The World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville is a historic and active public space built for the 1982 World's Fair. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Sunsphere, a 266-foot gold-domed observation tower, and the Tennessee Amphitheater. Today, the park serves as a hub for major festivals, community gatherings, and recreation. Very welcoming space, lots to enjoy, always busy! The sphere is a focal point, when you go through Knoxville on I-40. read more

World's Fair Park - City of Knoxville - Parks Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

The historic World's Fair Park in Knoxville is lovely in the Spring. Dogwoods and other flowering trees were in bloom during my visit. The Park was at the center of the 1982 World's Fair. Today, the park is a beautiful green space for residents and visitors. The Sunsphere and the Amphitheater are the only remaining structures from the World's Fair in the park. The Sunsphere is opened to visitors. The Amphitheater was shuttered for the winter and in need of a facelift. Several interesting architectural features (posts and statue) are located throughout the park. A colorful bridge passes over the park and waterway. The Park is filled with accessible walkways, a water feature/fountain. A rail trail passes through the park for walkers and runners. We found free parking at the south side of the park. I did not see restroom facilities. Dogs on leases are allowed everywhere except in the fountain area. read more

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The 1982 World Fair has left the fair structure in the Knoxville. It is very close to downtown of Knoxville. The parking is near Knoxville Museum of Art. All parkings below the bridge are not for the visitor. The park has man made lake and water fall. It also has a water fountain. The most picture icon is the Sunsphere. This structure raises up very high and can be viewed all over the place. The amphitheater stretches over the lake. Great for event. Overall visit takes 1 hour. The colorful bridge almost like the entrance. read more

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As far as parks in mid-size Americana cities go, World's Fair checks all the boxes. Stuff for the kids and the bigger kids abounds in this tribute to early 80s yesteryear extravaganzas. Summer time means waterworks time, with fountains your entire group will enjoy frolicking or watching other frolick. It gets a little toasty in August here on Rocky Top, so slather on the sunscreen and cool back down. Even the strolls are nice with some good shady spots and the ball if you want to see K'ville from the heights. Nice free parking at the lots past the museum and food nearby post-visit means another fun day downtown by the river. read more

World's Fair Park - Parks Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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The park has an odd retro vibe as suggested by its name, and encompasses a variety of topographically distinct areas, offering multiple event spaces and playground areas, as well as landmarks like the art gallery and the globe, as well as multiple trails. Much of the space is highly artificial, including water features with a fake-looking color to the water and stern instructions not to get in. It gets crowded, and while there are multiple parking options, they are spread about. Of note, the trolley, a free shuttle bus run by the city, runs from downtown to the university and stops here. It's not the most aesthetically pleasing park ever, but there's certainly some cool stuff to be done. read more

World's Fair Park - Parks Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

What's not to love? Art murals, bridges, the Sunsphere, fountains, a splash pad, playground, amphitheaters, trails, and an overall beautiful area by the river that hosts many outings, festivals, and events. It is such a scenic area, home to so many fun outings for the city. I am always a fan of seeing the bridge murals. There is Volunteer Landing where you can fish, do water sports, and enjoy the fountain. There are a few areas that they will rent out for events, big and small. read more

World's Fair Park - Parks Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Pretty park located in downtown Knoxville. It was the sight of the 1982 worlds fair. Now offering a piece of green and recreation. There is even a playground. read more

World's Fair Park - Parks Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

The 1982 World's Fair was held here in Knoxville. TItled the "Knoxville International Energy Exposition," the centerpiece was the 266 foot tall Sunsphere, topped with a five-story-tall gold globe. The fair drew in more than 11,000,000 visitors which made it one of the most popular world's fairs in US history. Despite that, they fell short on profits which left Knoxville with a $46 million debt. Today, the park is a nice green space and includes the restored amphitheater. On a pretty day, it's a very nice walk. Today was a pretty day. [Review 12901 overall, 217 of 2020.] read more

World's Fair Park - World’s Fair Park, Knoxville TN - Parks Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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What a lovely little space in Knoxville! We walked through it leisurely one weekend while visiting from out of town. Peaceful, yet populated. We saw bikers, roller blading, walkers, runners, dog walkers, resting on the lawn, hacky sack, sitters on benches, people taking professional portraits, families, couples, individuals, children, young and old. What a wonderfully diverse community in a beautiful space. read more

While you can still walk through World's Fair Park, there aren't any open exhibits, the pond has been drained, and the tower is closed due to the Pandemic. Built for the 1982 World's Fair, if these were normal times this would be a cool place to visit. Unfortunately these are not normal times... The Park is usually almost completely deserted; perhaps things will change when (and if) the Covid-19 is done. read more

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This was a neat thing to visit while we were in Knoxville unfortunately when you get to do the entire experience because of Covid in some things were shut down but reading up it's got a lot of history here and it's cool to see the visuals in a walk around and read about the worlds fair Park so I think it's a must do win in Knoxville read more

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Great Food! Great Entertainment! Best Asian Knoxville Tennessee Festival 2024! Wonderful energy, food and Diversity! Something for all ages and races TOGETHER! read more

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A great park to take a stroll or enter onto the River Bike trail. The park also houses the Art Museum and World's Fair Museum. The later was closed but will hopefully reopen soon. read more

World's Fair Park - Parks Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

This is such a beautiful and safe, family friendly area to visit. We loved the mural wall, and scenery. There's also a nice splash pad area for kids and adults alike. The area has great sidewalks that take you from one scenic area to another. Great stop on our trip. read more

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I love how beautifully this park is kept! There are tables to have lunch at and benches to rest. A humungous water fountain/splash pad for the kids to pay in is entertaining to just watch. The convention center and sun sphere are connected to this park as well. A memorial is beautifully displayed here of the the East Tennessee war memorial. The sun sphere is free and open to the public during daylight hours. There are elevators at the base of it. It offers stunning views of this amazing city! read more

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My wife and I had a beautiful dusk walk along the waters edge. We such a lovely time.

The World Fair Park is one of my favorite places to visit on July 4th each year with my two sons. My youngest loves to visit the World Fair Park every year in May for the reading and book festival. This is a very beautiful and safe park for kids and family fun during the summer months. The public restroom needs to be updated with more lights on the outside for extra safety for all visitors. read more

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This area is close to many keys areas downtown. Mainly UT football games. We normally park here for the easy walk over. Also the money goes to a good cause on campus. The park has continued to be maintained well. Fountains and waterfalls are beautiful. This is also the starting point or gathering point for events like the Buddy Race and many other type runs, bikes, etc. nice quiet place to just hangout. read more

Of all the touristy things to do in Knoxville, TN, I was referred here to the World's Fair Park to see the golden sunsphere by friends. Nothing else really interested me in Knoxville - at least those that were free. The drive from Atlanta to Knoxville was a peachy 3 hours, give or take. If you were on Benadryl, it was definitely way longer, like I was. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to visit the World's Fair park. Not many can say that it was here in 1982, the World's Fair opened up to the world to come and play. Ever since then, it has gone really unused over the years and just had been really a tourist attraction for out-of-towners. The World's Fair plays hosts to concerts and other outdoor events from time to time, but largely is basically tries to be the beacon of tourist folk who come to Knoxville and see this place for its historical nostalgia and a place to see while in Knoxville. The overall experience was actually great for me, especially since there was no parking fee, admission fee, and no big crowds. Definitely Score!! It was particularly empty, save for small pockets of students wandering around while I was too on a random Tuesday afternoon. For me personally, it was the first time ever being in eastern Tennessee and the first time in Knoxville, so being here at the World's Fair grounds was a treat for me. I found a small parking cul de sac adjacent to the park entrance. It only emphasized no overnight parking, so I assumed it was free parking, as long as I don't stay too long. The park itself wasn't too large. There was a large lawn, so concerts and other venues can be had here. There were restroom facilities on site and they were open! Thank god for that, especially finding signs to point me to the restrooms. Awesome! I did enjoy the quietness and the casual carefree serendipity that came with being a tourist while everyone was still at work. I arrived here around 2pm and stayed about an hour before leaving to check out the other spots of downtown Knoxville. I'm thankful that the sunsphere observation deck was open to the public and there was free admission there as well. I had basically everything to myself for a good 15 minutes seeing the Knoxville landscape 360 degrees. Plenty of buildings, skyline, and highway structures to see when you are up so high. In the observation deck, there is information kiosks that tell you the history about the area and how everything evolved with the World's Fair and the city of Knoxville. It's one of Knoxville's biggest tourist attractions. While there may not be really anything going on during any random work day, you should come see it, just to say you've been here. I'm glad I did. It's free anyway! Support local! A+ read more

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Staff tried to steal my daughters phone she's 7. Thankfully it is iPhone and I had lost my iPhone activated. We were able to track it. After the staff had us walking behind them, swearing they didn't have it. When they realized I was not backing down and had alerted the police the phone MAGICALLY appeared on a ride we never rode on. read more

This park is a highlight of Knoxville as this recreation area has an open-air amphitheater, a performance and festival lawns and the Court of Flags fountains which children can play in when there's a hot day. Let's not forget the crown jewel of the park, the glorious Sunsphere, which was built in 1982 for the World's Fair. What is a Sunsphere you ask? It's basically a large structure with a gold disco ball on the top that signals "oh I've arrived in Knoxville" when I see it looming over the city. The Sunsphere has an 360 degree observation area on the 4th floor. As you walk down the corridor you can see information they have posted about Knoxville and the history of the city. I highly recommend going up and seeing the view. It's a win/win since it is free admission! The landscaping for the park is nice and it is well-kept. People were walking their dogs, running and kids were playing in the fountain when we were there. I could imagine this park being very fun for events as well. Tips: Surrounding the World's Fair Park are a couple of nearby gems. You can walk into the Holiday Inn to see the World's Largest Rubrik's Cube in their lobby. Also, south of Cumberland Avenue at 11th Street go see the newly painted steps by Jessie & Katey, a duo who transformed these steps by their inspiration from the craft revival movement (Instagram moment anyone?) read more

World's Fair Park - The sunsphere - Parks Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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Beautiful park! Family and pet friendly and visually pleasing. One of my favorite spots! read more

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Downtown location where you can take your kids in the summer to play in the water playground area. Free parking available. Great for a quick run and to take pics under the sunsphere. We like to buy lunch and bring a blanket and our dog and have a picnic here. read more

Visited the World's Fair park while staying at the Holiday Inn Downtown. Nice little park to kill time and tire up the kids while we waited for dinner time. read more

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Overall a really fun place to do a lot of cool things! The main attraction I would recommend are the fountains that run in the hot summer time. Nearby there is a child's playground that is fairly big, and historical dedication site, a STEM Academy school where school children will frequent there during the week and also a live venue outside Dome where they play concerts often. In walkable distance you have the Knoxville Convention Center that host weddings, parties and whatever there is to do with convention centers. There is a nice open field or festivals are held and you can openly play and just chill. Have fun here and take your time there's quite a bit to get into. read more

My mother was visiting Knoxville so we went for a walk around World's Fair Park. It's really a great space right in the heart of the city. Check it out if you have a chance. read more

Great park, impeccable grounds, clean and free of trash, and you never feel unsafe when alone or during night. Great surrounding event spaces are available to rent out... not to mention there is a splash fountain area for kids, open playing field and an amphitheater. read more

World's Fair Park - Parks Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

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This is a very unique park! We were just visiting Tennessee & stumbled across this park as we were exploring!!! This park has a couple of water fountains that add a little something! It was very beautiful & calming to just walk & take a look around!! read more

It was fun to visit the World's Fair Park for a leisurely stroll, but it's more like a one-time visit thing. I did appreciate the fact that the grounds were well-kept and they had free parking. You can't ask for more than that when you're going to visit any landmark or historic site. read more

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This park is named for the World's Fair that was hosted by Knoxville in 1982. The primary attraction in this park is the Sunsphere which is a very tall structure (266 ft) that provides spectacular panoramic views of the city. World's Fair park is not a large recreational park but a rather a nice park to just stop and reflect on the city and its history and to really just relax. On this day that we visited, it was very quiet except for a few kids on the playground, a group of ladies exercising on the lawn and a few tourists milling about. There is a large amphitheater in the park for outdoor concert, an open lawn for outdoor games or events, and plenty of bench seating. Yes, there is a large playground area for the kids and a very active water fountain that is ideal for cooling off hot bodies in the summer heat. Adjacent to the park is a beautifully installed Veteran's Memorial paying tribute to soldiers of various wars. It is a tall structure with special markers for local heroes. It is off to the side, (away from the activity) and offers an opportunity to stop and reflect. A perfect stop for the weary and for those interested in learning a little more of the city's history. ***The monument wall is inscribed with the following words: We look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear. (Spoken by Franklin D. Roosevelt in his address to Congress in January 1941). read more

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Great place to come with kids--a large playground with some unique equipment and in the summer, a large area with fountains to splash and play in, not to mention the enormous lawn to run & play and throw a ball or frisbee. For an out-of-town visitor, it's worth a wander around and a visit to the Sunsphere. read more

A cute little area. Came for a dance convention and there was a 5 k race going on. Prior to and after, the place was calm. Some Pokémon hunters and lots taking professional pictures by the water and the fall trees. There was a decent public bathroom. A playground for the kiddies and fountains in the warmer months. Would love to see it utilized more with bands and food trucks maybe. Hoopers or drum circles. Pretty lame. But that can be nice too. read more

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This is one of the most underutilized parks in Knoxville, especially for how meticulously kept it is. The large grassy field is perfect for throwing a frisbee or putting a blanket down. There's a giant playground with some super cool stuff to play on. Yeah, I've played on it. And what?! But it really is a fun and unique playground. There's also the giant splash pad to help cool you down in the summer. And if you're feeling touristy, you can take an elevator up inside the sunsphere to get a great 360 view of our city. It's all free! The pools around the amphitheater are my favorite! read more

You really can't call yourself a Knoxvillian if you haven't enjoyed at least one afternoon in World's Fair Park. It is a beautifully maintained park with a lot to offer. The grass is always super soft, green, and perfect for a picnic. There is an outdoor theater, splash pad, playground, large flat grassy areas, and even a giant metal ball in the sky! The Sunsphere is a Knoxville icon and a must see! Ride the elevator to the observation deck and enjoy 360-degree views of Downtown Knoxville. read more

This place is clean and feels safe. Excellent park for children with more modern equipment. If it was warmer, they would've loved the splash pad. This is a must if you are staying downtown with littles! read more

The park was clean and had activities for kids. It was a nice place to go walk around and relax. It also has bathrooms and shady spots to stop and chill. read more

Thanks Knoxville! I grew up in Knoxville, but have lived out of state for over twenty years now. We visit as often as we can, and I realized that I had never taken the kids to see the Sunsphere. So last trip we schlepped down to the World's Fair Park and were just delighted with the fountain, landscaping, theater area, playground, pond, everything. The kids got happily soaked, enjoyed the view of Knoxville from the observation deck, romped a bit on the playground. The park is spectacular and I'm so glad to see my city honoring the little blip on the radar screen that was the 1982 World's Fair with this peaceful and lovely gift to the city. Well played, Knoxville. read more

This is a beautiful park that is well maintained. They have water fountains that kids can play in and a great path to take the dog. Another good thing for the kids is the playground. Knoxville also has several events here throughout the year. read more

Great place to find some peace. Beautiful waterfall. Nice lawn. Awesome water fountains!

Beautiful green park and water features.Kids will love the water stairs and splash fountain! The park houses the Sunsphere tower ( free) and the visitors center and even an outdoor amphitheatre. The people here were diverse and friendly too. As an out of towner I hope I get to explore here more soon. read more