KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — St. Patrick's Day is almost here -- and downtown Knoxville will be extra busy this weekend as people celebrate.
St. Patrick's Day is Sunday, but the city will be holding the parade on Saturday this year. The parade will step off at the corner of Gay Street and Main Street at 1 p.m. before disbanding at Magnolia Avenue.
Actor and comedian Josh Mancuso will be this year's grand marshal. The event is free, and donations made to the parade will benefit Catholic Charities of East Tennessee.
Several roads will close before the parade starting at 10:45 a.m., including Hill Avenue between Hall of Fame Drive and Walnut Street, Council Place between Sevier Avenue and Gay Street, and Gay Street between Main Street and Sevier Avenue.
At 12:25 p.m., Gay Street will close between Main Street and Magnolia Avenue. You can see the closures below shaded in St. Patrick's Day colors:
The Barley's St. Patrick's Day 5K run will take place on Sunday. The event raises money for Emily's Power for a Cure, which is a foundation that raises money and awareness for neuroblastoma research.
The city said some roads in the Old City, Emory Place, Fourth & Gill and World's Fair Park will be closed for the run. Jackson Avenue will close from 1 to 4 p.m. between North Central Street and Morgan Street.
