Knoxville: Music, Mountains, Art, & Adventure!
Live music
Knoxville is one of America’s most vibrant cities for live music. It’s on the streets, the square and stages of famous venues like the historic Tennessee Theatre. Blue Plate Special concerts are also free to the public every Monday-Saturday at the WDVX studios located inside the Downtown Knoxville Visitors Center.
The city hosts a number of diverse cultural festivals including the Big Ears, Dogwood Arts Rhythm N’ Blooms, the Knoxville Film Festival and the International Biscuit Festival Knoxville.
Many events take place in and around Knoxville’s vibrant and very walkable downtown. Market Square and the surrounding streets are filled with entertainment, shopping and outstanding local dining options. This child and pet friendly area is an ever-changing anchor for festivals and fun.
Breweries
And there’s something else “brewing” in Knoxville. Thanks to a number of new micro and nano-breweries, plus some well-established local favourites, Knoxville is building a name for itself as one of the best craft beer towns in the Southeast. Tastemakers predict these craft brews will change how you think of the city and how you drink in the city.
Civil War
The first capital of Tennessee is also proud of its heritage and committed to preserving it. Visitors come here to tour Civil War sites and historic homes. Many stop by the East Tennessee History Center to learn about their own history through the center’s premier genealogy research library.
Knoxville Zoo
Other popular Knoxville attractions include the Knoxville Zoo, widely recognised as the red panda capital of the world, and the Knoxville Museum of Art, home to Richard Jolley’s Cycle of Life: Within the Power of Dreams and the Wonder of Infinity - one of the largest figurative glass-and-steel assemblages in the world.
Urban Wilderness
Knoxville delivers the best of both worlds with a thriving city scene and abundant outdoor adventures just miles from downtown. Urban Wilderness is geared for outdoor adventurers of all levels with more than 50 miles of natural trails – including some of the best mountain bike trails in the southeast – a world-class nature center, quarry lakes and more. Year round, you’ll find fellow nature lovers, mountain bikers, trail runners, dog walkers and bird watchers soaking up the beauty. Bikes, canoes and Stand Up Paddle Board rentals are available at various locations.