5 Things To Do in Knoxville, TN, After Work
Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet evening or craving a bit of excitement, Knoxville, TN, has just what you need to feel invigorated after a long workday. And the best news? Everything is close by, meaning a car ride won’t eat up a large portion of your evening. To get you started, read on to find a handful of things to do in Knoxville, TN, after work.
In This Article
1. Pick Your Sport
Joining an intramural sports team is a surefire way to meet new people, stay active and have a blast along the way. Knox County Parks & Recreation offers a robust selection of sports, like flag football, disc golf, kickball, softball, tennis and pickleball. Plus, Knoxville Ultimate organizes its own ultimate frisbee league seasonally.
Once you’ve worked up a sweat tossing around a ball or frisbee, head to a local brewery to keep the fun going. You’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Knoxville, TN, at Yee-Haw Brewing, from keeping your competitive streak going by challenging friends to a yard game to relaxing with a beer in hand to watching the outdoor screen (a 28-foot jumbotron!), which is always showing whatever sporting event is on.
2. Walk or Jog
If you’re looking for some fresh air after a day spent indoors, you can’t go wrong with a walk or jog. Ijams Nature Center is a fantastic option, as it offers some of the most beautiful, peaceful scenery in the city. Its trails, like Will Skelton Greenway, are easy to traverse and offer gorgeous views at every turn. Sharps Ridge Loop Trail is another natural escape close to downtown, offering a glimpse of the city skyline when you make it to the top.
On the west side of town, check out Lakeshore Park. After cleaning up from your outdoor adventure, meet friends at Farmacy on Kingston Pike, where you can enjoy Southern-inspired fare in a casual setting.
While many of the aforementioned paths are also great for running, Knoxville has 865 Running, which organizes group runs Monday through Friday at various times and locations.
3. Enjoy a Swim
If swimming is on your list of things to do in Knoxville, TN, head to Meads Quarry, a wildlife sanctuary at Ijams Nature Center with beautiful water that beckons swimmers.
“After work, I enjoy cooling off with a swim at Meads Quarry,” says resident Victoria Abohasen. “Meads Quarry is perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day or after a workout, and it even serves as a natural cold plunge in the winter. It helps me unwind after a busy day.”
If water sports are more your speed, bring a kayak or paddle board and wander the wide expanse of gorgeous blue water, enjoying views of the surrounding rock cliffs, trees and more. Keep an eye out for birds, turtles and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
After your swim, silence your growling stomach at Vida on Gay Street. Its menu is known for its fresh, pan-Latin tastes and textures accented with Asian flare.
4. Take Your Bike for a Spin
For those who enjoy mountain biking, head to Baker Creek Preserve after work. It offers 10 miles of moderate loop trails.
“I spend a lot of time at Baker Creek Preserve,” says resident Will Baker. “I enjoy activities that get me outside and sweating and the stress relief that comes with them. Plus, when I’m biking with someone, I also get the chance to hang out with friends and potentially make new ones.”
After your ride, head to Kern’s Food Hall on Kerns Rising Way. It houses many different types of eateries and bars all under one roof. From coffee to tacos to barbecue and even ice cream, you’ll find something delicious at Kern’s. And be sure to check out their jam-packed calendar of events featuring trivia, movie nights and more.
5. Explore Downtown Knoxville
Knoxville is a thriving city and one of the perks of living here is the abundance of things to do in downtown Knoxville, TN, during the work week, like events and social gatherings.
“I really enjoy checking out the regular events around downtown Knoxville,” Abohasen says. “There’s always something happening – shows, festivals, markets and art exhibitions. Plus, new bars and restaurants keep popping up. As someone who works from home, these events are a great way to socialize and explore with friends.”
Popular recurring weekday events include Concerts on the Square, which take place every Tuesday night in May, June and September on Market Square, as well as the First Friday ArtWalk, which is a year-round event. Venues, like LunaVerse Knoxville (one of Knoxville’s most popular nightlife destinations – check it out!) offer a full calendar of fun events. Whether you attend alone or with friends, you’re bound to have a blast.