Knoxville Museum of Art
KMA currently lists free admission. It is open Friday and Saturday 10 AM–5 PM and Sunday 1–5 PM.
Plan your visit ↗Knoxville on a Budget
Free & Cheap Things to Do in Knoxville This Weekend
A practical September 18–20 guide for families, couples and anyone trying to get out without spending a fortune.
Updated September 18, 2026 • Knoxville, Tennessee
Good Knoxville days don't have to be expensive.
These are useful picks for September 18–20, plus a few dependable Knoxville standbys you can use almost any weekend. Always check the official site before you go.
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LitKidz Workshop
Saturday from noon–1 PM at The Bottom, with a children's book and dance activity. The event is listed as pay what you can.
Event details ↗Ijams Nature Center
Ijams' grounds are open daily from 8 AM until dusk. General access is not ticketed; current parking is $5 per vehicle.
Hours & parking ↗McClung Museum
Admission is free, but there is an important weekend catch: McClung says it is closed during home football games, so skip Saturday and consider Friday or Sunday instead.
Museum details ↗Tennessee Valley Fair
Children age 5 and under receive free gate admission. Ages 6–11 are $10, and weekend ride wristbands are separate.
Fair pricesWalk downtown
Market Square, Gay Street, World's Fair Park and the riverfront make an easy no-ticket Knoxville loop. Pair the walk with one paid stop if you want to keep the total low.
More things to doBudget tip for Saturday
The Tennessee home game changes campus access, and McClung Museum specifically closes on home football game days. Build your Saturday around downtown, Ijams, the fair, or another non-campus stop instead.
Saturday game-day guide