🎉 Big moves, bold flavors, & block-party vibes to keep you and your crew connected

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Fall is here, but this week feels like a summer encore!

We’ve got movie nights under the stars, block parties, and even free admission to the Sunsphere. Brunch spots are buzzing, the First Friday ArtWalk is coming in hot, and Main Event is serving up strikes, sliders, and surprise-good margaritas.

College football’s back too, Knoxville’s for sure gearing up for it! And hey, Mosby the cuddle-cat is still waiting on his forever home, maybe that’s your sign?

🥃 Flavor Twists in a Rustic Hideaway

Ale’ Rae’s GastroPub (pronounced Allie Ray) feels like Knoxville’s best-kept secret: equal parts cozy and surprising. Housed in a thoughtfully rustic old home, it’s the kind of place where the bourbon meatloaf and peanut butter wing sauce somehow make perfect sense.

Brunch fans rave about the Traveler Omelette, while live music keeps evenings buzzing. With a menu that rotates often and flavors that always impress, Ale’ Rae’s is worth bookmarking for your next dinner out. Learn more here.

🎳 Burgers, Bowling, and Big-Time Fun!

Main Event is the kind of place where the fun doesn’t stop at bowling and arcade games. The menu surprises many, with burgers, pizza, and margaritas that stand on their own as reasons to visit.

Guests love the lively yet relaxed vibe, whether they’re celebrating a birthday, hanging out at the bar, or watching kids dive into VR. Good food, great drinks, and standout customer service make it a go-to hangout. Learn more here.

✈️ Big Orange Welcome: Southwest To Take Off in Knoxville

The Gist: Southwest Airlines is officially coming to McGhee Tyson Airport, with new service beginning March 5, 2026. The carrier will offer twice-daily flights to Nashville and daily trips to Baltimore, Dallas, and Orlando. Knoxville now joins Memphis and Nashville as the third star on Southwest’s Tennessee map.

Why it matters: For East Tennesseans, it means more travel options, easier trips to the Smokies and beyond, and the chance to fly aboard the Volunteer State’s very own “Tennessee One” plane. Tickets are already on sale at Southwest.com. You can also read the news release here.

⚡ Knoxville Voices Defend Public Power

The Gist: At a packed public hearing in August, Knoxville residents urged the Tennessee Valley Authority board to keep the utility in public hands. The pushback came after President Trump threatened TVA leadership and floated the idea of privatizing its power lines. Local leaders, union members, and environmental groups spoke about TVA’s role in powering schools, homes, and even Friday night football lights, as well as its broader economic and community impact.

Why It Matters: Neighbors say keeping TVA public protects affordable, reliable energy across the Valley. Read more here.

Say hello to Mosby, a two year old Tabby Bengal mix who lives for laps and love!

He’s a people-cat through and through, friendly with both cats and dogs, and proudly serves as the CEO of LapCats-R-Us. Whether he’s “helping” with chores or curling up close for snuggles, Mosby brings joy to every moment.

He’s litterbox trained, full of personality, and ready to find his forever home in Tennessee. Adoption fee is $100.

To learn more about this fun boy, click HERE.

🟡 Free Friday for Locals! | The Sunsphere | Knoxville | 09/05 | More
Carve out a few minutes to enjoy the exhibits before (or after) your lap around the glass.

🏈 College Football Kickoff Party | DICK’S Sporting Goods | Knoxville | 09/05 | More
Come prime the pipes and kick off football season with a block-party vibe!

🎨 First Friday ArtWalk | Downtown, Various Venues | Knoxville | 09/05 | More
Downtown lights up with a self-guided stroll through galleries, studios, and pop-ups!

😍 Friends Day | Mast General Store | Knoxville | 09/06 | More
Swing by Gay Street, shop with purpose: 10% of all sales goes to Friends of the Smokies.

🌱 Story Thyme | Botanical Garden and Arboretum | Knoxville | 09/09 | More
Stories, dirt-digging, seed planting, watering & crafts for little sprouts (all ages welcome!)

🎲 Steam Sprouts | Muse | Knoxville | 09/09 | More
Story time with a hands-on activity with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

🎬 Tuesday Movie Night | Yee-Haw Brewing Co. | Knoxville | 09/09 | More
A super double-feature under the lights: The Incredibles 1 & 2, Parr family action!

🍕 Briscoe in the Old City | Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria | Knoxville | 09/10 | More
Grab a slice and a pint, then let “Heat of July” warm up your midweek.

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