Be exposed to local, regional, and national art by visiting these museums. | Photo by @knoxvillemuseumofart
We promise these free things to do are more than just an aimless walk in the park. Instead, we’re making sure you get well-researched, unique suggestions worth the trip.
Arts
Knoxville Museum of Art | This 53,200-sqft museum offers folks a way to celebrate East Tennessee’s art and culture scene through changing exhibits, events, and other programming. There are over 1,500 works in its permanent collection alone.
The Emporium | Take a self-guided tour of exhibitions that are appropriate for all ages. Pro tip: There’s a gallery reception every first Friday of the month from 5 to 9 p.m. for new installations.
Ewing Gallery of Art + Architecture | Head to UT to see installations that illustrate current attitudes in art and architecture — you can park in any of the university’s paid parking lots and walk over.
Blue Plate Special | Every Monday-Thursday + Saturday, you can join WDVX at 12 p.m. for a live performance radio show with host Red Hickey.
The kiddos can learn safety skills while enjoying hands-on play and pretend.
Photo via City of Knoxville
History
The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture | Admission is always free to this offering on UT’s campus, but advanced registration is preferred. We recommend checking out the exhibition “Homelands: Connecting to Mounds through Native Art” that is on display now through December 2027.
Historic Downtown Knoxville Walking Tour | Grab your friends or leashed pals for a self-guided tour that will take you to 70 historic buildings around the downtown area. Pro tip: Pick up a brochure at the Knoxville Visitors Center.
Marble Springs State Historic Site | Travel to the last home and farm of John Sevier, Tennessee’s first governor circa 1796 — admission is free to walk the grounds yourself, but fees apply for joining a tour.
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.
Luke Combs will make a stop at Neyland Stadium on May 2, 2026 as part of his My Kinda Saturday Night Tour. Special guests will include Dierks Bentley, Ty Myers, Jake Worthington, and Thelma & James. Pre-sale begins Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. (WATE)
Vote
Early voting for the Knoxville municipal election is Oct. 15-30. The ballot will include candidates for five city council seats + a proposal to increase the local option sales tax from 2.25% to 2.75%. Find your nearest polling place + see a sample ballot online. (WATE)
Sports
The Knoxville News Sentinel ran 100 simulations — and odds are looking good for the Vols in tomorrow’s game against the Arkansas Razorbacks. ESPN is also favoring Tennessee with an 82.6% likelihood of winning. Dig in to even more stats with the Locked On Vols podcast.
Watch
Prepare the bleep censor — Chef Gordon Ramsay has yet another TV show. “Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars” recently premiered on Apple+ and follows restaurants’ high-stakes hunt for stars of their own. Although Knoxville isn’t in the Michelin Guide — Blackberry Farms in Walland boasts two Michelin keys. (Reuters)
Trending
Dolly Parton said she “ain’t dead yet” — after rumors sparked online about her health earlier this week. In a video posted yesterday from the set of a commercial she’s filming at the Grand Ole Opry, the famed singer-songwriter said, “Do I look sick to you?” (8 WVLT)
Biz
The owners of Real Good Kitchen are acquiring Magpies Bakery (located on N. Central St.) — the menu is not expected to change. (Knox News)
Ever woken up craving an acai bowl? You’re not alone. It’s the most-searched breakfast food in Tennessee, according to a new Mental Floss report. Food for thought: Instead of scouring search engines for your next meal, explore our guide to the best brunch eats in Knoxville.
Health
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The Buy
Fall = cozy vibes only. We’re staying warm (and stylish) with these five picks:
What’s your favorite place to take kids trick-or-treating? When I was little, we’d typically go through the Gettysview, Sequoyah Hills, or Village Green neighborhoods.
Reply to this email to share you’re recs + we may include them in an upcoming newsletter.
