This weekend in Oak Ridge, TN

An AACB Regional Meeting takes place at Historic Ramsey House in Knoxville. Rob Robinson leads a demonstration on making a strap hinge, selected as this year's project. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and items for Iron in the Hat, and contributions of touch marked pieces are welcome.

Help maintain the trails at Haw Ridge Park during a CVTA work day focused on hands-on projects. Organizers will have tasks planned and will provide the necessary tools. Lunch and beverages will be available. Participants should bring water, gloves, and sturdy shoes, and are welcome to invite a friend. The meeting location is CVTA HQ at Haw Ridge Park, past the Dirt Lab at the east end of the park.

The Show Me Reptile Show offers a family friendly expo that blends education and adventure for reptile lovers, aspiring keepers, and anyone curious about exotic animals. Attendees can meet reputable breeders and vendors, explore a wide range of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and small exotic mammals, and find plants, bioactive supplies, aquatics, feeders, enclosures, decor, and other care essentials. It is welcome to simply browse, take photos, ask questions, and enjoy the animals on display without bringing home a new pet. General admission is $12 in advance for adults and $15 at the door, $5 for ages 7 to 12, and free for children 6 and under. A VIP pass is $17 when purchased in advance or $20 at the door and includes early entry as well as complimentary admission on day two at any two day show. Open to all ages.

A free, guided hike sets off from the UT Arboretum Visitors Center in Oak Ridge, led by UT Arboretum Society volunteers. This outing offers an introduction to the arboretum trails and welcomes family and friends, though pets should stay at home. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and, if preferred, use hiking poles. No registration is required.

The Annual October Sky Festival highlights local vendors and live music. The Oliver Springs Public Library is accepting applications for 12-by-12 booth spaces priced at $30, and all booth fees will help fund a new activity center offering educational classes, community programs, and special events for all ages. The library is also seeking singers and other musical entertainment to perform on stage during the festival. For booth applications and performance information, contact or stop by the library.

The Spice & Tea Exchange marks the festival’s second weekend with a cozy comfort foods tasting that highlights fall flavors. Sample Matanzas Chili Bites alongside Bananas Foster Tea, with complimentary tastings available while supplies last. Pick up free recipe cards and learn how to make Matanzas chili at home. During the event, shoppers who purchase three featured spice blends receive a 15 percent discount.

At Knoxville Expo Center, the Knoxville Home & Garden Show brings together trusted local and regional vendors to share fresh ideas, expert guidance, and budget friendly upgrades for your living space. Explore options for windows, roofing, kitchens, hot tubs, décor, and more, all in one place with special show pricing available. Get practical tips to plan a renovation or upgrade with confidence, and enter drawings for door prizes at the entrance and with participating exhibitors. Admission and parking are free.

This event welcomes Michelle Stewart, a representative for CLE/Asylum Cigars.

A joyful gathering of gospel voices fills the valley with uplifting songs as many performers share spirited harmonies and heartfelt praise. The focus is on fellowship through music and a lively, positive atmosphere.

Monsterfest is a free celebration designed for kids across age groups. Guests can explore an immersive Wonderland with Alice and the Mad Hatter, enjoy trick or treating inside the theater, and watch performances by Creative Edge dance studio. The event takes place alongside Pumpkinfest activities throughout the Grove Shopping Center.

Designed for puppies younger than 6 months and 25 pounds or less, this weekly group class offers trainer-led socialization to help pups build healthy interaction skills. Participation is flexible, with the option to attend as many or as few sessions as preferred. Booking is available in the app, and first-time visitors can review important details beforehand.

Hosted by Harriman High School, this marching band competition showcases student ensembles in a day of performances. The event typically welcomes about 500 band students each year, along with their teachers and families. Bands interested in participating can obtain details and registration information. Community members who want to support the band may apply to set up at the event, including opportunities for food vendors and creators of music or band related arts and crafts. To volunteer or get involved, contact the band director, Mr. Lankford, at dlankford@roaneschools.com.

Learn practical CPR, first aid, and AED skills through Emergency First Response training designed to help everyday people feel ready to act in a medical emergency. Instruction follows internationally recognized guidelines and uses a clear, step by step approach with plenty of hands-on practice in a low pressure setting. Self-study manuals, videos, and quick reference cards support learning so you can get started right away. Primary Care covers how to handle life threatening situations. You will practice assisting someone who is not breathing or does not have a pulse, respond to potential spinal injuries, manage shock, and control serious bleeding, then continue to monitor the person until professional help arrives. Secondary Care focuses on non life threatening conditions when medical assistance may be delayed. You will learn to assess injuries and illnesses and you will practice skills like bandaging and splinting. Care for Children centers on emergencies involving infants and kids, making it a fit for anyone who works with children or may need to help younger patients. It is often combined with Primary and Secondary Care. CPR and AED training emphasizes cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the safe use of an automated external defibrillator, which can satisfy workplace or regulatory requirements and is commonly included in First Aid at Work programs. An EFR Refresher option is also available to reinforce core techniques every 24 months so essential skills stay current.

Celebrate Pumpkin Fest with a pop up witch dance that invites anyone curious about a viral routine to give it a try. Bring a broom, wear a costume, and bring plenty of enthusiasm. There is no need to be a witch to participate. Classes are planned to begin soon for those interested in learning the steps.

Saturday sessions at Good Times GameHouse bring together the Knoxville Board Game Club for open play and discovery. Participants can bring favorite games to teach, choose from the in-store demo selection, or join tables already in progress. The first visit is free. After that, a $5 entry is credited back as $5 in store credit each week, which can be used for drinks, refreshments, board games, and other items or saved for later. The club values positivity and friendly, respectful gaming, and it also meets on Wednesdays.

This pregame tailgate brings together UT Nursing alumni and friends at the UT Medical Nursing Building Plaza to rally for the Tennessee vs Alabama game. A buffet of hearty appetizers will be available along with a beer and wine bar. The festivities align with campus traditions such as the Vol Walk and the band march. Start and end times are to be announced, and the gathering will wind down at kickoff. There is no reserved parking, so plan extra time to park and walk, and consult the UT Knoxville Parking and Transportation page for game day details. Please use the plaza entrance from Peyton Manning Pass, where Advancement staff and student ambassadors will manage check-in. The Volunteer Blvd entrance will be closed. After the tailgate ends, the building will be locked and unattended. Items left behind can be picked up during office hours the following week. If heading to the game afterward, remember that Neyland Stadium has a clear bag policy and bring only items that are allowed inside.

Build your line dancing skills in a friendly, social class with SalsaKnox in Knoxville. It is designed for beginners as well as anyone who wants extra time on the dance floor. No partner is required and walk ins are welcome. You will practice popular line dances that work at parties, events, and country nights. Wear comfortable shoes or your favorite boots. The cover charge is $10.

This neighborhood haunt takes place at a private residence with no entry fee. Donations supporting a local animal shelter are welcome, such as pet food, blankets, and other useful items. Plans include meeting at Aubrey’s in Oak Ridge beforehand, followed by a short drive to the haunt.

A live classic rock tribute takes the stage at 35 North.

Hosted at the Knoxville Expo Center, the Knoxville Home & Garden Show brings together local and regional vendors offering ideas, guidance, and savings for home improvement. Explore windows, roofing, kitchens, hot tubs, décor, and more in one convenient location, and get practical tips to plan a renovation, upgrade, or first project with confidence. Look for special pricing available only at the show and enter door prize drawings at the entrance and with participating exhibitors. Admission and parking are free.

Play Commander with friends and the wider community in a friendly, social setting. Take on Sunday Commander Bounties for a chance to win packs during your games.

A chef-curated Sunday brunch in Knoxville features dining above Boyd Hollow Falls beneath a breezy outdoor pergola. Guests can enjoy a social atmosphere with chances to meet new people while spending time with their own group, explore the Village Gardens and outdoor spaces, play in the Gremlin Gameyard, and hike nearby trails. The menu changes each week based on what is fresh and inspiring to the chefs. A sample spread includes a salad with seasonal fruit, red onion and feta with house dressing, fresh fruit bowls, homemade coffee cake, velvety scrambled eggs, locally processed bacon and savory sausage, hearty potato casserole, biscuits with gravy, honey or fruit jam, fluffy muffins, and chicken and waffles. A cash bar accepts cash and credit, with Signature Mimosa Kits that pair a bottle of Prosecco with three juices, plus freshly made Bloody Mary carafes. Those interested in axe throwing or archery can call ahead to add these activities so they align with brunch. Pricing is $39 per adult for brunch only, $27 per child under 10 for brunch only, children under 3 are free, and $59 per adult for brunch with axe throwing and archery.

Find your next feline companion at an adoption event at the PetSmart in Turkey Creek, featuring cats and kittens from Feral Feline Friends of East Tennessee. This 501(c)3, founded in 2004, works to reduce cat overpopulation in the Knoxville area and nearby counties through Trap-Neuter-Release, public education, and support for those caring for outdoor cats. The organization is funded by donations, adoption fees, and grants, and all funds go directly to helping felines in East Tennessee. Adoption fees are $125 for kittens, $100 for cats over a year old, or $200 for two felines of any age, and each adoption includes spay or neuter, vaccinations, deworming, a microchip, and FIV/FeLV testing.

A casual Lorcana League session focused on open play, trading, and collecting. The entry fee is $6 and includes a Lorcana pack. Attendance is flexible so participants may arrive and depart as they wish. League members receive discounted pricing on Lorcana and priority access to packs, boxes, promos, playmats, and other related products.

This state-certified class provides the training required to apply for a Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit. Over a minimum of six hours, participants learn handgun safety, carry laws, the lawful use of deadly force, and the legal responsibilities that come with carrying. Successful completion results in the certification needed for the permit application process. Advance registration with the state through TN.gov is required. Please bring a handgun, 50 rounds of ammunition, a valid ID, safety gear, and appropriate clothing, and plan to pack snacks or lunch. Firearms and ammunition can be rented or purchased at the range if needed. Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the class are eligible for a full refund, while those made within 48 hours are not refundable.

Can You Dig It? brings an annual International Archaeology Day celebration to the McClung Museum with a free, family-friendly program led by professional archaeologists from the University of Tennessee. Hands-on stations invite participants to explore the past and present with guidance from archaeologists, UT faculty, and graduate students. Activities include pottery crafts, mini lab investigations, an onsite excavation, and other interactive experiences designed for families. Support for this program is provided by Home Federal Bank and the UT Core Facilities and Department of Anthropology. Funding for the museum’s educational programming is provided by the Knox County Tourism Consortium. Free parking is available in lots G9 and S30. Additional pay-by-hour parking is available through the ParkMobile app, and a map can be found on the event’s Eventbrite page.

The Garden’s annual fall festival celebrates the harvest season with music, hands-on seasonal crafts, lawn games, hay rides, face painting, food, and vendors offering local and botanical artisan goods. The fall plant sale is stocked with trees, shrubs, and native plants well suited for autumn planting.

The entry fee is $5. Every participant gets a Nexus Night pack, a Flash promo, and a Spiritforged booster pack. Prizes award 12 packs to first place, 6 to second, and 3 each to third and fourth.

Digimon Locals features a five dollar entry fee, and the entire amount collected is returned as store credit.

Amtgard Park Day brings the community together at West Hills Park in Knoxville for costumes, foam weapon fighting, archery, arts, larping, and instruction. New participants are welcome. The group stays active in person and also connects on Discord and Facebook.

At Bijou Theatre, a musical adaptation by Jerome Hairston brings the stories of Ezra Jack Keats to life on stage. Peter and his friends revel in the wonder of a first snowfall, tossing snowballs, shaping angels in the snow, and discovering both the joys and challenges that come with growing up. Through creative shadow puppetry, familiar characters step off the page in a lively presentation that weaves together Whistle for Willie, Goggles!, A Letter to Amy, and The Snowy Day.

At Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum, Carly Jones and Blake Stannard lead an all-levels acro yoga class with guidance tailored to each participant. Beginners can learn foundational skills, returning students can reinforce core techniques, and experienced movers can explore more advanced options. The focus is on building strength, trust, and coordination. After the guided portion, there is a two-hour open jam for practice, connection, and play. The class is donation based. No prior experience or partner is required. Please bring water and something for the ground such as a mat, towel, or blanket.

Liquid Velvet Acoustic Duo delivers an acoustic performance at Ale’ Rae’s in Knoxville, TN.