Even on a bye week for the Vols, Knoxville seldom dies down. At least we aren’t rescuing the goal posts from the river, even though we did roll the tide on out of town last Saturday! Activity is no longer condensed into parking garages and lawns across UT’s campus; instead it spreads out into the many theaters, bars, restaurants and other local areas of interest that still get attention regardless of what color you wear on Saturdays. Here are nine events for your last weekend of the month.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates & Penzance – Tennessee Theatre (October 25 and 27)
The Knoxville Opera is back in full swing with this swashbuckling adventure at Knoxville’s first skyscraper. The show promises to set sail on the high seas with this rowdy crew of pirates and maidens, all led by a handsome young hero. Almost 150 years old, this operetta tells tales of mistaken identities and unmistaken love set to a backdrop of gorgeous melodies and witty one-liners.
Leather Hand-Stiched Purse With Fado Made – Maker Exchange (October 26)
If you’ve ever wanted to assemble your own accessories, now’s your chance! The one-woman luxury fashion business Fado Made will be hosting a workshop thanks to Dogwood Arts for people to teach people how to assemble their own leather purse with stitching and personalizing your creation. Participants will even get to take home their creation and tools after the workshop, as well as get owner Jamie’s contact information for future help on becoming a master designer of their own.
Dusty Slay – Knoxville Civic Auditorium (October 26)
It’s been a while since Scruffy City had a comedian come through to strike a nerve on the city’s funny-bone, even longer since we had one whose material relates back to so much of what’s familiar to us participants of good old southern living. An Alabama native, Dusty Slay is an embodiment of the hillbilly caricature in poise and presentation. Long hair tucked under a trucker hat and glasses all too big for his head, his material hits on a lot of different levels. Astute attention to detail, a dry and sarcastic worldview, and he even has a now-signature catchphrase, “we’re having a good time.” If you’re a fan of comedy, or just someone who enjoys when celebrities look like regulars at your Weigel’s, Dusty Slay is the guy for you.
Kentucky Wild Horse – Laurel Theater (October 26)
Colder weather and mountain songs always make a handsome pairing, even more so when delivered with a people and a place that harbors their traditions fervently. One example of this can be found Saturday, when bluegrass band Kentucky Wild Horse takes the stage at the Laurel Theater, an intimate venue for this sure-to-be-cozy evening. Join these finger-picking experts as they dive deep into Appalachia’s roots as well as its relevance in today’s age. Tickets are available online or at the door.
Lens and Light: A Display of Creative Photography at the Knoxville Museum of Art (October 25–December 15)
Starting this weekend, the Knoxville Museum of Art will begin a two-month exhibit highlighting more than 30 regional photographers in the museum’s Kramer Gallery. Each photographer and their works selected were handpicked by the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee. The event is completely free and open to the public, promising a diverse body of work from some of our city’s greatest sets of eyes.
Celebrate Spooktacular Extravaganza in BOO-tiful Downtown Maryville (October 25)
Join for fun for the whole family at the Spooktacular Extravaganza Halloween Event. Enjoy trick-or-treating, a costume contest, dance party, games and a Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest. This is a free event for the whole family.
Fountain City Community Trunk Or Treat – Fountain City Presbyterian Church (October 27)
Join the congregation of Fountain City Presbyterian as they fellowship and celebrate into the night this Sunday. In the lower half of their parking lot, cars will line up and pop the trunk for a fun-filled night of candy, costume and food at this sure to be good time for the whole family. There is no charge of admission, and all are welcome.
Beowulf: The First Avenger – Knoxville Children’s Theater (October 25-November 10)
An adaptation of one of the most epic tales in the English language, Beowulf: The First Avenger brings this tale as old as time right to our backyard, live and in person. With cheap tickets and a promise of fun and entertainment, the KCT hopes to bring to life a story so many children are tasked with reading in the classroom. Bravery, morality and what it takes to be a leader will all be put to the test under stage lights for just a few short weeks here in Knoxville.
Fall Festival – Mount Olive Baptist Church (October 27)
For more family fun, the Fall Festival at MOBC is providing food, drinks and more totally free and open to the public. There will be free food, inflatables, carnival games and of course, candy to be handed out to those wearing family-friendly costumes. Aside from service animals, they ask that you do not bring your pets.
The Weekend Scene is a Thursday feature by Adam Delahoussaye. If you have a weekend event to feature, send to delahoussaye1267@gmail.com.
