As always, there’s more fun to be had than time in the city this weekend. I’m going to forego my First Friday detailed run-down and highlight just a few special things that have come to my attention or that I think will be very special. I’m sorry I don’t have the time to highlight everything going on. I encourage you to check out some of the “Important Links” from the tab above for more details.
Knoxville Christmas Parade – Friday Night at 7:00
If I’m reading my information correctly, the parade route has been changed. What I’ve read suggests the parade will hit Gay Street at Church before turning right onto Gay and going through to Depot on the other side of the Gay Street Viaduct. I’m a little disappointed because we always have Dazzo’s Pizza and then step outside to see the parade when it starts. This plan cuts out that end of Gay Street which has always been less crowded. I will submit that the worst place to watch the parade is the 400 block in front of Mast General or the other businesses. It’s just too crowded to be fun. The 100 Block might be a good idea, or maybe Church Street before it hits Gay.
First Friday Events
Typically, this would consume my whole post, but there is just too much going on, otherwise. Still, a few things have caught my eye and, particularly if you aren’t into crowds and parades, you might check out some of these events.
First, Preservation Pub is hosting a viewing of the movie “A Thousand Little Cuts,” which examines mountaintop removal. A discussion will also be included with filmmaker and UNC professor Chad Stevens.
Ben Maney has a solo show which should be a treat at a new place in the Old City, Union Place, from 7:00 to 10:00. Cynthia Markert also has her opening for new works at RALA. That’s where I got into financial trouble last year (thanks Cynthia).
The Carolina Chocolate Drops perform at the Bijou at 8:00.
Saturday Events
Don’t sleep in, particularly if you are an athlete, because the Jingle Bell Run/Walk starts on Market Square at 10:00 AM. Registration is available on site beginning at 8:30 AM. This is a fun events with elves and Santas and such running about. It’s fun to watch even if you don’t participate and all money raised goes to the Arthritis Foundation.
Christmas Market is a center piece of the weekend’s events. Craftsmen, bakers and farmers join forces on Market Street starting at noon and running to 7:00 PM. This is an absolutely wonderful place to do all your Christmas shopping, with handmade clothing, soaps, toys, art and much, much more. The photographs in this post are all from the Christmas Market. It’s a great way to find a unique gift that your special person definitely did not see in the mall.
Lonetones CD release party at the Relix Theater in Happy Holler – They’re back with a brand new CD which is already garnering raves. Some of my absolutely favorite downtown musicians are in this band or will be on hand that night. The doors open at 7:00 and Black Atticus takes the stage at 8:00, followed by the Lonetones and then the Bearded.
Drew Holcombe and the Neighbors, hailing from Nashville, will be at the Bijou at 8:00 for their traveling Christmas show. I’m going to have to take that one in with Urban Woman, though I hate very much to miss the Lonetones.
All Weekend
Of course, it’s time to get the shopping done and there isn’t a better place than downtown to take care of that little business. Even without all the special events, there are far, far more shopping possibilities downtown this Christmas than there were last with the addition of The Tree and Vine, Nothing Too Fancy (am I the only one that thinks of the Lynyrd Skynyrd album every time I say the name of that store?) and Rococo to name a few off the top of my head. Naturally, if you are buying art or books or any number of other items, downtown has you covered.
I’ll stop there, though I’m sure I’ll think of something I left out and kick myself for it later. I didn’t mention the skating rink and I’m sure the Tennessee Theatre has something going on. You’ll need to eat while you are down here and we’ve got that going on, as well. The parking is free, the weather is freakishly good, so what are you waiting for?
