It began as a small college in the Southwest Territory in 1794 and is today Tennessee’s flagship university and a top-ranked public research institution. 

This year, with its “Lighting the Way” theme, the University of Tennessee is marking its 225th anniversary while also celebrating 150 years of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band.



Vol Pride will be out in full support at UT’s Homecoming Parade on Friday, Nov. 1.

And along with many groups marching in the parade is one of the City of Knoxville’s valued partners — the Cumberland Avenue Merchants Association. 

The City and CAMA have long worked together during the Cumberland Avenue Streetscape Project and now as part of a Cumberland Avenue street improvement project expected to be completed in early 2020.

This latest project is part of ongoing efforts to better connect UT and downtown Knoxville along the Cumberland Avenue corridor.

Cumberland Avenue merchants say they are helping “shine the light” in this year’s parade as they give out more than $1,000 worth of prizes to parade attendees selected randomly along the route. 

Merchants have collected coupons, gift cards, t-shirts and other swag from their businesses. Anyone can be a lucky winner just by showing up to enjoy the parade!





This year’s parade starts at 4 p.m. at Circle Park and continues along Cumberland Avenue and Volunteer Boulevard. All members of the Knoxville community are invited.

The Knoxville Police Department, and the City’s Public Service and Traffic Engineering crews will close Cumberland Avenue to through traffic between 22nd Street and James Agee Street, from 3:30 – 5 p.m. on Nov. 1.

Parking is available at the Terrace Avenue Garage and the Vol Hall Garage. 



During this year’s festivities, look for dozens of student organization floats, special community vehicles and the eighth annual Little Vol Walk. This year’s parade emcee is Dr. Jill Zambito, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Life, who will be stationed at the intersection of Pedestrian Walkway and Volunteer Boulevard. 

Parade floats will face east on Volunteer Boulevard (Student Union side of the street) and north on Cumberland Avenue (Copper Cellar side of the street). 

The University is splitting the competition floats into two groups, so be sure to stay for the whole parade.

Attendees are encouraged to view the parade from either the north side of Cumberland Avenue or from the east side of Volunteer Boulevard. 



The parade is on rain or shine. In the case of lightening or thunder, the University will make a call to cancel within 30 minutes of starting time. 

As you can imagine, there's a lot going at this year’s special Homecoming.

For a full list of events visit https://homecoming.utk.edu/events/

Enjoy this video celebrating UT’s 225th anniversary: https://225.utk.edu/
#GoVols!