KNOXVILLE FESTIVALS: Happy Holler’s Street Festival
The city of Knoxville is said to have 16 neighborhoods (this is according to a very quick Google search by yours truly). While I don’t know if this is necessarily accurate, I can say for certain that one of my favorite neighborhoods around these parts is the Happy Holler Historic District. Yes, you read that right. The Happy Holler. Yee. To. The Haw. (Coincidentally, Yee-Haw Brewing is located in this area. Fitting.)
If you aren’t familiar, the Happy Holler is in North Knoxville and in the past was known as one of the… scruffier parts of town. In the last decade, however, it has become a sprawling scene of bakeries, bars, breweries, shops, restaurants and even has its own cinema. In addition to the variety of businesses, the Happy Holler just has a certain je ne sais quoi. (I confidently say this after living in the holler myself for several years.) It is a place that while close to downtown is still somehow off the beaten path. It embodies a unique blend of maintaining that bit of scruffiness with a coolness that sets it apart from more polished neighborhoods.
The vibe is truly authentic with a laid-back, unpretentious attitude. In the same vein, the residents and local businesses that call the Happy Holler home embrace their community’s history and character. With all of this (and wayyyy more than I’ve even scratched the surface on), it’s no surprise that this area is hosting what will probably be the coolest street festival that has ever festivaled in the history of street festivals: Holleroo.
Holleroo is the Happy Holler’s inaugural celebration and street festival and will take place this Saturday, April 13th from 10am – 11pm. Equal parts street fair and music festival, Holleroo promises a jam packed day of fun and entertainment for all ages. During the day, you’ll be able to wander around the open streets checking out local vendors for all kinds of baubles and trinkets, watch an actual Soap Box Derby, and then starting at 5pm, you’ll get the opportunity to check out some amazing local musical talent with the likes of Sarrenna, Dos Fuegos, and Dishwater Blonde. And did I mention all of this is FREE!?! No covers. No wristbands required. Just good ole fashioned free fun.
I was fortunate enough to see both Sarrenna and Dos Fuegos at the recent local music fest, WayneStock, and both are acts you seriously do not want to miss. Sarrenna is a true gem in the Knoxville music scene. When you see her live you can’t help but immediately be captivated by her voice. She sings with this self-contained power mixed with raw emotion that is spellbinding. You can feel the truth behind every verse and her own songs are imbued with a sense of vulnerability and authenticity that is so flippin’ refreshing it makes me want to cuss. (I won’t because I am a lady of course, but GOSH DANGIT she is good, y’all.)
Then on top of that, you have Dos Fuegos, the local Knoxville rap duo composed of Darrius Vital-Herne and Yattie Westfield, whose stage presence alone is enough to lure any passerby in and then rock their face off. With their electrifying performances and thought-provoking lyrics, they have carved out a distinct niche for themselves and earned the admiration of fans far and wide. Oh, and did I mention Yattie is literally a one man band and musical genius who plays the guitar and drums on stage at the same time (And I thought I was good at multitasking 😅).
Dishwater Blonde will round out the evening and if I’m being honest, I know nothing about this band besides the fact that their name comes from a line of a lesser known Prince song and they coined themselves as “Knoxville’s Finest, The Southeast’s Funkiest Band”. I can dig that. They’ve added several talented musicians to their line up including one of my favs, Cozmo Holloway, guitarist for The Dirty Guvs and Electric Darling, and I look forward to shakin’ my groove thang to them Saturday night.
All in all, it’s going to be an amazing time for some hootin’ and hollerin’ in the Happy Holler and I can’t wait to see you there!
Tips from your Festie Bestie:
- Bring cash and grab a tasty treat from The Original Freezo while you’re in the area. This place is an iconic eatery right in the heart of the Happy Holler and has been open since 1942 y’all.
- Wear comfortable shoes and plan to stay late as there may or may not be a secret Silent Disco happening after the shows.
- It goes without saying, but with any festival or event where you are hanging out all day outside and possibly imbibing on the local craft beer selections, drink water and use a ride-share option if possible. Your future self will thank you.
- If you DON’T Uber, remember to lock your car as the unofficial tagline for this area for longer than I can remember has been “Love Your Hood, Lock Your Sh*t Up!” 😆
Cheers!
Nena
5 of the Best Patios in Knoxville
When it comes to late summer/early fall in East Tennessee, you can count on two things. First, University of Tennessee football will let you down. Second, the weather will lift you right back up🙌 We’re talkin’ temps in the mid-70s, refreshing breezes, even *a little less humidity.* You may find yourself asking, “Am I in California?” No, my friend. You have, in fact, stepped into prime patio season in East Tennessee. Don’t you dare go inside to drink your celebratory “I-Don’t-Watch-Football-So-This-Doesn’t-Affect-Me” beer. In no particular order, we’re here to share five of the best outdoor patios in Knoxville, Tennessee. (This will obviously be a multi-part series. How could we possibly narrow it down to five??)
Patio #1: Merchants of Beer
Neighborhood: Old City A couple years back, we heard Merchants of Beer (otherwise known as “MoB”) was going to renovate their parking lot into a back patio. We were distressed. We love an easy parking situation. WE WERE WRONG. This patio is 100% worth giving up parking (and yes, there is literally a parking lot across the street. We never claimed to be fitness buffs😂) From a permanent food truck to ping pong and other yard games to an ACTUAL BUBBLE MACHINE, this patio easily makes the “best patios in Knoxville” list for plenty of locals. Check, check, check.
Patio #2: Schulz Brau
Neighborhood: North Knox Schulz Brau is hands down the top biergarten in East Tennessee. The German decor gives us Oktoberfest vibes all year long. Just listen to this line-up: fire pits, big screen TVs, a stage for live music (or stein-holding contests if you come at the right time), and an outdoor bar so you literally never have to step foot inside. This German dream is a no-brainer.
Patio #3: Public House
Neighborhood: Old City-ish Tucked off the beaten path and just north of the Old City, Public House feels more like a secret garden than a downtown bar. The ingredients may seem standard – picnic tables, string lights, and vines – but trust us when we say, these things come together to make some patio magic. We recommend this experience with a Bee’s Knees and a good camera because your most-popular-Instagram-post-ever is just itching to be shot in that coveted vine-covered nook.
The Ultimate First Year in Knoxville Bucket List
- farmers market in market square
- go to a local festival
- experience a UT sporting event
- take a photo in front of the tennessee theatre
- go inside the sunsphere
- go on a hike in the smoky mountains
- explore ijams nature center
- experience a first friday
- take on the ale trail
- listen to some bluegrass on a patio
7 Date Night Ideas in Knoxville
Whether you’re looking for a special evening with your significant other, a treat yoself adventure with numero uno, or it’s just high time for a girls night out: here are a few omg-it’s-been-a-year-since-I’ve-gone-out-and-my-social-anxiety-is-kicking -in-so-I-can’t-decide-what-to-do date night ideas to enjoy in good ole Knoxville, TN.
1.) SCOOTER TO SOKNO
Have you seen the Link scooters downtown? (If you’re worried about scooties – “scooter cooties” – so were we. Thankfully, Link was one step ahead! Hop on any scooter sporting a green light on the handlebars. Once you’ve ended your ride, the light will turn red and won’t become green again until it’s been sanitized by a Link staff member.)
Pick up your green-lit scooter, travel over the Gay St. bridge (stop for a photo opp, obviously), and head into SoKno.
Order a pie at South Coast Pizza and enjoy that sucker at Suttrees Landing Park. Feel free to impress your date by scootering while balancing an entire pizza… however, the park is also close enough to walk 😉
2.) TAKE TO THE SEAS
We were absolutely floored to find out you can book lunch or dinner on the Star of Knoxville riverboat any ole time. Book the whole shebang to experience a meal and entertainment – or simply sip your own two buck chuck while enjoying the Tennessee River views from the deck! Either way, the entire experience lasts about two hours, avoiding any need for “three hour tour” fears 😂
Photo From: RT Lodge
3.) (KINDA SORTA) GETAWAY
A trip to Europe this year may still be a bit of a stretch, but East Tennessee ain’t half bad! Have you explored our sweet neighbor to the south? Enjoy mountain views (anything to avoid looking longingly at the airport…) as you drive towards Maryville. Take a stroll through their historic downtown. Grab a drink from Diamondjack Wine Bar before enjoying dinner on the gorgeous patio of RT Lodge, tucked in a forest in the back of Maryville College’s campus. Voila! Date night.
(Already checked out Maryville? Explore Sevierville or Townsend instead!)
4.) OPT OUTSIDE
Sorry but there was no way we could pick just one outdoor activity. This is East Tennessee, after all. Pick any of the following:
A.) Spend the day hiking through Ijams and reward yourself by jumping in Meads Quarry! B.) Pack a picnic and hike up House Mountain to experience the tallest peak in Knox County. C.) Check out Sharp’s Ridge followed by some Señor Taco takeout. D.) Throw a couple rounds of disc golf or get in a game of sand volleyball at Victor Ashe Park!
(Maybe we should have named this “10 Date Night Ideas in Knoxville? Next time😂)
5.) ROOFTOP HOP
Mix date night up and go out on a weeknight to experience the gorgeous views and delish drinks at Downtown Knoxville’s rooftop bars – but with a fraction of the wait time. Rank them on views, vibes, and quality of drinks – then let us know who wins!
6.) WE VOLUNTEER [LANDING] AS TRIBUTE
If downtown is a little crowded for your taste, pivot your date over to Volunteer Landing! Start off strong by renting a paddle board from Knoxville Adventure Collective. Afterward, stroll along the river, turn left onto the greenway, and soon you’ll find yourself near World’s Fair Park. At this point, we suggest photo opps on the colorful steps (near Cumberland Ave and 11th Ave) and in front of our beloved Sunsphere. Follow those photos with frisbee and cartwheels on the lawn!
Photo From: @poppin.picnicco
7.) CAN WE GO BACK TO QUARANTINE?
Not over cozy date nights in? We get it! We also have Knoxville date night ideas for those I’m-done-with-people days 😉 Mix up movie marathon night by giving it a Knoxville theme. Grab some popcorn from Proper Popcorn and some crowlers of your fave local beer and then get cozy! You’re embarking on no small adventure. See how many you can watch in one sitting:
1.) MOVIE WITH DOLLY PARTON: (We choose Steel Magnolias every time.) 2.) MOVIE BY QUENTIN TARANTINO: (Maybe Pulp Fiction? Live your dreams.) 3.) MOVIE WITH AN ACTOR FROM KNOXVILLE: (Hands down, The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Thanks for being born in Knoxville, Jake Thomas.) 4.) MOVIE FILMED IN KNOXVILLE: (The Last Movie Star has a scene in the “Knoxville Grand Hotel” which we very much wish existed.)
Too nice outside for movies? Call up the Poppin’ Picnic Company and they’ll put together the luxury backyard picnic of your actual dreams.
There are plenty more ideas where these came from, so keep an eye out for future lists of date night adventures. In the meantime, however you date night, we hope you have bunches of fun exploring your city and living local this weekend! Want to have a musical date night instead? Discover 7 Days of Live Music in Knoxville!
