The annual Wicked Cool celebration returns, starting Monday, Oct. 6, bringing nearly a month of ghoulish Halloween fun, festive activities, and spooky surprises to Downtown Knoxville for all ages.

With the support of Downtown Knoxville Alliance, this October celebration blends the crisp thrill of fall with a playful dose of Halloween creepiness. From eerie cocktails and spooky specials to family-friendly scavenger hunts, trick-or-treating, and photo contests, there’s something wickedly fun for everyone. Whether chasing creepy critters or snapping costume photos, Downtown Knoxville is the place to be this Halloween season for residents and visitors.

“Wicked Cool is one of our favorite ways to bring the community together,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “This year, we’re especially excited to add trick-or-treating to the lineup, giving families another fun reason to explore downtown. Whether you’re dressing up, snapping photos or just enjoying the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Wicked Cool experiences continue through Friday, Oct. 31, and include:

  • Trick-or-treating on Market Square: New to the lineup of wicked activities is trick-or-treating on Halloween. Businesses on Market Square and along Union Avenue between Gay and Walnut streets will hand out candy from 4-8 p.m. on Oct. 31 to all the goblins and ghouls. Participants can pick up a free trick-or-treat bag in the Downtown Knoxville Alliance enclave, located next to Scruffy City Hall on Market Square, while supplies last.
  • Wicked Cool Cats scavenger hunt: Search for nine mysterious black cats hiding in downtown business windows. Scan the QR code on the cats to register to win gift cards from some of downtown Knoxville’s most wicked businesses. The more cats you scan, the greater the chance of winning. The cats can be found in the Old City, along Gay Street and in Market Square. Download a clue sheet at org/wicked/coolcats.
  • Spellbinding sips, snacks and shopping: Enjoy themed treats, spooky drinks and “boo-tiques” inside downtown shops, bars and restaurants to discover a haunted hoard of Halloween delights.
  • Wicked walks and photo ops: Market Square will be transformed with glowing ghosts and enchanting lights. Watch out for the giant spider in Krutch Park. Downtown Knoxville will be filled with spooky photo ops and playful frights. Take a stroll through the city and uncover hidden Halloween surprises scattered throughout the district. Download a printable map with all the photo op locations and upload pictures at org/wicked/wicked-walksor post to social media with the hashtag #KnoxHalloween.
  • Costume photo contest: Think your costume is frightfully fabulous? Show it off during Wicked Cool. Snap a photo of your spooky style (pets included) with downtown in the background, share it on social with the hashtag #KnoxHalloween or upload at org/wicked/costume-contestby midnight Oct. 31. More than $500 in gift cards will be awarded in multiple categories. Winners will be announced on Downtown Knoxville Alliance’s Facebook, Instagram and X accounts no later than Friday, Nov. 7.

Wicked Cool is presented by the Downtown Knoxville Alliance with support from Dogwood Arts, City of Knoxville, Graphic Creations, Christmas Decor Plus More, and the many downtown businesses and property owners who help bring the celebration to life.

To learn more about all the events and specials, visit downtownknoxville.org/wicked.

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