Open Streets came back to Knoxville, this time on Broadway in Old North Knoxville. The first Open Streets Knoxville was in October 2015, attracting more than 6,000 people, and it hasn’t stopped growing since. Hosted by Bike Walk Knoxville with support from the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization and the city of Knoxville, Open Streets shuts down the streets to give people of all ages and abilities a safe place to walk, ride and have fun. The event showcases local businesses and gives residents an opportunity to explore their neighborhood.
This time, North Broadway was shut down from East Glenwood Avenue all the way to Emory Place, with more than 50 booths set up along the way from local businesses and groups. There were performances by Broadway Academy of Performing Arts, Dragonfly Aerial and Circus Art Studios and Korenna Hodge. Visitors did not leave hungry with more than 12 food trucks and vendors set up along the mile-long street festival.