Tour de Lights 2026

The free, staffed Bike Valet is outside the First Base Entrance of Covenant Health Park and is open from 3:30 to 6:00pm Check your bike before enjoying the festivities at Covenant Health Park. Valet staff will store it in a supervised area, so you do not need a lock while it is checked in.

At Bike Valet, scan the posted QR code to complete the short check-in form and waiver. Keep your assigned number; you will need it to collect your bike. All bikes must be picked up by 6:00pm

If you plan to stay for the separate light show, collect your bike before Bike Valet closes and use a permanent bike rack around Covenant Health Park. Bring a lock for that part of your visit.

The approximately five-mile, round-trip ride begins and ends in front of Covenant Health Park on Stadium Way. This year’s route revisits Historic Fourth and Gill and travels through parts of the Old City and Downtown Knoxville, including a ride down Gay Street before returning to the stadium.

Event staff will begin staging riders at 5:30pm Riders will line up on Stadium Way facing Jackson Avenue, with the line extending onto Willow Avenue. If you arrive close to the 6pm start, join the back of the line on Willow Avenue.

Click here for the interactive route map

Ride Safety

Tour de Lights is a community ride, and participants will share the route with a large group of cyclists.

• Wear a helmet. Tennessee requires riders under 16 to wear one on streets and sidewalks; helmets are encouraged for everyone.
• Use working bike lights. Tennessee requires a white front light and a red rear reflector or light. The ride finishes after dark.
• Check your bike before the ride. Inflate your tires and test your brakes, chain, and gears. A Bike Safety Check will be available near the start and finish.
• Ride predictably. Keep space between riders, pass on the left, move off the roadway if you need to stop, and signal turns or stops.
• Keep children with an adult. Make sure young riders are comfortable handling their bikes in a large group and riding several miles with hills.

Volunteer Ride Marshals wearing Bike Walk Knoxville reflective vests will help guide the group. Follow their instructions along the route. The helmet and lighting requirements above align with Tennessee Department of Transportation guidance.

Parking and Transit

Tour de Lights takes place at Covenant Health Park, 500 E. Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915. Public parking is available in downtown garages, lots, and on streets. Check the Covenant Health Park parking guide before you travel.

KAT’s fare-free Downtown Connector serves the Old City and Covenant Health Park. Check its route and service information as you plan your trip.

Accessibility and Arrival

The event areas around Covenant Health Park are accessible. Accessible parking is available in city-owned garages and lots, and the Downtown Connector is accessible. Allow time to park, reach Covenant Health Park, check your bike, and find the ride lineup.

Temporary road closures will affect streets along the ride route. Detailed closure and arrival information will be added closer to the event.

What to Bring

Bring your bike, a helmet, and working lights. Dress for the weather and secure any costume pieces or decorations so they cannot interfere with your wheels, brakes, or other riders.

Strollers are welcome at Covenant Health Park but cannot join the bike ride. Children who are not ready to ride independently may participate in an appropriate bike trailer, tag-along, or trail-a-bike attached to an adult’s bicycle.

Please leave outside food and beverages, large backpacks, glass containers, and flammable items at home. Bags may be searched. The separate light show is inside Covenant Health Park, which has cashless payment and clear bag policies; link directly to the ballpark policies for current requirements.

Carol brings over 25 years of experience in marketing, public relations and event management to the leadership position of the Legacy Parks Foundation. During her tenure at Legacy Parks, the foundation has raised over $32 million for parks, trails and open space and added over 800 acres of parkland in Knox County. Carol’s prior experience includes managing marketing initiatives for the Scripps Networks, the Knoxville Chamber Partnership, Dogwood Arts Festival, Lady Vols and multiple clients when working within several public relations firms. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Georgia and a Masters of Science in Education from the University of Tennessee. She has two daughters, two dogs and four grandchildren.

Marc Willers was a standout elite BMX racer from Cambridge, New Zealand, who made a powerful impact on the international stage during a pivotal era for the sport. 

Known for his explosive speed and fierce determination, Willers consistently ranked among the world’s best, earning a reputation as one of BMX’s top global competitors. 

Following a 23-year career in broadcast journalism, Erin became a communications director, sharing Knoxville’s story before expanding her work to help people and companies around the world. With a passion for promotion and client service, she works with organizations of all sizes to tell their stories and deliver results. Erin's approach emphasizes personalized support and practical solutions, whether providing hands-on assistance or connecting clients with the right resources.