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Downtown Knoxville Festivals + Events

We love events in Downtown Knoxville! On almost any weekend, and on many weekdays and weeknights, we've got something special going on. Here are some of the big things we're celebrating. 

Oct 4
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Oct 6
First Friday ArtWalk various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.
Oct 6 7:00pm
Pride Fest Night Parade Gay Street View Event Website Knox Pride cordially invites you to be a part of the celebration with a "March for Equality" down Gay Street. This year's parade promises to be bigger than ever.
Oct 7
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Oct 7
Pride Fest World's Fair Park View Event Website Celebrate equality for all people with a weekend of events including night march on Friday and festival in World's Fair Park on Saturday.
Oct 8
Old City Market West Jackson Ave in the Old City View Event Website The Old City Market transforms the historic Old City into a curated, outdoor market showcasing artists, crafters, and creative makers.
Oct 8 2:00pm
Oktoberfest in the Old City East Jackson Ave View Event Website Hoist your stein and enjoy local food trucks, yard games, and live music.
Oct 9-31
Wicked Cool Halloween Throughout Downtown Knoxville View Event Website Halloween-themed specials, scavenger hunt, costume contest, creepy-crawly photo ops, PLUS A LIST OF WEIRD AND WONDERFUL EVENTS THROUGHOUT OCTOBER.
Oct 11
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Oct 12
Vols | Lady Vols Basketball — Market Square Madness Market Square Tennessee's men's and women's basketball teams host their preseason fan celebration in Market Square. Mingle, take photos with Smokey and members of the Tennessee Spirit Squads, plus on-court contests and more to get hyped for the season.
Oct 13 5:00pm
Football Fridays East TN History Center—Market Street View Event Website Get ready for Game Day with a historic Friday night pep rally. Food trucks, music from local musicians, a little help from the UT spirit teams, and special appearances from UT’s own history makers.
Oct 14
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Oct 18
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Oct 21
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Oct 21 11:00am
Walk Run Pedal Jams Festival World's Fair Park View Event Website A full day of fun including food tents, kid's zone, walks and rides, live music, giveaways and more.
Oct 25
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Oct 26 5:00pm
Old City [Night] Market West Jackson Ave in the Old City View Event Website The Old City Market transforms the historic Old City into a curated, outdoor market showcasing artists, crafters, and creative makers.
Oct 27 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Welcome to Hockey Top Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Birmingham Bulls. The home opener of the 22nd season brings the Vols to hockey with appearances from UT Coaches, performances by UT Dance Team, and a postgame auction of limited edition Vols hockey jerseys!
Oct 28
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Nov 1
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Nov 3
First Friday ArtWalk 20th Anniversary various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.
Nov 3 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Feeling 22: The Eras Night Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Fayetteville Marksmen. It’s the 22nd season and the Ice Bears are feeling 22! Join them for a fun night as they celebrate one of the world’s best!
Nov 4
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Nov 8
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Nov 10 10:45am
Veterans Day Parade Gay Street View Event Website Knoxville will celebrate the service of its U.S. military veterans with the City’s annual Veterans' Day Parade.
Nov 11
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Nov 12
Old City Market West Jackson Ave in the Old City View Event Website The Old City Market transforms the historic Old City into a curated, outdoor market showcasing artists, crafters, and creative makers.
Nov 15
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Nov 17 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Military Night & Teddy Bear Toss Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Evansville Thunderbolts. The Ice Bears will be honoring all who have served our community and country. Plus, the annual teddy bear toss for charity when they score the first goal.
Nov 18
Market Square Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market every Wednesday (10am-1pm) and Saturday (9am-1pm) May through November. Producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Nov 22 6:00pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Dino Knight Races Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Peoria Rivermen. Bring your dinosaur costume and get ready to spring across the ice through multiple heats of dino dashes!
Nov 22-26
Fantasy of Trees Knoxville Convention Center View Event Website Wander through a magical forest of more than 350 designer items, including beautiful trees, holiday accessories, and more. Visit Santa and enjoy bands and musical entertainment.
Nov 23
Turkey Trot 5K & Little Gobbler Run Old City and Gay Street View Event Website Start your Thanksgiving with a Knoxville tradition! A 5k and Little Gobbler Run hosted by the Knoxville Track Club.
Nov 24 5:15pm
Celebration of Lights Krutch Park Ext, Gay Street, Market Square and more View Event Website Kick off the holiday season with bands, caroling, marshmallow roasting, lighting of the 42' Christmas tree, sparkling lights, choirs, photos with Santa, hot cocoa, and more.
Nov 24 6:00pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Corgi Races Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Macon Mayhem. The Ice Bears are celebrating their first ever Corgi Races. Got a speedy corgi? Bring your dog to race on the ice!
Nov 24 - Jan 2
Ice Skating in Market Square Market Square View Event Website Adults and children can skate day and night, seven days a week, at the open-air ice rink nestled under twinkling lights in the middle of Market Square.
Nov 24 - Jan 7
Peppermint Trail various downtown locations View Event Website Downtown restaurants, coffee shops, bars and boutiques feature peppermint specials throughout the season.
Nov 24 - Jan 7
The Elf on the Shelf® Adventure various downtown locations View Event Website A fun-filled holiday scavenger hunt in Downtown Knoxville. Scout Elves will be sent from the North Pole by Santa to more than two dozen Downtown Knoxville businesses.
Nov 25 11:00am
Old City Market - Small Business Saturday Jackson Ave in the Old City View Event Website Special Small Business Saturday Market! The Old City Market transforms the historic Old City into a curated, outdoor market showcasing artists, crafters, and creative makers.
Dec 1
First Friday ArtWalk various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.
Dec 1 7:00pm
Christmas Parade Gay Street View Event Website Holiday festivities continue with the annual Christmas Parade. Floats and decorated vehicles, marching bands, majorettes, dancers, and of course, Santa Claus.
Dec 2 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Dec 9 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Dec 9 5:30pm
Tour de Lights Parade Gay Street. Ends in Market Square View Event Website Decorate your bike with lights, garland and decorate yourself with decor for the annual holiday bike ride through downtown neighborhoods.
Dec 10
Old City Market West Jackson Ave in the Old City View Event Website The Old City Market transforms the historic Old City into a curated, outdoor market showcasing artists, crafters, and creative makers.
Dec 15 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Lord of the Rink Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. Celebrating one of the great fantasy franchises of our time, come join the "fellowship" of players for a Friday night rivalry battle!
Dec 16 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Dec 16 6:00pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Superhero Night/Kid Takeover Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Quad City Storm. Does your child want to be the President of the Ice Bears? Head Coach? Mascot?? This is a great night for kids to get involved with the festivities as the kids run the show for a night at the Coliseum!
Dec 22 6:00pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Pucks & Princesses Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Birmingham Bulls. A great night of hockey for girl dads! Participate in a Daddy-Daughter dance during the first intermission and enjoy a great night for the whole family.
Dec 23 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Dec 23 6:00pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - How Chilly Stole Christmas Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Quad City Storm. What sort of antics will Chilly Bear try to pull off on the final game day before Christmas? Find out at the Coliseum for this Saturday night showdown!
Dec 26 6:00pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Y2SK8TE Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. Calling all fans of boy bands! A throwback to the 90s hits the Civic Coliseum as the Ice Bears get ready to usher in the new year with some old tunes!
Dec 29 6:00pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Canadian Appreciation Night Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Fayetteville Marksmen. You can't celebrate hockey without celebrating our friends up north! Get ready for a great night with the Ice Bears as they celebrate Canada and be on the lookout for some exclusive specialty jerseys.
Dec 31 9:00pm
New Year's Eve at the Sunsphere World's Fair Park View Event Website Ring in the new year with food trucks, free activities, music, and traditional ball drop at this family-friendly New Year's Eve event.
Jan 5 2024
First Friday ArtWalk various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.
Jan 12 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Baby Shark Baby Races Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Evansville Thunderbolts. It’s a favorite Ice Bears' annual event! A race of the fastest babies in East Tennessee as they crawl across the ice for the chance to be crowned the speediest rugrat at the Coliseum! (crawlers only, please)
Jan 13 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Mascot Mania Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Evansville Thunderbolts. The Ice Bears are throwing a get together for all of Chilly's friends! Enjoy a hilarious night as Chilly Bear gets together (and gets into trouble) with other mascots from around Knoxville!
Jan 20 2024 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Jan 26 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Wands & Wizards Night Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Peoria Rivermen. The Ice Bears are kicking off their first ever Geekend with a magical evening! Come with wands at the ready!
Jan 27 2024 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Jan 27 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Star Wars Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Peoria Rivermen. It's back! Star Wars Night returns to the Civic Coliseum featuring Darth Vader and other members of the Galactic Empire! Get a photo with your favorite character and feel the thrill of one of the galaxy's biggest movies.
Feb 2 2024
First Friday ArtWalk various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.
Feb 3 2024 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Feb 9 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Rebrand Night Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Fayetteville Marksmen. Unveiling a new look, a new name, and so much more! The Ice Bears get a makeover for a night at the Coliseum.
Feb 10 2024 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Feb 16 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Peanuts Night Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Macon Mayhem. America's favorite comic dog will be back on the ice as the Ice Bears wear specialty Peanuts jerseys that will be available for auction following the game!
Feb 17 2024 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Feb 17 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Weiner Dog Race Night Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Macon Mayhem. The annual Wiener Dog Races are back! Register your dachshund to sprint across the ice in the biggest event of the Ice Bears' season! A great family event for dog lovers everywhere!
Feb 23 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Fight Night Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Pensacola Flyers. Get ready for some Friday night hockey action at the Coliseum! Pensacola comes to town for the first time this season in a matchup featuring two of the most successful franchises in SPHL history!
Feb 24 2024 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Feb 24 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Preds Night Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website The two professional hockey teams in Tennessee come together for this annual event! Check out Gnash and members of the Nashville Predators Energy Team as the Ice Bears represent Smashville with specialty jerseys and more!
Feb 29 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Hoppy Leap Year Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Hunstville Havoc. An extra day on the calendar? Sounds like a good reason for an extra rivalry game! The Ice Bears will be celebrating Leap Year with a visit from friends from the Rocket City for a Thursday night matchup!
Mar 1 2024
First Friday ArtWalk various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.
Mar 2 2024 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Mar 8 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Pink in the Rink Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Knoxville Ice Bears vs Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. It's International Women's Day and the Ice Bears are celebrating with pink specialty jerseys available for auction after the game. Don't miss out on the occasion for a ladies' night out!
Mar 9 2024 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Mar 9 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Puck-Man Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Knoxville Ice Bears vs Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. Did you know that Pac-Man was originally called Puck-Man? The Ice Bears will celebrate one of the OGs of the video game world with a big night at the Coliseum!
Mar 15 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Ink in the Rink Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Fayetteville Marksmen. Have a tattoo you're proud of…or not? Either way, this is a night for you! Show off your ink on the jumbotron and enter the tattoo contest featuring judges from local tattoo parlors!
Mar 16 2024 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Mar 21-24 2024
Big Ears Festival various downtown locations View Event Website The Big Ears Festival is a dynamic, interactive experience that explores connections between musicians and artists, crossing all musical genres while interfacing with film, performance and the visual arts.
Mar 23 2024 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Mar 23 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Legends Night Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Birmingham Bulls. The Ice Bears honor the people who have contributed to the organization's success. Join Legends Night as the Ice Bears add a new addition to the Pillar of Champions!
Mar 29 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Smokies Night Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Knoxville Ice Bears vs Huntsville Havoc. Batter up! The Ice Bears are teaming up with the Tennessee Smokies baseball team to celebrate the beginning of baseball season!
Mar 30 2024 10:00am
Winter Farmers' Market Market Square View Event Website Open-air farmers’ market (10am-2pm) including artisans, food producers, food trucks, and farmers. A producer only market – everything made, grown or raised within 150 miles of market.
Mar 30 2024 7:30pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Country/Off-Road Night Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Huntsville Havoc.Get your hats and boots ready! The Ice Bears are bringing back Country & Off-Road Night with the festive feel you've come to expect! Catch live music, see a car show and more!
Apr 5 2024
First Friday ArtWalk various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.
Apr 6 2024 6:00pm
Knoxville Ice Bears - Chilly 500 | Fan Appreciation Knoxville Civic Coliseum View Event Website Ice Bears vs Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. It's the 3rd annual Chilly 500! Register your RC car to race around the ice for the chance to win prizes in the coolest RC event in town! It's also Fan Appreciation Night to cap off the regular season!
Apr 26-28 2024
Dogwood Arts Festival World's Fair Park View Event Website Showcasing works of juried artists selling unique creations in mixed media, pottery, painting, photography, glass, jewelry, sculpture, and more.
May 3 2024
First Friday ArtWalk various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.
May 18 2024 10:00am
Children's Festival of Reading World's Fair Park View Event Website Kick off a summer of reading with a full day of music, storytelling, arts, crafts, science exploration, food, and fun!
Jun 7 2024
First Friday ArtWalk various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.
Jul 5 2024
First Friday ArtWalk various downtown locations View Event Website On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening of experiencing art in all forms. Explore galleries, roam through shops hosting open houses, and much more.