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It’s Friday, Knoxville! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Comic-Con merch deal, Bassmaster Classic expo, and West Side Story with the symphony + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Knoxville protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Steps into the spotlight: Knoxville’s All Star Outfitters was selected as the official merchandiser for the 2026 San Diego Comic-Con, putting a local shop on a bigger stage after 25 years in business — learn how they plan to grow.

Leaders map park’s next chapter: Knoxville’s Chilhowee Park Advisory Group, formed by Mayor Indya Kincannon and Councilman Denzel Grant, will guide improvements with a $10 million pledge. The first meeting is March 24 at 5:30pm — read the full story.

New law spurs vigilance: Tennessee’s Ink of Hope Act requires tattoo artists to complete training and pass a test to spot trafficking. Jacqueline and Dale Johnson completed it as Knoxville advocates emphasize community effort — get all the details.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Celebrate vintage jazz and swing in Knoxville
• Learn women’s self-defense and situational awareness
• Savor tea and cheese pairings
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Local art treasure: Whether you’re after a standout gift or the perfect piece for your wall, Art Market Gallery features work from 50+ Knoxville-area artists in painting, ceramics, photography, and beyond. You might just linger as a surprising find chooses you.

Seafood night, solved: Skip the beach traffic and let Chesapeake’s scratch the itch, with cozy nautical vibes, fresh-as-it-gets plates, and the kind of easygoing service that makes weekday dinners feel special. When seafood cravings ambush your week, consider it solved with a relaxed table, cold drinks, and zero fuss.

Upgrade your hangout space: Before Tennessee spring really shows off, expand your backyard with clean, low-maintenance composite decks and screened retreats designed with smart details. LeBlanc Decks handles design through finish and keeps you informed, so you can concentrate on coffee, neighbors, and easy, low-stress evenings.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎣 2026 Bassmaster Classic & Expo @ Knoxville Convention Center | Friday (3/13) at 12:00 PM – Fishing nerds, rejoice. Booth 511 at the Convention Center during the Bassmaster Classic Expo is your chance to talk Minn Kota and Humminbird, ogle new gear, meet a few pros, then catch the weigh-in, and pretend you suddenly understand boat positioning better than your brother-in-law.

✂ Apple & Pear Tree Pruning Workshop @ CAC Beardsley Community Farm | Friday (3/13) at 3:00 PM – If your apple and pear trees look like they cut their own bangs, come learn pruning at the farm’s annual workshop with UT Extension agent Lee Rumble. It is free, hands-on, and you will help tidy the orchard. Practical tips, sharp tools, satisfying snips.

🎻 Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: West Side Story @ Tennessee Theatre | Friday (3/13) at 7:30 PM – West Side Story with the Knoxville Symphony at the Tennessee Theatre. Expect Bernstein’s big-city swoon, crisp strings, and that Jets vs. Sharks swagger, without anyone snapping at you in the aisle. Dress up a bit, grab dinner nearby, make it a proper Knoxville night.

🏃 Lucky Kidney Run @ Regal Headquarters | Saturday (3/14) at 8:00 AM – Kick off spring with a friendly 6K that starts on the Gay Street Bridge and cruises South Knox’s riverfront, knee-friendly. Finish by Regal, then roll into Knox Shamrock Fest at World’s Fair Park, where green and post-race carbs abound.

✂ Spring Craft Fair @ Hopper Auto Sales (Powell) | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – In the market for a new candle, not a car? Hopper Auto Sales is turning into a spring craft fair with local makers, food trucks, permanent jewelry for the commitment-curious, sweet treats, music, and raffles. Test-drive a churro, leave with something handmade, no buyer’s remorse.

🎪 When I Grow Up…The Aerial Show @ Sheer Inspiration Pole Fitness w/ Natasha Fine | Saturday (3/14) at 8:00 PM – Trade your spreadsheets for sparkles and head to Sheer Inspiration for an aerial show where grown-up dreams outclimb your to-do list. BYOB, 18 and up, and yes, dress to empress, because Knoxville deserves a little altitude with its attitude.

🐰 Pet Photos with Bunny @ West Town Mall | Sunday (3/15) at 6:30 PM – Let your furry tyrant meet the giant Bunny, and capture the chaos. Pet photos with the Bunny are at The Westchester, Retail Level R1 by Nordstrom, shots available to purchase, no reservation needed. Perfect for the holiday card, the fridge, and the family text thread.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/13 Wayne Hancock @ Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria – 9:00 PM
• 3/14 Back N Black @ Bijou Theatre – 8:00 PM
• 3/14 Afrobeats Session @ The Bottom – 8:00 PM
• 3/14 Saints & Sinners @ Sonny’s Original Southern Pub – 8:00 PM
• 3/14 Fourkast @ Smoky Mountain Brewery in Turkey Creek – 8:30 PM
• 3/14 Vinyl Countdown @ Whiskey Alley Sports Tavern – 9:00 PM
• 3/14 Tree Party @ Ft Sanders Yatch Club – 10:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Knoxville report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 62°F – Low: 41°F – Precip: 1%

Sunny, with a high near 62. Southwest wind 5 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Southwest wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 70°F – Low: 47°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Southeast wind around 0 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. Southeast wind around 0 mph.

This house is wild

This Watergrove stunner pairs a resort-style yard featuring a 20×40 saltwater Gunite pool, 10×10 spa with waterfall, fire bowls, and stone patio. Inside, a two-story great room and arched doorways lead to a chef’s kitchen with marble island, 6-burner range, double ovens, and dry bar. Main-level primary suite boasts a spa bath. Upstairs offers a rec room and guest suites.

Take a peek inside →

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