Knoxville is a city built by makers. It’s a place where creativity is a way of life. From ceramics to metalwork, galleries to eateries, The Maker City celebrates the people and places that make our community thrive.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure or a spontaneous afternoon, these itineraries highlight some wonderfully makery things to do in Knoxville, one neighborhood at a time!
South Knoxville: Clay, Coffee, and Creative Energy
Begin your exploration in South Knoxville, where art meets adventure.
Stop by PrintShop Brewery for a pint and head next door to Mighty Mud, a community pottery studio offering classes, open studios, and a gallery filled with handmade ceramics. It’s a cornerstone of Knoxville’s thriving maker movement and a must-see for anyone inspired by hands-on creativity.
Then, stroll down to Sevier Avenue, home to a growing lineup of local boutiques, lunch spots, and small creative businesses. From handcrafted jewelry, vintage stores, locally brewed beer, and pop up markets Sevier Avenue embodies the best of Knoxville’s entrepreneurial energy.
Downtown Knoxville: The Heart of The Maker City
Downtown is where Knoxville’s maker community comes to life. Start your visit at The Emporium Center, the hub for Knoxville’s arts scene and home to the Arts & Culture Alliance. The Emporium’s rotating exhibitions showcase painters, photographers, sculptors, and artisans from across East Tennessee.
You can spend your day wandering the galleries, shops, and so many coffee shops in this area. You can’t make a wrong turn. Head west on Jackson and you’ll find Post Modern Spirits, Dogwood Arts, and just a few steps away, Rala (Regional and Local Artisans). Nancy curates the perfect mix of prints, gifts, and design-driven goods made by local artists.
Don’t miss out on South Gay Street, State Street, and Central Street, which branch off of Jackson Avenue. They all have their own brand of quirky, lovely and delicious. These are Knoxville’s most walkable corridors filled with art galleries, design shops, vintage finds, and beloved local restaurants.
Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention Market Square and the streets of Upper Gay Street. Head up the hill and you’ll find creativity at every turn. From the historic Mast General Store to the iconic Tennessee Theatre and Nourish Knoxville’s Markets on the Square, this area reflects the heartbeat of The Maker City. Here, local craftsmanship is everywhere. It’s on display in shop windows, woven into public art, and built into the architecture itself. Our local custom manufacturers make this city proud.
Venture a bit north toward Emory Place, a creative crossroads full of character.
At Lilienthal Gallery, you’ll find bold, contemporary exhibitions that bridge local and international perspectives. It’s an elegant and inspiring stop for art lovers and collectors alike.
Round out your evening at Mother Bar, a North Knox favorite where music, art, and community blend together in a laid-back, inclusive space. This neighborhood’s mix of innovation and authenticity defines what it means to live creatively in Knoxville.
West Knoxville: Curated Style in Bearden Hill
In Bearden Hill, craftsmanship meets comfort. Spend time browsing Knoxville’s most established creative retail destinations. These include independent design shops to galleries filled with home décor and art.
Be sure to visit Southern Market, a long-loved collective of local artisans and designers featuring home goods, fashion, and gifts. It’s a showcase of Knoxville’s creative talent under one roof.
As you explore, don’t miss Gourmet’s Market and Cafe for a quick bite and sustenance.
End your tour in East Knoxville, where craftsmanship and culture intersect.
Start with Marc Nelson Denim on Magnolia Avenue, where every pair of jeans is handcrafted in Knoxville. The studio’s commitment to quality and sustainability makes it a standout in the Southeast’s maker scene.
Then, continue up Magnolia to The Bottom, a Black-owned bookstore and community space that celebrates creativity, storytelling, and connection. The Bottom is both a gathering place and a cultural anchor, reflecting East Knoxville’s rich history and bright future.
Plan Your Day
Every corner of Knoxville tells a maker’s story and every visit supports local artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who help this city grow.
“What makes Knoxville special is that creativity isn’t hidden in one district. It’s woven into every neighborhood. When you explore The Maker City, you’re not just shopping local; you’re connecting with the people who make this community thrive.”
— Anne Templeton, Director of Maker Initiatives, The Maker City
Plan your next adventure, find local classes, or discover more creative businesses at TheMakerCity.org.
Follow @themakercity on Instagram for neighborhood highlights, maker spotlights, and upcoming events across Knoxville.
Written by Anne Templeton
Author
The Maker City
The Maker City is the greater Knoxville-area community of makers, artists, creatives, and small-scale manufacturers and supporting entities. Led by the Mayor’s Maker Council, we create collaborative partnerships, programming, and opportunities in support of Knoxville’s maker community. For more info, visit us at http://themakercity.org/. Makers featured in this space can be found in The Maker City’s online directory. Posts written by Carol Z. Shane.
