Where’s Waldo?  The question on everyone’s mind this summer.  Now YOU can be a part of a real-life search in downtown Knoxville from July 1-July 31, 2024!

How to join the fun: 

  • Pick up a Waldo Passport from these participating locations during the month of July in Downtown Knoxville, including familiar and new stops, restaurants, museums, and more.
  • Start the search for the character we all know and love.  He’s about 6 inches tall and could be anywhere in a participating location.  When you’ve found Waldo, collect a store stamp…and keep hunting! Remember, it's not just a game - it's a chance to make memories with loved ones, support businesses, and celebrate the summer spirit of Downtown Knoxville!
  • Diligent seekers collecting 20 or more stamps can register to win gift cards and prizes. The first 400 spotters can also claim a "Found Waldo Knox" sticker at Union Ave Books, the Waldo Host Location.
  • Look for the "Found Waldo Knox" photo op in Market Square. Share your photos—at photo op or from any part of your scavenger hunt journey—for weekly chances to win gift cards to the participating business of your choice (social accounts must be public to win). Upload photos here or share on social with #FoundWaldoKnox.

A bit of background on the Find Waldo Local campaign:

Where’s Waldo was introduced in 1987 as a search-and-find book featuring what would become a cultural icon – Waldo. Waldo’s signature look – red and white striped shirt, jeans, round black glasses and pom hat – is sometimes not as easy to spot as one might think. There are over 70 million copies of the book created by Martin Handford, and in print in over 31 languages. Candlewick Press, an independent children’s publisher, continues to publish Where’s Waldo in the US.

Candlewick Press has partnered with the American Booksellers Association to create the promotion ‘Find Waldo Local’. Over the past 11 years, Find Waldo Local has become a summer staple in cities across the nation to encourage residents and vacationers to ‘shop local’. It’s a fun collaboration between independent bookstores and their neighboring local businesses.

This is Knoxville’s seventh year – with over 40 locations - participating in this downtown scavenger hunt. It’s a fun way to explore your own backyard, or visit a destination with fresh eyes (you’ll need ‘em to spot Waldo!). 300 cities across the country coordinate with Candlewick Press to hold this event. This month-long campaign supports local businesses, especially the independent bookstores {in Knoxville, that would be Union Avenue Books} which act as hosts.

We welcome to Knoxville all searchers, finders, and hunters to answer the question – Where’s Waldo?