Knoxville This Week: Events, Game Days & Driving Tips
What’s happening around Knoxville this week, where traffic will be heavy and what to do if your car lets you down on the way. Put together every week by the team that answers the phone when it does.
This week around town
Pick a day. Each one lists the main events and a short driver tip for getting there and back without trouble.
Friday, October 9
- 7:30 pmKnoxville Ice Bears exhibition gameKnoxville Civic Coliseum
- 6:30 pmTennessee vs. Ole Miss women’s volleyballThompson-Boling Arena
- 8 pmSister HazelBijou Theatre, Gay St
- 8 pmKnoxville Symphony: ICONTennessee Theatre, Gay St
- All daySchulz Bräu Oktoberfest (through Oct 11)126 Bernard Ave, Old North
Downtown fills up after 7 pm with shows on Gay Street and hockey at the Coliseum. If your car sat all day in a cold garage and starts slowly, have the battery checked before the weekend.
Saturday, October 10
- 8–11 amFinish on the Field 5K + Kids MileCovenant Health Park, Old City
- 9 am–1 pmMarket Square Farmers MarketMarket Square
- 9 am–2 pmUT Gardens Fall Plant SaleUT Gardens, Jacob Dr
- 11 am–6 pmKnoxville Oddities & Art MarketWorld’s Fair Exhibition Hall
- 4–10 pmHoLa FestivalWorld’s Fair Park Performance Lawn
- 7:30 pmAmy Grant + Mac McAnallyTennessee Theatre
- AwayVols at Arkansas (watch parties around town)Fayetteville, Ark.
A busy morning in the Old City and around World’s Fair Park. The Vols play away, so campus is quieter than a home Saturday, but bars and watch parties keep downtown lively into the night.
Sunday, October 11
- 11 am–6 pmHoLa FestivalWorld’s Fair Park Performance Lawn
- 2 pmTennessee vs. LSU women’s volleyballThompson-Boling Arena
- 3 pmOne Knoxville SC vs. Spokane VelocityCovenant Health Park
- 3 pm–1 amScruffy Roots Music FestivalKern’s Food Hall lawn, South Knoxville
- 10 am–midnightSchulz Bräu Oktoberfest (final day)126 Bernard Ave
Soccer at Covenant Health Park and a late music festival in South Knoxville. Leaving a festival after dark on Chapman Highway or Sevier Ave? If something feels wrong with the car, pull into a lot, not onto the shoulder.
Weekdays, October 12–16
- Tue 6 pmKnoxville City Council meetingCity County Building
- Tue 8 pmKnoxville Jazz Orchestra: Miles @ 100Bijou Theatre
- DailyWeekday rush hour on I-40, I-640 and Alcoa HwyPlan extra time 7–9 am and 4–6 pm
A normal work week before the biggest home game of the season. Good time to check tires, battery and fuel before Saturday’s traffic.
Saturday, October 17 — Alabama at Tennessee
- Kickoff TBAAlabama at Tennessee, Neyland StadiumAfternoon (3:30–4:30 pm ET) or evening (6–8 pm ET) window, confirmed by the SEC about six days before
- From 7 amCampus roads around the stadium start closingPhillip Fulmer Way and Peyton Manning Pass first
- 6 amGame day parking rates start downtownCity garages and lots
The biggest traffic day of the fall. Expect closures around campus, packed garages and heavy traffic on I-40 and Alcoa Highway before and after the game. Read the game day section below.
Times and details come from venue and city calendars and can change. Please confirm with the organizer before you go.
Driving and parking on a Vols home Saturday
The SEC sets the kickoff time about six days before the game. Whatever the time, the roads around campus change hours ahead. Here is what the City of Knoxville announces for home games.
Before the game
- 7 a.m.: Phillip Fulmer Way (Middle Dr to Lake Loudoun Blvd) closes, and Peyton Manning Pass goes one-way east.
- 30 min before kickoff: the rest of Phillip Fulmer Way, Middle Dr and Lower Dr close to vehicles.
- U.T. Drive runs one-way south and east.
After the game
- Alcoa Hwy ramps to Neyland Dr are closed by TDOT.
- Neyland Dr runs one-way out of the stadium area, toward I-40 and toward Kingston Pike.
- Cumberland Ave westbound closes at Henley St; Volunteer Blvd closes at Cumberland Ave.
Parking
- Game day rates start at 6 a.m.
- Free: Langley, Market Square and State Street garages.
- Paid lots and garages from about $10 to $50, most credit card only. Metered street spaces are $25 for the day.
If your car won’t start after the game
- Stay with the vehicle and note the garage level or the nearest street.
- Don’t let a stranger’s jump cables near your car’s electronics in a dark garage. Call a pro.
- Call (865) 417-3481. We give you the price and a realistic plan, because traffic stays heavy for a while.
Source: City of Knoxville game day traffic & parking. Rates and closures can change; check the city page on game day.
What we can do for you this week
Dead battery
Cold mornings and cars parked all day in a garage: we bring a jump pack wherever you are.
Breakdown or accident
24/7 towing to your home or your shop, with the price confirmed on the phone first.
Hotels near the interstates, rides, rentals and when to tow your car home.
Knoxville this week: questions
Where can I park downtown for a Vols home game?
The City of Knoxville lists free game day parking at the Langley, Market Square and State Street garages, plus paid garages and lots from about $10 to $50. Game day rates start at 6 a.m. and can change, so check the city’s game day page before you go.
What should I do if my car won’t start after the game?
Stay with the vehicle in the garage or lot, note the level and the closest exit or street, and call us at (865) 417-3481. Traffic around campus is heavy for a while after the game, so we confirm the price and a realistic plan on the phone before we roll.
How often is this page updated?
We update it every week with the main events, game days and driving notes for Knoxville. Event times can change, so always confirm with the venue.
Car trouble on the way?
Call our 24/7 line. We confirm the price and get help headed your way.