Things To Do in Downtown Knoxville | Fall 2025
Thinking about spending some time in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee? Fall is the perfect season! College football Saturdays, pumpkin everything, crisp and cozy weather, and that "something special" Downtown vibe. Get lost in the falling orange leaves in Krutch Park and at Volunteer Landing, or make your way to Market Square, the Old City, and Gay Street – all buzzing with excitement during this favorite season.
We're loving these things in Autumn 2025!
Game Day in Downtown Knoxville
The heart of Downtown Knoxville is only about a mile from Neyland Stadium, so you can spend the day shopping for gameday gear, meeting visitors traveling through Market Square, or grabbing a bite to eat on Gay Street before or after the game. Knoxville was ranked as one of “Best College For Sports Fans” by USA Today 10Best, so you know this time of year is electric! Plan your day—or weekend—with some of our game day tips.
Tailgate Food
Speaking of gameday, what would a trip to Knoxville be without enjoying BBQ and tailgate food alongside a panoramic view of the river? All eyes are on TVs and UT football at Calhoun's on the River, whose ribs were once named “Best Ribs in America” during the National Rib Cook-Off in Cleveland, Ohio. Order plates of the Rocky Top Potato Skins, Pulled Pork Nachos, and Bacon Wrapped Beef Brisket Burnt Ends. Looking for more tailgate favorites? Try Downtown Grill & Brewery, Tommy Trent's, and SkyBox Sports Bar.
Fall Markets
Downtown Knoxville is home to many weekly and seasonal markets you don't want to miss! The Market Square Farmers' Market continues throughout the fall every Wednesday (10 AM-1 PM) and Saturday (9 AM-1 PM). While the Old City Market happens on the second Sunday (11 AM-4 PM) and first Friday (5 PM-9 PM) of every month. Outdoor markets in the fall! Could you ask for anything nicer?
Pumpkins for Everyone
'Tis the season for pumpkin everything—and we can't wait for all of these! Whether or not you're a fan of the squash, you'll find many of these treats interesting: pumpkin and brown butter swirl ice cream from Cruze Farm, pumpkin cheesecake popcorn from Proper Popcorn, pumpkin walnut fudge from Kilwins, and pumpkin pie lattes from K Brew. Plus, handblown glass pumpkins from Pretentious Glass. We might make you a believer yet.
Seasonal Craft Beers
Put these fall flavors on your list: the State Street Stout from Downtown Grill & Brewery, a creamy brew bursting with the flavor of dark roasted grains and the seasonal brew from Balter Beerworks that always proves to be extra delicious when enjoyed by the toasty firepit. Explore more below!
Discover Downtown's Speakeasy
If you're walking through Downtown Knoxville at night, you may notice a single red light down the alley beside The Oliver Hotel. That's the city's original speakeasy — Peter Kern Library. Once a well-kept secret, the bar is now a beloved institution with a warm ambiance of dark wood, a cozy fireplace, rows of books, and cocktails named after literary characters. Try one of their cozy cocktails, the Lamont Cranston with aged rum, milk, simple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Creative Lattes
Sipping on warm spices from one of more than a dozen places to grab coffee and tea sounds like a great way to kick off the cooler weather. Cozy up with Awaken's Downtown Spice Latte, a vanilla and pumpkin coffee topped with toasted marshmallows that give it a subtle smokiness. And, try K Brew's fan-favorite Pumpkin Pie Latte, which is oh-so decadent! For a more traditional fall drink, taste Mahalo's rich and creamy Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Fall Shopping
Experience a day exploring Downtown Knoxville's 60+ retail stores and local boutiques! Enjoy the best weather of the year as you walk from shop to shop, finding everything from new fall clothes and Vol Game Day gear to home décor, gifts, and unique finds. Make time for a coffee break, and have a relaxing day out.
Patio Dining
The cooler weather is a match made in heaven with outdoor dining, and we have over 50 Downtown Knoxville patios for you to explore! Whether you're unwinding after work during happy hour, grabbing dinner with friends, or sharing a romantic night out with your partner, there's nothing like enjoying a meal or after-work cocktails in the fall air.
Sunset From a Rooftop
The Great Smoky Mountains are just gorgeous from rooftop bars, and times that by ten when the leaves turn golden yellow, bright orange, and fiery red. Each of Downtown's rooftops offer unique atmospheres for different tastes. Radius Rooftop Lounge boasts a pool and lounge area perfect for a sunset cocktail, and after dark, the music turns up a notch. Five Thirty Lounge is a swanky indoor/outdoor bar with delightful cocktails and tasty small bites. And the rooftops of Market Square — Pres Pub and Bernadette's — are eclectic, colorful, and full of personality.
Wicked Cool Halloween
Mark your calendars to experience the spooky season from October 6-31 in Downtown Knox! You'll feel a chill in the air—is that just the weather or is it the ghosts around every corner? We'll have some good old-fashioned wicked fun, including a costume photo contest, a calendar full of weird and wonderful events, spooky cocktails and frightful foods, and more wicked cool surprises in store. It’s gonna be a Wicked Cool Halloween — we can feel it in our bones!
Fall For Downtown Knox!
Now that you're ready for the season, come on down and share your experiences with #LoveDowntownKnox. Plus, get your picture with the seasonal Downtown Knoxville Mural!