THURSDAY
6 p.m. – Fleet Feet Group Run/Walk or North Knoxville Beer Runners
If the warm turn in the weather has inspired you to venture outdoors for longer than it takes you to get from Point A to Point B, here’s an opportunity to get outside and be active – especially if you’ve taken a sabbatical from strenuous exercise. The North Knoxville Beer Runners meet each Thursday of every week. If you’re familiar with Nashville Pedal Tavern, this seems to be the same thing — sans the group bicycle and tourists. This event begins at Central Flats and Taps, located at 1204 N. Central Street.
7 p.m. – The Knoxville Writers’ Guild will be hosting an event featuring spoken word from artist Black Atticus, who professes to be a culmination of the music his parents’ musical influence. According to his website, “He is the by product of a Georgia Peach who told him tales of Atlanta, who played Brass Monkey and Touch of Jazz on .45’s, while her husband spun Earth Wind and Fire before heading off to work.” Getting kicked out of college after writing a poem about the conditions of his campus is among the list of events that have inspired Atticus to keep doing all that he does. The event will take place at Central United Methodist Church’s Fellowship Hall, located at 201 E. Third Avenue, and a $2 donation will be requested at the door.
FRIDAY
5 – 9 p.m. – The Alley Cat Art Show, an exhibit about the beauty in urban decay, will take place at Broadway Studios and Gallery –located at 1127 N. Broadway NE. The work on display until March 1 will be from Knoxville’s own Marianne Ziegler, AKA: Ziggie. If you are interested in seeing some of the Knoxville area’s eyesores in a different light and through the eyes of artist Ziegler, begin your First Friday festivities at this event.
7 – 9 p.m. – Get some laughs in at the First Friday Comedy presentation of Mo Arora and Brian Emond at Saw Works Brewing Company. From Atlanta, these comedians will share the stage with local comedian Angela Garrone, as well as Sean Simoneau. Past events have reportedly been standing room only, so be sure to arrive early and enjoy the craft brews, local food, and — of course — the laughs.
SATURDAY
8 p.m. – Have you ever wanted to go to New Orleans and celebrate Mardi Gras in full-fashion? If so, Saturday is your chance – kind of. If you can exercise a little imagination and pretend that the Old City is NOLA, you can have a semi-authentic Mardi Gras experience at the Old City Mardi Gras Pub Crawl. A single wristband will set you back only seven bucks, if purchased in advance, and will gain you admittance into each of the seven venues, including: The Bowery, Carleo’s Lounge & Nightclub, Hanna’s Old City, NV Nightclub, Southbound Knoxville, Wagon Wheel and 90 Proof.
10 p.m. – Regardless of whether or not you’ve heard them play or even heard of them, Kelsey’s Woods will be coming to Old City this weekend to introduce themselves. This group of Chattanooga transplants now calls Knoxville home, and their Americana/Roots band has seemingly made steady gains in popularity since releasing their debut full-length album in 2012. Established fans and music enthusiasts alike can catch them Saturday night at Boyd’s Gig and Reel.
SUNDAY
10 a.m. – 3:30 PM – Jazz is the word. Knoxville has been churning out a fair amount of opportunities to hear some great jazz performances, and it’s seeming to become synonymous with downtown brunch and lunch on Sundays. The sounds begin at 5 Bar at 10 a.m. and go until 3 p.m. there. You can also find options at Bistro at the Bijou and Downtown Grill and Brewery, starting and lasting from noon to 2 p.m. and 12:30 to 3:30, respectively.
ANYTIME – If you’re a sports fan, you no doubt know that the Superbowl is this upcoming Sunday. If you don’t have a party planned, then head to your pick of local sports bar to enjoy what are sure to be countless specials and celebrations.
