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Knoxville Prepares for Spring Festivals and Events

Colorful scene of Knoxville Spring Festivals with people and activities

News Summary

As spring approaches, Knoxville is abuzz with preparations for its vibrant festival season. From the reopening of the Market Street pedestrian zone to the kickoff of the Mardi Growl Parade on March 1, the city is enhancing its atmosphere with new developments. A $90,000 investment in pedestrian safety aims to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for attendees. Upcoming events like the Knoxville Home and Garden Show and the Outlandish Adventure Festival promise diverse experiences, while major entertainers also make their mark this season. Knoxville invites everyone to join in on the festivities!

Knoxville Gears Up for Spring Festivals with Exciting New Developments!

Spring is just around the corner, and Knoxville is buzzing with preparations for a delightful festival season! With a host of events lined up and new pedestrian-friendly enhancements, this year’s festivities promise to be more thrilling than ever before.

Market Street Pedestrian Zone Reopens!

Starting Friday, February 28, 2025, the Market Street pedestrian zone is reopening, just in time for the much-anticipated Mardi Growl Parade. This will be the bustling heart of the festivities, offering a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy the lively atmosphere!

Mardi Growl Parade Takes Center Stage!

The first major event to kick off the season is the Mardi Growl Parade happening on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11 a.m.! The parade will roll out from Depot Street and trot down the lively streets of downtown Knoxville before wrapping up at the iconic World’s Fair Park Drive, where folks can gather at the Performance Lawn for more fun and entertainment.

Enhanced Safety for Everyone!

This year, Knoxville has invested in safety measures with the completion of a $90,000 project aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety in the downtown area. The streets targeted for closure on Friday nights to Sunday evenings include Market Street and Union Avenue. This will allow pedestrians to roam freely without the hassle of vehicle traffic, making it a safer and more pleasant experience for all.

Getting Ready for the Parade!

For those planning to catch the parade, be sure to arrive early! On-street parking along the parade route will close at 6 a.m. and will reopen at noon. Also, heads up that some roads will have closures for staging, so plan your route accordingly. Make sure to note that Depot Avenue and Williams Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to noon!

Spring Events on the Horizon!

But that’s not all! Knoxville is jam-packed with exciting events. Following Mardi Growl, get ready for the Knoxville Home and Garden Show on March 8-9, 2025. For those looking to combine their love for the outdoors and philanthropy, join the sporting clays tournament hosted by Knoxville Habitat for Humanity on March 20-21, 2025!

Outdoor Thrills Await!

Mark your calendars for the Outlandish Adventure Festival set to take place at Ijams Nature Center on May 2-3, 2025! This event features a flurry of outdoor activities like slacklining, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even climbing competitions. Plus, there’ll be plenty of delicious local food trucks to fuel your adventures!

Cultural and Musical Treats!

Knoxville is also welcoming some major entertainers including country star Blake Shelton and comedian Jim Gaffigan. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will present a stunning performance titled “The Violins of Hope” on March 5, 2025, at the Tennessee Theatre, adding a sprinkle of culture to the festivities.

A Festival for Everyone!

Additionally, don’t miss the Knox Asian Festival, which has recently introduced a $3 attendance fee and is getting rave reviews for being the best festival in the state! And if you’re looking for an immersive experience, the Big Ears Festival will be taking over downtown Knoxville from March 27-30, 2025, showcasing nearly 200 concerts and interactive experiences!

Let’s Keep the City Clean!

As we gather to celebrate and enjoy these events, it’s important to keep our beautiful city clean. Visitors are encouraged to clean up after their pets, with waste bags and garbage cans conveniently located throughout downtown.

With so much happening in Knoxville this spring, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your friends and family, head downtown, and experience all the excitement our city has to offer!