The City of Knoxville Office of Neighborhoods invites neighborhood supporters and fans of craft beer to engage in a friendly competition that supports the 2020 Neighborhood Conference. 

The Neighborhood Challenge will be held Wednesday, Feb. 12, at five local breweries that are sponsors of the Neighborhood Conference and represent regions of the city: 

• Abridged Beer Co. (West neighborhoods)
• Hexagon Brewing Co. (North neighborhoods)
• Last Days of Autumn Brewing (East neighborhoods)
• Pretentious Beer Co. (Downtown neighborhoods)
• Printshop Beer Co. (South neighborhoods)

“When we got the idea for the Neighborhood Challenge in 2019, several neighborhood groups or their committees were meeting at their local watering holes,” says Assistant Neighborhood Coordinator Eden Slater. “Like coffee shops and restaurants, breweries are natural gathering places for neighbors to talk about pressing issues and ways to address them.”

“This event was a huge success last year,” adds Neighborhood Conference Coordinator Courtney Durrett. “Neighbors and families had a fun time, while supporting local businesses and raising money to help keep the Neighborhood Conference free for all attendees. We are very excited to bring it back this year.”

Each brewery sponsor will contribute $1 per pint sold between 5 and 10 p.m. to the Neighborhood Conference. Donations will also be accepted from attendees who want to help their favorite region of the city get ahead in the competition. 

The participating brewery to raise the most funds will be recognized as the winner at the 2020 Neighborhood Conference on Saturday, March 28, at the Knoxville Convention Center. Abridged Beer Co. and West neighborhoods won the 2019 Neighborhood Competition, contributing to nearly $1,000 in total sponsorship funds raised across the five locations. 

Registration for the 2020 Neighborhood Conference opens Tuesday, Feb. 11, at KnoxvilleTN.gov/neighborhoods. The event is free to all registered attendees and includes workshops, panel discussions and a catered lunch.

For additional information about the Office of Neighborhoods and the services it provides, visit KnoxvilleTN.gov/neighborhoods.