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Do you have any plans for Labor Day weekend? You should attend the largest Labor Day weekend festival and fireworks display in the nation! On Sept. 6, celebrate 22 years of the Chrysler Jeep Boomsday Festival with 400,000 of your closest friends. Head on down to Knoxville’s downtown waterfront (at Neyland Drive and Volunteer Landing) to enjoy games, children’s activities, food, live music and special surprises along with a fabulous fireworks show lasting 30 breathtaking minutes. The fun starts at 1 p.m. and the fireworks blast off at 9:30 p.m. Recognized as a “Top 20” event by Southeast Tourism Society, Knoxville’s signature event always delivers fun for the entire family. Did I mention that it’s FREE?

Just a few days later, the Tennessee Valley Fair will be held at Knoxville’s Chilhowee Park Sept. 11-20. The fair offers something for everyone, from live music, contests, rides, tractor pulls and a demolition derby. There’s even the legendary lawn mower race! So, whether it’s the sweet smell of a funnel cake or the excitement of the 90 rides, the Tennessee Valley Fair is a great place to celebrate the region’s rich heritage and history.

Additionally, make plans to attend Boo! At the Zoo Oct. 15-18 and Oct. 22-25. All ghosts and goblins are invited to this exciting event in its 23rd year at the Knoxville Zoo. Enjoy eight nights of safe and not-so-scary Halloween fun, trick-or-treating, costumed characters and games. Plus, don’t forget to take a ride on the haunted carousel or visit the Monster Mash tent and make sure you don’t miss Knoxville’s largest Halloween event.

Kickoff Knoxville’s holiday season by helping out a good cause! Enjoy the 25th Annual Fantasy of Trees which will be held Nov. 25-29 at the Knoxville Convention Center. This special holiday event will showcase a theme of "Jingle All The Way Home,” highlighted with a variety of festive activities with shimmering decorations that showcase winter’s sparkle. All proceeds from admission ticket sales, children's activities, designer sales and holiday shop sales will benefit East Tennessee Children's Hospital.

But, wait; there’s more! A charming experience awaits you in Knoxville’s downtown area, which has quickly become the central hub for entertainment, shopping, nightlife and restaurants and it’s the perfect place to park the car and explore the Market Square District and Gay Street. Both areas are full of unique shops and museums, restaurants and nightlife such as the East Tennessee History Center, Bijou Theatre and World Grotto. The open, fun and relaxed atmosphere of downtown Knoxville is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

We encourage you to discover all that Knoxville has for you to enjoy by visiting the Knoxville Visitor Center, located at 301 South Gay Street in the heart of downtown (if you come at noon on the weekdays, you’ll get the experience the famous WDVX Blue Plate Special) and don’t forget to pick up your copy of the Knoxville Visitor & Resource Guide!