World’s Fair Park amphitheater renovations cause event adjustments

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The World’s Fair Park amphitheater in downtown Knoxville is closed for renovations, with gates surrounding the venue and crews working on repairs to prevent further damage.

The City of Knoxville is investing $7 million in replacing the historic roof, painting, installing a new LED lighting system, stage curtain, electric upgrades and other improvements.

This money was approved by the Knoxville City Council with the 2025-2026 Adopted Operating Budget.

Kumi Alderman, who runs the Knox Asian Festival, said she is excited about the renovations.

“What I heard was they will have like a backdrop curtain, and we didn’t have it before. Also, the stage will be beautiful for the dancers, so, I think the quality will go up,” Alderman said.

However, the festival will need to adjust its plans for this year because of the renovations. Alderman said they wanted to have three stages, so they will build a third stage since they are not able to use the amphitheater.

The Knox Asian Festival is not the only event having to adjust. Rachel Foster, who runs the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, said they also use the amphitheater for their summer performance.

This year, they will use the lawn for their event, which they have used many times before. Foster said they are thrilled for the new amphitheater.

“I think it’s going to be a great space to perform in once it’s all finished. I think we will have updated capacities as far as lights and sound and those kinds of things that will make operational things more enjoyable for the audience and just a smoother experience all around for everyone who’s performing there,” Foster said.

McCarty Holsaple McCarthy is the original architect for the structure designed in 1982 for the World’s Fair and is leading the design team. Johnson and Galyon Construction is executing the work, according to the City of Knoxville.

The city said the amphitheater has not had major renovations since it was built, and it was time for some upgrades.

The city said the completion date is March 2027.