Hey, y’all – Welcome to Knoxville, Tennessee – a secret gem in the middle of East Tennessee that’s becoming one of the South’s hottest spots. This city has the perfect mix of urban fun and natural beauty so whether you live here or are just visiting, you’ll love it. From 18th-century history to a thriving arts scene, we have it all.
Whether you’re a history lover looking to visit Civil War sites, an outdoor enthusiast ready to tackle the Great Smoky Mountains, or a foodie looking to try award-winning restaurants, Knoxville won’t let you down. The city’s warm atmosphere and all the things to do have many people asking: Is Knoxville a good place to live?
To answer that and give you a taste of what this Southern city has to offer we’ve put together a list of 20 fun things to do in Knoxville. These activities show off the best of Knoxville – from downtown to neighborhoods to parks to cultural events. So let’s get started and see why Knoxville might be your new favorite place to live or visit!
Downtown Knoxville
Downtown Knoxville is the city’s main attraction and has a lot to offer. As you walk around you’ll feel the vibe.
Market Square: Start here at Market Square, the heart of downtown. This historic square is surrounded by one-of-a-kind shops, award-winning restaurants, and often events. On warm summer evenings, you might catch a free concert or join a community gathering. It’s the perfect place to people-watch, grab a bite, or just soak up the local atmosphere.
Gay Street: Just off Market Square is Gay Street, one of Knoxville’s main streets. This historic street is lined with unique boutiques, cozy cafes, and interesting art galleries. Take your time walking down the sidewalk and pop into shops that catch your eye. You never know what you’ll find!
Old City: For a taste of Knoxville’s past head to the Old City. This neighborhood has a history dating back to the city’s early days. Today it’s home to trendy bars, live music venues, and some of the best restaurants in town. The brick buildings and old-fashioned street lamps give it a charming, nostalgic feel that’s hard to resist. Old City is the place to be for Knoxville nightlife.
Knoxville Tours
One of the best ways to get to know Knoxville is through a tour. There are several to choose from, each with a different view of the city.
Walking Tours: Several companies offer walking tours of downtown Knoxville, focusing on history, architecture, or the culinary scene. These tours are a great way to learn about the city’s past while experiencing the present.
Bike Tours: If you want to see more of the city and get some exercise, try a bike tour.
Ghost Tours: For a spooky thrill Knoxville has ghost tours that take you through some of the city’s most haunted locations. These are especially popular in the fall around Halloween.
James White’s Fort
Step back at James White’s Fort, a living history museum that takes you back to Knoxville’s frontier days. This reconstructed 1780s log cabin was the home of James White, the founder of Knoxville. As you walk through the fort you’ll learn about life in early Tennessee and the challenges of the pioneers who settled this land.
The fort offers guided tours where costumed interpreters demonstrate various aspects of frontier life, from cooking to blacksmithing. It’s a fun and educational experience for all ages and a tangible connection to Knoxville’s earliest days.
Peter Kern Library Speakeasy
For a unique nightlife experience visit the Peter Kern Library Speakeasy. Hidden behind a secret door in the Oliver Hotel this cozy bar serves up creative cocktails in an old-timey setting. The speakeasy’s atmosphere is Prohibition era with dim lighting, plush seating, and a menu disguised as a book.
Each cocktail on the menu is named after a literary character so book lovers will have an extra layer of fun. The Peter Kern Library Speakeasy is the perfect spot for a date or a night out with friends to see the mysterious side of Knoxville.
Phoenix Pharmacy
Step back in time at the Phoenix Pharmacy, an old-school soda fountain in the middle of downtown Knoxville. This nostalgic spot serves delicious ice cream sundaes, handcrafted sodas, and other sweet treats in a vintage setting.
The Phoenix Pharmacy is more than an ice cream parlor; it’s a piece of Knoxville history. The building dates back to the early 1900s and much of the original architecture and decor has been preserved. It’s the perfect spot for adults or kids to satisfy your sweet tooth while soaking up local history.
Gay Street
Gay Street is one of Knoxville’s main streets running through the middle of downtown. This historic street is lined with beautiful buildings, unique shops, and great restaurants. As you walk down Gay Street you’ll pass by some of Knoxville’s most famous landmarks, the Tennessee Theatre and the Bijou Theatre.
Stop by some of the street’s unique shops and galleries. From vintage clothing stores to local artisan shops there’s something for everyone on Gay Street. And when you need a break there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to rest and refuel.
World’s Fair Park
World’s Fair Park is a 10-acre urban park in downtown Knoxville that was the site of the 1982 World’s Fair. Today it’s a beautiful green space with various attractions and activities for all ages.
The park’s main attraction is the Sunsphere, a 266-foot steel tower with a gold-colored glass sphere. You can take an elevator up to the observation deck for views of the city and the Smoky Mountains.
In addition to the Sunsphere World’s Fair Park has gardens, interactive fountains, and plenty of open space for picnics or outdoor games. It’s also home to the Tennessee Amphitheater which hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
Strong Alley (Graffiti Alley)
For a different art experience walk down Strong Alley also known as Graffiti Alley. This colorful passageway is covered in ever-changing street art and murals and is a glimpse into Knoxville’s urban art scene.
The alley is always changing with new pieces popping up regularly. It’s a testament to Knoxville’s thriving arts community and a great backdrop for photos. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for something different, Strong Alley is worth a visit.
Bowl and Dine at Maple Hall
Looking for a different kind of night out? Go to Maple Hall, a boutique bowling alley with a restaurant and live music. It’s a fun twist on the traditional bowling alley experience, more upscale and adult-oriented.
Maple Hall has 11 lanes, a full bar, and elevated pub fare. Even if you’re not a big bowler it’s worth visiting for the cool atmosphere and good food and drink. And many nights you can bowl with live music.
Visit Market Square
Market Square is the center of downtown Knoxville, a pedestrian mall where locals and visitors meet. The square is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars so it’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
In the warmer months, Market Square hosts various events including concerts, movies in the park, and a weekly farmers market. The square is also home to some of Knoxville’s best restaurants from casual cafes to fine dining.
Sit in the square’s central area and enjoy the benches and tables to people watch or eat takeout from one of the nearby restaurants.
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Knoxville Museum of Art
Artists shouldn’t miss the Knoxville Museum of Art. This museum has a collection of local and regional art and rotating exhibitions of national and international art. And the best part? It’s free.
The museum’s permanent collection includes the Cycle of Life, a stunning glass installation by Knoxville artist Richard Jolley. This three years in the making piece is one of the largest figural glass assemblages in the world.
In addition to exhibitions, the Knoxville Museum of Art offers various educational programs and events throughout the year and is the cultural hub of the city.
Award-Winning Restaurants
Knoxville’s food scene has been getting national attention lately with several award-winning restaurants calling the city home. From Southern comfort food to international cuisine there’s something for every taste.
One must-try restaurant is J.C. Holdway run by James Beard Award-winning chefs Joseph Lenn and Emilia for authentic Italian food. For classic Southern food go to Bistro at the Bijou, one of Knoxville’s oldest restaurants.
Don’t forget to check out the food trucks. Many local breweries have food trucks that come in regularly so you can try different cuisines in a casual setting.
Civil War History
Knoxville was a major player in the Civil War and history lovers will find plenty to see. Start at the East Tennessee History Center which has exhibits on the Civil War and other periods of local history.
For a more in-depth experience go to Fort Dickerson Park. This Civil War-era fort has great views of the city and self-guided tours where you can learn about the fort’s role in the Siege of Knoxville.
Live Music at Preservation Pub
Knoxville has a great music scene and one of the best places to experience it is at Preservation Pub. This multi-level bar has live music most nights a great selection of craft beer and a fun atmosphere.
Preservation Pub has an eclectic schedule with local indie bands to national touring acts. Even if you don’t know the performers it’s always a good time. The rooftop bar, the Moonshine Roof Garden, has great views of the city and is a great place to hang out on a warm evening.
East Tennessee Outdoors
Knoxville is in East Tennessee so it’s surrounded by nature. There are plenty of opportunities to get outside in the city.
Ijams Nature Center is a 315-acre urban wilderness area just minutes from downtown. It has miles of hiking and biking trails, a quarry lake for paddling, and plenty of wildlife viewing.
For a more groomed outdoor experience go to the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. This beautiful garden has walking trails, historic stone walls, and plenty of flowers and plants.
If you’re willing to drive a bit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an hour away with world-class hiking, camping, and scenic drives.
Go to a Game at Neyland Stadium
Sports fans shouldn’t miss the chance to see a University of Tennessee football game at Neyland Stadium. With over 100,000 capacity it’s one of the largest stadiums in the country and game days are an experience like no other.
Even if you’re not a big football fan, the energy and excitement of a Vols game are worth experiencing. The sea of orange, the roar of the crowd, and the traditions like the Vol Walk make it a Knoxville classic.
City Parks
Knoxville is the “Scruffy City” but it’s also very green with many parks throughout the city. World’s Fair Park is one of many great outdoor spaces in the city.
Lakeshore Park has great views of the Tennessee River and the Smoky Mountains, walking trails, and open fields for picnics or frisbee.
For a more rugged experience go to Knoxville Urban Wilderness, a 1,000-acre corridor along the south waterfront with over 50 miles of multi-use trails, Civil War sites, and great views.
Plan Your Visit Around These Events
Knoxville has many special events throughout the year that are worth planning a trip around. Some of them are:
- Dogwood Arts Festival (April) A month-long celebration of art, culture, and nature.
- Knoxville Brewfest (June) A craft beer showcase from around the region and beyond.
- Big Ears Festival (March) An internationally recognized festival of experimental music and art.
- Knoxville Marathon (March/April) A Boston qualifier that runs through some of the city’s most scenic areas.
These events are the best way to see Knoxville at its best and experience the sense of community that makes this city so unique.
Food Tour
Want to try a little of everything Knoxville’s food scene offers? Take a food tour. Several companies offer guided walks through downtown and stop at some of the city’s best restaurants.
You’ll taste great food and learn about the city’s history and culture. It’s a great way to find new favorite restaurants and learn about the city.
Free Stuff
Knoxville has plenty of free activities for the budget-conscious. We’ve already mentioned the Knoxville Museum of Art’s free admission but that’s just the beginning.
The WDVX Blue Plate Special is a free live radio show Monday through Saturday at noon. It’s a great way to see local and touring musicians in an intimate setting.
Many of the city’s parks including World’s Fair Park and Ijams Nature Center are free to visit. And if you’re downtown take advantage of the free parking on weeknights and weekends.
Final Thoughts
From downtown to the great outdoors Knoxville has it all. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or culture vulture you’ll find something to love in this Southern city.
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So whether you’re a local, a visitor, or thinking of moving to the area Knoxville has something to offer you. Make sure to remember everything mentioned here when planning your next trip out!
