🎻 Knoxville nights hit different: symphonies, sunsets, and surprises

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Quick shoutout to all of you who’ve been reading, sharing, and sending tips! This newsletter’s only as good as the community around it. And Knoxville, you make it easy.

This week we’re diving into local legends, upcoming events, and the kind of shops and spots that make this town feel personal. Hope you find something new to love!

🍷 A Little Bit of Paris in West Knoxville

There’s something timeless about Northshore Brasserie: the clink of wine glasses, the scent of butter and garlic drifting from the kitchen, the steady buzz of people who clearly love being there.

Regulars swear by the steak frites and trout, though the Friday and Saturday chef’s specials are where the magic really happens. As the weather cools and the crowds return, it’s worth booking that table early, you’ll be glad you did. Learn more here.

✨ Remember when lights felt magical?

Knox Fantasy Lights brings back that wonder, minus the tangled wires and cold ladders.

• Hand-designed displays with warm, classic glow
• Lights cut to your home, not one-size-fits-all
• They handle install, takedown, and storage

👉 Click here to make your holidays feel easy again.

🎁 Where Whimsy Meets Warmth

Bethie Lou’s Fabulous Gift Store feels like walking into your most creative friend’s living room: colorful, cozy, and full of personality. Beth and her shop dog greet everyone like old friends.

You’ll find locally made jewelry, cheeky cards, candles, and gifts for every occasion. It’s the perfect stop for fall finds or a little early holiday browsing, wrapped in true small-town charm. Learn more here.

🌿 Ijams Marks 50 Years with Homecoming Celebration

The Gist: Ijams Nature Center will celebrate five decades as a Knoxville nonprofit on Saturday, Nov. 8, with a free community Homecoming from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its South Knoxville campus. Guests can enjoy guided hikes, live animal art auctions, hands-on nature activities, and a short program featuring past directors and Mayor Indya Kincannon.

Why It Matters: For half a century, Ijams has connected generations of East Tennesseans with nature, serving more than 600,000 visitors each year on its 320 scenic acres. Read more here.

🎨 Collective Redefines Arts Funding Across Appalachia

The Gist: A Knoxville-based group called Waymakers Collective is changing how arts funding works in Appalachia. Instead of relying on top-down philanthropy, the nonprofit gives artists and culture-bearers direct power to decide where grants go. Led by Executive Director Joe Tolbert Jr., Waymakers has distributed over $1.5 million since 2020 through a community-led process focused on equity and access.

Why It Matters: By trusting local creators to lead, Waymakers is helping ensure Appalachian artists can sustain their work (and their communities) with dignity and independence. Read more here.

Need a little spark in your home? Roary’s got you covered.

This six-month-old Tennessee Tabby sports a smoky coat and a big personality to match. He’s a social butterfly who plays nice with cats, dogs, and anyone offering chin scratches. Litterbox trained and full of curiosity, he’s ready to charm his way into your heart.

To learn more about this sweet guy, click HERE.

✨ Tennessee Cheer & Dance Finals | Convention Center | Knoxville | 11/06–11/07 | More
High-energy performances as middle and high schools face off for state crowns.

🌇 Sunsphere Sunset | Sunsphere | Knoxville | 11/07 | More
Watch the sun dip below the Smokies with skyline views, refreshments, and local shopping.

🎄 The 2025 Christmas Fair | Expo Center | Knoxville | 11/07–11/09 | More
A 3-day holiday shopping paradise featuring 200+ local vendors, handmade crafts, & gifts!

🪕 Kidstuff Live w/ Sarah Pirkle | WDVX 89.9 FM Studios | Knoxville | 11/08 | More
Family-friendly tunes and musical surprises, free and open to the public

🎖️ Veterans Salute 5K/10K | Farragut Community Center | Knoxville | 11/08 | More
Race for a cause: join this patriotic 5K/10K and ruck challenge supporting veterans.

🍁 Vintage Fall Market | Hi-Wire Brewing | Knoxville | 11/08 | More
An afternoon of vintage finds, artisan goods, and community fun hosted by Mood Ring.

🎆 Veterans Day Parade 100 Years Strong | Meet at Gay St | Knoxville | 11/11 | More
Landmark year for Knoxville: 100 years of marching for gratitude, unity, and patriotic pride.

🍺 Bricks & Brews Night | Printshop Beer Co. | Knoxville | 11/07 | More
Pints + plastic bricks for a playful evening of LEGO builds, beer, and friendly competition.

🎬 Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert | Civic Auditorium | Knoxville | 11/08 | More
Experience the film on the big screen as the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performs live.

🍅 Bloody Mary Festival | Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus | Knoxville | 11/08 | More
Sip your way through 8 creative Bloody Mary stations with music, local vendors, & more.

🐾 Fall 5K for a Cause | Blue Ridge Yoga | Knoxville | 11/08 | More
A relaxed autumn walk supporting veterans and service dogs, pups welcome!

🏃‍♂️ Whiskey Run 2025 | El Mezcal, Forest Park Blvd | Knoxville | 11/09 | More
Race, reward, repeat: a spirited half marathon and 5K with post-run whiskey samples.

🎻 Bowling For Soup + Special Guests | The Mill & Mine | Knoxville | 11/09 | More
An evening of nostalgic anthems and live punk fun.

🎖️ Salute to Service Weekend | Neyland Stadium & Thompson–Boling Arena | Knoxville | 11/09–11/11 | More
Honoring active-duty members and veterans with free game admission and more.

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