Knoxville Visitors Center and WDVX Blue Plate Special
Your free downtown hub for live music, local tips, and exploring Knoxville's vibrant culture. Discover hidden gems and enjoy daily performances!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Live music & radio broadcast
Knoxville Visitors Center and WDVX Blue Plate Special
Best Time
Live music & radio broadcast
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Your free downtown hub for live music, local tips, and exploring Knoxville's vibrant culture. Discover hidden gems and enjoy daily performances!
"Free live music in the visitor center almost every day noon to 1, which is part of a live Blue Plate Special radio broadcast!"
🎯 Free Live Music Daily!
Catch the WDVX Blue Plate Special at noon for free live music and a radio broadcast.
🗺️ Get Local Insights
Grab free maps and brochures for great downtown recommendations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WDVX Blue Plate Special
Visitor Center Stage
Experience live, local music daily at noon during this unique radio broadcast. A true taste of Knoxville's vibrant music scene!
Local Artist Performances
Visitor Center Stage
Enjoy impromptu 'mini-concerts' from talented local artists, often performing for free. A delightful surprise for any visitor!
Interactive City Map
Visitor Center
Pin your hometown on the large map and get inspired by other travelers' pins. A fun, communal way to see where visitors come from!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Catch Live Music Daily
Explore Downtown with Local Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Live Music Daily!
Catch the WDVX Blue Plate Special at noon for free live music and a radio broadcast.
🗺️ Get Local Insights
Grab free maps and brochures for great downtown recommendations.
Exploring Knoxville like a tourist
🎁 Souvenir Shopping
Browse a small gift shop for unique Knoxville souvenirs.
📍 Pin Your Travels
Add your hometown to the interactive visitor map! :pushpin:
Things to do in Knoxville
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Live Music Daily!
Catch the WDVX Blue Plate Special at noon for free live music and a radio broadcast.
🗺️ Get Local Insights
Grab free maps and brochures for great downtown recommendations.
🎁 Souvenir Shopping
Browse a small gift shop for unique Knoxville souvenirs.
📍 Pin Your Travels
Add your hometown to the interactive visitor map! :pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Knoxville Visitors Center for its free live music, helpful staff, and useful resources. The WDVX Blue Plate Special is a standout attraction, offering a genuine taste of local culture. While some find the gift shop small, the overall experience is highly positive, making it a recommended stop for anyone exploring downtown.
"Free live music in the visitor center almost every day noon to 1, which is part of a live Blue Plate Special radio broadcast! I think they broadcast from a restaurant on Fridays. It was fun to participate!"
Norah Held
"Definitely worth stopping in here if you're exploring downtown Knoxville! They had a small gift shop with a variety of souvenirs, lots of brochures to check out, a map that you can pin where you're visiting from, and they had a small stage where local artists perform. When we stopped in someone was performing and there were a couple people who were sitting there enjoying the music. Looks like the local radio station uses it which I think is a cool use of the space!"
Maggie Thompson
"Only had a couple of hours of free time to visit and we were provided with some ideas of great local places to visit (museums and coffee shops) and a map. Thank you for the great tips. We really enjoyed walking around the downtown area. Must stop at the Market Square and park at the Market Square Garage- so affordable!"
Kristie D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Knoxville Visitors Center is conveniently located in downtown Knoxville. Many visitors find it easy to access by car, with affordable parking available at the nearby Market Square Garage. Public transport options may also be available depending on your starting point within the city.
Yes, the Market Square Garage is a highly recommended and affordable parking option located very close to the Visitors Center. Street parking may also be available but can be more challenging to find.
If you are already exploring downtown Knoxville, the Visitors Center is easily walkable from many popular areas like Market Square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Knoxville Visitors Center is completely free! You can explore the exhibits, grab brochures, and enjoy the atmosphere without any cost.
The Visitors Center is typically open daily, with specific hours that may vary. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding the WDVX Blue Plate Special schedule.
The live music performances, known as the WDVX Blue Plate Special, are free to attend and do not require advance booking. Simply arrive at noon to enjoy the show.
Absolutely! The Visitors Center is stocked with a wide variety of brochures, pamphlets, and maps detailing local attractions, events, and activities in and around Knoxville.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
The WDVX Blue Plate Special features a diverse range of local Knoxville artists, often performing genres like folk, Americana, and indie music. It's a great opportunity to discover new talent.
While specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly, visitor centers are generally designed to be accessible. The stage area is usually visible from most parts of the main room.
Besides the live music and information services, you can browse a small gift shop for souvenirs and interact with the large visitor map by pinning your hometown.
Yes, the friendly staff at the Visitors Center are excellent resources for personalized recommendations on museums, coffee shops, and other local points of interest.
📸 📸 Photography
The WDVX Blue Plate Special stage can make for a lively photo backdrop, especially when an artist is performing. The interactive visitor map is also a fun spot for a photo.
Generally, taking photos during live performances is allowed, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the performers and other audience members. Avoid using flash photography if it might be disruptive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the center itself, the staff can provide excellent recommendations for family-friendly attractions in Knoxville. They can point you towards parks, kid-friendly museums, and other activities that will keep younger visitors entertained. Grabbing a map here is also a great way to plan a walking tour of downtown that suits your family's pace.
🎶 Music Lovers
Beyond the daily performances, the center's staff can often provide information on other live music venues and upcoming concerts in the city. They are a valuable resource for understanding the local music scene and finding out where to catch more performances during your stay.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Staff can direct you to affordable dining options and free attractions, helping you maximize your experience while minimizing expenses. The nearby Market Square Garage also offers affordable parking, making it a cost-effective stop for those exploring downtown.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The WDVX Blue Plate Special: A Knoxville Tradition
This program showcases a diverse range of musical talent, from folk and Americana to indie and blues. It's a fantastic way to discover emerging artists and get a feel for the city's creative spirit. The intimate setting allows for a close connection between the musicians and the audience, making each performance special. Many visitors find this to be a highlight of their trip, offering a memorable and engaging experience that goes beyond typical tourist attractions.
Beyond the music, the Blue Plate Special embodies Knoxville's welcoming atmosphere. The WDVX radio station, which broadcasts the event, is a beloved local institution. By hosting these performances, the Visitors Center not only provides entertainment but also supports the local arts community and offers a genuine glimpse into the heart of Knoxville. It’s a must-do for anyone looking to experience the city's vibrant culture.
Your Gateway to Downtown Knoxville
One of the most practical tools available is the interactive visitor map. Here, you can literally place your hometown on the map, joining a tapestry of travelers from across the globe. This feature not only adds a fun, communal element to your visit but also sparks curiosity about other destinations and the journeys of fellow explorers. Alongside the map, you'll find a comprehensive selection of brochures and pamphlets detailing everything from historical sites to upcoming events, ensuring you won't miss out on anything Knoxville has to offer.
For those seeking souvenirs, the center also features a small gift shop. It's a convenient spot to pick up unique mementes that represent Knoxville. Whether you're planning your entire itinerary or just need a quick tip, the Knoxville Visitors Center is your essential first stop for an enriching downtown experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit