Knoxville Weekend Top Five: December 21-23

‘Twas the weekend before Christmas, when all through the city
All the people were stirring, even the kitty.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
And all the parents hoping this Christmas won’t be a nightmare.
Christmas Day will be full of fun,
But what will we do when the festivities are done?
Here is a list of our Top Five things to do on the weekend,
That surly won’t cost you too much to spend.
Merry Christmas from our families to yours,
Wishing you all a happy New Years!

1. Christmas Lights
   Knoxville is glowing with Christmas lights, for all to see!

   Here is a list of all the twinkling lights in our area!

2. Hot Chocolate and Christmas Movies
   Whip up some hot chocolate for the whole family to sip on, then sit back and watch some Christmas classics together!

   Here is a delicious hot chocolate recipe,
   and a list of some family Christmas Movies!

3. Christmas Cookie Decorating
   Cookies are not just a treat for Santa! Baking and decorating will bring your family together for some sweet memories. If you have any leftovers, drop them off to your neighbors or a local homeless shelter.

   Here are some ideas for creative cookie ideas!

4. Family Game Night
   Nothing brings the family together like some healthy competition! Pop some popcorn and enjoy the laughs of the family sitting together playing festive games.

   Here are the top family Christmas themed games!

5. Make Christmas Ornaments
   Have your family make personalized Christmas decorations for the tree. It may get a little messy, but it is never too late to start this tradition. It is one that all ages will enjoy!

   Here is how to make your own DIY Christmas Ornaments

Knoxville Weekend Top Five: December 14-16

Happy weekend from The Cook Team! If you’re looking for something to do this weekend check out our top five picks. Let us know what you did by using the hashtag #cookteamtop5.

1. Tour de Lights

   Put on your Christmas gear and deck your bike with “boughs of holly” this Friday night! It’s the 11th annual holiday bike ride through downtown neighborhoods.

   Event Date: Friday, December 14
   Event Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Downtown Knoxville – check out the map here!

2. “It”s a Wonderful Life”

   Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union presents a free showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” this Sunday at the Tennessee Theater. Bring your whole family to get them really in the Christmas spirit!

   Event Date: Sunday, December 16
   Event Time: 2:00 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Tennessee Theater

3. Santa’s Village at Zoo Knoxville
   The Zoo will be decorated for Santa Claus all weekend! Santa himself will be listening to Christmas wished and will also be available for photos. Guests may bring their own cameras for photos or purchase portraits taken by a professional photographer.

   Event Date: Saturday, December 15
   Event Time: 10:00 a.m.
   Price: Included with general admission tickets
   Location: Zoo Knoxville
   3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr, Knoxville, Tennessee 37914

4. Maria Bamford

   Come laugh with Maria Bamford this Saturday night as she performs a classic comedy show. This stand-up comedian stars in the semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite.

   Event Date: Saturday, December 15
   Event Time: 8:00 p.m.
   Price: $34.50 – get tickets here!
   Location: Bijou Theatre

5. Rock’in Santa Half Marathon

   Get yourself into the holiday spirit this weekend by either running or supporting this Santa Half Marathon! This event is benefiting the Sunshine Ambassadors – those who enrich the lives of people with disabilities through dance. Completing this race will get you a long sleeve shirt, gloves, and a Santa hat!

   Event Date: Saturday, December 15
   Event Time: 9:00 a.m.
   Price: $60 – register here!
   Location: Victor Ashe Park
   4901 Bradshaw Road

Knoxville Weekend Top Five: December 7-9

Have a great weekend and be sure to check out our Knoxville Weekend Top Five picks! Let us know what you did by using the hashtag #cookteamtop5.

 

1. Christmas Parade –

   The parade will start on Church Avenue near the Coliseum, then turn right onto Gay Street, then turn right onto Jackson Avenue and will disband in the Old City past Barley’s. Come out for everyone’s favorite Christmas Parade! Bands, dancers, floats, characters and Santa Claus all parade down Gay Street and bring fun holiday spirit to all!
   

   Event Date: Friday, December 7
   Event Time: 7:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Downtown Knoxville

2.  Jingle Bell Run –

   The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Tis the season to live it up and be jolly for a reason! 100% of your registration fee and fundraising efforts go to this great cause.
   
   Event Date: Saturday, December 8
   Event Time: Registration opens at 7:30 a.m.
   5K Timed Run starts at 9:00 a.m
   Price: Buy tickets at the event!
   Location: World’s Fair Park

3. The Nativity Pageant of Knoxville –

   Children are welcome, all performances are family-friendly. Free to everyone, no tickets, and open seating!

   Event Date: Sunday, December 9
   Event Time: 3:30 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum
   500 Howard Baker Ave – Knoxville, TN 37915

4. Downtown Knox Peppermint Trail –

   Downtown Knoxville restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and boutiques feature peppermint specials throughout the season including peppermint coffees, desserts, cocktails, gifts, visits from Santa, and more! You’ll also find store fronts, windows, doors, and patios decked in decorations to add to the over 100,000+ lights and garland draped throughout downtown’s trees and parks. Come celebrate the season!

   Event Date: Saturday, December
   Event Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Downtown Knoxville

5. Holiday Candlelight Tour –

   This 1797 home will be candlelit with beautiful natural decorations, holiday music, holiday treats and Santa for the kids. There is laughter, joy and a great holiday spirit. This is a free event open to the public. A chance to see a wonderful historic treasure dressed in its finest!

   Event Date: Sunday, December 9
   Event Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Historic Ramsey House

 

Knoxville Weekend Top Five: November 30 – December 2

The Christmas festivities are well underway here in Knoxville! Be sure to check out our Knoxville Weekend Top Five picks and let us know what you did by using the hashtag #cookteamtop5.

1. Rocky Hill Christmas Parade

The Fifth Annual Rocky Hill Christmas Parade and Festival is this Saturday! There will be live entertainment, market vendors, food trucks, and more before the parade. The event will be rain or shine so come out and support the community.

Event Date: Saturday, December 1
Event Time: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Location: Rocky Hill Shopping Center
Knoxville, Tennessee 37919

2. The Santaland Diaries

Clarence Brown Theater is putting on a gut-busting show on how the holiday season brings out the best AND the worst in all of us.

Event Date: Saturday, December 1
Event Time: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Price: $25 – buy tickets here!
Location: Clarence Brown Theatre
1714 Andy Holt Ave, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916

3. Ice Skating in Market Square

Ice skating in Market Square is essential for your holiday season! The purchase of your ticket includes skate rental and unlimited time on the ice. Bring all your friends and start skating before it’s too late!

Event Date: Saturday, December 1
Event Time: 10:00 a.m – 10:00 p.m.
Price: $8.00 – $11.00
Location: Market Square
Knoxville, TN 37902

4. Market Square Holiday Market

The Market Square Holiday Market is held on Market Square, Union Ave, and Market Street on the December Saturdays before Christmas each year. Downtown will be full of artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers with all the materials perfect for holiday gift giving.

Event Date: Saturday, December 1
Event Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Price: Free
Location: Market Square
Knoxville, TN 37902

5. Christmas at Chilhowee

The gates open this Friday for the public to see transformation of Chilhowee Park into a sparkling winter wonderland. Open now until January 1st!

Event Date: Friday, November 30
Event Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Location: Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center
3301 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN

 

Knoxville Weekend Top Five: November 2-4

Happy November! Be sure to check out our Knoxville Weekend Top Five picks and let us know what you did by using the hashtag #cookteamtop5.

1. First Friday ArtWalk 

   First Friday ArtWalk is back again to welcome us into November! Check out the website here to check out all of the must see galleries, studios, and artist collectives.

   Event Date: Friday, November 2
   Event Time: 5:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Downtown Knoxville – locations vary

2. Tennessee Theater 90th Anniversary Open House

   Come explore the Tennessee Theatre with a self-guided tour which will include the dressing room suite and stage. Discover the special details and history of the Tennessee! There will also special giveaways and a scavenger hunt.

   Event Date: Saturday, November 3
   Event Time: 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Tennessee Theater

3. FREE Woman Self Defense Seminar

   Calling all women – check out Boca Martial Arts and Fitness this Saturday for a FREE Self Defense Seminar! The participation in self-defense classes will encourage women to think in terms of options and choices, develop their awareness and assertiveness skills, and equip them with practical self-defense techniques.

   Event Date: Saturday, November 3
   Event Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Boca Martial Arts and Fitness
   9294 Kingston Pike #101 (Behind the Pet Super Market)

4. 2018 Furry Fall Festival 

   The Young-Williams Animal Center is hosting the Furry Fall Festival to give animal lovers the opportunity to learn about pet-related resources around Knoxville. There will be adoption special and discount coupons available at the center. All activities are free and open to the public, and pets are invited, too!

   Event Date: Sunday, November 4
   Event Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Young Williams Animal Center
   3201 Division St.

5. Enjoy the Fall Colors at Cades Cove

   The Fall colors are finally well underway. One of the best places to enjoy this season is driving the loop at Cades Cove. So, grab your friends, family, and pets and head to the Smokey Mountains this weekend!

   Event Date: All weekend
   Price: FREE
   Location: Cades Cove

Knoxville Weekend Top Five: October 26-28

SpOoKy WeEkEnD is finally here! With Halloween just a few days away THIS is the Weekend to celebrate. Check out our top five picks and let us know what you did this weekend by using the hashtag #cookteamtop5.

 

1. Knoxville Zombie Walk

   Rain or shine the zombies will be out this Saturday in Market Square. Visit the horror vendors in Uncorked and get some help to turn yourself into a zombie. Enjoy the zombie costume contest, downtown walk, and the Trill the World Thriller dance performance.

   Event Date: Saturday, October 27
   Event Time: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Market Square

2. James White’s Fort Halloween Bash

   Spooky surprises await you at Knoxville’s premier Halloween Event: the Fort’s Halloween Bash! The Fort will be transformed into a scary landmark on Saturday,  for an evening of Halloween costumes and fun. Come dressed in your most impressive costume! Proceeds benefit preservation at James White’s Fort.  This is a 21 and up event and your ticket includes one free drink!

   Event Date: Saturday, October 27Event Time: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
   Price: $20
   Location: James White’s Fort

3. Frightmare Manor

   Looking for en extra spooky way to spend your Saturday night? You’re going to want to check out Frightmare Manor for the scariest haunted houses in Tennessee. Bring all your friends and get ready to scream!

   Event Date: Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27Event Time: 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
   Price: $28
   Location:  Frightmare Manor
   7588 West Andrew Johnson Highway
   Talbott, TN 37877

4. Oakes Farm

   Check out Oakes Farm for all your fall and pumpkin needs. Your General Admission ticket includes entry to the corn maze, a hayride, and over 25 activities in the back 40 play area. Your trip to Oakes Farm will be well worth it

   Event date:  Sunday, October 28
   Event Time: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
   Price: $11.95
   Location: Oakes Farm
   8240 Corryton Rd, Corryton, TN 37721

5. Pumpkin Fest 2018

   The Pinnacle at Turkey Creek is happy to welcome back the much anticipated Pumpkin Fest! Families are invited to an evening of fun with activities such as trick-or-treating, a costume contest, pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, face painting, kids crafts, games, food trucks and MORE!

   Event Date: Saturday, October 28
   Event Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Pinnacle at Turkey Creek
   11251 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, Tennessee 37934

Knoxville Weekend Top Five: October 19-21

We can’t get enough of these fall weekends! Check out our top five picks and let us know what you did this weekend by using the hashtag #cookteamtop5.

 

1. HowlOWeen Pooch Parade and Pet Expo

   The UTK Gardens and the UTK College of Veterinary Medicine is hosting this fun event for all the dogs and dog lovers. Come out for the costume parade, expo of educational booths, pet-related businesses, and local rescue groups. Donate to the pet food drive to benefit Young Williams Animal Center and support your local pooches.

   Event Date: Sunday, October 21
   Event Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: UT Gardens Knoxville
   2518 Jacob Dr., Knoxville, Tennessee 37996

2. Octoberfest 2018

   The Town Of Louisville is hosting their very own Octoberfest! Everyone will come together to enjoy a BBQ throw-down, junior cattle show, costume contest, arts and crafts festival, ice cream eating competition, kidZone, live entertainment, and so much more!

   Event Date: Saturday, October 20
   Event Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Louisville Town Hall

3. The Oh Hellos w Samantha Crain

   The Oh Hellos are dramatic, eclectic rock, folk duo. The Texas-based group promise to put on a show that will be delicate, intimate, but also joyfully explosive. This up and coming group is not one that you want to miss.

   Event Date: Sunday, October 21
   Event Time: 8:00 p.m.
   Price: $20 – buy tickets here!
   Location: Bijou Theatre
   803 S Gay St, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902

4. Tennessee Football vs. Alabama

   “On a Tennessee Saturday night” there is no other team you should be cheering on then the VOLS. Come support the team this Saturday for an SEC throw-down in Neyland!

   Event Date: Saturday, October 20
   Event Time: 3:30 p.m.
   Price: Varies – buy tickets here!
   Location: Neyland Stadium
   1235 Phillip Fulmer Way SW, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996

5. Harvest Festival 2018

   Come celebrate the fall harvest at Beardsley Community Farm with a free, family-friendly community event this Sunday! Harvest Festival will celebrate the farm, the community, and all things fall. Enjoy free food, children’s activities, live music, and tours of the farm. Don’t forget to show up dressed in your Halloween costume!

   Event Date: Sunday, October 21
   Event Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Beardsley Farm
   1741 Reynolds St, Knoxville, Tennessee 37921

Knoxville Weekend Top Five: October 12-14

The fall weather has finally arrived! Enjoy your weekend by supporting local events all around Knoxville. Check out our top five picks and let us know what you did this weekend by using the hashtag #cookteamtop5.

1. Old City MarketThis Saturday The Old City Market will transforms Jackson Ave into a curated, outdoor market. Where artists, crafters, and creative makers will be showcased.
2. Event Date: Saturday, October 13
   Event Time: 11:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Jackson Ave in the Old City
3. International Food Festival The International Food Festival provides the opportunity for you to taste some of the most popular and tastiest foods from different countries around the world.
4. Event Date: Saturday, October 13
   Event Time: 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE entry – Food and drink tickets will be sold for $1 each.
   Location: World’s Fair Park
5. OktoberfestThe Old City is doing it BIG this year. There will be German food and beer, live music, and craft vendors. All ages are welcome and your ticket price includes stein glass and one drink ticket.
6. Event Date: Saturday, October 13
   Event Time: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
   Price: $10 – buy tickets here!
   Location: Old City Downtown Knoxville
7. BOO! At the ZooKnoxville’s largest Halloween event featuring several nights of not-too-scary Halloween fun perfect for preschool and elementary-aged children. A Halloween tradition for 32 years, BOO! at the Zoo is a family event featuring trick-or-treating along the BOO! Trail, where little trick-or-treaters can fill their bag with goodies as they make their way through the zoo. Each night of BOO! at the Zoo will have a variety of entertainment.
8. Event Date: All weekend
   Event Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
   Price: $10 – buy tickets here!
   Location:  Zoo Knoxville
9. CYCLEBAR Charity Ride CYCLEBAR will be hosting a 45 minute workout at their indoor cycling facility to raise money for the Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee. Some of the available and adorable rescues dogs will be cheering you on and waiting to meet you at the finish line! 100% of the proceeds go directly to helping dogs in desperate need of care.
10. Event Date: Sunday, October 14
    Event Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    Price: Reserve your spot here!
    Location: CYCLEBAR (Bearden, TN)
    5444 Homberg Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919

Knoxville Weekend Top Five: October 5-7

The first weekend of October is finally here and there is so much to do. Whether you want to watch llamas race or try over 45 samples of beer from local, regional, and national brewers, there is something for everyone! Be sure to check out the Cook team top picks and let us know what you did this weekend by using hashtag #cookteamtop5.

 

1. The Great Llama Race
   

   The Great Llama Race is one of Knoxville’s most unique events to happen all year. Come out and enjoy llama racing, a llama costume contest, llama games, music, competitions, prizes, crafts, vendors, and much more! The event is hosted by Casa de Sara and all proceeds from the event go to Casa de Sara, local schools, and The Southeast Llama Rescue.

   Event Date: Saturday, October 6
   Event Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
   Price: $5
   Location: World’s Fair Park
   Knoxville, TN 37916, United States

2. Knoxville Brewers’ Jam

   Knoxville Brewers’ Jam is one of the Southeast’s largest and longest-running beer events. Come for the huge selection of hard to find beers, stay for the great music and local food – this year at a new location! Your ticket will provide you with unlimited samples from over 45 local, regional and national craft breweries.

   Event Date: Saturday, October 6
   Event Time: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
   Price: $50 – buy tickets here!
   Location: Knoxville Civic Coliseum Plaza

3. Needtobreathe with Johnnyswim And The Rocketboys
   

   The Forever on Your Side Tour is not one to be missed! Johnnyswim has joined in with Needtobreath to put on a concert that will rock your night away. If you’re looking to listen to good music and watch a great show – there is no where else you should be this Friday night!

   Event Date: Friday, October 5
   Event Time: 7:00 p.m.
   Price: Varies – buy tickets  here!
   Location: Thompson-Boling Arena

4. Bark in the Park After Dark

   Bark in the Park After Dark is hosted by The Humane Society to raise money to end euthanasia in East Tennessee.  The Bark event is one event NOT to be missed. Thousands of pet owners and animal lovers will come out to see spectacular exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on animal petting opportunities. The night is filled with special attractions, pet adoptions, entertainment, food trucks and fun things for adults and kids to see, do, and buy. Show up and show your support for the animals!

   
   Event Date: Saturday, October 6
   Event Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
   Price: $10 – buy tickets here!
   Location: Lakeshore Park
   6410 S Northshore Dr, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919

5. Scruffy City Vegan Fest

   Scruffy City Vegan Fest is a festival designed to showcase local businesses who provide compassionate and cruelty free food and services. It will promote the growing vegan scene in East Tennessee, as well as, support and encourage participants and attendees to take action in bringing about a more compassionate community and world. Scruffy City Vegan Fest is hosted by Knoxville Farmed Animal Save, dedicated to raising awareness of animal cruelty by bearing witness to animal suffering.

   Event Date: Saturday, October 6
   Event Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
   Price: $5 – buy tickets here!
   Location: Knoxville Expo Center
   5441 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, Tennessee 37912

Knoxville Weekend Top Five: September 28-30

Looking for a great way to spend the final days of September? Check out The Cook Team Weekend Top Five! Make sure to post your weekend top picks by using the hashtag #cookteamtop5.

1. SoKno Oktoberfest 
   The South Knoxville Oktoberfest is going to be an experience you don’t want to miss. There will be a huge variety of beer options from more than 10 local breweries, national craft brewers, and domestic breweries. You can get yourself an authentic German meal from an assortment of vendors. Enjoy live entertainment on the main stage all day – music and college football! There will even be a Kid Zone with bounce houses and activities. So bring the whole family to South Knoxville this Saturday to support not only the community but also The Legacy Parks Foundation.

   Event Date: Saturday, September 29
   Event Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
   Price: $5
   Location: Baker Creek Bottoms
   3700 Lancaster Dr SE, Knoxville, TN 37920-4545, United States

2. HOLA Festival 
   Come celebrate the rich diversity of Latino culture right here in Knoxville, Tennessee! There will be live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, a activities for the kids, and so much more!
   Check out the video – here!

   Event Date: Saturday, September 29 – Sunday, September 30
   Event Time(s): Saturday: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
   Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: Market Square, Knoxville

3. Movies on the Square 
   This Friday night Market Square will transform into an outdoor movie theater where people will bring their chairs, blankets and picnic baskets! Monsters Inc. will be showing for the whole family to come together and enjoy.

   Event Date: Friday, September 28
   Event Time: Starts at dusk
   Price: FREE
   Location: Market Square, Knoxville

4. Fried Pickle Festival 
   Come support your local Fried Pickle Festival. Not only will there be plenty of pickles, but also music all day, pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, facepainting, and games for the kids. You’ll be able to check out over 100 art, craft, direct sales, and business vendors will be awaiting your arrival.

   Event Date: Saturday, September 29
   Event Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: 3895 New Highway 68
   Madisonville, TN 37354

5. Open Streets
   Open Streets Knoxville brings together community groups and local businesses, that encourage the use of active transportation and healthy living. People of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to walk, ride bikes, dance, and much more – all in a setting that is fun and safe!

   Event Date: Sunday, September 30
   Event Time: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
   Price: FREE
   Location: North Broadway Ave
   Knoxville, TN 37917, United States