
Knoxville, once again, has been nominated in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Arts District in its 2025 poll. A panel of industry experts and editors selected Knoxville for the third consecutive year to join 19 other top contenders.
Knoxville finished fourth in 2023 and second in 2024 – one spot behind Dallas – and voters can help the city maintain or even improve its national position in 2025.
Held annually, the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight outstanding destinations and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations.
Voting has started at 10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-arts-district-2025 and will continue until Monday, Feb.17, at 12 p.m. Eastern. People can vote once a day, and the winning arts districts will be announced on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
“The arts and cultural community in Knoxville has a well-earned reputation,” said Liza Zenni, executive director of the Arts & Culture Alliance. “From the addition of new murals to vibrant and welcoming community events to galleries and historic venues, our city has art in every form.”
Regular year-round experiences include the First Friday ArtWalk and open-air markets in Market Square and the Old City. The city also provides an abundance of live music and performances in symphony, opera and theatre in multiple genres and has an official poet laureate each year, in addition to arts competitions, makers, wood and metal workers, dance studios and more.

“The city’s commitment to arts and cultural events is a big draw for both residents and visitors to Knoxville,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “Cultural festivals, museums, art galleries, performance venues, public art and the vibrant downtown scene offer something for everyone to enjoy. Our artistic centers such as the downtown Emporium Center and Knoxville Museum of Art provide places to explore and create.
“Add the work of nonprofits and businesses and the generosity of local benefactors to expand our offerings, and it’s easy to see why Knoxville keeps being included in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Arts District.”
Learn more about Downtown Knoxville art events and locations at downtownknoxville.org, and connect with the city’s art initiatives at knoxalliance.com.
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.
About the Arts & Culture Alliance
The Alliance was created in 2001 through a highly participatory community-driven process. Its predecessor was the Arts Council of Greater Knoxville, formed in 1974. The mission of the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville is to serve and support a diverse community of artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions. The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable nonprofit organization. For more information, visit knoxalliance.com.