Downtown Knoxville will reopen the Market Street pedestrian zone to the public on Friday, as festival season begins. According to the City of Knoxville, new retractable bollards have been installed to improve cost and labor efficiency. Market Street between Union and Clinch avenues and Union Avenue between Walnut and Gay streets will be closed to vehicles from 6 p.m. on Friday to 6 p.m. on Sunday every weekend for the rest of the year, except when announced otherwise.
The Mardi Growl Parade in Knoxville will take place on Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. on Depot Street and following a route through Gay Street, Jackson Avenue, and World’s Fair Park Drive, ending at the Performance Lawn. The event benefits the Young-Williams Animal Center. Road closures include Depot Avenue and Williams Street from 7 a.m. to noon and World’s Fair Park Drive from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. On-street parking along the parade route will be unavailable from 6 a.m. and is expected to reopen by noon, as reported by the City of Knoxville.
The City of Knoxville advises Mardi Growl Parade attendees to clean up after their pets, with waste bags and garbage cans available downtown. The notice emphasizes maintaining cleanliness and order due to large crowds and pets at the event. For information on road closures and the festival schedule, visit the official City of Knoxville announcement.
