Gay Street Hosts Car-Free First Friday Event

Gay Street will be pedestrian-only for First Friday celebrations.

On Friday, May 3, 2024, the 100 block of Gay Street, located between Jackson and Vine avenues, will transform into a pedestrian-only zone from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. to celebrate First Friday, an event hosted by the Arts and Culture Alliance. This marks a special occasion as it essentially turns the area into a lively, car-free zone for attendees to enjoy.

The Arts and Culture Alliance, which is based out of The Emporium at 100 S. Gay Street, has been organizing First Friday events in downtown Knoxville for two decades. Their experience promises an engaging and vibrant block party, starting at 5 p.m., featuring live music and showcasing nearly 30 local artists. Attendees can also look forward to exploring five new exhibitions inside The Emporium, with the festivities concluding at dusk.

Due to the event, on-street parking spots on the 100 Block of Gay Street will be off-limits beginning at 3 p.m. However, visitors can take advantage of free parking available after 6 p.m. and all day on weekends in the city-owned garages and surface lots, making it convenient for those attending the event.

For more information about the Arts and Culture Alliance, including details on their exhibits and programs, interested individuals can visit KnoxAlliance.com. This event provides a unique opportunity for community members to engage with local arts and culture in a dynamic, urban setting.

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