Fall always feels like a fresh start for Knoxville. The advent of a new football season and academic year on The Hill invite a number of new faces and reintroduce several old ones to the surrounding city. If you’re not planning on heading down to the General’s House at 3:30 Saturday to ‘Unroll the Tide,’ there’s still plenty going on for friends, family and everything in between to gather and celebrate. Here are some of the weekend scenes and notable events for the third weekend in October.
Boo! at the Zoo – Zoo Knoxville (October 10-27)
A Knoxville staple and one of the city’s largest Halloween events, this trick-or-treat excursion is fun for the whole family as kids can dress up and collect candy as they make their way around the Knoxville Zoo. The event is constant throughout the month of October, and costs $15 to enter for a night of sweet treats, furry friends and other not-so-scary Halloween activities.
Howl-O-Woof – McFee Park (October 17)
Even our furry, four-legged friends could stand to take part in the holiday season from time to time. In Farragut, canines and critters can come to McFee Park for a night of activities, treats and local vendors to provide some fun for dogs and their humans alike. A costume contest for the animals will also be held, with registration available online.
Ernest with Graham Barham – Mill and Mine (October 17)
Rolling through his “Legalize Country Music” tour and hot off an opening performance with Morgan Wallen in Neyland Stadium just a few days ago, our neighbor from Nashville is back for a headlining show of his own. Known for his quirks, both in songwriting and stage presence, Ernest continues to rock concert halls across the country and Knoxville’s own Mill and Mine should prove to be no exception. An excellent start to the weekend could be found just a few blocks down from the Old City, singing country tunes old and new with a now recurring guest.
Tavern Notes: Live Music at Maker Exchange: Brock Henderson – Maker Exchange (October 18)
If you’re looking for a lived-in backdrop to do some shopping, Dogwood Arts is constantly curating a blend of local voices to make your holiday season a little more upbeat. This Friday, the Maker Exchange will be soundtracked by local musician Brock Henderson as over 150 vendors come set up shop to show off hand-made and well-crafted goods for any occasion. On the outskirts of downtown, this event is perfect for a leisurely stroll to end another week this upcoming Friday.
The Elephant Man – Theater Knoxville Downtown (October 18-November 3)
Lovers of oddities, curiosities and fans of a more morbid take on the spookiest month of the year might be enticed by a rendition of Bernard Pomerance’s 1977 stage play The Elephant Man, here directed by Sarah Campbell. A tragic retelling of the life of John Merrick, a deformed man living in Victorian London as a circus act. The story has been adopted dozens of times, including in a feature film from David Lynch, and its retelling here has a chance to be both invigorating and awe-inspring.
Historical Cherokee Caverns for next two weekends (October 18-20)
Karns has ‘Trick or Treat’ in the historic Cherokee Caverns for two October weekends: Friday, October 18, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20, 3-8 p.m. with the same schedule the following weekend of October 25-27, at the caverns, 8524 Oak Ridge Highway. Enjoy themed scenes from your favorite movies and tv shows with photo ops, thousands of lights, festive music and lots of fun among the stalagmites and stalactites!
Halls Trunk or Treat (October 19)
This annual event is co-hosted by Halls Business & Professional Association and Ham’n Goody’s from 6:30-9 p.m. on Regal Lane in Halls.
Fall Frolic Craft & Fair Festival – Marble Springs State Historic Site (October 19)
One of the oldest tourist attractions in our neck of the woods, Marble Springs will also be taking part in the fall festivities as they plan their own series of exciting activities for the whole family. Local crafts and trick-or-treating at every cabin promise to have a little bit of fun for everyone with this free admission event. Costumes are encouraged, so be sure to dress up you and the kiddos to get into the spirit of the season.
Pumpkin Carving on the Lawn – Kern’s Food Hall (October 20)
Another cost-effective weekend activity thanks to Knoxville’s revived Kern’s Food Hall, who will be hosting a pumpkin carving with free pumpkins for those wishing to participate. While you’re chiseling away making a new orange friend, the family can indulge in face-painting, live music and seasonal beers to make a well-rounded night out at another historic local spot.
The Weekend Scene is a Thursday feature by Adam Delahoussaye. If you have a weekend event to feature, send to delahoussaye1267@gmail.com.
