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Downtown Knoxville hosts ‘Wicked Cool’ costume contest through Halloween

Oct. 20, 2022

Show off your haunting Halloween style in Downtown Knoxville for a chance to win prizes as part of “Wicked Cool,” a collection of experiences bringing chills and thrills to the city center this month.

Now through Oct. 31, the Downtown Knoxville Alliance is hosting a costume contest and rewarding the best-dressed participants with gift cards from local businesses. To enter, take a costumed photo on Gay Street with the Tennessee Theatre sign in the background and upload at downtownknoxville.org/wicked/costume-contest or share on social media with #KnoxHalloween.

“All the ghouls and goblins on Gay Street exceeded costume expectations last year, and we can’t wait to see what our community comes up with this Halloween,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “Adults, children and even four-legged friends can join the fun – just snap a photo in front of the iconic Tennessee Theatre and enter to win. While you’re celebrating in Downtown Knoxville, support local businesses, too!”

Contest categories include best couple, cutest, best family, best themed group, best Hollywood/Broadway, best kid(s), best pet and scariest. A winner in each category will receive a gift card to a downtown merchant.

Winners will be announced on Downtown Knoxville’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts no later than Nov. 7.

Visit downtownknoxville.org/wicked to discover even more Wicked Cool fun through Oct. 31, including:

  • Wicked Cool Cats: This self-guided scavenger hunt is new in 2022. Overcome superstitions and search for the nine black cats hidden in plain sight in downtown business windows. Find clues to start the search at org/wicked/coolcats.
  • Thrills and chills: From zombie walks to classic cartoons for kids, Downtown Knoxville has Halloween fun for the entire family.
  • Wicked walks & photo ops: Ghosts in Ghoulish Grove, the Krutch Park Creature, a Full Moon photo op outside the Knoxville Chamber, plus more—there are frightful and fun surprises throughout downtown.
  • Treats without the tricks: Sip on supernatural cocktails, taste terrifyingly good food and shop ghoulish goodies from downtown businesses.

Wicked Cool is made possible by the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, Dogwood Arts, City of Knoxville, Graphic Creations, Christmas Decor Plus More and downtown businesses and property owners.

About the Downtown Knoxville Alliance
Ensuring a vibrant, flourishing downtown is the primary mission of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance (DKA). Formed in 1993 as a Central Business Improvement District (CBID), the district encompasses a 0.67-square-mile area and is supported by a special assessment to property owners that is used to make improvements, enhance services and promote downtown. The DKA continually focuses on attracting and retaining a thriving community of residents, businesses and visitors in Downtown Knoxville. For more information, visit downtownknoxville.org.