Knoxville's arts advocacy organization, supporting and connecting the region's creative community since 1990. The Arts & Culture Alliance administers the Dogwood Arts festival, manages CulturallyKNOX programming, and works to ensure the arts remain central to Knoxville's identity and economy.
📍 DowntownKnoxville's historic preservation nonprofit, working since 1974 to protect and celebrate the city's architectural and cultural heritage. Knox Heritage leads preservation advocacy, maintains the Fragile 15 list of endangered properties, and champions the buildings and neighborhoods that give Knoxville its character.
📍 DowntownA Gay Street institution since 1952, Star Sales is Knoxville's go-to for outdoor gear, workwear, surplus clothing, and hard-to-find utility items. Unpretentious and honest, it's the kind of old-school store that's become increasingly rare — and all the more valuable for it.
📍 DowntownOne of the nation's most respected independent concert promoters, based right here in Knoxville. AC Entertainment produces thousands of events annually — from intimate club shows to the acclaimed Big Ears Festival — and has helped build Knoxville's reputation as a serious music city.
📍 DowntownKnoxville's beloved community radio station and home of the Blue Plate Special — a free, live Americana and roots music broadcast held every weekday at noon from the Knoxville Visitor Center. WDVX has been the heartbeat of Knoxville's music community since 2000, spotlighting local and regional artists seven days a week.
📍 DowntownA Market Square mainstay serving contemporary American cuisine in a warm, inviting space. Cafe 4 offers an approachable menu of scratch-made pastas, salads, and entrees alongside a thoughtful wine list — a reliable neighborhood restaurant with a loyal downtown following.
📍 DowntownOne of Knoxville's most established law firms, providing counsel to businesses and individuals across labor and employment law, litigation, estate planning, and corporate matters. Kramer Rayson has deep roots in East Tennessee's legal community, with a reputation built over decades of trusted service.
📍 DowntownA Knoxville-based community bank serving East Tennessee since 1924. Home Federal Savings Bank has grown from a single downtown branch into a trusted multi-location institution — always locally owned, always focused on the financial health of Knoxville families and small businesses.
📍 DowntownBringing world-class opera to East Tennessee since 1978. Knoxville Opera produces a full season of mainstage productions and community events, including the beloved Rossini Festival Italian Street Fair each spring — one of downtown Knoxville's largest free outdoor festivals.
📍 DowntownOne of the nation's oldest continuously operating African American theater companies, founded in Knoxville in 1969. Carpetbag Theatre creates original works rooted in the stories of working-class and marginalized communities, performing locally and touring nationally. A vital voice in American theater.
📍 DowntownKnoxville's professional hockey team, competing in the Southern Professional Hockey League since 2002. The Ice Bears play at Knoxville Civic Coliseum and have built a passionate local following with fast-paced, affordable, family-friendly games. One of Knoxville's most fun live sports experiences.
📍 DowntownThe original homestead of Knoxville's founder, General James White, dating to 1786. A preserved piece of East Tennessee's earliest European settlement, the fort complex features log cabins, period demonstrations, and guided tours that bring Knoxville's origin story to life.
📍 DowntownThe only facility in the world dedicated solely to honoring the history and heroes of women's basketball. Located in Knoxville — home of the legendary Lady Vols — the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame features interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and the annual induction ceremony. A world-class destination right in our city.
📍 DowntownA charming Gay Street café bringing authentic French crêpes to downtown Knoxville. The French Market Crêperie serves both sweet and savory crêpes made to order, along with coffee, sandwiches, and pastries — a little slice of Paris in the heart of downtown.
📍 DowntownChef Joseph Lenn's flagship fine dining restaurant, widely regarded as one of the best in the Southeast. JC Holdway features wood-fired cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and a constantly evolving menu. Lenn is a multiple James Beard Award nominee and a driving force behind Knoxville's culinary renaissance.
📍 DowntownA Knoxville landmark on Market Square since 1990, The Tomato Head is known for creative pizzas, vegetarian-friendly sandwiches, and scratch-made everything. An anchor of downtown's food scene and a genuine community institution — locally owned and fiercely independent.
📍 DowntownKnoxville's beloved falafel restaurant, founded by Syrian refugee Yassin Terou. Named "America's Nicest Place" by Reader's Digest in 2017, Yassin's serves fresh, from-scratch Middle Eastern food in a spirit of radical welcome and community. One of Knoxville's most heartwarming success stories.
📍 DowntownMarket Square's craft beer bar and bottle shop celebrating Knoxville's thriving local brewery scene. Knox Brew Hub carries an ever-rotating selection of cans, bottles, and pints from Tennessee brewers alongside a knowledgeable, passionate staff.
📍 DowntownA professional community theater dedicated to youth performers and young audiences. Knoxville Children's Theatre produces a full season of musicals and plays performed by and for the next generation of Knoxville artists.
📍 DowntownMatching children facing adversity with caring adult mentors since 1963. Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee creates meaningful, lasting relationships that help young people reach their full potential.
📍 DowntownProviding safe, positive after-school and summer environments for Knoxville youth since 1924. The Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley serves thousands of young people annually through academic, athletic, and arts programming.
📍 DowntownKnown as KARM, this Knoxville nonprofit has provided emergency shelter, recovery programs, and pathways out of homelessness for over 60 years. One of the most impactful and long-standing community organizations in East Tennessee.
📍 DowntownA well-established Knoxville law firm serving individuals and businesses across civil litigation, estate planning, business law, and real estate. Hodges, Doughty & Carson brings decades of East Tennessee legal experience to every client relationship.
📍 DowntownA Knoxville landmark perched on the banks of the Tennessee River, famous for award-winning ribs, steaks, and spectacular water views. Calhoun's has been a cherished local institution since 1983 — one of those places every Knoxvillian has a memory tied to.
📍 DowntownAn iconic independently owned general store on Gay Street packed with outdoor gear, classic apparel, toys, and barrels of bulk candy. The Knoxville outpost of this beloved Southern institution has been a Gay Street anchor for years.
📍 DowntownA locally owned community bank headquartered in Knoxville, delivering personal and business banking with genuine relationship-based service. Mountain Commerce Bank is focused on the long-term prosperity of East Tennessee — not Wall Street.
📍 DowntownOne of Knoxville's oldest congregations, established in 1792. First Presbyterian offers worship, community ministries, and a deep commitment to serving the city. A cornerstone of Knoxville's faith community and historic downtown landscape.
📍 DowntownA specialty coffee bar committed to exceptional sourcing and precise craft. Remedy is the choice for anyone who takes their coffee seriously — clean, focused, and deeply considered in every cup.
📍 DowntownA downtown Knoxville craft brewery and taproom producing a rotating lineup of ales and lagers alongside wood-fired pizzas. Balter's bright, welcoming space and community-first attitude make it one of downtown's best gathering spots.
📍 DowntownKnoxville's celebrated speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden inside the historic Oliver Hotel. Ring the doorbell, enter through the library, and discover inventive, spirit-forward cocktails in a stunning setting. Named after a real 19th-century Knoxville confectioner.
📍 DowntownEast Tennessee's premier professional orchestra, performing a full season of classical, pops, and chamber concerts at venues across the region. The KSO has enriched Knoxville's cultural life for more than 80 years.
📍 DowntownKnoxville's standout independent sushi bar on Gay Street, offering expertly crafted rolls, sashimi, and Japanese small plates in a sleek, intimate setting. Widely regarded as the best sushi in the city.
📍 DowntownThe organization behind Knoxville's Market Square Farmers' Market and other local food initiatives. Nourish Knoxville connects farmers, producers, and residents to build a healthier, more food-secure community.
📍 DowntownThe region's volunteer center, connecting people and organizations to create a stronger East Tennessee. Volunteer ETN matches individuals with meaningful opportunities across hundreds of local nonprofits.
📍 DowntownA stunning Knoxville landmark and one of the oldest performing arts venues in Tennessee. The Bijou hosts an eclectic mix of concerts, comedy, theater, and community events in a beautifully restored historic setting.
📍 DowntownThe region's premier history museum and genealogical research library, preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of East Tennessee. Features permanent and rotating exhibits spanning Appalachian history and culture.
📍 DowntownThe region's leading art museum, presenting exhibitions of historical and contemporary art alongside free community programming. Located in the World's Fair Park, admission is always free.
📍 DowntownA vibrant arts center on Gay Street featuring gallery space for local and regional artists, rotating exhibitions year-round, and community arts programming. Home to Dogwood Arts and a hub for Knoxville's creative community.
📍 DowntownAn intimate multi-room music venue and bar on Market Square with live music almost every night. Named after Knoxville's beloved unofficial nickname, Scruffy City Hall is where local music lives.
📍 DowntownCraft burgers, Tennessee whiskey, and local draft beer on Market Square. Stock & Barrel is a go-to downtown destination known for quality ingredients, a great patio, and a lively atmosphere.
📍 DowntownThe Tennessee Theatre is Knoxville's crown jewel of historic entertainment — a stunning 1928 movie palace on S Gay Street that now hosts concerts, Broadway touring productions, film screenings, and special events. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its Moorish interior is breathtaking. The Tennessee is a living landmark and a cornerstone of downtown Knoxville's cultural life.
📍 DowntownUnion Ave Books is downtown Knoxville's independent bookstore, offering a carefully curated selection of new books across all genres alongside author events, readings, and community programming. A true neighborhood bookshop with knowledgeable staff and a passion for connecting readers with great books. A must-visit for anyone who loves literature and supporting local business.
📍 DowntownThe Art Market Gallery is a beloved downtown Knoxville fixture showcasing fine art, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, photography, and gifts from over 30 local and regional artists. Located on S Gay Street, the gallery is a go-to destination for unique, locally made art and one-of-a-kind gifts. New work rotates regularly, giving every visit something fresh to discover.
📍 DowntownThe Garza Law Firm is a Knoxville-based practice specializing in criminal defense, DUI/DWI, personal injury, and social security disability. Led by attorney Marcos Garza, the firm is known for aggressive, client-focused representation and is available 24/7 for consultations. Serving clients across East Tennessee from their downtown Knoxville office.
📍 DowntownDowntown Grill & Brewery is Knoxville's original craft brewery, serving handcrafted beers brewed on-site alongside a full menu of American classics. Guests can watch the brewing process through the gleaming 15-barrel Bohemian brewhouse visible right from the dining room. Whether you're stopping in for lunch, dinner, or just a cold pint, DGB is a downtown staple worth every visit.
📍 Downtown