Say “farewell” to 2025 and “hello” to 2026 at the City of Knoxville’s 5th annual New Year’s Eve at the Sunsphere. This free, all-ages event, presented by Lowe’s, will be held Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, on the Festival Lawn of the World’s Fair Park. 

Multiple food trucks will be set up in the park by 8 p.m. to sell dinner and treats.  Activities, including axe-throwing and a silent disco, begin at 9 p.m. as well as Liquid Velvet’s extended set of chart-topping rock covers. As midnight approaches, attendees will count down to 2026, watch the ball drop from the Sunsphere, and sing “Auld Lang Syne.”

This event is a great way to continue downtown celebrations at nearby establishments and Knoxville’s Holidays on Ice skating rink, open 1-9 p.m. New Year’s Eve.  

More details:

• Parking is available for free in City-owned garages, including Locust Street, Market Square, and the 11th Street Garage.

• Due to fireworks and large crowds, bringing dogs is discouraged.

• Alcohol is not permitted in the park. 

• Guests may bring chairs, but no tents or canopies.

• Rain or shine! The event will take place regardless of weather conditions.

Road closures:

• Clinch Avenue. between Henley and 11th streets, will be closed from noon on Dec. 31, 2025, to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026.

• World’s Fair Park Drive, between Clinch and Grand avenues, will be closed from 6 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026.

Thanks to Lowe’s and additional sponsors for making this celebration possible.

Visit KnoxvilleTN.gov/events for additional information about events produced by the City’s Office of Special Events.

Visit VisitKnoxville.com/events for additional New Year’s Eve event listings.