The First Friday block party footprint expands from the 100 Block of Gay Street to the Old City on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. 

The Arts and Culture Alliance will host its monthly First Friday block party on the 100 block of Gay Street, from 6 to 9 p.m., closing Gay Street between Jackson and Vine avenues to motorized vehicles from 4 to 10 p.m. Parking meters on the 100 Block will be bagged at 2 p.m. and reopen for on-street parking at 10 p.m. 

The event includes live music by Fountain City Ramblers, plus approximately 20 local artists vendors set up on the block and new exhibits by multiple artists inside the Emporium. 

Also on Friday, Jackson Avenue between N. Central and State streets will be closed to motorized traffic from 4 to 10 p.m. as Dogwood Arts and the Old City Market host the inaugural Jackson Avenue Block Party, 6-9 p.m. This closure includes on-street parking meters, which will be bagged at 2 p.m. and closed to parking at 4 p.m. Access to the paid lot at 109 W. Jackson Avenue will be maintained from N. Central Street. 

The Jackson Avenue Block Party includes 20-plus booths hosted by local makers, live music by Redd & the Paper Flowers, and an interactive activity with The Maker City. 

This same closure will occur on Sunday, Sept. 8, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Old City Market, featuring local art, craft and food vendors set up from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To explore downtown parking options, visit DowntownKnoxville.org or download the Parkopedia app.