Your Guide to Summer in Downtown Knoxville
Hello summer! ☀️ Downtown Knoxville has a line up of festivals 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 Knox!
Celebrate the 1982 World's Fair
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the 1982 World's Fair, Downtown Knoxville businesses are creating specials that throw us back to the '80s! Explore some of the cocktails, beers, merchandise, and ice creams making appearance over the next several weeks, like Jig & Reel's Chocolate Cherry Coke Cake.
Summer Movie Magic
A tradition everyone loves, Summer Movie Magic is BACK at the historic Tennessee Theatre for five weeks throughout the summer. Travel back in time for classics on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday matinee movies, like Shrek, Space Jam, Princess Bride, The Big Chill, Star Wars, The Godfather, Dirty Dancing and many more! Order a bucket of popcorn and a cold soda at concessions to round out a wonderful summer experience. Tickets on sale June 3.
Where's Waldo?
Waldo is back in more than 3 dozen locations in Downtown Knoxville from July 1–31, 2022. 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!
Festivals Galore!
Mark your calendars, because this summer, Downtown Knoxville turns into an (even more) exciting place to be. From Dolly Fest (yep, it's a real thing) and Brewfest (calling all craft beer connoisseurs) to Festival on the 4th and Knox Asian Festival, every weekend has something fun going on. Visit our Events Page for a full lineup!
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. Next, put the "One-Two-Punch" from The Vault on your list, a bright and exotic cocktail with Brazilian cachaça and pineapple juice, plus PostModern Spirits' patio is a great place to enjoy a delightful cocktail slushie!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Sip on Summer Coffees
K Brew's new Summer Berry Cold Brew is fruity, smooth, and sure to get you in the summer mood. Over in the Old City, try Awaken Coffee's "Summer 69" coconut pineapple matcha smoothie. On Union Ave, Mahalo Coffee Roasters boasts four summer drinks: Coco Cabana, Beach Mintality, Coconut Mocha, and Lemonade Daydream. Lastly, stop by Coffee & Chocolate for their famous Vanilla Lavender Latte!
See you soon?
Experience the magic of Downtown Knoxville. It's going to be a sizzling summer!