The Tennessee Theatre

Gay Street is Knoxville's main artery, and the Tennessee Theatre is its crown jewel. Opened in 1928 as a movie palace, the theatre is a Moorish and Spanish-flavored fantasy of gold leaf, sweeping staircases, ornate plasterwork and a chandelier-lit lobby, topped by one of the most photographed marquees in the South. After decades of decline it was restored and reopened as a performing arts venue, and it now hosts concerts, touring musicals, comedy, classic films and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Simply stepping into the lobby is a treat, and a show here is one of the most atmospheric evenings you can spend in the city. The theatre is also a living piece of music history. The Mighty Wurlitzer organ, a rare surviving instrument, is played before special events and during the classic film series, and its sound fills the auditorium in a way that modern speakers cannot match. Knoxville has deep roots in country, bluegrass and rockabilly, and the theatre's stage has hosted performers across those genres. The surrounding blocks of Gay Street are lined with restaurants, music venues and shops in handsome brick buildings, including the smaller Bijou Theatre, an older neighbor with its own devoted following.

The best way to experience the building is to attend a show. Check the calendar when planning your trip, because touring acts, summer film nights and symphony concerts sell out, and the box office or website offers seats at a wide range of prices. If you cannot catch a performance, the theatre sometimes offers tours of the building on specific days, giving access to the lobby, backstage areas and organ chamber.

Confirm tour availability in advance because schedules vary and they are not offered every day. Dress is casual to smart casual, and arriving thirty minutes early lets you soak in the lobby before the lights go down.

Gay Street is worth a stroll in its own right, particularly at dusk when the marquees glow. Walk from World's Fair Park up past the theatre and the Bijou toward Market Square, looking for historic signs, murals and the old brick banks and department stores that recall the city's commercial heyday.

The street connects to the Old City to the north and to the river to the south, so it works as the spine of a walking itinerary. Evenings in the colder months can be cool, so bring a jacket for the walk between restaurants and the theatre.

Parking is available in nearby garages, and many downtown hotels are a short stroll from the theatre. The venue is accessible, with elevators and designated seating, and accessible seating can be booked when you reserve. Allow time for dinner before the show, as nearby restaurants fill quickly on performance nights, and consider reservations.

The theatre pairs naturally with a ghost tour, a visit to the East Tennessee History Center or an audio walk through Knoxville's country music heritage. For anyone who loves live music or classic architecture, the Tennessee Theatre is not just an entertainment venue but one of the principal cultural landmarks of the region.

If you cannot attend an evening performance, consider a matinee or a classic film screening, which are often cheaper and just as atmospheric. The Bijou Theatre, a few blocks away, is smaller and older, with its own calendar of concerts and a loyal following, so check both calendars. Dress codes are relaxed, but many guests make an evening of it with a nice dinner. Plan transportation home in advance on busy nights.