Good Monday morning, East Tennessee!

Today gives us an extra reason to celebrate the Volunteer State. Oct. 26 is National Tennessee Day—a fitting occasion to appreciate the people, places and traditions that make our corner of the state special.

As a new week begins, remember: Progress rarely comes from one dramatic leap. It usually grows from the small things we keep doing, even when no one is watching.

TODAY IN TENNESSEE HISTORY

On Oct. 26, 1799, the Tennessee General Assembly created Smith, Williamson and Wilson counties. The three counties were formed during a period of rapid settlement and growth only three years after Tennessee became the nation’s 16th state.

TENNESSEE TRIVIA

Tennessee borders eight states: Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Missouri. Only Missouri also shares borders with eight states.

TODAY’S SMILE

In East Tennessee, “just down the road” can mean five minutes away—or somewhere on the other side of a mountain.

NATIONAL DAYS

Oct. 26 recognizes:

• National Tennessee Day
• National Pumpkin Day
• National Mule Day
• National Day of the Deployed
• National Chicken Fried Steak Day

That sounds like an invitation to appreciate Tennessee, decorate a pumpkin and find a plate of chicken-fried steak.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS

Knoxville should begin the day near 40 degrees before warming to around 72 under clear skies. It will be a good day for an afternoon walk, outdoor lunch or fall drive.

COMING UP AROUND TOWN

  •  Wicked Cool: Downtown Knoxville’s monthlong Halloween celebration continues through Oct. 31 with seasonal displays, specials, a scavenger hunt and family activities.  https://www.downtownknoxville.org/wicked/
  • ETEBA Business Opportunities and Technical Conference: The Energy, Technology and Environmental Business Association conference runs Oct. 27-29 at the Knoxville Convention Center. https://www.eteba.org/botc/
  • Market Square Farmers’ Market: The producer-only market will be open from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, on Market Square. https://www.nourishknoxville.org/venue/market-square-farmers-market/
  • Tackles & Treats with Jeremiah Telander: The Volunteer Club will host the free Halloween event from 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6601 Kingston Pike. Activities include photographs with Telander, candy, giveaways and a children’s costume contest. Event information The organization’s official website is thevolunteerclub.com, but the Facebook post is the more useful link because it contains the event details.
  • Muse Knoxville programs: Families can check the museum’s current calendar for programs, camps and special activities. https://themuseknoxville.org/events/
  • Witches Paddle: Costumed paddlers will take to the water from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at The Cove at Concord Park. The family-friendly event is free. https://legacyparks.org/event/witches-paddle/
  • Tennessee Vintage Fest: The free public event will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Knoxville Convention Center. https://www.knoxvilleconventioncenter.com/events/2026/tennessee-vintage-fest
  • Aging: A Family Affair: The 42nd annual conference and resource expo will be held from 8 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Rothchild Event Center. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/agingafamilyaffair2025/event/afa2026/

Check event organizers’ websites before leaving home because schedules, admission requirements and other details can change.

FEATURED RESOURCE

Visit Knoxville maintains a frequently updated calendar of concerts, festivals, exhibits, family activities and community events. It is a helpful starting point when planning a day or weekend around town. Visit Knoxville events calendar: https://www.visitknoxville.com/events/

ACROSS TENNESSEE

Early voting continues through Thursday, Oct. 29. Voters should verify voting locations and hours through their county election commission before going to the polls.

ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

Communities in the Four Corners region continue recovering from destructive flooding. Local officials and relief organizations are assessing damage and assisting residents affected by the high water.

AROUND THE WORLD

Food shortages remain a critical concern in Gaza as aid organizations work to reach families facing hunger and displacement.

HELPFUL LINKS

  • Knoxville weather: https://www.weather.gov/mrx/
  • Knox County election information: https://www.knoxcounty.org/election/
  • Visit Knoxville events: https://www.visitknoxville.com/events/
  • Knox County Public Library: https://www.knoxcountylibrary.org/
  • KnoxTNToday 865 Puzzles: https://www.knoxtntoday.com/puzzles/

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