Open Streets Knoxville 2026 will take place on Sunday, May 17th, 2025 from 2 - 6 pm along Gay St. from Summit Hill Dr. to Hill Ave., including the Gay St. Bridge.
If you are LOCATED ON THE ROUTE:
Businesses along the route are the backbone of Open Streets Knoxville. We invite you to participate by hosting a fun activity (see activity provider description below), and music is encouraged! Activities should be planned outdoors, in front of your business, to engage attendees. There is no fee for businesses located on the route; however, donations are always welcomed and appreciated. Community support from sponsors and businesses like yours makes this event possible and helps us continue offering Open Streets Knoxville to everyone.
If you are NOT LOCATED ON THE ROUTE:
Not located on the event route but still want to be part of Open Streets Knoxville? Join the fun by signing up as an Activity Provider! (See below for a description of what an Activity Provider does.)
Registration Fee (only for businesses not on the route): $100
*Nonprofits receive a 50% discount on the fee. If the fee presents a barrier to your organization's participation, please email [email protected] to discuss other options.
Please note – if you pay via PayPal or credit card, there will be an additional $5 processing fee.
To participate in Open Streets, please complete our Activity Provider Application. Register by Sunday, May 10th to be listed on event materials.
What is an Activity Provider?
The free and family-friendly activities hosted by our activity providers help make Open Streets Knoxville an enriching and fun experience for participants. Activity providers are expected to offer interactive and fun activities that promote physical activity, health, the outdoors, community, and safety.
We encourage you to be creative in choosing your activity. Choose an activity that will make someone remember your business or organization. Examples from past events include yoga in the street, bicycle demos, a rock climbing wall, obstacle courses, and bubbles.
We want you to take up space! Set up in the streets and take up space! We challenge every business/organization participating to offer a fun, attractive activity booth, so that folks WANT to check out your space and therefore keep moving down the route. It is a team effort; if everyone offers fun along the way, no one will feel left out!
Need help or not sure if your activity is eligible? Email us at [email protected].
The following types of participation are invited:
- Share your expertise with the community by offering an interactive or creative space where attendees can actively participate.
- Lead a group fitness activity or offer lessons or demonstrations. The goal is to get people active and having fun doing it!
- Perform! Open Streets Knoxville is a great venue where you will reach thousands of people. You’re welcome to put out a hat or guitar case to collect donations during your performance.
- Offer a fun physical activity such as bike riding, relay races, mini soccer games, etc.
Activity providers are given a designated space on the route to set up a booth. Activity providers are responsible for bringing their own tent (with 40-lb weights to support each leg), table, chairs, and all other materials you may need. If you have a specific request, such as electrical hookups or grassy space, please indicate this on your application and we will do our best to accommodate requests. Our ability to honor requests is constrained by route conditions and there are no guarantees.
No sales are allowed at Open Streets (except by approved mobile food vendors and brick-and-mortar businesses located on the route). All activities and games at the event must be free of charge. Activity providers may offer participants incentives, such as discounted membership rates, free or reduced-price classes, or a discount on purchases made following the event.
Why should my business located on the route participate in Open Streets?
Open Streets turns streets into safe, fun places for walking, bicycling, dancing, and other activities. It is free for attendees and brings thousands of people to the route, presenting a great opportunity for businesses located along the route to attract new customers.
Similar events have shown that 68% of participants became aware of a business they didn’t know existed before! Businesses that are open during these events can see a 10% increase in revenue compared to regular business days. Greater increases, up to 57%, have been seen when businesses actively engage with event participants.
Making the Most of Open Streets
If your business/organization is located along the route, keep the following in mind:
-
Plan on being open the day of the event (Sunday, May 17th from 2 - 6 pm).
- Businesses that open up to the sidewalk and street report record sales and make the event more fun for participants.
- Plan for a high volume of foot traffic.
- Make your business visible (banners, sandwich boards, signs, etc.) to encourage more participants to stop by.
-
Bring your business outside.
- Have a game or activity, or some of your merchandise, out in front of your store!
- Make your game or activity unique and interactive – something that will make the individual remember your business!
- Keep in mind: while some folks may stroll inside your business, most will stay outside.
-
Offer coupons and other “Open Streets specials.” This will tempt more participants to try your product and look for your business as they travel along the route.
- If you’re offering a special, let us know and we can help promote it via the event website and social media.
Frequently Asked Questions for Businesses Located on the Route
Will there be a lot of tents blocking my business?
No. This event is designed to highlight the businesses along the route. Tents and outside vendors will only be placed in areas where there are no open businesses, ensuring storefronts remain visible and accessible.
How will my customers reach me if the road is closed?
Customers will still be able to arrive on foot, by bike, or using other car-free options. We’ll also provide a clear, easy-to-read map showing available parking areas and recommended detour routes to make access as simple as possible.
And remember—this event will bring thousands of people walking past your business, creating a great opportunity to attract new customers!
Will restrooms be provided?
Yes. There will be portable toilets along the route.
That said, as this is a family-friendly event, we encourage nearby businesses to consider opening their restrooms to the public. Many parents are especially grateful for this option—and it’s a great way to welcome families who may become new customers.
Other questions?
Please email [email protected] for more information.