Jun. 29, 2026
This summer, visitors and locals can explore Downtown Knoxville to find Waldo, the master of hide-and-seek. The Where’s Waldo? scavenger hunt has returned, thanks to downtown merchants and the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, for the ninth annual event from July 1-31.
“Each summer, The Where’s Waldo? scavenger hunt turns Downtown Knoxville into an interactive adventure that encourages people to slow down, explore the city and discover something unexpected,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “It’s a simple, free activity that brings a lot of energy and joy to the downtown experience.”
This year’s hunt features more than 40 participating businesses, including restaurants, shops, museums and galleries. Window graphics at participating locations mark each stop, where searchers can pick up a Waldo Passport and begin their search. For a list of participating merchants, visit downtownknoxville.org/waldo.
Inside each business, participants look for Waldo hidden somewhere on display. Once he’s spotted, players can ask for a stamp of their passport and continue the search at the next stop.
Participants who collect 20 or more stamps are eligible to enter prize drawings featuring gift cards and other rewards. The first 750 spotters also can claim a “Found Waldo Knox” sticker at Union Ave Books, the host location of the Where’s Waldo? scavenger hunt.
Participants can take photos in front of the Where’s Waldo? photo op in Market Square or share their own discoveries on social media using the hashtag #foundwaldoknox for additional chances to win weekly prizes.
This event is part of a national campaign by Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association, designed to encourage exploration and support for independent bookstores and local businesses.
Another scavenger hunt everyone can take part in is “Newts in Knoxville,” a permanent downtown installation created by the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. This self-guided adventure features 12 bronze Eastern newt sculptures hidden throughout downtown. Participants can pick up a free passport with clues at the Knoxville Visitors Center, Mast General Store or online at knoxnewts.com. The experience is designed to be completed in under an hour and offers a lighthearted way to explore downtown while learning about local wildlife.
For more information about happenings in Downtown Knoxville, visit downtownknoxville.org.
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.
Bailey Ly
