18 Things to Do in Knoxville This Week · October 1–4, 2026

Music & Nightlife

The Loinettes w/ Paint Fumes at Corner Lounge

A punk and punk-adjacent double bill at the Corner Lounge in North Knoxville — intimate, loud, and exactly the kind of local show that makes this city's music scene worth caring about.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 7:00 PM · Corner Lounge, 842 N Central St

High Step Society at The 808

Knoxville's newest venue, The 808 in Old Sevier, opens its doors with High Step Society, a high-flying big-band dance party blending vintage sounds with modern energy.

Friday, October 2, 2026 8:00 PM · The 808, 808 Sevier Ave

Salsa Party at Sonny's Brewing

Weekly Friday salsa party at Sonny's Brewing Knoxville — come dance the night away with live Latin rhythms.

Friday, October 2, 2026 8:00 PM · Sonny's Brewing, Knoxville

Arts & Culture

First Friday ArtWalk

On the first Friday of each month, downtown Knoxville's streets and galleries come alive for a casual evening of art in all forms, with open houses, shops, and more.

Friday, October 2, 2026 4:00 PM · Various downtown locations

Music for Seniors Songwriting Workshop with Bill Cabage

Join the Knoxville Museum of Art for an interactive songwriting workshop led by Bill Cabage, designed for senior participants looking to explore musical creativity.

Friday, October 9, 2026 11:00 AM · Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Drive

Festivals & Special Events

Clinch River Antique Festival

A two-day antique festival in Historic Downtown Clinton featuring vendors, treasures, and the charm of a small-town market street.

Friday, October 2, 2026 9:00 AM · Historic Downtown Clinton, 381 Market St

First FRIGHTday: Old City Block Party

The Maker City brings a haunted twist to the First Friday block party in the Old City with spooky local maker wares, crafts, fall coffee, and a Haunted Story Corner.

Friday, October 2, 2026 5:00 PM · Old City, Knoxville

Wicked Cool – Downtown Knoxville Halloween Month

All of October, Downtown Knoxville transforms with spooky decor, a Cool Cats scavenger hunt, costume contests, Halloween cocktail specials, and trick-or-treat events.

Monday, October 5, 2026 · Various downtown locations

Family-Friendly

Ghostbusters Movie on the Lawn at Marble Springs

Outdoor movie screening of Ghostbusters on the lawn at Marble Springs, part of Visit Knoxville's October events lineup.

Friday, October 2, 2026 · Marble Springs

Newts in Knoxville Scavenger Hunt

Find 12 hidden newt sculptures throughout Downtown Knoxville with a passport from Visit Knoxville or Mast General Store — a free, self-guided adventure for all ages.

Friday, October 2, 2026 · Downtown Knoxville

Cool Cats Scavenger Hunt

Find the Wicked Cool Cats hiding in nine storefront windows throughout downtown Knoxville — a free, self-guided Halloween adventure for all ages.

Monday, October 5, 2026 · Various downtown locations

Shafer Insurance & Young-Williams Animal Center Adoption Day

Shafer Insurance Agency and Young-Williams Animal Center team up for a special pet adoption event to help more animals find loving homes.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 · Knoxville

Date Night

A Wicked Night at the Village

A themed evening event at a local Knoxville village venue celebrating all things Wicked — perfect for a dramatic fall night out.

Friday, October 2, 2026 7:00 PM · 7107 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville

Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours

Explore Knoxville's dark and spooky history on these weekend ghost tours — the perfect atmospheric date night throughout October.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 · Downtown Knoxville

Food & Drink

Brew at the Zoo

Enjoy craft beers in the company of zoo animals at this popular annual fundraising event at Zoo Knoxville — a uniquely Knoxville evening.

Friday, October 2, 2026 · Zoo Knoxville

Gather for Good: Knoxville Dinner Benefit for Dreams and Wishes of TN

A benefit dinner event bringing Knoxville food lovers together to support Dreams and Wishes of TN while enjoying a curated meal.

Friday, October 2, 2026 7:00 PM · Restaurant of the Month, Knoxville

Sports

Vols vs. Auburn

Tennessee Volunteers host Auburn at Neyland Stadium in a highly anticipated SEC home matchup.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 3:30 PM · University of Tennessee, 1502 Cumberland Ave

Outdoors & Active

Saturday Rueda de Casino: Cuban Salsa

Join Mike Chezek for a fun group Cuban salsa session — Rueda de Casino style — open to all levels for just $10.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 2:45 PM · Knoxville