Connect with other veg-friendly folks in Knoxville

If you're new in town, or a longtime resident interested in exploring the vegan or plant-based lifestyle, we have many ways you can get involved with our vibrant community. From in-person hangouts to online forums, there are great places for you to learn, make new friends, and find support.

Knox Vegan is one of several organizations involved in growing and supporting the East Tennessee vegan scene. We partner with these organizations on events and opportunities throughout the year, working closely to promote opportunities to improve the lives of people and animals in our area.

In March of 2023 and again in 2024, Knoxville area chefs were challenged by Vegan Outreach (in collaboration with 4Them Animal Sanctuary) to create their best new vegan dishes as month-long specials. Residents were encouraged to vote for their favorites, choosing winners in several categories. This event has led to new vegan dishes being added to menus, and has fostered a new sense of innovation in plant-based recipe creation.

Knox Vegan celebrates the work of 4Them Sanctuary, a certified 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2018, focused on providing a home that is safe, loving, and complete for each of their 100+ residents. This philosophy is what inspired Founder, Leslie Naylor, to start 4Them Sanctuary. At 4Them, giving back to abused and neglected farm animals is at the forefront of their intentions as a nonprofit. This all starts with spreading a vegan message and showing folks that we can do everything that is within our circumstances to cause the least harm possible.