Knoxville

Knoxville Celebrates Juneteenth, City Offices to Close, Events Scheduled for Historical Commemoration

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Published on June 16, 2025
Knoxville Celebrates Juneteenth, City Offices to Close, Events Scheduled for Historical CommemorationSource: Google Street View

Knoxville is observing Juneteenth on June 19, with city offices closed in honor of the holiday. As reported by the City of Knoxville's official website, the day marks a historic commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, and the city is taking steps to recognize this significant moment in American history.

For Knoxville residents, the closure means they'll need to look to digital tools should they have service requests during the holiday. Using the MyKnoxville app or engaging with the Rocky Bot chatbot via text at 888-601-5669 are the recommended methods, the City of Knoxville's announcement suggests.

Knoxville's Solid Waste Facility, taking a break on June 19, will resume regular hours on Friday after the holiday. Conversely, trash and recycling services aren't skipping a beat, operating on their regular schedule, while recycling centers stay open to serve and receive donations with Goodwill attendance there to assist, according to the City of Knoxville's news release.

It's not just office doors that will be closed; Inskip and Ed Cothren outdoor pools will treat residents to a refreshing dip, open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., while community centers and the Knoxville Arts Center will take a day off. If you're looking to navigate the city, expect Knoxville Area Transit buses are switching to a Sunday schedule on June 19, with customer service available from 8 a.m. to noon. The official City of Knoxville's announcement also notes that additional pool information can be found on the city's website.

Juneteenth celebrations in Knoxville feature the traditional MLK, Jr. Parade and a community celebration. The parade, expected to infuse the streets with remembrance and joy, will see Mayor Indya Kincannon, city council members, and staff marching from Chilhowee Park Midway to Dr. Walter Hardy Park. "A free, family-friendly Juneteenth Celebration will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.," shares the City of Knoxville's release as it explains the course of the event. Traffic will be rerouted around the parade from 10 a.m. to approximately 11 a.m., and there'll be free shuttles ferrying parade participants to and from staging areas.

To cap off the day, a musical tribute is set to unfold at Market Square with Brian Clay's GRUUV Xperience, in collaboration with Beck Cultural Center. Echoing from the square between 7-9 p.m., the free concert invites attendees to bring their chairs and blankets for an evening under the stars. The first-come-first-served arrangement makes way for a relaxed, communal experience, fitting for such a historical reflection as Juneteenth, as per the City of Knoxville.