Looking for things to do in Knoxville that won’t cost a fortune? The city has plenty of attractions where you can spend an afternoon enjoying local history, art, and entertainment. From free museums to historic landmarks, these seven Knoxville attractions offer affordable ways to spend your weekend.
1. Knoxville Museum of Art
Address: 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN
The Knoxville Museum of Art is one of the best free attractions in the city. Located beside World’s Fair Park, the museum features artwork celebrating East Tennessee’s culture and artistic heritage.
Visitors can see everything from historical works to contemporary exhibitions. The museum also hosts educational programs, special exhibitions, and community events throughout the year.
Admission is free, making it an easy addition to a weekend downtown.
2. Sunsphere at World’s Fair Park
Address: 810 Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN
Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere remains one of Knoxville’s most recognizable landmarks.
The fourth-floor observation deck offers 360-degree views of downtown Knoxville, the University of Tennessee campus, and the surrounding mountains. Inside, visitors can also read about the history of the World’s Fair and how it helped shape modern Knoxville.
After visiting the Sunsphere, take some time to walk through World’s Fair Park and enjoy its fountains, open lawns, and walking paths.
The park is free to visit, while the observation deck requires a small admission fee.
3. Tennessee Theater
Address: 604 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN
Opened in 1928, the Tennessee Theater is one of downtown Knoxville’s most impressive historic buildings. Known as Knoxville’s Grand Entertainment Palace, the theater features elaborate Spanish-Moorish architecture and a beautifully restored interior.
Today, the venue hosts Broadway productions, concerts, classic films, and special events. Ticket prices vary, but occasional film screenings and community programs provide more affordable opportunities to experience the theater.
Even if you aren’t attending a performance, the historic exterior is worth seeing while walking along Gay Street.
Check the theater’s event calendar for upcoming performances and ticket prices.
4. Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
Address: 700 Hall of Fame Drive, Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has a strong connection to women’s basketball, largely because of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols and legendary coach Pat Summitt.
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame celebrates the history of the sport and the athletes and coaches who helped shape it.
Inside, visitors can browse memorabilia, see exhibits honoring basketball legends, and participate in interactive activities. The museum also features displays highlighting major moments in women’s basketball history.
It’s an especially interesting stop for sports fans and families looking for indoor activities.
Admission is required, so check current ticket prices before visiting.
5. James White’s Fort
Address: 205 East Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN
For a closer look at Knoxville’s beginnings, visit James White’s Fort near downtown.
The historic site commemorates the home of James White, who established a settlement in the area in 1786. Visitors can tour reconstructed log buildings and see period furnishings and household items that illustrate everyday life in early Knoxville.
The fort offers a different perspective on the city’s history, long before Knoxville became the urban center it is today.
Admission is generally affordable, although visiting hours are limited. Check the schedule before planning a weekend visit.
6. Bijou Theater
Address: 803 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN
The Bijou Theater is another historic entertainment venue along downtown Knoxville’s Gay Street.
The building’s history dates to the early 1800s, while the theater itself opened in 1909. Today, the Bijou hosts live music, comedy, theatrical performances, and other entertainment.
Its smaller auditorium creates a more intimate experience than larger concert venues. Depending on the performance, visitors can find reasonably priced tickets for an evening downtown.
Browse the Bijou Theater’s upcoming events to see what’s scheduled for the weekend.
7. Bleak House
Address: 3148 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN
Also known as Confederate Memorial Hall, Bleak House is a historic mansion along Kingston Pike with connections to Knoxville’s Civil War history.
The property served as a Confederate headquarters during the Siege of Knoxville in 1863. Today, the house preserves historic furnishings and artifacts that provide insight into the city’s past.
Guided tours offer visitors an opportunity to see the interior and hear about the building’s role in local history.
More Things to Do in Knoxville
You don’t have to spend much to enjoy a weekend in Knoxville. The city offers an interesting mix of museums, historic landmarks, and entertainment venues, with several attractions located within walking distance of one another downtown.
If you’re planning a day out, consider combining a visit to the Knoxville Museum of Art with a walk through World’s Fair Park. You can also spend an afternoon along Gay Street before attending a show at one of the historic theaters.
With so many things to do in Knoxville, there’s always another part of the city’s history and culture to discover.
