The walkability of downtown allows you to discover local and live music, historic sites and museums, eclectic restaurants, cultural attractions, and much more. Travel and Leisure gives Knoxville high marks, ranking it #8 of America’s Favorite Cities for its variety of food, live music, and historic city venues. Knoxville’s Market Square, named one of the “Great Public Spaces” in America in 2017 by the American Planning Association, houses restaurants and small business as well as the Farmers’ Market from May to November. Knoxville is home to several museums and art galleries, and some of the region’s best artwork is on display the first week of each month throughout the year at an evening event called “First Fridays.”
The city enjoys a wide-range of festivals and events throughout the year, from concerts to scavenger hunts to eating contests. For example, each year the Big Ears Festival causes Knoxville to have one of the highest concentrations of Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur “Genius Grant,” and Grammy Award winning musicians and artists of any city in the U.S.
In Knoxville, you’re steps away from the Great Smoky Mountains, the country’s most-visited national park – perfect for a weekend hike or scenic drive. Our urban wilderness consists of eighty-six miles of greenways and nature trails.
Don’t forget to visit the UT Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the only facility of its kind dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball and honoring those who have contributed to the sport, including the University of Tennessee’s Lady Vols basketball team’s legendary head coach Pat Summitt.
Looking for more information about attractions, festivals, transportation, or even recycling services? View this Knoxville Newcomer Information to get to know the city.