Starting today and extending into next week, anticipate a mix of fun special events but also some temporary street closures throughout downtown Knoxville.
Over six days, downtown will host a music festival, two farmers’ markets, rappelling down a 12-story building, an Asian cultural festival and the re-lighting of the Tennessee Theatre’s iconic marquee and vertical sign.
BLANKFest – Friday to Sunday, Aug. 26-28
BLANKFest celebrates the local entertainment culture in Knoxville and beyond, with more than 40 bands performing through the weekend. On Friday, Aug. 26, musicians will be entertaining on Market Square from 5-10 p.m.
Street closure:
Wall Avenue, between Walnut and Gay streets, will be closed from 4-10 p.m. Friday. Temporary no-parking zones on Wall Avenue will be in effect beginning at 3 p.m. Friday.
Note: Motorists wishing to park in the Market Square Garage will need to access the garage from the Walnut Street entrance.
Over the Edge – Saturday, Aug. 27
From 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, participants will be rappelling down the side of the Langley Building as part of a fundraiser to benefit the Restoration House, a nonprofit group that helps low-income single mothers and their children. Visit https://overtheedgeknox.org/.
Street closure:
Summer Place, between Locust and Walnut streets, will be closed from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. Temporary no-parking zones will be in effect beginning at 5 a.m. Saturday.
Market Square Farmers’ Market – Saturday, Aug. 27
The 13th season of the downtown farmers’ market offers locally grown produce, meat, eggs and plants, as well as locally-made artisan foods and crafts. For details, visit www.marketsquarefarmersmarket.org.
The Market Square Farmers’ Market will connect local growers and buyers from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Market Square and along Union Avenue and Market Street.
Street closures:
Market Street, between Clinch and Union avenues – closed from 6:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday;
Union Avenue, between Walnut and Gay streets – closed from 6:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday;
Temporary no-parking zones on Market Street and Union Avenue will be in effect starting at 5 a.m. Saturday.
The farmers’ market also sets up every Wednesday on Market Square, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. So come back and get more fresh produce on Wednesday, Aug. 31! There are no street closures for the Wednesday farmers’ markets.
Asian Festival – Sunday, Aug. 28
The third annual Asian Festival, boasting foods, dance, song and other performances representing nine countries, will be offered from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday on Market Square. The Asian Festival aims to bring together people from various cultural backgrounds to promote peace, harmony, unity and healthy lifestyles. Visit http://www.knoxasianfestival.com/.
Street closures:
Market Street, between Clinch and Union avenues, will be closed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday;
Union Avenue, between Walnut and Gay streets, will be closed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday;
Temporary no-parking zones will be in effect on Market and Union, starting at 5 a.m.
Tennessee Theatre marquee and sign lighting – Wednesday, Aug. 31
Come to the 600 block of South Gay Street for a free public celebration, countdown and re-lighting of the Tennessee Theatre’s refurbished and re-installed marque and vertical sign. The festivities begin at 8 p.m.
Street closure:
Gay Street, between Clinch and Church avenues, will be closed from 7:30-9 p.m. Also, a temporary no-parking zone on Gay Street between Clinch and Church starts at 6:30 p.m.
