27-03-2025
LIST: Things to do during Knoxville Marathon weekend
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon brings thousands of runners and spectators to downtown Knoxville.
Whether you're in town and looking for a way to relax before running the marathon or looking for a way to stay occupied before heading to your favorite cheering spot, there is plenty to do around the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon.
Where to cheer on runners during the 2025 Knoxville Marathon
For those who may be in town early, the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon events fall just after First Friday in Knoxville. On the first Friday of every month, Visit Knoxville puts on the First Friday event, which has a variety of art, music, food and fun each time. Part of that event includes the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Knoxville, which is free. According to Downtown Knoxville, there's no right or wrong way to experience the Art Walk, just roam from spot to spot and find new artists.
The event will run from around 5 p.m. until 'late,' according to Visit Knoxville. View the First Friday Art Walk map here.
One of the other delightful events that is sharing the weekend with the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon is the Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk, which takes place in Market Square, just a few blocks away from the starting line. This year, there is expected to be more than 300 artists, food trucks, a beer garden and free children's activities.
The Chalk Walk starts at 8 a.m. and will run through 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. Learn more here.
East Tennessee is a region steeped in rich history. In Downtown Knoxville, the Museum of East Tennessee History at the East Tennessee History Center is a great place to learn a little more about that history, whether you are looking to take a break from the busy streets or want to spend a few hours.
There are several permanent exhibits at the museum, but currently, the Museum of East Tennessee History also has the 'Home Runs & Home Teams' exhibit that delves into the history of baseball in Tennessee.
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The museum, located at 601 S. Gay Street, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. While there is a ticket fee most of the time for those ages 17 and up, on Sunday, the Museum of East Tennessee History offers free admission while welcoming donations through its donation box.
It's hard to take a trip to Downtown Knoxville without stumbling onto some of the city's murals, but have you seen all of them? Visit Knoxville has a map that can be used for an individual walking tour that stops by many of these murals, although more murals are added frequently.
This year, during the 70th annual Dogwood Trails, Dogwood Arts is collaborating with a professional muralist to unveil six new student-painted murals in downtown Knoxville through a workshop. The new murals will be on display at Maker Exchange through April.
If art and history aren't your thing, don't fret. Downtown Knoxville also has a plethora of shops and activities to stay plenty busy. From Tall Man Toys and Comics near World's Fair Park, to the Mast General Store on Gay Street and Union Ave. Books, there are shops for just about everyone.
For those who may be working on a tighter budget, Gay Street and Market Square are also nice places to window shop and enjoy a nice walk amidst the hustle and bustle of a downtown weekend.
When you need a break from taking in downtown, there are quite a few local restaurants, breweries and coffee shops to refuel within walking distance of World's Fair Park. A large concentration is located in Market Square and on Gay Street, but there are also some great choices on Jackson Avenue and in the Old City. For those more inclined to a nice cup of tea, there are also Spice & Tea Exchange of Knoxville and the Hello Tea House on Gay Street.
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If you are looking for an indoor art experience, the Knoxville Museum of Art is a great place to start. The museum is located on World's Fair Park Drive, just up the hill from World's Fair Park. Tickets are always free, and they are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
While the starting and finish line for the Marathon and Half Marathon will be in or near World's Fair Park, there are also several other parks in downtown. Whether you're hoping to let your children play at Fort Kid, admire the outdoor artwork in Charles Krutch Park, or enjoy the beauty of the Tennessee River from Volunteer Landing Park, there are plenty of parks in downtown to take advantage of.
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