Taste of Turkey Creek returns to West Knoxville on Friday, October 9, with more than 25 local restaurants pouring and plating for a crowd organizers expect to top 1,200 people. This year's gathering at Pinnacle at Turkey Creek carries a new charitable mission, shifting its fundraising focus to breast cancer support just as October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month gets underway.
General admission runs from 6 to 9 p.m., with VIP ticket holders getting in 30 minutes early at 5:30 p.m., according to the Knoxville Focus. Early bird general admission tickets are priced at $40, VIP tickets run $125, and kids' admission costs $10, according to Visit Knoxville. VIP perks include reserved seating, three beverage tickets, and access to VIP giveaways, while general admission covers unlimited tastings, water, soda, and live entertainment.
Participating vendors for this year include Fleming's Steakhouse, Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company, Wild Wing Café, Whataburger, and Seasons, per the Knoxville Focus. Live music comes courtesy of The Deep Fakes, and the event will also feature giveaways, activities, and chances to connect with local businesses and organizations. Sponsors backing the night include Renewal by Andersen, TVA Credit Union, AT&T, Century Fire Protection, and TDS Internet.
A New Beneficiary After Years of Alzheimer's Fundraising
For years, including 2023 through 2025, Taste of Turkey Creek raised money for the Pat Summitt Foundation to support Alzheimer's disease research, according to farragutpress. This year marks a notable shift, with proceeds instead benefiting Breast Connect, a local nonprofit supporting individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. The event will still deliver what it always has, according to Gabi Walsh, marketing manager for Pinnacle Turkey Creek, who said Taste of Turkey Creek showcases Turkey Creek restaurants and businesses while bringing the community together for an important cause.
Breast Connect was founded in Knoxville in 2014 by breast cancer survivors under the initial nickname Happy Hour for a Cure, and has since grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has assisted more than 2,700 women navigating diagnosis and treatment across East Tennessee, per the nonprofit's own account relayed through RunSignup. The organization provides education, mentorship, support groups, and connections to resources for people affected by breast cancer. Its president, Nina Reineri, co-founded the group following her own cancer diagnosis, after identifying a need for peer-to-peer mentorship pairing newly diagnosed patients with survivors who completed similar treatment plans, Blank Newspaper reported.
Why the Cause Resonates in Tennessee
Breast cancer remains the most common non-skin cancer among women in Tennessee, with more than 5,700 new invasive cases diagnosed statewide each year and roughly 950 deaths annually, according to the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition. Nationwide, roughly 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, the coalition notes.
Turkey Creek Stays the Gathering Spot
Pinnacle at Turkey Creek will host Friday's Taste of Turkey Creek, a seasonal community event.
Hoodline previously covered the area's growing commercial footprint when 7 Brew opened a drive-thru at the shopping center, and reported on another nearby community gathering, the Farragut Yacht Rock concert, which drew sponsors from the local business and health sectors. Tickets for Taste of Turkey Creek are on sale now, and guests are encouraged to purchase early to secure the best available price and reserve a spot. Event updates are available through Pinnacle Turkey Creek's social media and website.
