KNOXVILLE, TN (April 21, 2026) – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Visit Knoxville announces free local Sunsphere days for 2026. These will coincide with First Fridays from May through October 2026 (the same month pattern as when the 1982 World’s Fair was held) with the exception of July 3rd due to the Independence Day holiday on July 4th. The free local days in 2026 are as follows: 

  • May 1 
  • June 5 
  • August 7 
  • September 4 
  • October 2 

Those with a physical copy of their Knox County Driver’s License will be allowed a complimentary visit to the 4th Floor Observation Deck. The 4th Floor Observation Deck allows a maximum of 40 people every 30 minutes; space is limited and admission is first come, first serve. The Welcome Center and Observation Deck will also be open later until 6PM (regularly 5PM) for an additional hour of enjoyment. 

The Sunsphere, built for the 1982 World’s Fair, offers a unique experience. Its 4th Floor Observation Deck provides a stunning 360-degree view of downtown Knoxville, the Great Smoky Mountains, World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River, and the University of Tennessee Campus. Visitors can also explore a timeline, gallery, memorabilia, a newly painted mural, and technology related to the World’s Fair. 

“We are excited to continue to offer these free local Sunsphere days,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “The Sunsphere offers a variety of programming year-round, and the free local days are another opportunity to enjoy Knoxville’s iconic structure with our community.” 

Additionally, in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week which will take place May 3–9, 2026, admission to the Sunsphere will be discounted for all visitors via the code NTTW26. The code will be active beginning May 1. Prices will be as follows: 

Adult tickets will be $8 (regularly $10) 

Children (12 and under) tickets will be $3 (regularly $5) 

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.sunspheretickets.com.  

Please use the code NTTW26 at checkout or purchase discounted rate tickets in person at the Sunsphere Welcome Center. 

National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual celebration that underscores travel’s essential role in driving our nation's economy, cultivating vibrant communities and forging connections. Established in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week has become a cherished tradition, celebrating the U.S. travel community and highlighting how travel stimulates economic growth, creates quality jobs, inspires new businesses, and elevates the quality of life for Americans every day. 

Additionally, Visit Knoxville is engaging with all 16 Tennessee Welcome Centers throughout the state for National Travel and Tourism Week, providing their staff with informational collateral and Knoxville-inspired promotional items.  

Visit Knoxville welcomes all hotel partners throughout Knox County to celebrate by encouraging their staff to wear National Travel and Tourism Week lapel ribbons provided by Visit Knoxville and sharing the above Sunsphere ticket discount code (NTTW26) with their guests.  

National Travel and Tourism Week is a meaningful time to recognize our industry,” Kim Bumpas continued. “We’re proud to collaborate with our travel partners, and together we help drive a significant economic impact in our destination.” 

As an invitation to continue the celebration of tourism, head to visitknoxville.com and request a free 2026 Visitors Guide to plan your travel plans to Knoxville. 

ABOUT VISIT KNOXVILLE 
Visit Knoxville (Knoxville Convention and Visitors Bureau) is the official CVB for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. Visit Knoxville is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private company that works together with the community, business leaders, and local and state government to further develop Knoxville as a premier leisure, meetings, and travel destination. Tourism is the second highest grossing industry in the state of Tennessee. Knoxville/Knox County annually produces over $2 billion in travel spending. Visit Knoxville is also home to the VK Sports Commission, the VK Film Office, the Sunsphere Welcome Center & Observation Deck, and the Visitors Center at 301 S. Gay Street. For more information, go to visitknoxville.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram. 

### 

Kristen Combs 
Director of Communications 
Visit Knoxville 
865.306.4341 
kcombs@knoxville.org