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Things To Do in Downtown Knoxville | Summer 2023

Hello summer 2023! ☀️ Downtown Knoxville has a line up of festivals and celebrations you don't want to miss, plus make your own fun with rooftop hops, summer coffees, splash pads, and more. Make the most of the summer in the buzzing atmosphere of Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee!

Celebrate 20 Seasons of the Market Square Farmers' Market

This year marks the 20th season of the beloved Market Square Farmers’ Market — managed by the non-profit Nourish Knoxville. Downtown Knoxville invites you to join us for several activities, like fan mail and a scavenger hunt, plus photo ops to celebrate! 🙌 

Sip on Summer Coffees

K Brew's Juniper Berry Matcha is smooth, fruity, and earthy, sure to get you in the summer mood. Over in the Old City, try Awaken Coffee's Revivers for a refreshing treat. On Union Ave, Mahalo Coffee Roasters boasts everyone's favorite summer iced coffee: Coconut Mocha. Lastly, stop by Coffee & Chocolate for their famous Vanilla Lavender Latte!

Downtown Home Tour

Ever wanted to peek inside beautifully decorated condos, townhomes, and apartments in Downtown Knoxville? Now's your chance! The popular downtown home tour—a 30-year tradition —will now be hosted by the East Tennessee Historical Society. Be a part of a unique opportunity to see what urban living has to offer and go inside private residences that showcase the variety of homes that exist in the heart of Knoxville! Happening June 10.

Plan a Rooftop Hop

Move over pub crawl. We're living for the rooftop hop! Invite your friends and visit the four rooftops in Downtown Knoxville: the sophisticated indoor/outdoor bar Five Thirty Lounge, the colorful and magical rooftop bars at Preservation Pub and Bernadette’s Crystal Gardens overlooking historic Market Square, plus the radiant Radius Rooftop Lounge with views for miles.

Photo Credit: Scott West of Pres Pub

Join Friends for Weeknight Games

Jenga on Pour's patio gets more interesting as the evening goes by, and those pay-by-the-ounce sips start to show. Merchants of Beer's patio is a great place to challenge your friends to ping pong and corn hole. Or take the crew to Harrogate's for foosball, darts, and arcade games. No matter the day of the week, there's something to do!

Photo Credit: @oliviaccook_
Weeknight

Get Whisked Away by a Tropical Cocktail

The queen of all tropical drinks, visit Tern Club with a menu full of colorful libations that'll take you to paradise without leaving Downtown Knoxville, plus PostModern Spirits' patio is a great place to enjoy a delightful cocktail slushie! Looking for something low or no-ABV? Put The Vault on your list with tropical, fresh, and funky mocktails, along with their extensive cocktail list.

Where's Waldo?

Waldo is back in more than 3 dozen locations in Downtown Knoxville from July 1–31, 2023. Kids and adults alike have a blast searching for the guy in the striped shirt and black-rimmed specs. Pick up your Waldo Passport at any of the participating locations, collect a store stamp at each sighting, and enter our photo contest!

Savor Summer Salads

Downtown Knoxville restaurants put their own spin on salads, so that you can enjoy fresh, healthy flavor-bombs that leave you feeling satisfied. Like Cafe 4's Strawberry Field Salad that gives us total summer vibes! Topped with gorgonzola cheese, candied walnuts, and a strawberry vinaigrette. Explore more at the link below.

Tennessee Theatre's Summer Movie Magic

A tradition everyone loves, Summer Movie Magic is BACK at the historic Tennessee Theatre. Check back soon for a full list of movies and dates!

Tons of Festivals

This summer, Downtown Knoxville is home to dozens of festivals and live music events. Mark your calendars for Rhinestone Fest that celebrates everything about Dolly Parton, listen to weekly live music at Concerts on the Square, join in celebrating July 4th with Festival on the 4th, and so much more. Just about every weekend has something going on. Visit our Events Page for a full lineup!

Photo Credit: Asian Festival
Events

Discover First Fridays

Downtown Knoxville streets come alive for an evening of art, music, and food, on the first Friday of each month. Explore galleries, studios, and artist collectives; roam through local shops; enjoy live music in the streets. The thriving arts community is one of the things we love most about our city. Take a walk...ride a free trolley...and experience the community of the neighborhood.

Photo Credit: @style.with.shana
ArtWalk

See you soon?

It's going to be a sizzling summer! Share your best pictures with us and use #LoveDowntownKnox on social media!