This Week: October 29–November 4, 2026

From Halloween theater and museum adventures to new gallery exhibitions and live music, Knoxville’s creative community has plenty to offer this week. Here are some opportunities to enjoy the arts close to home.

🎭 On Stage

  • Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors — Theatre Knoxville Downtown, through November 1. A humorous twist on the classic vampire tale brings laughs and Halloween entertainment to the stage. Details.
  • Julius Caesar — Knoxville Children’s Theatre, through November 8. Young actors tackle Shakespeare’s timeless drama about ambition, friendship and betrayal. Details.
  • Clyde’s — The Jenny Boyd Theatre, October 28–November 15. A moving and often funny story about second chances, community and finding purpose in unexpected places.

🎶 Live Music

  • Music Biz Roadshow — Emporium Center, November 3, 5–8 p.m. Independent musicians can learn about streaming royalties, career development and community resources. Admission is free, with registration required. Details.
  • Knoxville Symphony Orchestra — Holiday season preview. The orchestra is preparing Handel’s Messiah, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and its 40th Annual Clayton Holiday Concert. Concert information.

🎨 Arts & Exhibits

  • bittersun by Hai-Wen Lin — Knoxville Museum of Art, opening October 29. A new contemporary art exhibition offers visitors another reason to explore the museum. Details.
  • Bound by Soil — UT Downtown Gallery, October 30. Artists Jamaal Barber and RaShaun Rucker explore connections through their work. Details.
  • Slow Mercies — AND / OR / SPACE, opening October 30. An exhibition featuring work by artist Jered Sprecher.
  • Inner Landscape — RED Gallery, opening reception November 6, 5–9 p.m. Curated by Josh Collins and Cherry East, the exhibition features artists Iriamu, Katie Murphy, LaKesha Lee and Rachel Sevier Dallery. Details.

🎬 Family Fun

  • Monsters at the Museum — East Tennessee History Center, October 31, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, crafts, scavenger hunts, Appalachian legends and vintage films with music. Costumes are encouraged. Details.
  • Movie Night at the Museum — McClung Museum, October 29, 6 p.m. Explore Victorian mourning traditions before watching The Woman in Black, rated PG-13. Free for members; $50 for nonmembers includes an annual membership and up to four tickets. Registration.

🎉 Festivals & Community Events

  • Festival of Phantasmagoria — Mabry-Hazen House, October 28–November 1. Halloween-themed programming in one of Knoxville’s historic settings. Details.
  • Monsters at the Museum — October 31. Families looking for a free downtown Halloween outing can enjoy history-inspired activities at the East Tennessee History Center. Details.

👀 Looking Ahead

  • November 6: Inner Landscape opening reception at RED Gallery.
  • November 22: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah.
  • November 29: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
  • December 18–20: Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s 40th Annual Clayton Holiday Concert.

⭐ This Week’s ArtBeat Picks

  • Best Date Night: Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Theatre Knoxville Downtown — a little spooky fun with plenty of laughs.
  • Best Free Event: Monsters at the Museum — Halloween activities, local history and hands-on fun without an admission charge.
  • Best Family Event: Julius Caesar at Knoxville Children’s Theatre — an opportunity to support talented young performers.
  • Hidden Gem: Slow Mercies at AND / OR / SPACE — an opportunity to discover contemporary art in a smaller gallery setting.

Know of an upcoming concert, play, festival, exhibit or arts event? Send information to news@knoxtntoday.com for consideration in a future ArtBeat.

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