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Old City of Knoxville Tickets

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The Old City of Knoxville is a 33-acre National Register of Historic Places district known as the Southern Terminal and Warehouse Historic District. Within this lively enclave, two key venues—Bijou Theatre and Old City Performing Arts Center (Old City PAC)—bring a mix of music, theatre, and performance art to downtown Knoxville. Whether you’re catching a show at Bijou Theatre, enjoying a flexible stage at Old City PAC, or exploring the district during a First Friday, you’ll find easy access, nearby lodging, and plenty of dining options. We’ve gathered practical details to help you secure your seats with ease and plan your visit like a local.

Venues in this district are historically significant and actively used for a range of events, including multi-venue staples like the Big Ears Festival, which utilizes multiple downtown spaces, and ongoing First Friday concerts that celebrate the area’s cultural vibe. Here’s everything you need to know to attend performances at the Bijou Theatre and Old City PAC, plus how to get there, where to park, and where to stay nearby.

Sanctioned by River & Rail Theater Co., Old City PAC offers an intimate black-box experience, while Bijou Theatre provides a larger, traditional theater setting after a 2006 restoration. Plan ahead for parking and transit to make the most of your Old City visit.

Parking near the Old City is convenient, with pay lots across Cumberland Avenue and garages along State Street, Market Square, and Locust Street. Some garages offer free parking after 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. The Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) routes connect you easily; Route 1 Downtown Connector serves the Old City, and the Downtown Connector option is fare-free and runs every 15 minutes. For a comfortable stay, consider The Oliver Hotel on Union Avenue or Hotel Cleo Knoxville Downtown near Market Square—great starting points for a walkable Old City visit. When planning, check official venue pages for the latest seating options and accessibility details.

Nearby restaurants and hotels are frequently highlighted by affiliate partners who provide trusted recommendations. If you’re traveling for multi-day events or festivals, these partners can help you secure reliable accommodations and dining experiences close to Bijou Theatre and Old City PAC.

Venues in the Old City

  • — 803 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Seating capacity is approximately 755 (official counts: 438 orchestra + 319 balcony). A central historic venue restored and reopened in 2006, hosting touring acts and local performances.
  • — 111 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Flexible black-box space seating up to 220, operated by River & Rail Theater Co., ideal for intimate performances and experimental works.

For the latest show details, accessibility information, and venue amenities, always verify on the official pages of the Bijou Theatre and Old City PAC.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Old City is a 33-acre historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Southern Terminal and Warehouse Historic District.
  • Bijou Theatre: located at 803 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902, with a seated capacity around 755 (official seating chart totals 438 orchestra + 319 balcony = 757).
  • Old City Performing Arts Center (Old City PAC): 111 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902, seating up to 220 in a flexible black-box space.
  • Parking: near Bijou there are multiple options including a pay lot across Cumberland and garages on State Street, Market Square, and Locust Street; some garages are free after 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.
  • Transit: Knoxville Area Transit Route 1 Downtown Connector serves the Old City; the Downtown Connector is fare-free and runs every 15 minutes.
  • Nearby hotels: The Oliver Hotel (407 Union Ave) and Hotel Cleo Knoxville Downtown (Market Square area) provide lodging within walking distance of Old City venues.
  • Notable events: Big Ears Festival uses multiple downtown venues (including Old City PAC); First Friday concerts are regularly held in the Historic Old City.
  • Notes on venues: Old City PAC is owned/operated by River & Rail Theater Co.; Bijou Theatre underwent a major restoration and reopened in 2006.