03-04-2025
Saturday rate for Market Square Garage begins under new Downtown Knoxville parking plan
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Parking in the Market Square Garage will cost $3 beginning Saturday, April 5. This is all part of the city of Knoxville's new parking plan.
The rate change comes as several events are set for April 5 in downtown from the First Friday Art Walk to the Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk and the Covenant Health Knoxville 5K.
While the flat rate charge for Market Square begins on April 5, downtown garage enhancements, including a switch to the new digital payment system, will take place throughout 2025. Under the new plan, free parking after 6 p.m. on weeknights and all day on weekends will continue in every garage except for Market Square. During the week, the prices will remain $1 per hour with a max of $7 per day at Locust Street, State Street, Market Square, Main Avenue Garages and the Jackson Avenue Lot. In addition, payment will be required regardless of departure time.
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In March, the city replaced parking signs and meters to convert to the digital payment system through ParkMobile. Street parking rates also increased from $1.50 to $2/hour for two-hour max zones, and spots with a 10-hour max were reduced to four hours max with an increase from $.30 to $1/hour. Throughout March and April, surface lot prices will be increased. On-street parking will be free before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and all day on Sunday. However, on Gay Street parking will be free at 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
A Discounted Downtown Worker Parking Program has also been established, allowing workers who meet certain financial guidelines to apply for a reduced parking pass that equates to $1.80 per day. Downtown workers who have an annual income below 80% of the area's median family income established by HUD are eligible for the discounted pass. In addition, all downtown workers are eligible for discounted monthly parking passes at the Civic Coliseum and Auditorium Garage A. Visit for more information and to learn how to apply.
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Parking citations are also increasing under the new plan, and new technology will give City Court automatic support for citation follow up, management and collection. The new rates can be seen below.
Parking Violation
Current Fine
Proposed New Fine
Meter Ordinance
$10
Proposed New Fine
Overtime Parking
$10
$25
No Parking Zone
$15
$25
Restricted Zone
$15
$25
Improper Parking
$15
$25
Fire Lane or Fireplug
$25
$35
The new parking plan comes as Downtown Knoxville has grown significantly, with more businesses opening over the past few years. The city began working on a new plan for downtown parking in 2023 and sought input from the public.
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