💯 Neon monster trucks and a tea ritual worth slowing down for?

_{Was this e-mail shared with you? Sign up here.}

If your group chat is already lighting up with “What are we doing this weekend?” you are in the right place. February may still have a chill to it, but the calendar is anything but sleepy.

You could spend the afternoon digging for treasures at the Expo Center, then wander through student art that reminds you just how creative this city is. Maybe you warm up with a cup of loose leaf tea on Gay Street before heading out to a packed concert or a winter beer with friends.

Knoxville shows up this time of year. A little cold outside, a lot of life inside. Go ahead and stake your claim on the weekend before it fills up.

☀️ Sun-drenched sips with that slow-motion soul

Farmacy’s dining room carries a renewed energy now that they’ve returned to seven-day service, blending eclectic local art with polished farmhouse charm. A mimosa flight and pillowy beignets with raspberry honey make any day feel like a holiday!

The atmosphere leans into a relaxed, almost-Spring-Break rhythm where brunch effortlessly melts into the afternoon.

Whether you are diving into the savory Chicken Tinga or celebrating their new Monday hours with a glass of bubbles, the hospitality remains grounded and genuinely warm. It is a beautiful testament to the culinary heart that keeps our neighborhood feeling like home.

🫖 Steeped traditions found just around the corner

Farmacy’s dining room carries a renewed energy now that they’ve returned to seven-day service, blending eclectic local art with polished farmhouse charm.

This staple focuses on small family farms and centuries of tradition, bringing unique blends like the rose-scented Ceylon or the bright ginger peach white tea to our neighborhood mugs.

It is a simple luxury that encourages a slower pace, whether you are stirring their chai spices into autumn apple butter or picking up a custom gift box for a friend. The quality is consistent, and the connection to the growers makes every afternoon break feel a bit more meaningful.

✈️ New Nonstop Connection to Austin

The Gist Southwest Airlines is expanding its footprint at McGhee Tyson Airport by adding a new seasonal route. Starting this fall, travelers can fly nonstop from Knoxville to Austin, Texas. This announcement follows the airline's recent move to establish service in our area with several other national destinations.

Why It Matters This update provides more flexibility and affordable travel options for local residents looking to visit the Southwest. The seasonal Saturday flights to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are scheduled to begin this October.

🚒 Knoxville welcomes new firefighters

The Gist: Eighteen recruits are joining the Knoxville Fire Department after finishing months of intensive training in fire suppression and rescue. These graduates spent eighteen weeks preparing to protect our city. While some begin their station assignments immediately, others will move directly into advanced medical training to serve as EMTs.

Why It Matters Our local safety teams are growing, bringing fresh energy and skilled hands to help keep our neighborhoods and families safe. The public is invited to the graduation ceremony on Friday, February 25, at 6 p.m. inside the Fulton High School auditorium.

🐾 Arlo is a sturdy sixty-six-pound Pit Bull Terrier

He was found wandering near Brown School Road. At just three years old, he carries himself with a quiet confidence and sports striking brown and white markings.

This fellow is a true neighborhood gentleman who balances his playful energy with a genuine love for human company. While Arlo is friendly with older children and most dogs, he prefers a home without cats. His adoption fee is 50 dollars.

To learn more about this handsome guy,

🧸 The Picky Chick Consignment | Expo Center | Knoxville | 02/19-02/21 | More Carefully curated seasonal shopping for growing families and community members.

🛻 Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live | Food City Center | Knoxville | 02/21–02/22 | More
Immersive stunts featuring glowing neon trucks and a fire-breathing robot dinosaur.

🏮 Chinese New Year Festival | Alumni Memorial Building | Knoxville | 02/21 | More
Vibrant lion dances and traditional music celebrating the Year of the Horse.

🐈 Cat Adoption Event | PetSmart (Turkey Creek) | Knoxville | 02/21 | More 
Meet felines from Eastbourne Animal Center and find a new lifelong companion.

🦸 Superhero Day | Zoo Knoxville | Knoxville | 02/22 | More
Meet iconic masked heroes and discover incredible animal superpowers in your costume!

🎨 Youth Art Class: Drawing | Fountain City Art Center | Knoxville | 02/23 | More 
Middle school students explore sketching and shading techniques in a supportive studio.

🏆 79th Annual Student Art Competition | Ewing Gallery | Knoxville | until 02/27 | More
One of the nation's oldest student competitions: diverse works from university artists!

🎷 Peace Pursuers | Fly By Night | Knoxville | 02/20 | More 
Smooth grooves and rhythmic fusion in a trendy, cocktail-forward setting.

🏎️ 2026 Outside Groove Racing Show | Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center | Knoxville | 02/20–02/21 | More 
A motorsports showcase featuring drag racing, drifting, and oval-track displays.

📖 The Friends Book Ball | Lighthouse Knoxville | Knoxville | 02/21 | More
Literary-themed evening with dancing, costumes, and book-inspired cocktails for a cause!

🧀 Annual Fondue Party | Nostalgia | Knoxville | 02/21 | More
A free after-hours social with melting cheese, chocolate, vintage tunes, and karaoke.

🎸 Live at Lucille's: Pasquale Grasso Trio | Regas Square | Knoxville | 02/22 | More
World-class jazz guitar virtuosity during this intimate, televised studio performance.

🎹 Toto: Dogz of Oz Tour | Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville | 02/23 | More 
Polished rock classics and masterful musicianship in a historic, opulent setting!

🏛️ Sankofa Honors: The Divine Black Experience | Bijou Theatre | Knoxville | 02/24 | More
A powerful community celebration of Black Greek-letter legacy: dance and spoken word.

🤠 Aaron Watson | Cotton Eyed Joe | Knoxville | 02/26 | More 
Authentic Texas honky-tonk sounds with a dance-floor-ready country beat.