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Orange leaves on a tree and the Sunsphere atop a green pillar.
Culture

When to expect peak fall foliage in Knoxville
October is going to be a colorful month in the Knoxville area, and there are plenty of places to look at the leaves before they fall.
September 22, 2025 06:22 PM
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A rotating gif of four images showing an elaborate theatre decorated in blue, red, and gold.
Sponsored
Checking in on the Tennessee Theatre’s next act
Peek behind the curtain as “the South’s most beautiful theatre” expands to add more community and educational areas.
Sponsored by
Barrels adorned with vibrant sunflowers, daisies, and wildflowers, featuring a large mug of beer. The scene is bright and festive.
Culture
Prost to Schulz Bräu Brewing Co.'s Oktoberfest returning
It’s stein — this annual celebration is taking over this local German brewery.
September 17, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Tramell Tillman in a white shirt and striped tie stands with arms outstretched in an episode of "Severance," holding a baton, in front of a marching band dressed in blue uniforms with “LUMON” written on them. The room is lit with a cool blue glow. The band members play drums in the background.
Culture
UT alumnus Tramell Tillman makes history at the 2025 Emmy Awards
The actor became the first Black man to win the Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama for his role in the Apple TV+ show “Severance.”
September 15, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
RAL-FreePantry-Nov26
City
Stock up with one of Knoxville’s Little Free Pantries
You’ve probably heard of Little Free Libraries, but did you know the same system works for non-perishable food items + other necessities? Find a local library near you.
September 11, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Street view of a shaded sidewalk with storefronts featuring large windows, hanging Union Ave Books signs, and reflections of bicycles. A chalkboard sign sits on the walkway near two bikes parked at the curb. Trees line the street, and a few pedestrians are visible in the distance.
Culture
7 independent bookstores in Knoxville
Find your next great read at one of these stores in the Knoxville area that’s literally focused on literature.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Alt text: A colorful county fair scene with a Ferris wheel in the background, striped tents, and food stands including one for funnel cakes. The entrance archway reads "Kissel Entertainment" with decorative artwork. People walk through the fairgrounds toward games and rides.
Culture
Your ticket to the 2025 Tennessee Valley Fair
The 10-day event will bring rides, food, entertainment, and concerts to Chilhowee Park from Friday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 14.
September 3, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Close-up of coffee brewing in a paper filter within a glass pour-over dripper on a wooden stand. The scene conveys a warm, artisanal vibe.
Live
Sip on this: Where to grab coffee in Knoxville
Don’t already have a coffee in hand? You will after reading this.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A graphic overlaid over a darkened crowd with white text providing giveaway information.
Sponsored
Tix for Two Giveaway: Win 2 concerts at the Tennessee Theatre
One lucky reader is about to score a pair of tickets to two September shows at the historic venue.
Sponsored by
Aerial view of a colorful, Mickey Mouse-shaped playground with yellow and black striped ground, surrounded by lush green grass and trees. Play structures are inside circular areas. The setting is calm, with a lake and hills in the background under a cloudy sky.
Play
The best parks in Knoxville for walks, picnics, and play
We’re highlighting over 15 of the best parks that Knoxville has to offer — complete with accessible playgrounds, water activities, and fun for the pups.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A Spirit Halloween store in a retail plaza. The building has a red roof and cars line the parking lot.
Culture
6 Spirit Halloween stores come to the Knoxville area
The store finds vacant retail spaces and signs temporary leases to set up shop leading up to Halloween — but locations can change each year.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A Smokies player gives a high five to a mascot.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Knoxville
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
August 25, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
A cyclist in a blue jacket rides on a quiet country road past an old barn and lush greenery under a clear blue sky, evoking serenity and adventure.
Travel and Outdoors
Hit the road with Bike Tennessee
Grab your helmets — we’re taking an adventure on our bikes, thanks to some roadside assistance from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
August 19, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A bronze statue of Elvis Presley wearing a belt and holding in guitar. This display is in the Tennessee Welcome Center in Memphis and sits in a room with glass windows and doors.
Culture
Elvis Presley’s Tennessee and Knoxville history
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll lived in Memphis for a time, but his story includes visits to Knoxville and a legacy in Tennessee.
August 11, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The interior of a dark restaurant. A series of booths surrounded by a hexagon shape are stacked on top of each other, with stairs leading to the booths placed higher up.
Culture
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Knoxville
Dining in Knoxville is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
August 1, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
865today_Otsu! Hot Tomato Summer
Culture
Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer starts in Knoxville
The annual Duke’s Mayo event features 300+ restaurants across six cities competing for the Golden Tomato Award.
July 16, 2025
 · 
Staff
Aerial view of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee at sunset with the Sunsphere and city buildings in view.
Culture
Tips to save on Knoxville summer energy bills
Follow these tips to help save money and conserve energy on water, landscaping, electricity, and AC.
July 16, 2025
 · 
Staff
Athletes in colorful gear compete in a triathlon run segment, focused and determined. Spectators cheer them on, lined by bright orange cones.
Culture
Meet the US’ first woman double-lung recipient triathlete
Knoxvillian Kassandra Klemenz hasn’t let cystic fibrosis hold her down since she was diagnosed — follow her athletic journey that’s breaking barriers.
June 30, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A crowd of people in a field next to a barn, surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains + a hot air balloon with a rainbow color design floating in the air
Travel and Outdoors
Hit the road to the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival
Float to the sky with us as this annual hot air balloon festival makes its return in nearby Townsend.
June 27, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A sign for Seven Islands State Birding Park is posted on a wooden board. In the background is a small parking lot in front of rolling green hills.
Culture
Knoxville’s warm weather “in” and “out” list
We’re taking a page from our favorite teen magazines and sharing our takes on what’s hot and what’s not in Knoxville.
June 6, 2025
 · 
Staff
A group of runners jog down a city sidewalk lined with parked cars and brick buildings under a partly cloudy sky. In the background, a large white building. The atmosphere feels energetic and urban, with a sense of community among the runners.
Culture
An introvert’s guide to Knoxville
What’s there to do in Knoxville when you’re an introvert? We’ve got a few ways you can get out on the town while staying in your comfort zone.
May 28, 2025
 · 
Shea Stapley
Outdoor market scene with white tents, vendors, and visitors on a grassy area. A golden sphere tower and city buildings in the background, under an overcast sky.
Play
15+ of the top free things to do in Knoxville
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Knoxville, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
May 27, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Three images of the Dempster Dumpster in action, showing the haul, dump, and pick up. Text reads, "Here's a One-Man Trash and Rubbish Collection System for your City."
History
Talkin’ trash: The Knoxville man who created the dumpster
George Dempster’s legacy in Knoxville is all about dumpsters and democratic politics.
May 2, 2025
 · 
Grace Powers
A movie theater marquee advertising a triple feature of Evil Dead movies.
Entertainment
Movies filmed in and around Knoxville
Use this list to see if you can spot the Knoxville scenes featured in movies that were filmed around town.
April 25, 2025
 · 
Shea Stapley
The Sunsphere overlooks a green lawn, pedestrian bridge, and babbling brook.
Culture
Artificial Insults: A ChatGPT roast of Knoxville
With artificial intelligence seemingly everywhere, we decided to hone its powers for a good lighthearted roast of the Marble City.
April 24, 2025
 · 
Shea Stapley
A group of runners pose in nature in front of a sign that reads "Sunflowers."
Culture
How to find a run or walk club in the Knoxville area
Get in your steps as you sprint or stroll with your new friends at these clubs around the Knoxville area.
April 15, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Vintage photograph of Muroran Port in Hokkaido, Japan, around 1900, showing wooden buildings along the waterfront, small boats docked at the shore, and a mountainous backdrop.
Culture
Travel to Knoxville’s sister city Muroran (virtually)
Our guide may even make you want to grab your passport and head for our sister city in Japan.
April 15, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
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More from 865today
A Southwest Airplane ascending into the sky. The body of the plane is blue with yellow, white, and red stripes on the back tail.
City
Southwest Airlines plans to come to McGhee Tyson Airport
The airline will start taking off in early 2026 and offer round-trip service to four destinations in the US.
August 14, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Want to reach Knoxville locals? Here’s the easiest way to advertise right now
Reach your local community with our help.
August 8, 2025
 · 
Staff
"I voted #GoVoteTN" stickers. There is a column for three stickers with the phrase surrounded by a red state of Tennessee.
City
Vote in the City of Knoxville Primary Election
This election will determine two candidates from each eligible City Council District to be on the General Election ballot in November.
August 6, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A bright blue pool is pictured on a sunny day with blue skies and a few clouds. The pool is surrounded by green grass and a fence. Behind the fence is a horse grazing.
Culture
Meet Swimply: the Airbnb of pools
Explore unique, rentable pools across Knoxville for a refreshing getaway, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying some solo relaxation.
July 2, 2025
 · 
Staff
Two breakfast biscuit sandwiches on a plate, the left one stacked with eggs, cheese, and bacon + the right with a berry biscuit bun, eggs, and other toppings.
Live
Where to eat biscuits in Knoxville
Dig into K-Town’s must-try biscuit spots, from not-so-hidden gems to Instagram-worthy platters.
May 17, 2025
 · 
Madison McMillen
Augusta quarry renderings
Development
5 new and coming soon developments in Knoxville
Here’s a breakdown of five major projects in Knoxville’s future.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Grace Powers
A young boy slides down an elevated wooden tunnel.
Play
Where to have fun with kids in Knoxville
We found the best kid-friendly activities in Knoxville, complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Shea Stapley
The a ferry installs a barge on the far riverbank beneath the green and steel Gay Street Bridge on a sunny day.
City
Updates on the Gay Street Bridge repair project
It looks like the bridge will reopen for foot traffic as early as this year.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Three volunteers, in the middle of paving an outdoor walkway, smile at the camera with rakes and a wheelbarrow in hand.
Work
Where to give back and volunteer in Knoxville
This list of volunteer opportunities in Knoxville includes everything from animal shelters to mental health and victim services.
May 12, 2025
 · 
Madison McMillen
A table of egg and brunch items with people sitting by the plates with cocktails in hand.
Live
Top brunch restaurants to try in Knoxville
Don’t just pick a spot with pancakes and eggs — pick the spot that’s perfect for your gathering with this guide that includes menu recommendations, brunch categories, and beyond.
May 6, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado