Your guide to fun things to do in and around Knoxville | Knoxpedia
Looking to grab a drink or catch a show in Knoxville? You're in the right place − this section of Knoxpedia has all you need to know about fun things to do in Knoxville.
Below, you'll find answers to some of the most popular questions asked by those moving to town or new to living in Knoxville. Once you're finished, you can check out the full Knoxpedia guide and all its categories.
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How do I make friends in Knoxville?
It's easy to say "go to a bar" or "join a club," but both options can be intimidating in a new city. Fortunately, our partners at New2Knox have you covered with all types of social events, from small groups (they call them "Hops") to large outings geared to match you with other new Knoxvillians who want to make friends and explore the city.
On top of that, the New2Knox social media accounts keep you up to date with the latest you need to know about what's happening in Knoxville (don't worry, it's not just you!). They also have a featured section in our free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter that includes their suggestions for a fun-filled weekend.
Where are the best hikes near Knoxville?
You don't have to travel deep into the Great Smoky Mountains to take a scenic stroll, especially since some Smokies hikes are so popular there's a waiting list. But if you do visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, make sure you're aware of the parking rules.
In 2022, Knoxville ranked higher than Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga when it comes to park access, with more than half of Knoxville residents living within a 10-minute walk of public parks.
For some of the best views of downtown, head on over to the River Bluff Wildlife Area or, simply, the Bluffs. This hike made our Knoxville bucket list of must-do activities. But your best bet is exploring the Urban Wilderness, comprised of nine recreational areas connected by trails.
What are things to do with kids in Knoxville?
Sometimes, the best fun happens when you go outside to explore. Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville is home to 318 acres of natural beauty, including forests, meadows, walking trails and a quarry. You can also purchase tickets to try your hand(s) (and feet) on an incredible zipline with courses of varying difficulty.
For fun and education, there's Zoo Knoxville and its Red Panda Village, as well as the STEAM museum and planetarium at Muse Knoxville.
Want something more thrilling? West Knoxville has a handful of arcades and adventure parks, including Main Event Knoxville, Sir Goony's Family Fun Center in Farragut and the Urban Air Adventure & Trampoline Park.
If your little ones enjoy sports, check out the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in downtown Knoxville. (Pat Summitt made her name coaching the Tennessee Lady Vols to college basketball superstardom.)
Children also will enjoy Safety City, a child-size version of Knoxville complete with a Sunsphere model. Then again, why not head downtown to visit the actual Knoxville landmark, constructed for the 1982 World's Fair? (Useless but amusing trivia: The Sunsphere plays a central role in an episode of "The Simpsons.")
Does Knoxville have good music?
In addition to being home to a great local music scene, Knoxville is a popular spot for touring artists.
A lot of the credit goes to Ashley Capps, AC Entertainment founder and Bonnaroo cofounder. Capps helped encourage the revitalization of local theaters and familiarized artists with Knoxville through festivals on Market Square and at World's Fair Park. The Knoxville native is behind the internationally attended Big Ears Festival, which takes place each spring across more than a dozen downtown music venues.
On Gay Street you'll find the Tennessee Theatre, the official state theater, as well as the Bijou Theatre.
In the Old City adjacent to downtown, The Mill & Mine welcomes bands that can fill a 1,200-person room, while the nearby cash-only Pilot Light hosts the hippest up-and-coming groups in a small venue for standing-only shows.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus hosts the biggest touring acts, with a focus on country and classic rock.
Additionally, between Preservation Pub, Scruffy City Hall, Boyd's Jig and Reel and Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria, you're bound to find quality live music almost any night of the week.
Two notable artists with Knoxville ties have experienced recent critical acclaim for their music. The New York Times wrote that Knoxville native Yves Tumor "redefines rock stardom," while the latest album from Knoxvillian Adeem the Artist has garnered praise by Rolling Stone, Billboard and Brandi Carlile.
What are the best Knoxville breweries?
Picking the best among Knoxville breweries is like picking your favorite child … if you had about 25 of them. The point is, there are plenty to choose from, and "the best" depends on your taste preferences.
Downtown has a handful of breweries, but it's the neighborhoods just north and south of the city's core that are hubs for craft beer. South Knoxville is home to Alliance Brewing Company, Hi-Wire Brewing and Printshop Beer Co. To the north you'll find Crafty Bastard Brewery, Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Schulz Brau Brewing Co. and Elst Brewing Company, among others.
The east and west sides of town have welcomed more breweries in recent years, so don't sleep on these neighborhoods. Want to know what fellow Knoxvillians think? Check out our Knox News brewery bracket!
How do I get Tennessee football tickets?
The Volunteers play college football games at Neyland Stadium. (We call them the Vols, and make sure you know how to pronounce it!). With a 102,000-person capacity, the stadium is one of the largest in the world.
Anyone can attend a game by purchasing tickets through allvols.com. That's the same site to purchase tickets for other Vols sporting events, including basketball games, which are played at Thompson-Boling Arena.
Looking for more events and activities in Knoxville?
Find concerts, festivals, plays, 5K runs, farmers markets and more to do every day on our calendar at knoxnews.com/things-to-do/events.
Have more questions about fun things to do in Knoxville?
Let these Knox News reporters help you!
Devarrick Turner covers an array of trending and fun topics in East Tennessee. He specializes in arts and culture reporting and has a passion for sharing the positive stories of those underrepresented in media coverage. Devarrick is a native of Burlington, North Carolina. He graduated from Elon University and completed his master's in journalism at the University of Southern California. Email: devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com
Ryan Wilusz is an award-winning journalist covering downtown growth and development for Knox News. Originally from North Carolina, Ryan earned his journalism degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and has been reporting on downtown since moving to Knoxville in May 2018. He also is cohost of "The Scruffy Stuff," a Knox News podcast focusing on the latest downtown news, businesses, events, trends and issues every Tuesday. Email: ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Cell: 865-317-5138.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Fun things to do in Knoxville, including activities with kids