🐼 Meet Knoxville’s newly named (and cutest) twins!

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We’re in that sweet spot where holiday madness is right around the corner…. Perfect for a walk by the river, a pint on a patio, or exploring something new downtown.

Our favorite part of this week? Seeing how many locals are stepping up for good: from river cleanups to community fundraisers. Knoxville’s got heart, and in this week’s Scoop, it surely shows.

🥗 Bowls That Beat the Usual

Hummus Republic has quickly become a favorite since opening this summer, serving up Mediterranean bowls and pita wraps that are both hearty and bright with flavor.

The falafel is crisp, the toppings are generous, and their housemade drinks are worth the trip alone. With welcoming staff and plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices, it’s a fresh, feel-good addition to the neighborhood. Learn more here.

🎥 Wanna Create Cool Content for Knoxville?

The Knoxville Scoop is looking for a local content creator to help us spotlight people, places, and stories that make our city great.

• Video, photo, or written content: your style, your voice

• Collaborate with local businesses + interesting folks

• Grow your presence while helping grow ours

👉 Apply now to be part of Knoxville’s go-to local media brand! Click here.

✨ Shaping fire into everyday art

At Pretentious Glass Co, you don’t just watch glass get made, you step right into the process. Pick your colors, help shape a glass or ornament, then leave it to cool while you grab a pint next door in the beer garden.

Everything here is handmade, from the brew in your cup to the glass in your hand, and it’s all happening under one roof on Central Street. Learn more here.

🐼 Zoo Knoxville’s Red Panda Cubs Get Adorable Names

The Gist: Zoo Knoxville has introduced its newest red panda cubs, Dr. Wallace and Mr. Darcy, the first born at the zoo in nearly five years. The twin males arrived June 3 and are now starting to explore their habitat with mom nearby. Dr. Wallace, named after East Tennessee paleontologist Dr. Steven C. Wallace, has a smaller head and whiter fur, while Mr. Darcy sports darker red coloring.

Why It Matters: Red pandas are a cherished part of Zoo Knoxville’s legacy, with over 100 cubs born since 1978. See more here.

🌊 River Cleanup Hits 1-Million-Pound Milestone

The Gist: Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful marked a huge moment this month at Volunteer Landing: celebrating volunteers removing over 1 million pounds of trash from the Tennessee River watershed. Since 2016, more than 5,000 volunteers have worked to keep the river clean, a movement that began right here in Knoxville.

Why It Matters: The Tennessee River flows through seven states, and Knoxville sits at its headwaters. Local efforts here have inspired cleanups across the region. Volunteers are needed for October cleanups at KeepTNRiverBeautiful.org

Duchess is a three-month-old Russian Blue mix who is a true playful explorer. 

Equal parts cuddle bug and busy little girl; she has endless kitten energy and isn’t afraid to show her mischievous side. If she gets a little too excited, a gentle “no” helps her refocus. Once she’s done zooming around, she’s quick to curl up for snuggles and purrs.

Duchess is great with kids, enjoys playing with cats, and even tolerates dogs. Her adoption fee is $125.

To learn more about this adorable young lady, click HERE.

🎤 WDVX Kidstuff Live ft. Miss Lynn | South Gay St. | Knoxville | 10/11 | More
Toe-tapping tunes, words, and fun with Miss Lynn in this free monthly kids’ concert series.

🏟 Tennessee Football Gameday | Neyland Stadium | Knoxville | 10/11 | More
Join 100,000+ fans as Big Orange faces Arkansas under the Neyland lights.

🕯️ Appalachian HorrorFest | Cedar Bluff Conference Center | Knoxville | 10/11 | More
Step onto the “front porch” for a day of spooky fun, haunting stories, and more!

🎭 Costumes, Characters & Cartoons | Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville | 10/12 | More
PBS Kids screenings, costumes, and character meet-and-greets to kick off spooky season.

🍂 Harvest in Bloom Festival | Stock Farm | Knoxville | 10/12 | More
A family-friendly afternoon of seasonal fun, crafts, treats, and music!

🏺 Little History Lessons | East Tennessee History Center | Knoxville | 10/13 | More
Kids ages 2–5 explore Tennessee history through stories, crafts, and hands-on activities.

👔 Show Your Love Fashion Show | Regas Square | Knoxville | 10/10 | More
James Bond–themed night of fashion, cocktails & impact benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs.

🎭 John Crist: Jokes for Humans | Civic Auditorium | Knoxville | 10/10 | More
Stand-up comedy featuring Derrick Stroup in support.

🐾 Puppy Yoga | Orange Hat Brewing | Knoxville | 10/11 | More
A playful yoga class with puppies, beer, and big-hearted giving back.

🎃 Boo-zy Book Fair | Printshop Beer Co. | Knoxville | 10/11 | More
Books, beer, food trucks & spooky vibes collide for a fall fair full of brews and reads!

🧙‍♀️ Witches Paddle | Sutree Landing Park | Knoxville | 10/12 | More 
A magical kayak & paddleboard float: costumes encouraged, bring your own gear.

🎉 Visit Knoxville Block Party | Convention Center | Knoxville | 10/16 | More
Lunchtime block party with food, giveaways, & Sunsphere access, supporting United Way.

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