Elections are serious business, but candidate forums don’t have to be stodgy affairs. This fall, Compass and Inside of Knoxville are teaming up to try something different. On Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m., all City Council candidates are invited to take the stage at Kern’s Food Hall (2201 Kerns Rising Way) for City Council Candidate Forum: The Game Show, a mash-up of civic engagement and game-show antics.
The issues are serious, but the format is designed to loosen things up. Instead of the standard script, candidates might find themselves sharing their platforms while eating Hot Ones–style spicy chicken, guessing weirdly specific budget figures in a Price Is Right round, showing their district pride in Knoxville Jeopardy, or spinning a Wheel of Fortune that could land them on a real policy question—or a booby trap.
And yes, there will be celebrity moderators. Michael Galyean (aka Dancing Blue Shirt Guy), who owns a sequin blazer and regularly emcees charity events, insists he’s been training his whole life to channel Bob Barker/Alex Trebek/Pat Sajak. Monika Miller (aka Space Witch), a proud District 5 resident who is sad she didn’t get to vote this round, will embody a more modern, delightfully unpredictable Vanna White.
There’s no scoring, no “winners” and no gotcha questions. The idea is to make voter engagement more inviting and to give the community a chance to see candidates as both people and potential leaders. With primary turnout lagging, organizers hope this reimagined format will spark more connection and interest heading into the general election on Nov. 4.
The event is free, family-friendly and open to the public. More details and RSVP are available on Facebook at City Council Candidate Forum: The Game Show.
Voter will cast a vote only in voter’s district of residence. Candidates advancing to the general election are:
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 6⚠️ Important dates:
- Monday, October 6, 2025 – Final day to register to vote before election
- Wednesday, October 15, 2025 – First day of Early Voting period
- Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Final day to request an absentee ballot (10 days prior to election)
- Thursday, October 30, 2025 – Final day of Early Voting period
- Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – Election Day
Additional voter resources are available on the Election Commission website here. Come hungry, leave informed, and vote smart. See you there!