Tuesday brings a celebration of coffee, a full day of Knoxville innovation and several ways to connect with what is happening across East Tennessee.

Tuesday Trivia

Did you know? Coffee beans aren’t actually beans. They are the seeds found inside the fruit of the coffee plant, often called coffee cherries.

Today in History

  • 1789 – Congress passed legislation establishing the U.S. Army under the newly adopted Constitution.
  • 1954 – Willie Mays made his famous over-the-shoulder catch during Game 1 of the World Series, a play remembered simply as “The Catch.”
  • 1988 – Space shuttle Discovery launched, marking NASA’s return to shuttle flight after the Challenger disaster.

Tennessee Trivia

Tennessee has more than 500 species of native freshwater fish, making the state one of the most biologically diverse places in North America for freshwater aquatic life.

Today’s Smile

Why did the coffee file a police report? It got mugged.

National Day

National Coffee Day is celebrated Sept. 29, giving coffee drinkers a perfectly good excuse to enjoy another cup. Knoxville-based Pilot is joining the celebration by offering a free any-size hot coffee Tuesday through the Pilot app at participating locations. Customers must save the offer in the app and use their myRewards information at checkout. Limitations apply.

Today’s Highlights

  • 865 Fest puts Knoxville entrepreneurs in the spotlight: Knoxville’s 865 Fest takes over Bridgewater Place today for a full day focused on entrepreneurship, innovation and growing businesses in East Tennessee. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., with programming beginning at 9 a.m. The schedule includes keynote speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions and competitions featuring local startups and emerging entrepreneurs. Six Knoxville startups will compete for $15,000 in Judges’ Choice and Crowd Favorite awards. A separate competition will showcase student and recent-graduate entrepreneurs. The program also includes discussions about East Tennessee’s growing quantum technology sector, Knoxville’s culinary reputation and what investors look for when considering startups. The formal program concludes with awards at 4:45 p.m., followed by networking from 5-6 p.m. Learn more about 865 Fest.
  • Girl Scouts and Young-Williams team up for shelter dogs: Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians is partnering with Young-Williams Animal Center on a project that can bring a little happiness to dogs waiting for homes while also supporting Girl Scout troops across East Tennessee. The partnership gives supporters an opportunity to send BarkBox treats and toys to shelter dogs while helping Girl Scouts. Watch KnoxTNToday for more information about the project and ways the community can participate.
  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins with community focus: Knox County leaders and community partners will gather Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. at the Randall E. Nichols Family Justice Center ahead of October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Knox County Mayor Betsy Henderson, District Attorney General Charme Allen and other community representatives are expected to participate. The observance provides an opportunity to highlight resources available to victims and families and the organizations working throughout Knox County to address domestic violence.
  • Frozen Head prepares for Heritage Day: Frozen Head State Park in Wartburg will celebrate its 45th annual Heritage Day on Oct. 10, bringing traditional Appalachian skills, demonstrations and activities to the state park. The annual event provides visitors an opportunity to experience the history and culture of the Cumberland Mountains while spending a fall day at one of East Tennessee’s state parks. Mark the date now; we’ll share more as the event approaches.

Local Events

Looking for something to do today?

  • 865 Fest – Bridgewater Place, beginning with registration and networking at 8:30 a.m.
  • Story Thyme – Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.
  • Music Technology Class – Fountain City Art Center.
  • Our American Stories: Voices from TN – Farragut Museum.
  • Drop-in adult dodgeball – Farragut Community Center.

Looking for more? Check the KnoxTNToday calendar for upcoming events from our community partners.

Featured Resource

Knox County Public Library

Libraries aren’t just about books. Knox County Public Library branches offer children’s programs, book discussions, technology help, genealogy resources, community programs and special events throughout the week. Check the library’s upcoming-events calendar to find programs by date, location and type. Explore Knox County Public Library upcoming events.

Helpful Community Links

  • Knox County Public Library – Programs and events throughout the library system.
  • Knox County Schools – School calendars, announcements and district information.
  • Ijams Nature Center – Outdoor programs, activities and events.
  • Zoo Knoxville – Daily hours, animal experiences and upcoming programs.
  • Knoxville/Knox County Planning – Meetings, agendas and information about local planning and development.

Beyond Knoxville

  • Across Tennessee: Check Tennessee State Parks for fall programs, hikes and special events across the state.
  • Across America: Follow today’s national headlines and developments.
  • Around the World: Catch up on major international news and events.
  • Stock Market: Check the latest market numbers, trends and financial news.

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