September 18, 2014 - There's no University of Tennessee football this weekend, but Knoxvillians have plenty of options - a large number of a diverse cultural events, a neighborhood homecoming and do-good volunteer opportunities.
A dozen events are planned in downtown Knoxville or at City parks, but getting to them shouldn't be a challenge. There are only a few road closures.
"Movies on Market Square" On Friday, Sept. 19, the Knox County Public Library continues its "Movies on Market Square" series with the 1986 classic "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." For details, visit www.knoxlib.org. From 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, Wall Avenue between Gay and Walnut streets will be closed.
Saturday Events On Saturday, Sept. 20 - due in part to an open date on UT's football schedule - look for lots of Knoxvillians in downtown Knoxville and other areas doing lots of different things:
Fort Kid "Fix Up" Community Day From 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fort Kid, 1050 World's Fair Park Drive, hundreds of volunteers will be planting, painting and putting the finishing touches on renovations tied to the park's 23rd anniversary.
Market Square Farmers' Market The 11th season of local artists and farmers selling locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants and locally made artisan foods and crafts continues, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit www.marketsquarefarmersmarket.org. The usual weekly street closures will be in place: Market Street between Union and Clinch avenues will be closed from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., with no-parking zones starting at 5 a.m. Saturday; Union Avenue between Walnut and Gay streets also will be closed from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., with no-parking zones beginning at 5 a.m.
Tennessee Wine at the Farmers' Market Tennessee farm wineries will have bottles of wine for sale and will provide tastings of various wines for a $10 fee. All wines offered are made with 95 percent Tennessee-grown fruit.
Asian Festival Next door to the Farmers' Market, take in the food, dance and music of Knoxville's first-ever Asian Festival, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Krutch Park Extension.
Art Fair KMA The Guild of the Knoxville Museum of Art presents this full day of family art activities at the museum, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Roughly 50 artists will offer live demonstrations and have work available for sale around the museum grounds. World's Fair Park Drive between 11th Street and Clinch Avenue will be closed from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and no-parking zones will be in effect starting at 5 a.m.
Latino Awards The second annual event at 5:30 p.m. at the Convention Center is designed to spotlight the work and contributions of Latino leaders in East Tennessee. Visit www.centrohispanotn.org/the-latino-awards-2014.
Hard Knox Roller Girls The skating starts at 6 p.m. at the Civic Coliseum. For tickets, call 865-215-8999.
Southeastern Championship Wrestling The competition begins at 7 p.m. at the Civic Coliseum Ballroom. For tickets, call 865-215-8999.
Mechanicsville Community Homecoming The ninth annual celebration, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Danny Mayfield Park, starts with a homecoming parade. Anticipate temporary rolling road closures starting at the intersection of Fifth and University avenues, then to College Street, then to Maynard Elementary School, beginning at 10 a.m.
Fun in the Sun All Mopar Car Show For more details on the 9 a.m.-5 p.m. show at Chilhowee Park, visit http://easttennesseemopars.com.
Conquer Chiari Walk Across America Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the Tyson Park walk stats at 10 a.m. But stick around – organizers will be serving food and offering face painting until 1 p.m. Nearly 11,000 nationwide participants last year raised funds to research the neurological disorder.
Dream Connection's "Running for a Dream" 5K The 8 a.m. 5K and family fun run to benefit the Dream Connection will be held at Regal Cinemas in Turkey Creek.