Open Streets came back to Knoxville, this time on Broadway in Old North Knoxville. The first Open Streets Knoxville was in October 2015, attracting more than 6,000 people, and it hasn’t stopped growing since. Hosted by Bike Walk Knoxville with support from the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization and the city of Knoxville, Open Streets shuts down the streets to give people of all ages and abilities a safe place to walk, ride and have fun. The event showcases local businesses and gives residents an opportunity to explore their neighborhood.
This time, North Broadway was shut down from East Glenwood Avenue all the way to Emory Place, with more than 50 booths set up along the way from local businesses and groups. There were performances by Broadway Academy of Performing Arts, Dragonfly Aerial and Circus Art Studios and Korenna Hodge. Visitors did not leave hungry with more than 12 food trucks and vendors set up along the mile-long street festival.
Children make huge bubbles at the Muse booth during Open Streets Knoxville.
Kids get a lesson in martial arts at the Rocky Top Taekwondo booth during Open Streets Knoxville.
Whitney Jones Francis with Dragonfly Aerial Arts Studios smiles during her performance at Open Streets Knoxville.
Whitney Jones Francis of Dragonfly Aerial Arts Studios performs with silks during Open Streets Knoxville.
Katie Queen and her pet lizard enjoy the Open Streets Knoxville festival.
Plenty of food trucks are ready to feed hungry festival-goers.
Visitors walk and bike down Broadway during Open Streets Knoxville.