this Chihuahua mix is equal parts tiny wrestler and melty marshmallow. One minute he’s body-slamming toys with WWE flair, the next he’s snoring in your lap like butter on warm toast.

Joel’s crate trained, making strides with potty training, and just starting to figure out the leash gig. He’ll thrive in an active adult home (kids 5+), no apartments. Adoption fee: $175.

To learn more about this pint-sized rascal, click HERE.

❄️ Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party | Civic Auditorium | Knoxville | 10/02–10/05 | More
High-flying acrobatics, sing-alongs, and favorite Disney characters bring the story to life.

🐘 Kerbela Shrine Circus | Thompson-Boling Arena | Knoxville | 10/03–10/05 | More
A weekend of elephants, face painting, and unforgettable circus wonder for all ages.

🎃 Fall Fest on the Hill | Arlington Baptist Church | Knoxville | 10/04 | More
Family fun with pumpkin patch, hayrides, bounce house, show cars, and games.

🍿 Movie in the Cave | Cherokee Caverns | Knoxville | 10/04 | More
Enjoy Tim Burton’s cult classic in a real cavern: cool 58° year-round with snacks & fun!

🐶 Barks & Boos 2025 | The Bark | Knoxville | 10/05 | More
Pet costume contest, vendors, food truck & Halloween games all afternoon.

🚒 Touch A Truck | Zoo Knoxville | Knoxville | 10/05 | More
Kids get up close to fire trucks, construction rigs & more: free for Zoo members!

🎶 An Evening Under the Stars | Lakeshore Park | Knoxville | 10/03 | More
A magical fundraiser with dinner, drinks, and an acoustic set from Matt Stillwell.

🍻 Brew at the Zoo | Zoo Knoxville | Knoxville | 10/03 | More
Sip from 40+ craft breweries, enjoy live music, and explore the zoo after dark!

🎨 Haunted Art Show | R.A.L.A. | Knoxville | 10/03 | More
A chilling First Friday exhibit of eerie and spine-tingling art from local artists.

👖 Totally Rad Vintage Fest | World’s Fair Exhibition Hall | Knoxville | 10/04 | More
Shop rad vintage finds, explore the Rad Rewind Museum & strike poses!

🎞️ Hispanic Film Festival | Hodges Library – Lindsay Young Auditorium | Knoxville | 10/08 | More
Award-winning indie films in Spanish with English subs and brief talks from UT faculty.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.