Aug 29, 2025
September 2025 Happenings on the Peaceful Side
Written by: Emily Huffstetler
From concerts and festivals to workshops, markets and family fun, September on the Peaceful Side is packed with ways to celebrate community and the outdoors. Here’s a preview of what’s in store.
September 4 – Taste of Blount
The 23rd Annual Taste of Blount takes over Theater in the Park in Maryville, right across from the Blount County Courthouse. From 6 to 8 p.m., sample savory favorites from local restaurants, caterers, food trucks and gourmet grocers.
September 4 – Songs by the Brook Concert Series
Settle into a beautiful evening at Springbrook Park in Alcoa with Americana, folk and blues music performed by regional and local musicians. Concerts run from 6 to 9 p.m. with food vendors on-site.
September 4 – Inklings! A Writing Club
Join published authors KB and Ted for the first meeting of this new writing group at Neighborly Books in Maryville. Writers of all ages and genres are welcome to share work, ask questions and receive professional feedback. It starts at 6:30 p.m.
September 4 – Community Canvas: Group Art Exhibition
The Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville hosts a wide-ranging exhibition featuring East Tennessee artists, running through October 26. Mark your calendar for the Artists’ Reception on October 16 at 5:30 p.m.
September 5 – The Tasting Table
Sip, learn and connect at Vienna Coffee Company in Maryville during this free coffee tasting event. Drop in any time from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
September 5 – Drivin N Cryin VOLS of Honor Benefit
Classic rock favorites Drivin N Cryin return to The Shed in Alcoa for a benefit concert supporting the VOLS of Honor scholarship endowment at UTK. Music begins around 7:30 p.m.
September 5 – Sunset Series: Blue Ridge Gathering
Catch an unforgettable neo-traditional performance by Blue Ridge Gathering at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center amphitheater in Townsend. The show runs from 7 to 9 p.m., with food and drink available on-site.
September 6 – Maryville Farmers Market
Shop fresh produce, baked goods and handmade crafts from local vendors at Founders’ Square in Downtown Maryville. Open from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday through November.
September 6 – Cornhusk Wreath Workshop
Make a fall-themed wreath at Louisville Mercantile, using natural corn husks, seed pods, pumpkins and more, from 9 to 11 a.m.
September 6 – Songwriters Showcase
The Bird and the Book in Maryville hosts local songwriters for an evening of original music, from 6 to 8 p.m. Free admission with food and drinks available.
September 7 – Gotta Tri Youth Triathlon
Kids ages three to nine can bike, run and splash their way through this family-friendly triathlon at Springbrook Pool in Alcoa. This friendly competition runs from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
September 10 – Friendly Ghost & Fall Crafts
Celebrate spooky season early at REO Cheesewagon in Maryville, where you’ll create whimsical ghost art and autumn-scented wax melts in this hands-on workshop. It begins at 6 p.m.
September 12 – Morgan Wade with Boy Named Banjo
Spend the evening with two powerhouse acts when Morgan Wade and Boy Named Banjo take the stage at The Shed in Alcoa. Music begins around 7:30 p.m.
September 12 – Landslide: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
Experience the iconic music of Fleetwood Mac live at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7:00.
September 13 – Folk Medicine: Fire Cider Workshop
At the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, learn to make Fire Cider, a traditional herbal remedy that boosts immunity, aids digestion and fights inflammation. The workshop runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
September 16 – Cheese and Quiet
Bring a blanket, book or podcast and enjoy a calm, cozy evening with good cheese and good company at REO Cheesewagon in Maryville, from 5 to 8 p.m.
September 18 – Jewelry Class: Spider Pendant
Get creative at Creative Spark Studio in Maryville as you craft a wire and gemstone spider pendant with step-by-step instruction. Designed for ages 15 and up.
September 18 – Fall Bow Making
Add seasonal charm to your home with a bow-making class at Louisville Mercantile, where you’ll design three custom bows for wreaths, gifts or décor.
September 18 – One Night in Memphis
Relive a legendary jam session with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville. This high-energy tribute brings all four icons together for one unforgettable night. Music starts at 7:30 p.m.
September 19–20 – Outdoor Enthusiast Expo
This two-day celebration at Maryville College brings together hunters, anglers, hikers, birders, paddlers and nature lovers through hands-on activities and shared learning. Evening talks on conservation showcase how diverse outdoor communities protect ecosystems for future generations.
September 20–27 – Plein Air Smokies
Watch acclaimed artists paint in and around the Great Smoky Mountains, with proceeds benefiting Tremont Institute.
September 20 – Fall Market
Browse local vendors, enjoy live music and savor brunch and coffee during the Fall Market at Southern Grace Coffee Co. in Maryville, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
September 20 – Fresh Flower Arranging Workshop
Design your own seasonal floral arrangement with guidance from Burton’s Bloomers during this creative workshop at Louisville Mercantile, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
September 20 – Oktoberfest
Raise a stein with guest breweries, costume contests and competitions at Peaceful Side Social in Townsend. Festivities run from 12 to 8 p.m.
September 22 – Blount County Recycling Center Tour
Take a behind-the-scenes look at local recycling programs with Keep Blount Beautiful during a guided tour of the Blount County Recycling Center, starting at 9 a.m.
September 23 – Hiking Clinic
Learn about trail terrain, gear and nutrition during this evening clinic hosted by Little River Trading Co. in Maryville. Registration is required for hike participation. The clinic begins at 5:30 p.m.
September 24 – Pressed Flower Workshop
Sip craft beer while making pressed-flower art in this cozy hands-on class at Tri Hop Brewery in Maryville, beginning at 6 p.m.
September 25 – Songs & Stories
Lee Zimmerman hosts an evening of storytelling and songcraft with local musicians at Peaceful Side Brewery in Townsend. Free admission from 6 to 8 p.m.
September 25–27 – Bronco Driver Super Celebration Throwback
Old Broncos (1966–1996) roll into Townsend for a weekend of fellowship, swap meets and classic mountain camaraderie.
September 26–27 – Townsend Fall Heritage Festival
Celebrate Appalachian traditions with music, crafts, food and history at the Heritage Center in Townsend.
September 26–28 – Naturalist Skills
Join a weekend course on nature observation, journaling and outdoor connection at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.
September 26 – Community Benefit Sale
Shop gently used items to support over 20 local charities during the monthly benefit sale at New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
September 26–27 – The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Maryville Christian School presents this hilarious comedy of errors at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville.
September 27 – Dash for Trash
Volunteer for a family-friendly litter cleanup with Keep Blount Beautiful, followed by snacks and giveaways at Blackhorse Pub & Brewery in Alcoa. The cleanup runs from 10 to 11 a.m.
September 27 – Smart Cycling Course
Learn safe bicycling skills during this free class at the Blount County Public Library in Maryville, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
September 27 – Blue Ribbon Country Fair
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend transforms into an old-fashioned county fair with farm animals, heritage demonstrations, skillet-throwing and games. Festivities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
September 27–October 4 – Smoky Mountain Bike Week
Ride some of the region’s most scenic and thrilling roads, with special concerts and gatherings based at The Shed in Alcoa.
September 28 – Smoky Mountain Storytellers
Hear tales from the Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association at the Heritage Center in Townsend, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.