On Sunday, June 4, from 2-6 p.m. the Knoxville community is invited to walk, bike, jog or dance their way through town at the 10th annual Open Streets Knoxville event.
Walkers and bikers enjoy N. Central at an Open Streets event. (File photo by S. Clark)
Over one mile of streets just north of downtown will be closed to all motorized traffic. The route includes sections of Depot, N Gay, Lamar and N Central streets; Emory Place; and 3rd and 4th avenues.
Open Streets Knoxville, hosted by Bike Walk Knoxville with support from the city of Knoxville, First Horizon Bank, Gresham Smith, WUTK and other amazing sponsors, aims to promote physical activity and strengthen community during this free, family- and pet-friendly event.
The international Open Streets initiative promotes healthy living, local businesses and sustainable transportation in cities. It is an opportunity to reimagine our streets as a public space for people of all ages and abilities to use.
Past Open Streets Knoxville events have brought together roughly 3,500 people per event.
2023 Open Streets
“Open Streets is always unique and a lot of fun. This year, for the first time, Open Streets features a Downtown North horizontal loop rather than a linear route. That’s great for bicyclists, walkers, joggers and dancers who want to do multiple laps, enjoy the changing urban scenery and meet friends along the way.” says Mayor Indya Kincannon.
At Open Streets Knoxville, attendees of all ages and abilities can participate in activities provided by local businesses and organizations, play games, or peacefully stroll the streets while enjoying live music and street performers. Food and drink will be for sale from food trucks and businesses located along the route. Strollers, scooters, skateboards and bikes are welcome – just no cars!
Organizers are seeking event sponsors and donations from members of the community to help make Open Streets Knoxville a huge success. They are also looking for additional businesses and organizations to participate. For more information on participation and sponsorship or media inquiries go to bwknox.org/openstreets or contact Lindsey Kimble, Executive Director, Bike Walk Knoxville at Lindsey.Kimble@bikewalktn.org or Julie Elfin, Open Streets Coordinator at openstreetsknoxville@gmail.com
Lindsey Kimble is executive director of Bike Walk Knoxville.