Knoxville Pride

Knoxville may best be described as a southern small town that feels like a neighborhood of a big city. We boast a revitalized downtown district full of art, dining and cultural experiences and our history is rich and colorful. Knoxville has been the home of Alex Haley, Cormac McCarthy, Quentin Tarantino and other notables. It’s also the place where Dolly Parton got her start.

Honored to have been chosen as a “Top Ten Greatest Gay Cities in America,” Knoxville continues to produce a robust gay scene filled with arts, culture, history, musical events, shopping and culinary experiences that will blow your mind. 

Knoxville is a city that embraces diversity and respects the values of all of its citizens. Thanks to a robust gay scene, visitors and locals alike can experience a diverse nightlife or a daytime filled with adventure. The LGBTQ community would like for you to visit our ever expanding downtown which is home to Gay Street (listed as one of the most desirable streets by the American Planning Association in 2012), Market Square (the central hub of downtown life and several LGBTQ-friendly restaurants), the Old City (pub, clubs and eateries), Happy Holler (a revitalized area and home to downtown XYZ), and West Knoxville (home of The Edge).    

Knoxville continues to be a trendsetter in LGBTQ functions with an annual PRIDE event that hosts over 34,000 people and was recognized in 2018 as #2 Pride Festival by College Magazine, and Knoxville also proudly supports the Gay Men’s Chorus. Knoxville is a city that welcomes you with open arms.

Recognized in the LGBTQ Travel Directory by pridejourneys.