2 block parties planned in downtown Knoxville Friday evening, celebrating artists and makers [Video]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Downtown Knoxville is going to be partying Friday night when two block parties kick off almost next to each other.

The first starts at 5 p.m. and is hosted by the Arts and Culture Alliance along the 100 Block of Gay Street. That block party gives local artists a place where they can show off their work and connect with the community. There will be live music and artist vendors.

Anna Szynkiewicz will show off her ceramic works, David Gorley will show his paintings and Charles McTyere Parker III will show off his “Attention Deficit” collection alongside plenty of other artists. The event lasts until around 9 p.m.

Nearby in Old City, the Jackson Avenue Block Partywill kick off at around 6 p.m. It is expected to bring out more than 20 local markers and …