Pro tip: Check The Bark’s calendar for meetups for specific dog breeds. | Photo by @thejoynextdoor
Being an introvert is a tough gig. If you need to hear and see signs of life to get through the day, but want to keep talking to a minimum, this introvert’s guide to Knoxville is for you.
Silent book clubs
Reading is fundamental... but so is your quiet time. This silent book club meets monthly, with just a few minutes of casual mingling with coffee or tea before everyone settles in for an hour of reading. No one will interrupt you to ask what you’re reading or try to make small talk — just like it should be.
Tabletop gaming bars
A lot of introverts don’t like bars — but if tabletop gaming is involved, it’s a different story. If you’re the kind of introvert who prefers a side of D&D with your drink, head to Token Game Tavern for gaming galore.
Dog parks
One of the most natural ways to meet other people is by letting your dog do all the barking. If we had to choose a favorite dog park in Knoxville, it might be The Bark — because socializing is always easier with a beer (or locally brewed Frog Juice kombucha) in hand.
CreepyCon Halloween & Horror Convention 2025 | 5 p.m. | Knoxville Convention Center | $35+ | Already planning your Halloween costume? Head to this hauntingly delightful convention with a horror film fest, special guests, and performances.
Fleatwood Mac | 8 p.m. | Open Chord Stage | $30+ | We’ve had “dreams” about attending this Fleetwood Mac tribute band’s concert.
Saturday, August 2
Dog Days of Summer | 2 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing | $5+ | Bring the pups along for photo ops, or come solo to meet adoptable dogs — there will be plenty of pup cups, of course.
Sparrow Turns Two | 3-9 p.m. | Sparrow Wine Bar | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the wine shop’s anniversary with happy hour specials all day long, special high-end wine flights, and a complimentary charcuterie spread.
Summer Vendor & Craft Fair | 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Beaver Ridge UMC Parent’s Day Out & Preschool | Free+ | Shop from local small businesses and craft vendors + enjoy treats and drinks.
Sunday, August 3
Scratch Made Pasta | 5-8 p.m. | Cutting Edge Classroom | $115 | Learn the art of pasta making from scratch + create delicious sauces in this hands-on class.
Monday, August 4
Restaurant Week | Times vary | Multiple locations | Restaurant Week (benefiting Nourish Knoxville) starts Monday — visit participating restaurants for featured menu items.
Local bar Brother Wolf was just named one of the best in the country by USA Today. The article highlighted Brother Wolf’s Italian aperitivo culture, small plates, 200+ wine choices, and atmosphere.
Edu
Tomorrow, Aug. 2, the Knoxville Area Urban League will host its annual Shoes for School event at Covenant Health Park. Families can show up from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. to receive school supplies and food on a first come, first served basis. Registration to receive shoes has already closed. (WBIR)
Outdoors
Heads up, sightseers: The overlook and nearby parking at Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park is currently closed for guidewire maintenance. The closure is expected to last through Friday, Aug. 22, but you can still check out scenic views at these local trails in the meantime.
Weather
Speaking of hiking, this weekend may be the perfect time for it. WBIR meteorologist Cassie Nall shared that the predictions from earlier this week continue — our first below-average highs since mid-June are expected on Saturday and Sunday. Knock on wood.
Mailbag
Ready for a hit of nostalgia? New subscriber Rachel B. recently shared that one of her favorite local restaurants is “any Aubrey’s... a family favorite and reminds me of the good old days when Grady’s was in business, which Randy Burleson worked at while in college.”
Sports
The Vols Fall Camp kicked off earlier this week, and it has this podcast host wondering: Is Tennessee’s path to the College Football Playoff clearer than we think? Hear from the local experts on the Tennessee Volunteers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
What was the total profit of the 1982 World’s Fair?
Shocked by this answer? So were we. Believe it or not, the total profit of the 1982 World’s Fair was a modest $57 dollars. Here’s how many got it right:
One of my biggest brags is that I was a fan of the TV show “Severance” before it was cool. I remember when my husband and I had to beg our friends to watch Season 1.
Knowing that, it makes what I’m about to say even more embarrassing: I just learned that actor Tramell Tillman — who plays Milchick — was a Tennessee Vol. What??
