🐒 Lu the Chimp Heals Up, Knoxville Gears Up & Glows Up for Fall Fun

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If fall in Knoxville had a playlist, this week would be on repeat.

A mix of good food, heartwarming stories, and a little bit of spooky charm, it’s everything we love about this time of year. From Lu the chimp’s recovery to Moon Valley’s fall glow-up, it’s a good week to go local.

🍝 Pasta, Garlic, and a Dash of Local Love

Once a Knoxville food truck, Penne For Your Thoughts has parked itself right in the heart of the community with hearty, homespun flavor.

It’s an Italian spot that started on wheels and never lost its spark serving golden garlic waffle fries (just enough to make you smile, not sweat), a Mac Daddy that’s creamy without the crash, and a Sunday brunch that draws neighbors for classic benedicts.

Fresh, friendly, and full of heart: this one’s worth the stop. Learn more here.

Just Opened

🍁 Where Fall Colors Take Root

Moon Valley Nurseries is where Knoxville’s yards get their glow-up for the season.

Rows of maples, evergreens, and flowering shrubs line the paths, each one picked to thrive in our Tennessee soil. Folks say the staff treat you like neighbors, not customers, walking you through choices and planting plans.

Come cooler days, this place feels like autumn bottled up and ready to plant.
Learn more here.

🐒 Lu the Chimp Makes Remarkable Recovery After Groundbreaking Surgery

The Gist: Zoo Knoxville’s beloved 34-year-old chimpanzee, Mwelu (known as Lu) is healing well after an unprecedented spinal surgery at the University of Tennessee. The procedure removed a benign tumor pressing on his spinal cord, and he’s shown no complications since. The surgery, led by veterinary and human neurologists working together, is believed to be the first of its kind for a chimpanzee.

Why It Matters: Lu’s recovery marks a major milestone in animal medicine and offers hope for future wildlife care breakthroughs. He’ll rejoin his troop once fully healed. Read more here.

🐴 Meet Knoxville’s New Mounted Patrol Horses

The Gist: The Knoxville Police Department has officially named its three new mounted patrol horses: Ranger, Cormac, and Summitt, after receiving more than 4,500 community suggestions. Ranger and Cormac, both Morgan/Percheron crosses, honor local ties and literary roots, while Summitt, a Quarter Horse/Percheron cross, pays tribute to Lady Vols legend Pat Summitt.

Why It Matters: These horses, purchased by the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, will boost KPD’s presence and community connection in downtown and the Old City.
Read more here.

Meet Augustus, a 3-year-old American Blue Heeler with a love for water.

This 46-pound adventurer is happiest splashing in tubs, sniffing the trails, and playing with his doggy friends. He’s smart, loyal, and eager to please, sitting pretty every time a treat’s in sight.

Augustus would make the perfect hiking buddy or family companion for anyone who loves the outdoors. Located at Young-Williams Animal Center. Adoption fee applies.

To learn more about this handsome boy, click HERE.

🎨 Saturday Storytime | Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church | Knoxville | 10/18 | More
Celebrate inclusion & imagination with free sessions highlighting diverse children’s books.

✍️ LitKidz: Firebird Workshop | The Bottom | Knoxville | 10/18 | More
Enjoy a magical read-aloud and trampoline fun: every family gets a free book and snacks!

🍂 Fall Hoedown | Birdhouse Neighborhood Center | Knoxville | 10/19 | More
Music, BBQ, games, and fall activities for all through the day: a community celebration!

🐾 Pup-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest | Hi-Wire Brewing | Knoxville | 10/19 | More
A spooky, silly, and adorable costume contest where pups strut for prizes!

🎩 A Victorian Séance Experience | Mabry-Hazen House | Knoxville | 10/23–10/26 | More
Step into the eerie elegance of 1858 for an immersive séance reenactment.

🪓 Can You Dig It? Archaeology Day Celebration | McClung Museum | Knoxville | 10/19 | More
Interactive exhibits, dig sites, and learning stations led by archaeologists and UT students.

🙌 Grace & Glory Worship Night | Civic Coliseum | Knoxville | 10/17 | More
A worship gathering led by Crowder, Passion Music, Louie Giglio, and Kari & Cody Carnes!

🕯️ Dark Market | Hi-Wire Brewing | Knoxville | 10/17 | More
A moonlit marketplace of mystics and the macabre: browse oddities, tarot, & more.

🎶 Knoxville Music Festival | Covenant Health Park | Knoxville | 10/18 | More
Boosie Badazz, Pokey Bear, Cupid & Lakeside bring TN’s biggest line dance party!

🍺 Beer Drop: PBJ Grape & Fit For A King | Xul Beer Company | Knoxville | 10/19 | More
Back by demand: fresh cans, limited pours, and serious hype for Knoxville’s craft beer fans.

👻 Spooky Poetry Slam | Ijams Nature Center | Knoxville | 10/21 | More
Grab the mic and share your best spooky (or not!) verses at this Halloween poetry night.

🎞️ Hispanic Film Fest | UT Hodges Library | Knoxville | 10/22 | More
Free screening of acclaimed Hispanic film La Hembrita (Babygirl) + discussions.

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