As usual, a lot is going on downtown, and we want you to know it all! Check out these updates, and let us know if you have one of your own!
Things to Do!
First Friday Art Walk is today! With the addition of the First Friday Block Party from 5-9pm, pedestrian-friendly streets and beautiful weather in the forecast, this could be the catalyst for even more exciting events downtown. Be aware that the 100 block of Gay St will be closed to traffic from 4-10 on September 7 for this event, and plan your route accordingly. You can find representatives from the Mayor’s Maker Council representing the Maker City at the Jackson Ave Block Party on Friday. A portion of Jackson Ave will be blocked to traffic as well. Check out the new art exhibits and hear some of Knoxville’s favorite musicians as you stroll downtown.
The 11th Knox Asian Festival is Sunday, September 8, from 10:30-6:30 in World’s Fair Park. This is one of my family’s favorite festivals of the year. The later date in the season (September vs. August) is a welcome change, with gorgeous, more fall-like temperatures expected. Another change is a $3 cover charge to enter the event. Get your tickets HERE before the event to avoid the lines at the gate. They will not be taking cash at the gate, so come prepared. This fee helps to offset the cost of the event. It is free to children under 12. The traditional cultural costumes, a celebration of authentic foods from the countries represented, dances, music and entertainment, offer the Knoxville community an insight into a part of the world many of us may never get the chance to visit in person.
The Asian Cultural Parade will kick off promptly at 10:30 am, starting at the Water Fountain on the Festival Lawn and ending at the Amphitheater stage, where they will feature each country with a nod to the traditions of each one. Last year, they featured Sumo wrestling; this year, festival goers can experience Ninja ASHURA. “Ninja ASHURA is a ninja corps that has clocked more than 1,200 action-packed performances at the Ninja Museum of Iga-ryu. Featuring shuriken, sword-fighting, and kusarigama (sickle-and-chain), the tremendous excitement of their stage shows will have you on the edge of your seat! Iga-ryu is one of the most famous schools of secret Ninja arts in the world. Unlike Koka-ryu Ninja, its practitioners do not serve one specific master, but prefer to take a similar role to that of mercenaries, operating under a contract.”
There is also a VIP event on Saturday from 6-9 featuring the “Real Ninja Show (from Japan), Japanese Drum Show (from Disney World), and Indian dance. Paid adult customers ($25 admission) will receive a T-shirt and admission for the festival on Sunday. If your children under 12 years old would like a T-shirt, you can purchase one at the amphitheater.”
New Eats!
First up, Fiori Bar and Lounge officially opened in June this year. Their beautiful and intimate space is quickly becoming an Old City favorite. They recently added a Sunday brunch that is served from 11-5, with regular dinner service from 5 till close. In the coming weeks, they will be adding an enhanced cocktail menu and dinner menu with larger portions. Follow their social media for that rollout.
Next, The Kennedy, which opened its doors in May of this year, has revamped its lunchtime service to fit the crowd who needs a quick, filling meal at a lower price point. You’ll find several of the staple items; my favorite is the homemade mini corn dogs, and they’ve added new sandwiches, salads and a you-pick-two lunch combo deal. Owner Chad Kennedy tells me they will start brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays, opening at 9am soon. Watch for that to be announced soon and keep up with their live music events on their social media channels.
Happy Anniversary!
Nothing Too Fancy is celebrating its 12th anniversary this month! Opening as a t-shirt shop for men in 2012, they have expanded to much more. A family-owned and operated business, they offer apparel, accessories, art and custom orders. Many of their items are from local artists. They have found their niche with vintage-inspired t-shirts that are as soft as they are unique. Stop by their Union Ave. shop and help them celebrate.
Glowing Body Yoga and Healing Arts is celebrating its 16th anniversary and has added to its menu of services. “Local, independent, and women-owned since 2008, we are a one-of-a-kind studio with knowledgeable teachers and massage therapists offering a variety of yoga and healing arts styles.” They now offer reflexology, holistic esthetics, and high-quality yoga, massage therapy and education courses.
Lox Salon is celebrating turning 18 this weekend and wants you to come out and celebrate with them. “Lox Salon is a certified sustainable, cruelty-free and vegan salon offering haircuts, hair color, hair extensions, styling, and an array of esthetics such as facials and lash extensions. The first Green Circle salon in Tennessee, Lox continues to serve the Old City of Knoxville with its founding promise of beauty without compromise, both for guests and the environment we all share.”
Now Open!
Evolve Yoga is officially open and offering specials to help you find just the right class for your yoga needs. They hosted an open house on September 1 to celebrate and have released their schedule for this month. Take advantage of some fantastic deals on new memberships, or just drop in to see what they have to offer in their new space. Follow them on Instagram to stay updated on specials, classes and your favorite teachers.
Back in July, we told you that Elst Brewing was getting a makeover and a new name. The Black Dog is now open! Reimagining the former and bringing in fan favorites from the Chivo Taqueria trailer has led to a successful and much-anticipated opening. They are launching a new brew today, so go check them out! Tell them we sent you!
Hall of Fame Wine and Spirits celebrated its Grand Opening on August 29 in the Fourth and Gill neighborhood at 742 N. Hall of Fame Drive. Owner Meghna Patel also owns numerous hotels; this is her first liquor store venture. The store offers on-site parking, game day specials, and in-store tastings and is partnered with Door Dash and Uber Eats for delivery services.
Their hours of operation are:
| Thursday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Monday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–9 PM |
If your downtown business has something to celebrate, DM, and let us know!