Fireworks over Knoxville, Tennessee

How to Spend Labor Day Weekend in Knoxville

  • One of the best things to do on Labor Day weekend in Knoxville is to visit Cherokee Lake. There are so many fun activities there, such as hiking, fishing, and watercraft rentals.
  • There are plenty of enjoyable outdoor adventures in the city, such as the zoo or the Botanical Gardens.
  • The city of Knoxville has so much to discover, like downtown attractions and fireworks during the Big Kahuna Wing Festival.
  • When planning to rent any watercraft, especially boats, be sure to book early with Roscoe & Hooch.

There is no shortage of fun, delightful events during Labor Day weekend in the Knoxville area. To assist you with planning, below is a list of amusing, family-friendly activities for Labor Day. These recreations are sure to make spectacular memories.

1. Attend the Big Kahuna Wing Festival

The Big Kahuna Wing Festival has been an exclusive Knoxville ceremony for twelve consecutive years! Every year on Labor Day weekend, thousands of people gather to devour delicious hot wings. This is one of the main purposes of the festival.

This festival also has many other tasty foods to try from around the world, and eating contests. There are also kids’ activities and even live entertainment. Labor Day weekend in Knoxville can only get better with fireworks, which are part of the festival. To complete a fun-filled day, there is an amazing fireworks show accompanied by music.

2. Rent a Boat on Cherokee Lake

Family on a boat in the lake

Of all the wonderful things to do in Knoxville on Labor Day weekend, renting a boat is one of the best activities of all! Cherokee Lake (which is near Knoxville) is an ideal location to spend Labor Day. Here, you can cool off with a boat on the water.

Roscoe & Hooch makes renting a boat a convenient, enjoyable experience. This is because of a stellar location and beautiful boat fleet. There are also other watercraft available for rent. For instance, there are also kayaks, jet skis, and towables for the boat. We recommend booking quickly to ensure a boat!

3. Outdoor Recreation at Panther Creek State Park

Situated around the shores of Cherokee Lake, Panther Creek State Park offers a variety of spectacular activities for spending Labor Day in Knoxville. One of the top things this park has to offer is the variety of hiking trails. Each trail has a contrasting difficulty level and a unique landscape.

Likewise, there are horseback riding and mountain biking trails. If you’re looking to make a weekend out of this pleasant location, there are multiple campsites with everything you’ll require.

4. Explore Downtown Knoxville

Downtown Knoxville has a vast array of entertainment and recreation. There’s something there for everyone. These include museums, ghost tours, and the theater. Not to mention, there are many highly rated restaurants that serve outstanding food!

Additionally, Labor Day in downtown Knoxville isn’t complete without checking out the famous Sunsphere (which is part of the World’s Fair Park). The well-known Market Square is also a must-see. The options of things to do in downtown Knoxville for Labor Day weekend are endless!

5. Visit the Zoo

The Knoxville Zoo is an excellent way to have an adventure! This zoo isn’t only meant for fun (although it certainly is). There are also a variety of interactive and educational ventures.

There are over 800 animals that reside at this zoo! They have the option of viewing many of them on an electric scooter or a Zoo Choo Train (to give your legs a break). Visiting this zoo is a great Labor Day activity in Knoxville!

6. Lakeside Activities on Cherokee Lake

Man and boy fishing at a dock

Along with a boat rental from Roscoe & Hooch, there are multiple other lake activities. These are some that you can do on the shores of Cherokee Lake! For example, there’s fishing, swimming along the shoreline, or lounging by the water.

There’s also the option to bring a picnic to Cherokee Lake and have a meal. Bird watching (this location has many remarkable birds), and playing games by the water are other ideas. These are all great pastimes for Labor Day near Knoxville!

7. Check Out Knoxville Botanical Gardens

Located near downtown, the Knoxville Botanical Gardens are available. This is an incredible way to spend time both outdoors and in the city. Here, you can bask in the tranquility and serenity of the green plants. There are multiple gardens to explore (including some specifically for kids).

These gardens are perfect for snapping scenic photos. There’s also the option to observe wildlife or attend a special celebration. There is also a gift shop available for more details about the gardens. This is where to visit for a quiet Labor Day in Knoxville.

There are a plethora of amusing things to do in Knoxville over Labor Day weekend! These include spending time in downtown Knoxville and attending the Big Kahuna Wing Festival. There are also many water and lakeside activities. If you are renting a boat from Roscoe & Hooch, book a reservation now to get ahead! These recreations make for a spectacular Labor Day.

Daniel Tarr

Daniel Tarr is a local to Jefferson County Tennessee with over ten years' experience in the world of recreational boating. His marina dreams started as a young man on Cherokee Lake in the summer of 2012 when he became an assistant scout master with the Boy Scouts of America and taught sailing and watersports safety classes. Using his experience and knowledge, he takes pride in providing a safe and best of class rental fleet. It brings him joy to help others have a fun and safe day on the water.