Since 1854, Market Square in Knoxville has been the place to be. It’s the heart of our downtown and basically the city's giant outdoor living room. Whether you’re looking for the best burger of your life, a bunch of local flowers, or just a place to people-watch with your dog, the Square is where it happens. Here is everything you need to know to do it like a local. 

What is the history of Market Square in Knoxville? 

The history of this area goes way back. We’re talking before disco, before prohibition, before the gilded age, even before the Civil War! In 1854, two developers named William Swan and Joseph Mabry (of Mabry-Hazen House, one of Knoxville's Historic House Museums you can visit today) donated land to the city for a public market. Our friends at the Knoxville History Project note that “by 1870, two rows of buildings framed the space”, so it would have looked similar to how it looks today. 

In 1897, the large Market House was built – which is hard for us to imagine.  We are so used to the open space where all kinds of events happen, it is strange to think about a huge enclosed market there!  It was torn down in 1960 (still before disco by the way), and the farmers who used to sell their produce dwindled over time.  A major resurgence happened around 2000 with the organization of the Market Square Farmers Market (MSFM), who started promoting locally grown produce sold in the Square, a wonderful tradition that continues to today!

TL;DR 

  • The Founders: Two guys named William G. Swan and Joseph A. Mabry gave the land to the city way back when. Their only rule? It had to stay a public market. 

  • The Comeback: In the 90s/00s, the Square went from a quiet spot to the bustling hub it is now. 

  • Hidden Gems: Look for the Women’s Suffrage Memorial statue near the Union Ave. side—it honors three Tennessee women who helped change US history. 

 

When is the Farmers Market at Market Square? 

A perfect segue into the Farmers’ Market!  Expect an incredibly wide variety of regional produce, including plants, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables, herbs, honey, cheeses, eggs, meat, breads and baked goods, beverages, bath and body products, and a variety of artisan crafts. It’s an event onto its own, if you’re in Knoxville you won’t want to miss it. You can catch the Nourish Knoxville Market Square Farmers Market every Saturday (9 AM–1 PM) and Wednesday (10 AM–1 PM) from May through November. Everything here is "producer-only," meaning the person selling the honey, bread, or kale actually made or grew it within 150 miles of Knoxville. 

Tips for the Market 

  • Eat Local: Because of Nourish Knoxville’s strict rules, you'll find only the best seasonal goods East Tennessee has to offer. 

  • Don't Forget Winter: December has its Holiday Markets every Saturday, and the Winters Farmers Market continues January through April, so you can still get your local fix year-round. 

  • Pro Tip: Saturdays get crowded! If you want the best selection of flowers or sourdough, try to get there right at 9:00 AM. 

 

What Shops are in Market Square?

Market Square shopping puts some of downtown Knoxville’s best local boutiques and services in one lively, walkable spot. For quirky gifts and unexpected finds, Earth to Old City lives up to its “scruffy little gift shop” reputation, while Earthbound Trading Co. offers bohemian clothing, crystals, and spiritual-inspired goods. See Scruffy City continues theme with a custom hat bar and souvenir shop. The Style District is the newcomer on the corner next to Cafe 4. You'll also find a few chains like Brandy Melville, and Urban Outfitters facing the square. Pick a direction once you leave the square, and you'll find many more shops downtown on Union Ave., over on Gay Street, the Old City, and beyond. But you might want to get something to eat first!

 

What are the best restaurants on the Square? 

Look at that, another perfect segue; Café 4 is a Square staple. Brunch, lunch, dinner, sweets – they have it all. Some others in that category include Tomato Head and Tupelo Honey, Café 4s opposite corner location. If brunch is really your jam (pun intended), try Ruby Sunshine. More Americana and Southern options include Not Watson’s and Myrtles Chicken and Beer. The perfect paring of bourbon and burgers awaits at Stock & Barrel (if you’re a veggie, don’t be afraid; they have a phenomenal black bean burger). Pick up some Proper Popcorn to snack on as you go!

For a bit of international flavor, Kabuki features Japanese fusion (try the hibachi), and Soccer Taco is a great place to share some margaritas over chips and salsa with your friends. Fine dining includes Italian fare at Emilia, Oliver Royale (part of The Oliver Hotel around the corner, and the Brass Pearl (oyster and martini bar).

Foodie Favorites 

  • Burger Heaven: Stock & Barrel's menu has everything from basic burgers to adventurous options like the Elvis Burger—a sweet and savory combo with creamy peanut butter, fried bananas, and local favorite Benton's Bacon. 

  • The OG Spot: The Tomato Head has been around since 1990 and is the go-to for vegetarians and vegans. 

  • All the Action: Snag a table at Tommy Trent's Sports Saloon, a corner spot on the square with a huge patio, two full bars, and all the sportsball you can handle.

 

What are the nightlife options in Market Square?

Most of the above restaurants also have beer and wine or cocktail offerings, but this section is specifically for the night out. Bernadette’s Crystal Barrooms sits alongside fellow establishments Preservation Pub and Scruffy City Hall. Bernadette’s is a delight to the imagination with an amethyst lounge, a gemstone grotto, and even a magic beer tree. Scruffy City Hall is an eclectic 3-floor mix of a gothic main hall with live music up to their rooftop bar (with misting fans for those steamy summer nights!). Preservation Pub also has three floors, live music, and a rooftop bar where you can watch Square shenanigans amongst a kitschy flock of plastic flamingos (note that the pub allows smoking on their first floor).

 

Where is the best place to park? How much does parking cost? 

  • Best places to Park for Market Square: Market Square Garage, State Street Garage, and Locust Street Garage.
  • Paid Parking Hours are 7AM–6PM. Rates: $1 per hour; $7 max per day at these garages.
  • These three garages are free Monday–Friday from 6PM–7AM and all day Sunday. State and Locust are also free on Saturday; Market Square Garage has a flat-rate of $3 on Saturdays. Special event parking rates may apply as posted.
  • Use the ParkMobile app for metered street parking. It’ll ping your phone when your time is low so you don't have to leave your lunch to add money. 

 

Are there seasonal activities in Market Square?

Market Square in Downtown Knoxville has fun events and activities year round!

Several tours go through the Square, including free self-guided ones like the Cradle of Country Music Walking Tour, or guided options like Knoxville Food Tours.

If you need a bit of an urban oasis, just cross Union Avenue and enjoy Krutch Park (perhaps with a latte in hand from Coffee & Chocolate) while listening to the waterfall and pondering rotating public sculptures and art works. 

 

What are Spring events in Market Square?

It’s common to find festivals that parade down Gay Street and after dispersal, you’ll find a lively scene in the square. The Mardi Growl Dog Parade is the perfect example of this, so bring your pooch and “laissez les bons temps rouler!” The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Knox Shamrock Fest are also great examples. 

Come April, Dogwood Arts bursts on to the scene with the Chalk Walk. This event features over 300 artists and teams who use chalk as their medium to create masterpieces under your feet. Rossini Festival is a large annual event that takes over downtown from the Square to Gay Street with live music, food, art, and more.

In May and June, expect to see Concerts on the Square in the form of Jazz on Tuesdays and Variety on Thursdays. These are free events, so grab a lawn chair and c’mon down!

 

What are Summer events in Market Square?

Festivals tend to wind down but as the weather heats up this time of year there’s still plenty to do. The splash pad will be in full force, with kids shrieking with glee as they dodge the gurgling fountain. If you’ve got this kids in tow on Tuesdays, enjoy Kid A’Riffic Fun with more free activities and games (sometimes in the Square and sometimes in other parks throughout town. Another free fun family favorite (say that three times fast!) is the Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt. This event is perfect to wear those kiddos out and get to know various shops throughout downtown.

 

What are Fall events in Market Square?

Movies on Market Square goes from mid-September to mid-October and features family-friendly films on Friday nights (another tongue twister!).  Don’t forget Gamedays, where you’re sure to see the orange-clad masses making their way through downtown to Neyland Stadium. Cooler temperatures also make for a nice time to explore Strong Alley (also known as the Art Alley) between Market Square and Gay Street. The other alley in between Market Square and the Market Square Garage also has an expansive mural to enjoy.

 

What are Winter events in Market Square?

Christmas in the City is the most wonderful time of the year! Experience Holidays on Ice, the ice skating rink in the middle of Market Square. Similar to Where’s Waldo, in Knoxville you can hunt for the Elf on the Shelf – search for hidden scout elves in many Market Square shops and other downtown spots. Children and adults alike can enjoy the Peppermint Trail (although the 21+ up crowd definitely has the advantage here). And as we mentioned earlier, the Market Square Farmers Market continues through the colder months!

 

Family walking dogs in Market Square In Knoxville, TN

Can I bring my dog to Market Square? 

You bet! Market Square is incredibly dog-friendly. You’ll see plenty of pups on leashes enjoying the sunshine. Most spots with a patio allow dogs and there are even water bowls set out by many shop doors. 

Taking Fido Downtown 

  • Patio Life: While dogs can't go inside restaurants because of health codes, our patios are usually hopping with furry friends. 

  • Dog Park Bonus: If your pup has too much energy, the PetSafe Downtown Dog Park is just a five-minute walk away on Summit Hill Drive. 

  • Crowd Check: On busy Farmers Market days, it can get pretty packed, so keep that in mind if lots of people make your fur baby nervous. Leashed dogs are only permitted in designated areas and are prohibited from the main center aisles of the market. Service animals are always permitted, and dogs are welcome in surrounding, non-market areas. 

You're now ready for a Market Square adventure!

 

Explore some other parts of town here!