If you’re staying in Knoxville for spring break this year, there’s plenty to do around town to enjoy the days off. It’s the best time to try new places and visit the old ones that you love.
If you haven’t gone to Kern’s Bakery and food hall yet, you’re missing out. Since it opened off of Chapman Highway in April of 2024, it has become a hotspot for students’ after-school life due to its delicious, versatile food options and mercantile market. It’s an easy spot to stop in and grab a bite to eat, shop with local vendors and enjoy a live show or baseball game on the big screen.
Marble City Market is another top-notch option if you’re looking for some yummy places to try. Inside features Alchemy Bakehouse, a small-batch bakery known for some insane cookie creations that weigh in at one-fourth pound each. It’s a sweet treat you won’t regret stopping for.
There’s a brand new modern-American restaurant, Mimosas, located under The Davy, that has already become a popular buzz spot among students. Mimosas serves morning coffee and breakfast, as well as late-night dinner and drinks. If you haven’t already given it a try, it might become your new favorite brunch or date night restaurant.
Beyond the food scene, there are lots of fun events in Knoxville during the week of spring break worth checking out.
Tuesday night trivia is a must, with places like O’Charley’s, Pour Taproom and Xul Beer Co. each hosting one weekly. Nerdy Talk Trivia at O’Charley’s starts at 6:30 p.m., Xul’s starts at 7 p.m. and Pour Taproom’s starts at 8 p.m., so you can hit up multiple locations in one night.
If board games are more your speed, Printshop Beer Co. hosts a free analog game night every Wednesday. It’s a perfect chance to go out, meet people and play games to get the night started.
On the nights of March 12 and 13, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is presenting “West Side Story” at the Tennessee Theatre. It’s a fun date night opportunity that isn’t just going out to dinner, and tickets are now available for $27.40 for students.
The Knoxville Flea Market kicks off on March 13 from 2-4 p.m. at the Knoxville Expo Center and will be open on March 14 and 15 during the same time. Grab a coffee, get dressed up and walk around the stalls with some friends. You might even find some vintage wear and fun trinkets.
If you’ve never gone to the top of the Sunsphere, spring break is the best time to do so. The weather forecast is calling for a beautiful, sunny week, and it’s only $10 per person to see Knoxville from a bird’s-eye view.
The Knoxville Museum of Art is another immersive spot to visit, and it’s located in World’s Fair Park right next to the Sunsphere. Entry to the museum is free, and both are within walking distance of Market Square, so you can grab a bite to eat before or after.
You can’t forget classic nature spots like Ijams Nature Center and Sequoyah Hills Park to get outside and enjoy the fresh air without the stress of school. Pickleball is another great way to meet people and enjoy a light-hearted activity, and there are tons of courts at TRECS.
Whether you’re a foodie, trivia master or history lover, don’t spend your spring break sitting around and wondering what to do.
Knoxville is a blast if you know how to do it right, so visit new spots with friends, meet new people at some of your favorite places and make the most out of your spring break in Knoxville this year.
