Knoxville dog owners now have a spot where the humans get a craft beer, and the pups get the off-leash zoomies. Wagbar opened in October 2025 at the former Creekside Knox site, turning the familiar property into an adult-focused dog park and bar. The franchise combines supervised off-leash play with a small craft tap list and rotating food trucks, pulling in steady weekend crowds. Owners say the setup is designed to give dog people a more comfortable, safer option than unsupervised public dog parks.
What the Space Offers
The new Wagbar fills the old Creekside Knox property with both indoor and outdoor play zones, a sand pit, water features, and turf, plus fire pits and shaded patios for the humans who are just there for the snacks and drinks. According to Wagbar Knoxville, the park also features outdoor TVs, rotating local food trucks, and a bar pouring craft beer, cider, and seltzers. The posted hours run from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, and the venue lists a local phone number for questions.
Prices, Passes, and Rules
Access works on a pay-to-play setup. Dogs come in on day passes or memberships, with day passes at roughly $10, monthly memberships around $40, and annual plans about $400, according to the Knox News Sentinel. Staff check vaccination records at the gate and require that dogs be spayed or neutered and current on rabies, distemper (DHPP), and bordetella vaccines. On busy weekend days, the owners estimate as many as 100 dogs on site, which is one reason memberships are pitched to regulars who plan to visit often.
Owner's Pitch and Staffing
Owner Liz Urquhart summed up the concept to the Knox News Sentinel as "it's dogs and beer," which is essentially the business model in four words. The Knoxville franchise operates as a mother-daughter venture and staffs the park with employees who supervise play, step in if scuffles break out, and keep the grounds cleaned up. Management maintains that having eyes on the yard and a controlled entry process helps lower health and behavior risks compared with some unsupervised municipal parks.
From Asheville to East Tennessee
Wagbar started as a single location near Asheville and has grown into a franchise, using its Weaverville setup as the template for new markets. The company says franchisees receive hands-on training in operations, dog handling, and marketing as part of their rollout, according to Wagbar. Knoxville is among the brand's early expansions in the South.
How to Visit
Humans must be at least 18 years old to enter, and you do not need a dog to come hang out, although any dog on site must meet the vaccination and spaying or neutering requirements. Local guides and community pages outline the basic price points, including day passes, punch cards, and monthly or annual memberships, and can help visitors decide between a one-off visit or unlimited access. For a quick breakdown of the options, see the local guide at Dog Friendly Knoxville. First-timers are advised to bring proof of vaccinations and call ahead using the listed phone number to check on events or potential capacity issues.
