Settlers of Catan, Metro Diner news, farmers market, car show, and more. 
Happy Friday, Knoxville. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Knoxville Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead:
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Metro Diner 🍽️
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Niagara road trip 🚌
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Farmers market 🧺
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Tennessee’s hidden detours: Six unexpected stops have transformed the Knoxville–Nashville drive into a full-blown Tennessee adventure, from robotic dairy farms to America’s largest underground lake — see the full guide.
Metro Diner lands in Knoxville: Metro Diner has opened its first Knoxville spot at 6546 Clinton Highway, seating 102 in a 3,500-sq-ft classic diner setting as it builds on its Murfreesboro success — check it out.
Loop road back in action: The road circling McGhee Tyson Airport has reopened after crews repaired the sinkhole that formed under Terminal Loop Drive on June 12, and normal traffic routes are now restored — read more.
Is your bank underperforming? If you’re earning less than 3.80% APY with your current savings account (the national average is 0.41% 👀)… the answer is yes. Do yourself a favor and take the time to open a SoFi savings accounts. It could earn you up to 9x more in interest on top of no fees and a $300 bonus with eligible direct deposits — what are you waiting for?
Highlights this week
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Southwest college lands entertainment grant
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Meet TSU’s most famous celebrity graduates
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Learn how to paint a portrait of your pet
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Celebrate freedom via a wellness spa event
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Support a Pride fundraiser with tie-dye shirts
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Endurance’s auto warranty is $300 off
🫶 We got your back
Pom-pour perfection: When life gives you apples, Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus turns them into sparkling, spiced sips you didn’t know you needed—whether you’re into crisp and dry or sweet and cinnamon-kissed, they’ve got the pour to match your fall-in-love mood.
Last bite, best bite: Tiny towers of frosting, molten center marvels, and a sugar swagger that’ll keep you guessing what’s coming next—Marble City Sweets is where your sweet tooth (and your Instagram feed) both get their moment in the spotlight.
Mic drop central: From shower-stall solos to power-ballad bravado and the occasional “sorry, not sorry” encore, Knox Box Karaoke hands you the mic, cranks up the neon, and dares even the most tone-deaf among us to steal the show.
Bolt action: Hunting for bold florals, buttery satins, or that perfect canvas for your next DIY masterpiece? Short Sheet Fabrics stocks bolts of fabric so good you’ll actually look forward to hemming, quilting, or just petting every. single. yard.
Plot twist (AARP is actually amazing): It’s packed with perks that actually matter — discounts at hotels, restaurants, flights, even car rentals. Plus, you’ll unlock a second membership for free for someone else in your house. At just $15 per year… it’s kind of a no-brainer.
👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?
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📆 Knoxville happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
💍 Wedding Band & Vendor Friday @ Fountain City Jewelers | Friday (6/27) at 10 am – Friday of Wedding Band Weekend is like speed-dating for rings, gowns, and cake tastings. Browse dazzling band styles, sample bite-sized sweets, chat playlists with DJs, and sip coffee straight from the cart. Need florals, photos or linens? Local vendors have tables brimming with inspiration. Whether you’re betrothed or just love shiny things, this is your one-stop happily-ever-after shop.
🚌 3-Day Niagara Falls Whirlwind @ Olympus Car and Coach | Friday (6/27) at 8 pm – Buckle up for an all-nighter road trip to the misty magic of Niagara Falls! You’ll depart Knoxville Friday evening, grab your coffee in Ohio at dawn, and step off the bus just a stone’s throw from the Maid of the Mist by 10 am Saturday. Spend the day chasing rainbows and rain-soaked selfies, then climb back aboard at 10:15 pm for a sunrise return. No passport? No problem—just bring your sense of adventure (and a $50 deposit).
👻Knoxville Paranormal – The Ultimate Ghost Hunting Adventure @ Market Square | Friday (6/27) at 8 pm – Sharpen your EVP skills and hold onto your EMF reader: Knoxville’s premier ghost hunt returns for hands-on scares and spine-tingling history lessons. Led by master paranormal historian J-Adam Smith, you’ll tackle real investigations at haunted hotspots and learn ropes-training in the chilling art of ghost hunting. Bring comfy shoes—and maybe a nightlight.
This weekend
🚗 East Tennessee Mopar Car Show @ Chilhowee Park Fairgrounds | Saturday (6/28) at 9 am – Mopar maniacs, start your engines! Cruise into Chilhowee Park for 50/50 drawings, a live DJ, and drive-through judging of the slickest rides. Refuel at the food trucks, then stick around for awards at 3:30 pm. Admission is $10, kids under 12 get in free—so bring the whole pit crew.
🥟 Asian Dumpling Delight: A Hands-On Culinary Adventure! @ The Cutting Edge Classroom | Saturday (6/28) at 11 am – Roll up your sleeves and master dumpling-making with Chef John Alunni. From pork & chive potstickers to sweet red bean sesame balls, you’ll fold, pleat, and cook your way to dumpling domination. Warning: this class may cause extreme dumpling cravings.
🎲 Catan Connect The World @ Paragon Gaming | Saturday (6/28) at 11 am – Celebrate CATAN’s 30th anniversary with a global gaming fiesta! Register for free, enjoy a provided lunch, and join players worldwide for strategy, trades, and livestream action. No robber required—just roll the dice and build your empire.
🍷 Sip, Savor & Sparkle: Celebrating Diamonds in Bloom @ Estate House | Saturday (6/28) at 12 pm – Spend your Saturday afternoon sampling signature cocktails while browsing estate jewelry and fresh floral arrangements. Spend over $1,500 and score a free bouquet from Knoxville’s favorite flower truck—because what’s better than diamonds? Blooms, of course. Cheers to that!
🥕 Farmers Market @ Pinnacle at Turkey Creek | Sunday (6/29) at 11 am – Support local growers and bakers at Pinnacle Turkey Creek’s farmers market, where fresh produce and treats take center stage. Browse seasonal fruits, chat with makers, and score delicious finds sponsored by Renewal by Andersen. Early birds get first pick of the sweetest strawberries!
✨ Magical, Mystical Kids Class with Ivy @ The Sacred Owl and Salt Room | Sunday (6/29) at 3 pm – Kids dive into chakra-themed crafts, meditation, and movement to learn epic coping strategies with Ivy Wren. Each session blends playful visuals with mindful breathing so tiny humans leave feeling magical and centered. Space is limited—RSVP to secure your little wizard’s spot!
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/27 Fountain City Ramblers @ Calhoun’s Restaurant – 7 pm
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6/27 Mighty Blue @ Sonny’s Original Southern Pub – 8 pm
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6/27 110 in the Shade @ Union Place Bar – 8 pm
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6/27 Josi J & Dessert @ BucketHead Tavern – 8 pm
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6/27 Mitchell Ferguson @ Open Chord – 8 pm
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6/27 AYÇA @ Wild Boar Tavern – 9 pm
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6/28 Voodoo Cadillac @ Sonny’s Original Southern Pub – 8 pm
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6/29 Music Bingo @ Marble City Pub – 7 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – Knoxville edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Stephanie Tipton (Compass Tennessee, LLC) – 8 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms | Built in 1889 | 7154 sqft
Queen Anne grandeur meets Happy Holler swagger at The Lou-Mar House, where six kinds of wood, nine stained-glass windows, and seven fireplaces conspire to out-charm even the most jaded architecture nerd. The wraparound porch is practically begging for a parade, while inside, a custom mural and a maple library deliver highbrow drama with a wink. Parking for six (yes, six) cars means your vintage Vespa and your neighbor’s Subaru can finally coexist in peace.
The carriage house is so stylish it might just outshine the main event—perfect for guests, in-laws, or that side hustle you keep threatening to start. Outdoor kitchen, marble bathrooms, and a family room that doesn’t feel like an afterthought? Check, check, and check. All this in a neighborhood where the coffee is strong, the pastries are flaky, and the community spirit is contagious.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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