Knoxville, Tennessee is a city filled with many things to do and see. From the beautiful nature trails of Knoxville’s greenways to the amazing festivals that take place throughout the year, there are always adventures waiting for you in Knoxville! 

Whether you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend or you want to find activities for your family as part of your relocation process, here are 15 fun things to do In Knoxville for all.

Why Knoxville?

Knoxville, Tennessee is a city that has it all. It’s not just a great place to live or visit. Knoxville has plenty of things that will delight and entertain the most adventurous traveler while also being an excellent home for those looking for a safe, stable life.

Knoxville is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, so you never have to worry about running out of entertainment options or jobs here. In fact, with so many people moving here every day there are always new opportunities on the horizon!

Tennessee is known as “The Volunteer State” and for many years Knoxville has been one of the most popular places in Tennessee for artists and musicians to express themselves with an eye towards activism through art. The wealth of galleries and entertainment opportunities has made the city a destination for those who appreciate art in all its forms.

Knoxville is also home to several annual festivals that showcase some of the best bands and artists from around America while offering local musicians an opportunity to share their talents with visitors who are looking for something new.

So, if you’re not sure what you want to do, you came to the right place! Sure there are pros and cons of living in Knoxville, just like with any city, but Knoxville is really a great place to live or visit.

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Knoxville and to get you started we share 15 fun things to do in Knoxville for all.

Fun Things to do in Knoxville

Knoxville is a city with much to offer. If you’re staying for the weekend or just visiting, here are ten fun things that will make your trip memorable.

1) Visit the Sunsphere

This large structure was designed by architect Charles Luckman and built in 1982 as part of Knoxville’s World’s Fair festivities celebrating Tennessee’s 150th anniversary (hence the name). The tallest point on its roof is almost 700 feet high! You can climb up to the top for an amazing view of downtown, but be warned–it’s not for those afraid of heights!

2) Catch a Show at Knoxville Theatre Company

Founded in 1953 by then-mayor Tom Moody, KTC brings quality theatrical productions to the city of Knoxville. The historic Theatre hosts performances both on and off-site, including some in unique locations like down by the river or at local parks!

3) Market Square 

Walk around Market Square. This area is home to several shops, interesting restaurants and cafes, the Farmer’s Market that pops up every Saturday morning with local produce, meats, cheeses, and other crafted goods for sale (including some delicious food trucks), as well as outdoor musicians playing on any given night!

4) Shop! 

Knoxville has plenty of stores that will satisfy any fashionista, from high-end clothing boutiques to thrift shops. One of the most popular places for shopping is Foothills Mall. It boasts over 70 retail outlets along with a movie theater showing both first-run and independent films as well as an IMAX experience.

5) Eat! 

There are plenty of delicious options when it comes to dining in Knoxville, from ethnic cuisine at mom-and-pop eateries to upscale fine dining. If you want something truly local, head over to Stock and Barrel or Tomato Head for brunch, lunch, or dinner –the latter is located at Market Square!

6) Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is located in Knoxville, TN. It houses memorabilia and honors women who have made an impact on the game of basketball with exhibits like “Trailblazers” which includes information about starting out as a female athlete. There are also names to be found here including Pat Summitt (the coach of the University of Tennessee’s Women’s Basketball team) and Lynette Woodard (the first female to be drafted into the NBA).

7) Ijams Nature Center

The Ijams Nature Center is located in Knoxville, TN. It has over five miles of trails that meander around the center and it also contains an ecology library, wildlife exhibits featuring local birds like owls or eagles, animal habitats (like a beaver pond), scenic overlooks with benches to sit on while you enjoy the view, and a children’s playground area. Visitors can also rent bikes to ride on the trails, which are mostly flat but do have some hills for those who want more of a challenge.

8) Zoo Knoxville

Zoo Knoxville is located in Knoxville, TN. It has over a thousand animals from all around the world including monkeys, tigers, and gorillas to name a few. There are also several educational programs offered at the zoo such as “Animal Encounters” where you can get up close with some of these creatures for photos or petting. 

9) James White Fort

The James White Fort is one of Knoxville’s most popular historical sites that was built in 1786. For years, it has lured tourists to the home of James White, who founded Knoxville. To visitors, this home provides an accurate and interesting picture of the city’s history.

Take a trip back in time to White’s original home and see several historically significant items. The map of Knoxville’s initial layout, as well as White’s desk, are some of our favorites. You’ll also see White’s weaving house, blacksmith shop, and outhouse while there.

10) Old City

This unique and colorful neighborhood, which is located north of downtown, has a distinct alternative, edgy flavor to it.

Old City is a historic downtown area that has some of the most interesting sights in Knoxville, dating back to the 1800s. Old City also has a lively music scene, handcrafted glass businesses, and high-end restaurants and bars.

So if you’re searching for cool things to do in Knoxville tonight? Drop by PostModern Spirits, one of the trendiest cocktail bars in the city. Or for some cheap fun in the Old City, explore the city on foot and catch its colorful and artistic graffiti.

Artistic Things to do in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville is a hub for all things artistic. This city offers plenty of opportunities for recreation through the visual arts–and you don’t have to be an expert or professional to enjoy them either! Here are just five examples:

1) Visit the Bijou Theatre

The Historic Bijou Theatre is a staple of Knoxville, TN culture and was built in 1909 by Baumann & Baumann Architects as one of nine vaudeville theaters across Tennessee at that time! The theater holds performances from plays to movies and even live concerts like those held during the Big Ears Festival.

Don’t forget to stop by their neighboring restaurant, Bistro At The Bijou. They serve delicious brunch and dinner as well as drinks!

2) Visit the Knoxville Museum of Art

The museum has a great collection of American art with some pieces by Andy Warhol, Thomas Hart Benton, and more! This is an excellent place to spend several hours if you are looking for things to do in Knoxville during your visit.

The museum also holds a variety of classes and workshops for anyone interested in art!

3) Knoxville Children’s Theater

Knoxville Children’s Theater (KCT) is an award-winning theater company that strives to create high-quality theatrical experiences. Each show is designed by the staff and cast to entertain children of all ages while still providing fun for adults too!  You and your little ones can enjoy a slew of plays, from musicals to serious pieces. You’ll love their “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, and clever mashups of plays and movies. You can also enroll your children in a workshop or class at this theater.

4) Knoxville Mural Walking Tour

Knoxville is home to a great deal of outdoor art, and there are plenty of ways to explore the murals. One way is by doing a walking tour! Simply stop by the downtown Visitors Center, and get a map. Your stroll can take you through downtown’s historic districts where you’ll get an up-close look at the city’s extensive collection of public murals. Make sure you stop by iconic Knoxville sports for social media-worthy murals, like Molly Knox, Strong Allet, and Miller’s Building Mural.

5)  Muse Knoxville

The Muse Knoxville has a diverse range of events that appeal to a wide variety of people. This child-approved facility is a wonderful mix of science and art galleries, measuring 4,000 square feet. The Muse Knoxville is a kid’s museum with exhibits on STEAM themes. Children will learn about gardening, the body’s circulatory system,  physics, chemistry, and biology.

At the museum’s planetarium, let your youngsters explore the solar system in a pleasant way. The museum is free to visitors on the fourth Friday of every month, by the way.

Final Thoughts

This is a great list of fun things to do in Knoxville, TN for all. The city has something for everyone and it’s easy to see why people want to live here! So why move to Knoxville? Well, if you’re looking for an affordable place with lots of opportunities, this might be the perfect spot for you.

We hope these ideas have given you some inspiration on where to spend your next vacation or weekend getaway – but if you’d rather move to the area but are being held back by a troublesome house, we can help!

We buy homes in Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia, so if you’re interested in selling your house and moving to Knoxville or finding a new home to relocate to in the area we can help “buy my house Knoxville“.

We are cash home buyers in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, so if you’d like to sell your house with less hassle contact Nexus Homebuyers today!