Calendar of Events

Fridays, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; Sequoyah Hills, Knoxville

The Sacred Story Studio seeks to cultivate a deep reverence for sacred texts while encouraging a rigorous yet open-minded approach to spiritual learning. It is a place where the mind, body, and spirit engage in a harmonious pursuit of wisdom and understanding.

Imagine a serene, non-denominational space dedicated to the study of sacred texts, blending the contemplative atmosphere of a reading room (Bet Midrash) with the immersive environment of a dojo, Zendo, or yoga class. The Sacred Story Studio is a tranquil, analog space where individuals from all walks of life – seekers and heretics, bards and prophets – gather to engage with sacred texts from a variety of religious and spiritual traditions. This unique center offers an environment that encourages deep, meditative learning, rigorous mental and spiritual discipline, and a sense of community.

Students and teachers present, share, discuss and read together (in havruta) from Texts of Enduring Worth (as most broadly defined): Gilgamesh and Psalms, John Coltrane and The Vedas, William Shakespeare and Seneca, Attar’s “Conference of the Birds” and T. S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets,” painting by Helen Frankenthaler and Frida Kahlo, essays and stories of James Baldwin, films of Pedro Almodóvar and Akira Kurosawa.

Sacred Story Studio incorporates practices like meditative reading, where students learn to internalize passages with focus and intention, or guided reflection sessions, akin to meditation, as well as open forums where ideas and interpretations are exchanged in a respectful, disciplined manner, without fear of cancellation.
https://www.eclecticcleric.com/sacred-story-studio

Rabbi Alon C Ferency is the “Eclectic Cleric” who believes creativity is a spiritual adventure. Learn more and book a free 30-minute inspiration consultation at https://www.eclecticcleric.com/consultations

Friday evening, September 27th will mark the 26th consecutive year that Maple Lane Farms will open its Corn Maze and other “agritainment” activities that include tractor-pulled hayrides (daytime and nighttime), pumpkin picking, inflatables for the kids, music, corn hole, food vendors, face painting, photo ops, sunflower fields, and other wholesome family fun to the public!

The Maze is located at 1126 Maple Lane in Greenback, just 14 miles south of Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport. The Maze is open weekends from September 27 through October 31. The Haunted Maze begins on weekends starting Friday night Oct 18. Opening hours are the following:

Friday 6pm to 10pm
Saturday 10am to 10pm
Sunday Noon to 6pm, Haunted Noon – 10pm
Haunted Maze Opens nightly, October 18-20, 25-27, 30, 31
Additional Features include: Barn Store Collectibles including Fall/Halloween Decorations, Straw Bales, Cornstalks
Variety of Food and Beverage Vendors
Evening campfires in the Maze Fairway near our Covered Party Tents
Private Parties via Tent Reservation with Fire Pit
Music
Face Painting, Old Time Photo Booth
Numerous Photo Ops, including the Sunflower Fields

Maple Lane Maze is an “authentic agritainment” venue operating since 1999. The farm’s offering continues to be an organic destination for families who love outside adventures mixed with the peacefulness of simply being together sitting around the fire pit and making memories. Many guests have described the farm as a “a fall tradition”. Yes, it is a place seeped deep in tradition. We hope you will join us to start your fall traditions here at Maple Lane Maze. Visit the farm’s website at www.TNMapleLaneFarms.com, Call 865-856-3511 or www.Facebook.com/tnmaplelanefarms/ www.Instagram.com/MapleLaneMaze/

Plein Air Smokies is hosting a week-long event where 20 nationally acclaimed artists will paint in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This weeklong event will come to fruition in downtown Knoxville September 27th-29th. There will be a ticketed soiree at Regas Square, a Market Square Quick Draw, and a public sale.

In addition, there is also a student division in partnership with Fulton High School and Gatlinburg Pittman High. Students will participate in lessons over painting en plein air, followed by a day of painting in Elkmont. Their artwork will be showcased and sold at the soiree, providing them with a unique opportunity to share their talent with the community.
More information at:
https://friendsofthesmokies.org/2024-plein-air-artists/

Plein Air Smokies Collectors Soiree
Friday, September 27, 2024
Regas Square Events
333 W. Depot Avenue
Tickets at:https://friendsofthesmokies.org/pleinairsmokies-tickets/

Every maker has the potential to turn their passion into a thriving business. Through workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, you'll learn how to scale your business, attract customers, and build a sustainable brand.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our diverse lineup caters to makers from every aspect of creativity - from performing arts to fabric arts, illustrators to fabricators, and bakers to brewers.

Join us for a weekend filled with practical insights, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories from fellow makers who have successfully navigated the journey of business growth. Whether you're a part-time hobbyist or a full-time entrepreneur, this summit is your opportunity to gain the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded makers, gain invaluable insights, and grow your business your way. Held at the Maker Exchange in downtown Knoxville.
Tickets: https://www.themakercitysummit.org

Presenting the Hamid Circus Royale at Thompson Boling Arena
9/27/2024 Friday at 7:00 PM
9/28/2024 Saturday at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM
9/29/2024 Sunday at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM

https://www.shrineservices.com/events/Circus.aspx?EventID=11

Greek Fest: on Friday-Saturday, September 27th-28th from 11am-10pm and Sunday, September 29th from 11am-5pm at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Kingston Pike, $3 day pass, $5 weekend pass

St. George Greek Orthodox Church has celebrated its annual Greek Fest since 1977! Originally, the Knoxville Greek Fest was organized to introduce Greek food, culture, and dance to the local community. Greek Fest is one of the most popular events in Knoxville, attracting over 20,000 visitors over the weekend.

https://www.greekfesttn.com/

Join us September 27-28, 2024, for a celebration of Lego builders, collectors and some of the iconic pop culture franchises that have inspired them over the years! Follow Brickonomicon on Facebook for celebrity guest announcements, convention information, and all the latest news regarding the show.

Adjacent to McGhee-Tyson Airport with scenic views of the Smoky Mountains National Park, the Hilton Knoxville Airport Convention Center is a premium event venue located in Alcoa, Tennessee and host to Brickonomicon 2024. Just minutes from downtown Knoxville, the convention center is a versatile, modern space that provides the perfect setting for a wide range of event activities, guest accommodations and attendee amenities.

https://brickonomicon.com/

The 2024 Scots Irish Festival in Downtown Dandridge, Tennessee, on Historic Main Street will open with a free concert: Friday, September 27, 2024 – 6:30 to 9:00 PM and the Festival will continue Saturday, September 28, 2024 – 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM. All activities are free to the public.

On Saturday, September 28th, outstanding Scottish & Irish Entertainers will vie for attention with the Bagpipe & Drum Band Challenge, which will take place along Main Street in Downtown Dandridge. The Color Guard from the Scottish American Military Society will lead the way for the combined pipe bands during the glorious parade at 12:00 noon. An Opening Ceremony will feature patriotic songs by the combined choirs of Dandridge Elementary School, Maury Middle School and Jefferson County High School.

Saturday’s experience will be a trip back in time to enjoy the heritage of the original Scots Irish who settled in East Tennessee ca. 1783, following the Revolutionary War. Visitors will experience Scottish & Irish music, Highland Dancing, Irish Step Dancing, Heritage organizations, Highland Clan booths, Highland Cattle & Black Faced sheep exhibits, Highland Athletic demonstrations, and Storytellers for both children and adults. Scottish & Irish Food, baked goods, meals, and treats will abound, as well as Scots & Irish merchandise vendors. Back by popular demand for 2023 is our fabulous Ale Garden featuring a selection of Scottish, Irish & Mountain ales from Highland Brewing.

The Highland (Main) Stage entertainment will feature bands House of Hamill and The Muckers. On the Lowland Stage, Trip Rogers and Celtic Conundrum will perform along with piper & harpist, Kelly Shipe. Demonstrations of Highland Dancing and Irish Step Dancing will also be presented on the Lowland Stage.

The Pipe & Drum Band Challenge Competition will include the Knoxville Pipes & Drums; the Appalachian Highlanders; and the Memphis Pipe Band. These bands will play twice each during the day, as well as marching in the Ceremonial Parade on Main Street at Noon and as Mass Bands on the Dike at 4:00 PM.

An old-time children’s playground returns this year with a variety of games and activities for the Lads & Lassies. Visitors to the event are welcome to bring leashed, well-behaved dogs to participate in the dog parade down Main Street, scheduled for 11:45 AM.

For more information about the festivities, visit www.ScotsIrishFestival.com or contact Chris Umberger at info.scotsirishfestival@gmail.com. We can also be found on Facebook @Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival, and you are invited to join our Facebook Public Group. The Dandridge Scots-Irish Festival is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

The foothills of the Smoky Mountains will come alive with the sounds of Bluegrass music, arts and crafts, and the rich traditions of Appalachian cooking at the Townsend in the Smokies Fall Festival on September 27-28, 2024, from 10 AM to 6 PM. This free community event is designed for all ages, offering a family-friendly atmosphere that celebrates the time-honored traditions of the Appalachian region.

Festival-goers can enjoy traditional and contemporary Bluegrass music, clogging, and square dancing performances, while also exploring art and craft booths showcasing local talents. There will be numerous demonstrations of Appalachian skills, old-fashioned kids’ games, and delicious Southern food, including crowd favorites like fried pies and kettle corn.

This year, the festival has moved to a new location:
Townsend Event Center, 7930 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882
Located next to the Townsend Visitor Center, all events will now be held at this central venue.

Come join the fun and experience the authentic spirit of the Smokies!
https://www.smokymountains.org/townsendfallfestival/

Sept. 27 - Hunger Games (PG-13)
Oct. 4 - Scream (R)

Grab your favorite blanket or lawn chair and join the fun. Doors open at 6pm and movies begin at dark (Spring/Summer~ 9pm. Fall months ~8:15 pm; movie start times are not exact). Food trucks and the Ijams beer garden will have tasty meals, snacks, and beverages for purchase. NO COOLERS AND NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL PLEASE. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash at all times. These events are on the Ijams Visitor Center lawn. In case of inclement weather, a rain plan will be posted on the event page on the Ijams Calendar of Events and social media outlets. Tickets are $12 per person; Ijams and Central Cinema Members $10 (Special ticket pricing of $18 per person for Terror in the Woods includes the haunted trail from FrightWorks.) Space is limited per screening. Purchasing tickets ahead of time is highly recommended. Walk-up tickets may not be available.

Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920. Visitor Center open daily 10-6; grounds and trails open daily from 8 AM - dusk. Information: 865-577-4717, www.ijams.org

Dexter and The Moonrocks, Friday, September 27, 8:00 PM (Doors 7:00 PM) at
The Mill & Mine.

Tickets at: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/dexter-and-the-moonrocks-the-mill-mine-tickets

The Mill & Mine, 227 W. Depot Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Tickets/information: 865-343-6000 or https://themillandmine.com

WHERE OPERA AND FASHION MEET
A Knoxville Opera Camerata Event

Blend the free-spirited allure of Bohemian style with the elegance of haute couture at Knoxville Opera's Couture Opera 2024. Embrace the vibrant spirit of Bohemian Chic, and indulge in an immersive celebration of fashion and culture.

As a pivotal fundraiser, this event goes beyond showcasing exquisite couture; each ticket plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Knoxville Opera.

WHEN: September 27, 2024
WHERE: Knoxville Opera

Begin the evening with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from 7:00 pm to 8:00 PM, alongside an immersive visual art experience.

At 8:00 pm, the runway will spark to life with the creative work of Marcus Hall (Marc Nelson Denim) and Shane Archer (Grow: a Shane Archer Concept). You can expect stunning hand-crafted couture and exhilarating music from Knoxville Opera. After the show, attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to acquire the evening’s couture fashions directly from the runway. All proceeds will benefit Knoxville Opera.

https://www.knoxvilleopera.org/couture-opera