Here’s what’s happening around East Tennessee this weekend, along with helpful community resources and interesting things to discover beyond our backyard.

Friday High Five

End the week by recognizing someone whose steady work made your day easier. A sincere thank-you may be the best high five you give.

Today in History

  • 1789 – Alexander Hamilton became the first U.S. secretary of the Treasury.
  • 1941 – Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia.
  • 2001 – Terrorist attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania killed nearly 3,000 people and profoundly changed the United States.

Tennessee Trivia

Tennessee’s state motto is “Agriculture and Commerce.”

😊 Today’s Smile

Why did Friday get such a warm welcome? Everyone had been looking forward to seeing it.

Weekend Highlights

  • FRIDAY — Knoxville 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and Stair Climb — 8:30 a.m., Delaney Plaza at Covenant Health Park. Knoxville marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with music, a flag procession, a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. and a memorial stair climb honoring the 343 firefighters who died at the World Trade Center. Details
  • FRIDAY–SUNDAY — Greek Fest — 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, 4070 Kingston Pike. The annual festival features Greek food, pastries, music, dancing, demonstrations and hands-on cultural activities. Admission is $5 for the weekend; children under 12, UT students, veterans and active-duty military are free. Details
  • FRIDAY — WDVX Big Plate — noon–1 p.m., Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria, 200 E. Jackson Ave. Scott Southworth & The Honky Tonk Anonymous Band perform at the free Friday lunchtime show. Details
  • FRIDAY — One Knoxville SC vs. FC Naples — 7 p.m., Covenant Health Park. One Knox returns home for a USL League One match featuring Knoxtoberfest festivities. Details
  • FRIDAY — Tributes & Tunes — 7 p.m., World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn. The benefit concert marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with remembrance, first-responder recognition and live music. First responders receive free admission. Details
  • SATURDAY — Tennessee Smart Yards and Friends Festival — 10 a.m.–2 p.m., University of Tennessee Gardens. Knox County Master Gardeners host a day focused on gardening, conservation and Tennessee Smart Yards resources. Details
  • SATURDAY — Here Come the Mummies — 7 p.m., World’s Fair Park. The funk-rock band performs with The Jaystorm Project. Details

Featured Resource

September 11 remembrance: The City of Knoxville’s expanded 25th-anniversary ceremony begins with music around 8:30 a.m. Friday at Delaney Plaza, followed by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Stair Climb inside Covenant Health Park. Learn more

Community Connections

  • Ijams Nature Center: Find programs, activities and events for all ages. More
  • Knox County Public Library: Check weekly programs and events at branches across Knox County. More
  • Outdoor Knoxville: Find local hiking, cycling, paddling and outdoor events. More
  • Zoo Knoxville: Check daily hours, animal experiences and special programs. More
  • Weather: Check the latest local forecast. More

Beyond Knoxville

  • Across Tennessee: Follow Tennessee government news and services. More
  • National: Catch up on the latest U.S. headlines. More
  • S. Supreme Court: Follow opinions, orders and court information. More
  • Around the World: Follow international headlines. More
  • Stock Market: Check the latest market numbers, trends and financial news. More

National Month

National Preparedness Month — Sept. 11 is also a day of remembrance, making preparedness, service and community resilience especially meaningful.

Share an event: Know of a local event or resource we should include in Daily Connections? Email us at news@knoxtntoday.com.

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KnoxTNToday Update: Don’t forget our weekend features: Saturday Catch-Up on Saturday and Faith Along the Way on Sunday.

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