Tennessee Theatre Parking

604 South Gay Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902

NOTICE: Traffic in Knoxville by the Tennessee Theatre can get busier at times of the major events. We typically recommend allowing extra time to arrive, park and walk to the venues entrance.

The Tennessee Theatre is a historic venue in the heart of downtown. With no dedicated on-site parking, visitors must plan ahead for events.

On-Site Parking

The Tennessee Theatre does not offer on-site parking directly at the venue. Attendees should rely on nearby public facilities, which are plentiful in downtown Knoxville. This lack of dedicated spots means arriving early is crucial to secure convenient parking, especially during popular shows or peak times.

Nearby Parking Garages and Lots

Downtown Knoxville features over 10 public garages and surface lots, many offering free parking after 6 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends. Closest options include: – State Street Garage (401 State St., 0.12 mi away): Located right behind the theatre, it’s a top choice with free entry after 6 PM weekdays and weekends. Rates during paid hours are typically $1-2 per hour, with a daily max around $10-15, though events may vary.

Locust Street Garage (accessible from Locust or Walnut St., about 0.2 mi): Free after 6 PM weekdays and all weekend. It’s a secure, multi-level facility with easy access to the theatre.

Square Lot (413 Clinch Ave., 0.1 mi): Affordable at around $15 for event parking via reservations.

Other nearby spots like Conley Square (310 W. Church Ave., 0.07 mi) and Promenade Garage charge similar fees, often reservable through apps like SpotHero or Parking.com for guaranteed spots. Paid rates generally range from $1-3 per hour or $5-20 for events, but free options abound outside peak hours. Use tools like BestParking or Parkopedia for real-time availability and mapping.

Street Parking

Metered street parking is available around Gay Street and nearby areas, often free after 6 PM weekdays and on weekends. Spots within a block or two are convenient but fill quickly – expect to pay $1-2 per hour during business hours (typically 8 AM-6 PM). Free unmetered spots exist in surrounding streets, but obey signage to avoid tickets. Residential areas slightly farther out may offer additional free options, though walking distances increase.

General Parking Tips

Arrive 30-60 minutes early for events to snag free or close spots, as downtown can get crowded. Consider rideshares like Uber or public transit (Knoxville Area Transit buses stop nearby) to avoid parking hassles altogether. Validate parking if attending multiple venues – some garages offer event validations. During special events, rates may surge, so check the City of Knoxville’s parking page or apps in advance. Accessibility: Most garages have ADA spots; contact the theatre for drop-off info. For sustainability, bike racks are available downtown. Always secure valuables and note garage exits, as navigation can be tricky at night. With planning, parking here is straightforward and often cost-free.