Oct. 11, 2023
Downtown Knoxville’s frighteningly fun Wicked Cool event returns with family-friendly Halloween activities and experiences to celebrate the spooky season through Oct. 31.
Events and activities include an all-ages scavenger hunt, themed offerings at Downtown Knoxville businesses and a costume contest with prizes. Seasonal decorations are strung about downtown for photo opportunities as well.
“Residents and visitors might feel a familiar chill running down their spines, and it’s not just the anticipation of autumn! Wicked Cool is back with fearful favorites and fresh fun,” said Michele Hummel, executive director of the Downtown Knoxville Alliance. “We appreciate the local businesses and event partners that bring Wicked Cool to life each year. Don’t miss the chance to be wickedly delighted downtown!”
Visit downtownknoxville.org/wicked to see what horrifyingly good happenings await, including:
- Wicked Cool Cats: Back by popular demand, this self-guided scavenger hunt has more than $500 in prizes from mystery downtown merchants for winners. Participants can find black cats hiding in nine downtown business windows, scan the QR code at each location and register for the chance to win gift cards. Find clues to start the search at downtownknoxville.org/wicked/coolcats. Winners will be announced on Nov. 1.
- Thrills and chills: Things will go bump in the night this October! Complete Knoxville’s creepiest bar crawl if you dare or scare yourself silly at the Tennessee Theatre’s Costumes and Cartoons. Events for all ages are listed at downtownknoxville.org/wicked/events.
- Wicked walks and photo ops: Stroll through the spooky décor in Ghoulish Grove, stand under the Krutch Park Creature or make your scariest face at the photo op outside the Knoxville Chamber and Entrepreneur Center. So many surprises are scattered throughout downtown to capture the memories made. Snap a photo and share on social media using #KnoxHalloween and tag @downtownknox for the chance to be featured on Downtown Knoxville’s accounts and win prizes.
- Supernatural snacks and shopping: Sit for a spell and pick your poison at downtown bars and restaurants, which will offer bubbling concoctions, spooky sweet treats and food not for the faint of heart! While you saunter around, shop for fall décor and gifts from local boo-tiques.
- Costume contest: Show off your Halloween costume for the chance to win a gift card from a Downtown Knoxville business. Contest categories include: Best Couple, Cutest, Best Family, Best Group, Best Hollywood/Broadway, Best Kid(s), Best Pet and Scariest. To enter, get a shot of your look with downtown in the background – suggested photo locations are marked on sidewalks through the city center. Then, upload your photo online at downtownknoxville.org/wicked/costume-contest or share on social media with #KnoxHalloween.
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.
