News Summary
Knoxville is reintroducing its pedestrian-only zone in Market Square, enhancing the area for walkers and pet owners. The changes begin this Friday at 6 p.m., with designated walkable streets along Market and Union Avenues. This initiative provides a vibrant atmosphere, coinciding with the upcoming Mardi Growl Parade, making it an exciting time for the community. Road access for vehicles will return on Sundays, ensuring a balance between pedestrian enjoyment and traffic. The city is also planning additional bollards for future events to maintain its lively and safe environment.
Exciting Changes Coming to Knoxville’s Market Square!
Hey Knoxville! Get ready for some *exciting* changes as the city is reviving its popular pedestrian-only zone in Market Square. The fun begins this Friday at 6 p.m., so mark your calendars and plan to stroll around the area with ease!
What’s New with the Pedestrian Zone?
To create this *pedestrian paradise*, new retractable bollards are being raised to clearly define the area where only feet (and paws!) can roam freely. The section of Market Street between Union Avenue and Clinch Avenue is going to be all about walkers. Likewise, the stretch on Union Avenue between Walnut Street and Gay Street will also be transformed into a pedestrian-only zone. It’s the perfect chance to explore the vibrant atmosphere that Market Square is known for!
Now, hold on! If you’re worried about getting too comfy with this new setup, fear not! The *road access for vehicles* will return on Sundays at 6 p.m. This means you have the whole weekend to enjoy the pedestrian vibe! This schedule is set to run for the rest of the year, unless something else comes up.
Why Now? The Mardi Growl Parade is Coming!
The timing couldn’t be better, as this revival coincides with the much-anticipated Mardi Growl Parade happening on Saturday at 11 a.m. If you love parades, pets in costumes, and lively crowds, this is your *happy place*! The parade will kick off from Depot Street, head down Gay Street, and finish at World’s Fair Park. It’s bound to be a paw-some event!
Parking and Road Closures Alert
If you plan to attend the parade, keep in mind that parking along the parade route will be off-limits starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday. Additionally, there will be partial road closures on Depot Avenue and Williams Street from 7 a.m. to noon, and on World’s Fair Park Drive from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. So, plan your route wisely!
Keeping It Clean
As this is a pet-friendly event, attendees can rest easy knowing that waste bags and garbage cans will be scattered throughout the area to help keep Market Square tidy. It’s all about making sure that everyone has a great time while being a good neighbor!
More News Before You Go!
Excitingly, Knoxville plans to install a total of 17 new retractable bollards by the end of 2024. This will help in closing off roads as needed for future events, ensuring Knoxville stays vibrant and enjoyable. So, keep your eyes peeled for more updates!
For all the latest info regarding road closures and festival schedules, make sure to check in with the official announcements from the City of Knoxville. You wouldn’t want to miss out on all the fun!
So gather your friends, family, and furry companions, and prepare to explore the reimagined pedestrian zone in Market Square! With so much happening, the weekend is looking bright in our beautiful Knoxville!
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Downtown Knoxville Pedestrian Zone Reopening for Festival Season
- Hoodline: Knoxville Set for Festive Transformation with Market Street Pedestrian Zone and Mardi Growl Parade
- Inside of Knoxville: Pedestrian Bridge Project Gets $24.7 Million Federal Grant
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Zone
- WATE: Several Events Closing Roads Around Downtown Knoxville this Weekend
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
