© 2024 Cityview Magazine – Photography by Nathan Sparks

September 21, 2024 – The Knoxville Symphony League welcomed guests to enjoy a starlit dinner at Ridgefield Manor this fall for Dîner au Blanc et Noir: An Evening in Black and White. Guests enjoyed live music from Knoxville Symphony Orchestra members, and special guests even received a tour of the property. As the name suggests, the dress code was chic black and white attire. Proceeds benefit orchestra events. Find more events from the KSL at knoxvillesymphony.com/knoxville-symphony-league.

* In the November/December 2024 issue of Cityview, this event was incorrectly attributed to the KMA. Please note that this was indeed a Knoxville Symphony League event.*

© 2024 Cityview Magazine – Photography by Nathan Sparks

August 24, 2024 – Nashville artists came together to share music and stories at Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding’s annual Songwriters in the Round event. With a setting inspired by the famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville and food catered by Chuy’s and Dead End BBQ, the event raised money to support STAR’s mission of healing through horses. Learn more about the organization at rideatstar.org.

© 2024 Cityview Magazine – Photography by Tim Doyle

August 22, 2024 – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley honored local athletes at the 43rd Annual Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony. The event featured speakers Rick Neuheisel and Adam Zucker with a special appearance by Houston Nutt. Proceeds benefit the club’s programming to support local youth. Learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley at bgctnv.org.

© 2022 Cityview Magazine – Photography by Isaiah Woodruff

February 12, 2022 – Bennett held a Bridal Open House for Knoxvillians preparing for their big day. Guests had the opportunity to view samples from vendors across the region while sipping champagne, sampling fine bites to eat, and experiencing Bennett’s space. They also walked away with giveaways from vendors in the process. Bennett puts on events throughout the year. Learn more at bennetthome.com.

© 2021 Cityview Magazine – Photography by Nathan Sparks

June 25, 2021 – Supporters of the Museum of Appalachia gathered together at the annual Barn Dance fundraiser in June for dinner and an auction. Attendees enjoyed time at the museum grounds as they listened to bluegrass, indulged in hors d’oeuvres, and participated in an auction for local experiences. All proceeds from the event benefit the museum.

Photography by Nathan Sparks

In April, Cityview Publisher Nathan Sparks headed over to the Game and Field Fair at the Barnsley Resort in Adairsville, Georgia. Held on the Beretta Shooting Grounds, the event was a collaboration between High Adventure Company and The Pepi Family Jonas Brothers Studios.

Photography by Trent Eades

Photography by Trent Eades

In March, thousands of Knoxvillians and visitors spent four days experiencing a wide range of music and other creative forms, such as art and film, in more than a dozen venues in downtown Knoxville, including the historic Tennessee Theater and the Bijou Theater. Founded in 2009, the Big Ears Festival has received enthusiastic acclaim from national media, including the New York Times and Rolling Stone.

Photography by Trent Eades

Thousands of folks got their green on during the Knox Shamrock Fest on Market Square. The Saint Patrick’s Day event featured live music, inflatable bounce houses, face painting, and a “Lucky Kidney Fun Run.” For the adults, there was green beer, Irish whiskey, and other tasty libations. Knoxville Shamrock Fest raises funds for the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation.

Photography by Trent Eades

Dozens of dogs in colorful regalia paraded through downtown in early March to celebrate the 12th Mardi Growl, a benefit for the Young-Williams Animal Center. The event was sponsored by Merchants of Beer. After the parade the dogs, their owners, and thousands of spectators congregated on Market Square where there were more than 60 pet-friendly vendors.

Super-happy dogs jumping into water? What’s not to like? In mid-August, more than 40 dogs participated in Dog Daze II at the Village Green Shopping Center in Farragut. The canine-centric event was sponsored by Shop Farragut, the Town of Farragut, Smoky Mountain Dock Dogs, and Ricki’s Pet Depot.

Photography by Trent Eades

From mid-July through mid-August, Falstaff, Prince Hal, Imogen, Posthumous, Pisanio, and many other creations of William Shakespeare strutted and fretted upon the Market Square stage. Every summer since 2003, the Tennessee Stage Company has produced two plays on Market Square; this year’s were King Henry IV Part One and Cymbeline. The Tennessee Stage Company, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional theater company, has been operating since 1989; it engages in many educational outreach programs.

Photography by Trent Eades

Cosplayers costumed as Deadpool, Spider-Man, Harley Quinn, Batman, Thor, and many other pop culture characters rubbed shoulders with celebrity guests during this year’s FanBoy Expo’s Knoxville Comic Con, held June 29-July 1 in the Knoxville Convention Center. Dozens of vendors sold comics, action figures, original art, and much else; attendees had their pictures taken with actors from shows such as Star Trek and Buffy the Vampire Slayer; luminaries such as Roy Thomas, former editor of Marvel Comics, signed autographs.

Photography by Trent Eades

On June 23, thousands of people cheered the Thirteenth Annual Knox Pride Parade as it made its way through downtown Knoxville to the Mary Costa Lawn next to the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum. The vast majority of observers appeared to support Pridefest though there was a very small contingent of vocal protestors.

Photography by Trent Eades

The rooftop of the Hyatt Place hotel downtown provided the perfect backdrop for Shane Archer’s Grow Salon VIP launch party. With summer cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, the company celebrated their new partnership with L’anza Healing Center, becoming the first and only such center in Tennessee.

Photography by Nathan Sparks