Downtown offers over 5,000 free parking spaces weekdays after 6 PM and all day on weekends in municipal-owned garages. Plus there are several lots free 24/7. Normal weekday rates in municipal garages are only $1 an hour! On-street metered parking is typically $1.50 an hour, with a two-hour limit. Find out more about Downtown Knoxville Parking HERE.

The 11th Street Garage (1101 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996) is the closest parking garage to World’s Fair Park. 1,400 parking spots. Parking in this lot may be limited if there is a UT event taking place. Free

The World’s Fair Park North Lot (1050 World's Fair Park Drive) is a .2 mile walk to the festival entrance. 100 parking spots. Free

The Fort Kid Lot (1075 World's Fair Park Drive) is a .2 mile walk to the festival entrance. 78 parking spots. Free

The Locust Street Garage (540 Locust Street) is a .3 mile walk to the festival entrance - take the pedestrian bridge over Henley Street. 645 parking spaces. Free

Make sure you are fully prepared for Southern Skies. Feel free to bring the following items with you:

Sun block

Lawn Chairs (please take chairs OUT of the chair bags before coming to the festival)

Blankets, sheets, and towels

Point-and-shoot cameras

Small backpacks and purses and empty hydration bladder packs. Large backpacks, book bags, or any bag that is not clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and over 12”x6”x12” in size will not be allowed.

Empty water bottle (free, filtered water provided to all patrons.)

REMEMBER: All travelers and their belongings are subject to search and prohibited items will be removed at the discretion of the front gate and security staff.

We make every effort to provide an environment where all festival goers can fully enjoy their time at Southern Skies. With that in mind, kindly leave these items at home:

Weapons

Large backpacks, book bags, or any bag that is not clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and over 12”x6”x12” in size will not be allowed.

Food and Drink

Alcohol

Illegal substances of any kind

Umbrellas

Coolers

Lasers

Glow sticks

Stickers

Silly String

Confetti

Glitter

Spray Paint

Glass Containers and Metal Aerosol Cans, including Sunscreen in Aerosol Cans

Detachable lens cameras

Recording devices of any kind including professional recording equipment, GoPros, audio recording equipment, and video recording equipment

No unauthorized vendors will be permitted

No solicitations, handbills, sampling, give-aways, etc.

Remote-controlled vehicles or aircrafts, including drones

REMEMBER: All travelers and their belongings are subject to search and prohibited items will be removed at the discretion of the front gate staff. These items are subject to change at anytime and at the discretion of the front gate and security staff.

Children age 10 and under will be admitted free of charge.  All children 11 and over will require a festival pass. VIP passes will be required in the VIP area for patrons 2 and older. Pick up a Children's ticket at the Box Office (on-site) before entering the Festival.

Yes. Your festival wristband will allow you to leave and re-enter the festival at any point. However, you will have to go through security each time.

The Crown Plaza Knoxville Downtown is the official hotel sponsor of Dogwood Arts/Southern Skies. Combining luxurious comfort with quiet sophistication, Crowne Plaza Downtown Knoxville offers a home away from home in the heart of Downtown Knoxville. Their prime location is just minutes from the Festival site (within walking distance) and steps away from bustling Market Square where you'll enjoy a variety of restaurants, bars, and retail stores. Tasteful decor, a peaceful atmosphere, and superior service combine to provide you with an exceptionally memorable stay in downtown.