The City of Knoxville is opening up Gay Street to pedestrians as part of a pilot project.

For four weekends, the 400 block of Gay Street from Wall Avenue to Union Avenue will be opened up, creating a new vibrant public space that is free of vehicles.  
  
“This block is always bustling and full of people,“ said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “By opening this up for pedestrians it creates another community space much like Market Square.  
  
“This is not a new idea. Cities across the world like Paris, New York, Nashville, and New Orleans are taking back their streets and turning them into safe spaces for pedestrians.  We are excited to see how residents and visitors utilize this space during these pilot weekends.”  
  
The trial weekends are:  
  
• November 10 & 11  
• November 17 & 18  
• December 8 & 9  
• December 15 & 16  
  
All closures will be from 7 p.m.-4 a.m. During those weekends, parking will not be allowed at any time in the 400 block of Gay Street, but ample parking will be available at all City garages and other metered spaces throughout the downtown.   
  
Information gathered during these weekends will help City leaders decide if this project will proceed on a more regular basis and/or if other City streets may be opened up, as well.