Top Things to Do When Living In Knoxville TN

It’s hard to pick how to spend your weekend when you live in one of the South’s most dynamic cities. With the Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, Knoxville residents have a canvas to paint their leisure time with activities. Pick from leisurely hiking in the quiet backwoods of East Tennessee to packed music festivals. So don’t let the moniker “Scruffy Little City” dissuade you; as you’ll see in this list of top things to do, Knoxville, TN, has an entertainment roster to match the whole family’s interests. Get fully immersed in its southern charms with these top Knoxville attractions.

Sunsphere at World’s Fair Park

Visiting the iconic Sunsphere is more than just about the panoramic views of downtown Knoxville from the observation deck. It’s a journey through Knoxville’s rich history. The hosting of the 1982 World’s Fair was a pivotal moment that shaped Knoxville’s identity. The Sunsphere, sometimes called a glorified “disco-ball,” symbolizes this historical event and is a must-visit tourist attraction. Climbing its deck is a rite of passage for any true Knoxvillian. And the experience doesn’t end there. You can spend a whole day at the Worlds Fair Park thanks to the splash pads, the surrounding restaurants, and the special events on the two-acre festival lawn. The city hosts some of its best events in this open space, from concerts to festivals. Imagine the view of the fireworks from the observation deck!

A day at the Sunsphere and around the festival lawn are bucket list things to do in Knoxville, TN. It’s on the west side of downtown Knoxville near the University of Tennessee campus and the riverfront.

Knoxville Urban Wilderness

This innovative movement in city planning brings outdoor adventures into the city’s heart. Knoxville’s interconnected greenway and park system is among the first of its kind in the nation. It places over 50 miles of trails and greenways within reach of residents. 

Multi-use trails in this expansive wilderness encourage hiking, biking, or horseback riding. They wind by diverse landscapes ranging from urban parks to serene forests to riverfronts. Best of all, the urban wilderness lies within minutes of the city center and has Tennessee River views. Chances are, you can jump on a trail within a short distance from your Knoxville home that will bring you to 500 acres of wildlife areas and other Knoxville parks. It’s also across the river from the Worlds Fair Park.

Ijams Nature Center

Perhaps the crown jewel of the Knoxville Urban Wilderness is the Ijams Nature Center. Inside the forested 1,000 acres of downtown riverfront awaits a dichotomy of relaxation and adventure sports. 

For a slower pace, find a peaceful quarry lake where you can paddle across jewel-toned waters reflecting the sky on flat days. Surrounding the former quarry, nature and biking trails wind up and down the rolling terrain, the quarry, and the riverfront. At the Nature Center, children can get close to native animals and learn about the Tennessee Valley’s history at the exhibit hall. The center puts on seasonal events and educational programs. 

Adventure seekers, don’t miss the Canopy Challenge and Navitat at the Ijams Treehouse Adventure. Zip through the shaded canopy at high speeds and challenge yourself with its obstacles. Ijams also has mountain biking trails at all skill levels and bolted routes for rock climbers. Find Ijams Nature Center just outside South Knoxville along the Tennessee River. 

No matter what your pace is, a visit here is a must for family activities in Knoxville.

Gay Street & Market Square

Beautifully designed and always lively, Gay Street’s ten blocks form the heart of downtown Knoxville. Since the 1860s, Gay Street and its charming bookend Market Square hum with activity. That tradition continues today. 

Boutique shopping, restaurants, and cultural events bring people to the blocks to enjoy their time out. Along this iconic avenue, a few of downtown Knoxville’s top attractions lie: Mast General Store, the Tennessee Theatre, and the Bijou Theater. You’ll find that Knoxville’s lively parades often meander down Gay Street and end at Market Square, where the public park can hold thousands for street fairs and outdoor concerts. 

In the summer, local families bring their kids to play in the fountains or walk their pets around Krutch Park. From May to November, Nourish Knoxville holds a popular Farmer’s Market in the Square twice weekly. Dogwood Arts brings 300 artists to chalk up the sidewalks and roads in a brilliant kaleidoscope of color. The spring brings free concerts twice a week, and the fall features family-friendly movies. Art Walks happen on the first days with the Emporium Center as their anchor. 

Gay Street and Market Square are ideal for enjoying local cuisine with live music in the background. Award-winning restaurant destinations include Tupelo Honey, Frothy Monkey, Petro’s Chili, and Café 4. Preservation Pub is a city icon on the craft scene, as it makes it own craft beer glasses and the beverage to fill them. 

The Square is walkable to the Urban Wilderness, the Worlds Fair Park, and the University of Tennessee campus. 

Tennessee Theatre

Catch a show or concert at the historic Tennessee Theatre, now the Official State Theater of Tennessee. This downtown Knoxville icon is famous for its lavish interior décor and lush, cathedral-like ambiance. It is called the “South’s most beautiful theater,” after all. Admire the globally inspired decor during a live performance or book one of the tours between shows. 

Artists hitting the main stage range from the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra to comedians. Catch touring Broadway hits like Hadestown or rock’n’roll musicians…Godsmack and Bonnie Raitt played here in 2024. Afterward, walk around Market Square and have dinner at any delicious restaurant. It’s an easy way to have a night out in town.

Mast General Store

Step into this historic general store-turned-unique shopping destination to find everything from outdoor gear and traditional clothing to southern cookbooks and old-fashioned candy. It’s a dose of nostalgia and a shopping spree all in one.

This building has stood on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville since 1898 after a fire destroyed the entire block and spurred a rebuilding period. While not operating under the Mast name at the time, the venue has been selling one-of-a-kind goods since its rebuilding decades ago. It’s always worth a meander as you’ll never know what new-fangled idea or old-fashioned product you’ll find.

Zoo Knoxville

Over 800 animals make Zoo Knoxville “wildly fun.” Wildlife from across the globe features over 53 acres dedicated to educating and preserving various species with informative exhibits. 

The zoo is very dedicated to helping endangered species. As such, it’s known as a leader in red panda conservation. The first African elephant born in the Western Hemisphere was here, along with northern spider tortoises and the Arakan forest turtles. Visit the Tiger Forest, a part of the zoo’s Tigers Conservation campaign. 

Besides the permanent exhibits, the zoo has othe rpopular activities. Ride the zoo’s iconic carousel. During the summer, the young ones love to cool off in the Safari Splash area, ride the Zoo Choo Train, and experience the zipline. The zoo’s programming includes a Zoo Camp where kids can get up close and personal with the animals.

Bike Boat Brew and Bark 

What’s not to love with a festival name like that? This annual summer event celebrates the Knoxville Urban Wilderness and all that makes Knoxville a fun, active city. On this day, ride your bike and bring your pooch for a festival in scenic downtown Knoxville. It’s a pet-friendly event showcasing Knoxville is a great place to live for animal lovers.

The bike tours, kayak rentals, and group hikes are designed to showcase Knoxville’s local breweries and scenic walking trails. Special activities include:

• Boat cruises.
• A Tennessee River clean-up event.
• Pontoon boat shuttles to different parks with festivities. 

Perfect for anyone eager to explore the city’s outdoor offerings, Bike Boat Brew & Bark is a local favorite. The Knoxville Adventure Collective hosts it along with its many partners.

Dogwood Arts Festival

Held in April, this prized spring celebration has brought life and color to the Performance Lawn for over 60 years. Thousands visit the Dogwood Arts Festival to admire incredible works of art rendered through the humble chalk. The festival includes art shows, live performances, and info on gardening and other artful activities. 

It’s a testament to the city’s deep roots and love of the arts and an excellent opportunity to explore local talent. 

Festival on the 4th

An Independence Day extravaganza, this festival is a must-see for anyone in Knoxville during the 4th of July. Live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display celebrate America’s birthday in classic southern style. Don’t miss out on the patriotic parade that takes over Gay Street. Find activities like mini golf and bounce houses for the kids on the festival lawns. Surrounding parking and live music on the World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn are free. Festivities typically start around 5 pm with fireworks as soon as the skies darken.

Sail the Vol Navy

Chances are you know what tailgating is, but what about sailgating? Only two college stadiums sit on the riverfront and have boat parking–The University of Tennessee being one of those two! The so-called “Vol Navy” or UT Armada turns out in orange droves for UT football games at Neyland Stadium. Boats and yachts dock and link up together for a one-of-a-kind game day experience that every Knoxvillian should experience once. There’s even a “Vol Navy Boater’s Association” that organizes the boating event. Partakers describe it as a community event where everyone is welcome regardless of the colors they wear. And it’s one heck of a party, too.

Knoxville Museum of Art

The KMA, as it’s known locally, showcases an impressive permanent contemporary art collection. Rotating art exhibits feature local and international artists. From its shining pink Tennessee marble exterior to the eclectic galleries inside, the Knoxville Museum of Art opens its arms to all with free admission and year-round programming for all ages. It has specially cultivated its Southern Appalachian works to highlight East Tennessee’s rich culture and traditions.

Top Attractions of Knoxville

These things to do in Knoxville, TN, are a small taste of what awaits residents. More fun activities are found across the city’s neighborhoods and surrounding East Tennessee mountains. So get out there, explore, and have fun living in Knoxville!