Knoxville Named No. 2 ‘Best Arts District’

Knoxville did it again! The city’s art district has been voted No. 2 “Best Arts District” nationwide in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2024 poll after ranking No. 4 in 2023.

The poll included 20 nominees, which were selected by an expert panel based on how they “culturally enrich their cities and those who visit.” The top 10 winners were announced by USA Today on March 1, 2024.

Knoxville promotes the full spectrum of art year-round with experiences like the First Friday ArtWalk, open-air markets in Market Square and the Old City, and an abundance of talent including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Opera, Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, an official poet laureate each year, theater companies and dance studios.

This is the second year Knoxville has made the Best Arts District list. It is joined by diverse areas in size and offerings. The top 10 include:

1️⃣ Dallas Arts District

2️⃣ Knoxville's Art District

3️⃣ Northeast Minneapolis Arts District

4️⃣ University Circle (Cleveland)

5️⃣ Historic Third Ward (Milwaukee)

6️⃣ Tulsa Arts District

7️⃣ Arts District Houston

8️⃣ Richmond Arts District

9️⃣ Wabash Arts Corridor (Chicago)

🔟 The Pop District (Pittsburgh)

With galleries, museums, cultural events, and public art scattered throughout, we're proud to defy our "Scruffy City" nickname.