The weekend of haunts is finally here! Black and orange will pepper Neyland Stadium this Saturday, as kids and their grown-ups will trot through neighborhoods taking in far too much sugar alongside the spooky sights that have been set up. As always, there’s plenty going on about town, whether you’re in the spirit of the holiday or looking for a way to avoid the getup you found waiting for you in your closet this morning.
Rocky Horror Picture Show – Tennessee Theater (October 31)
Head over to the Tennessee Theater for the annual showing of this 1975 cult classic on the big screen. Like any showing of “Rocky Horror,” participants are urged to dress up and bring props as active participants of the fun alongside Janet and Brad.
First Friday Reception – Art Market Gallery and Block Party (5-9 p.m.) (November 1)
The Downtown Art Market Gallery will be premiering some of its featured artists for the month of November this Friday, with a reception planned as a welcome to these new exhibits to a temporary home. The first, Charlotte Brindley, a Nashville native, uses abstract expressionism to create confounding themes on beauty and the hidden horrors that lie beneath. The second, a Knoxville native, Janis Proffitt has been honing her skills in pyrography wood since the days of seeing her great-grandfather at the sawmill in Greenbrier.
Five New Exhibitions – Knox Emporium (November 1)
For more new artwork, the Emporium Center has five new exhibits that can all be further explored on their website as well as in person when they premier on Friday. All of the artists and their work seem to get some solace in nature, whether it’s playing with the nature of animals or the personification of plant life. Admission is always free and parking can be found throughout the neighborhood.
Knoxville Choral Society Masterworks Concert – Central Bearden Church (November 1)
The Knoxville Choral Society will be in collaboration with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra this weekend to perform renditions of two separate works, Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Te Deum and Joseph Haydn’s Missa in tempore belli (Mass in Time of War). These timeless works celebrate themes of victory and perseverance and are sure to be an inspirational experience for those well-versed in the classics or someone simply looking to expand their musical palette. It’s a good night to do so for the kids, too, as children accompanied by an adult will get in for just a penny.
Here Come The Mummies – World’s Fair Park (November 1)
Join these jammers back from the dead as they overtake World’s Fair Park! The group rocks out to “terrifying funk from beyond the grave,” having opened for notable acts such as KC and the Sunshine Band and Al Green. While their origin story is up for debate, it’s no question that spooks are far from the only tricks up their sleeves. This live show may appear ominous and foreboding at first glance, but their raucous riffs are sure to be a Halloween hit.
The Steel Woods – Mill and Mine (November 1)
The legends in the Deep South live circuit are bidding the stage farewell in this victory lap of a national tour that sees one of its many stops at Knoxville’s trendiest music venue. Seared in the fiery undertones of Southern rock while also keeping their Delta roots alive and well, these lifelong musicians bring a world of experience both in technical ability as well as showmanship. Whether you’ve been following this cult since the early days or are looking for a more gothic soundtrack to your Halloweekend, look no further.
Marshmallows and a Movie (November 1)
Free movie event at Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd., 5:30-8 p.m. Enjoy fall festivities like s’mores, crafts and an outdoor movie! This free, family event does not require registration. Be sure to bring a chair or blanket!
How To Defend Yourself – Clarence Brown Theatre (October 23-November 10)
This smart and razor-sharp production brings heavy themes to one of Knoxville’s most storied stages, in the hands of some of its brightest young talent. How To Defend Yourself follows college students who set up a self defense class after one of their sorority sisters experiences an assault on campus. The play is intended for mature audiences, as themes of assault and trauma are heavy throughout.
WDVX First Friday Live with Adeem the Artist – WDVX (November 1)
This seventh-generation native of North Carolina has treated Knoxville like home for the past few years, a place that keeps giving back to them as frequently as they pour into it. Adeem is an excellent gateway into some of the south’s most tried stories, spun into a different creation under the guise of their pen and paper. Daniel Fluitt will be hosting this totally free radio show open to the public.
Adam Delahoussaye is a freelance writer for the KnoxTNToday who loves telling stories about music, arts and culture in and around his hometown.
Have a story for Adam? He can be reached at email or text 865-919-5059 with your story idea.
