Visit The Historic Old City
For over a hundred years, folks have enjoyed the Old City for its vibrant nightlife. From saloons and vaudeville, to 1920s jazz, to the rock shows of today, nighttime entertainment is part of Old City culture. Whether you’re looking for a pub, dance club, live music, the best pizza in town or an opportunity to watch glass blowing while drinking beer, the Old City’s nighttime offerings are hard to rival.
During the day, Knoxville’s “Creative Corridor” is thriving with graphic designers, ad agencies, photographers and architects. Enjoy a local coffee as you browse the shops and art galleries. Grab a tamale or fancy hot dog for lunch and let the grand Victorian buildings take you back in time to when the railroad brought booming industry to the area.
- 23 BARS & NIGHTCLUBS
- 1 CONCERT HALL
- 17 RESTAURANTS

- 3 COFFEE HOUSES
- 20 RETAIL SHOPS
- 2 DISTILLERIES
Once known as the Bowery, the Old City has a bit of a dark past, filled with stories of crime and murder. It held the region’s highest density of saloons and Knoxville’s red-light district.
Parking
Free Nights & Weekends
Free Covered Parking
- Under I-40 on Magnolia
Jackson Ave Lot
- Under James White (except Game Days)
State Street Garage
- ~7 min walk
Street Parking
- Free after 8pm & all day Sunday
Paid Lots
Not all lots are public 24/7, check parking lot signs for hours of availability and rates.