Mark your calendars, folks! Downtown Knoxville's Gay Street is ditching the cars and rolling out the red carpet for pedestrians. This Friday, the 100 block of Gay Street from Jackson to Vine Avenues is going car-free for a night of art, music, and culture. According to a recent announcement from the City of Knoxville, the Arts and Culture Alliance is throwing a First Friday art Block Party you won't want to miss, complete from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on May 3, 2024.

With 20 years under its belt, the Arts and Culture Alliance has hosted First Friday events, but this one's special. They're setting up shop at The Emporium at 100 S. Gay Street, and the shindig kicks off officially at 5 p.m. The Alliance promises a smorgasbord of entertainment, boasting live music, and nearly a whopping 30 local artists, as well as five spanking new exhibitions at The Emporium.

But let's not forget the practicalities. If you're planning to drive in before the festivities, take note: on-street parking spots on the 100 Block will be out of commission starting at 3 p.m. on the day of the event. Nobody's thrilled about parking headaches, but the city's got your back with free parking in city-owned garages and surface lots after 6 p.m., and all day on weekends, as per the city's announcement.

For the night owls and art enthusiasts alike, the celebration isn't a marathon; it ends at dark. So, if you're looking for a cultural jaunt graced by the symphony of local talents and a peek at some fresh exhibits, head down to Gay Street this Friday. Knoxville is showing us once again that the heart of a city thrives not in the exhaust of automobiles, but in the footsteps and heartbeats of its community.