Celebrating, supporting, and uplifting Knoxville's LGBTQIA+ community.
SoKno Pride is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization creating opportunities for connection, visibility, and belonging through community events, partnerships, and our annual Pride celebration.
Mission & Values
🏳️🌈 Thousands of attendees celebrate with us each year
Our Story
SoKno Pride began in 2021 on Sevier Avenue as a drag brunch and has grown into a movement rooted in connection, visibility, and belonging. Today, we host an annual Pride festival and events throughout the year that bring people together, foster connection, and support LGBTQIA+ folks in South Knoxville and beyond. Through community grants, nonprofit partnerships, and event proceeds, we also invest directly in local organizations and initiatives that help strengthen and uplift our community across East Tennessee.
SoKno Pride began in 2021 on Sevier Avenue as a drag brunch and has grown into a movement rooted in connection, visibility, and belonging.
Our Impact
SoKno Pride began in 2021 on Sevier Avenue as a drag brunch and has grown into a movement rooted in connection, visibility, and belonging.
SoKno Pride began in 2021 on Sevier Avenue as a drag brunch and has grown into a movement rooted in connection, visibility, and belonging.
Who We Are
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SoKno Pride began in 2021 on Sevier Avenue as a drag brunch and has grown into a movement rooted in connection, visibility, and belonging. Today, we host an annual Pride festival and events throughout the year that bring people together, foster connection, and support LGBTQIA+ folks in South Knoxville and beyond. Through community grants, nonprofit partnerships, and event proceeds, we also invest directly in local organizations and initiatives that help strengthen and uplift our community across East Tennessee.
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Integrity, creativity, and empathy shape the way we work. These aren't just words—they’re the foundation of everything we build.
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🏳️🌈 Thousands of attendees celebrate with us each year
🤝 Partnerships with local businesses and community organizations
🎉 Year-round opportunities for connection and celebration
❤️ Powered by volunteers, sponsors, and community support
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS
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Choice Health Network is proud to serve as the Presenting Sponsor of SoKno Pride 2026. Supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community is central to our mission, and we are honored to be part of this incredible event. With offices in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Cookeville, Jackson, and Memphis, Choice Health Network provides HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services across Tennessee. Visit our booth at SoKno Pride for free rapid HIV testing, PrEP consultations, community resources, giveaways, and more. Our mission is to provide compassionate care that empowers, promotes, and inspires wellness throughout Tennessee. Learn more at choicehealthnetwork.org.
Regal, a subsidiary of the Cineworld Group, operates one of the largest and most geographically diverse theatre circuits in the United States, consisting of 5,795 screens in 427 theatres in 41 states along with the District of Columbia and Guam as of March 31, 2024. We believe that the size, reach and quality of the company’s theatre circuit provides its patrons with a convenient and enjoyable moviegoing experience. Additional information is available online at REGmovies.com.
Adrian Hall is a top 1% Mortgage Loan Officer based in Knoxville, Tennessee. As Branch Manager at Rate, he leads a 50% LGBTQ+ lending team, and has helped thousands achieve homeownership by making complex financial topics simple and approachable. Passionate about inclusion and community, Adrian uses his platform to educate, empower, and show up proudly for our community—both in housing and beyond.
The Knoxville Downtown Hotel Trio—Marriott, Hilton, and The Tennessean—brings together over 700 rooms and three distinct experiences. From boutique European charm and Southern refinement to trusted comfort and modern convenience, each property offers its own perspective on Knoxville. Together, they create a connected destination for travelers, events, and local experiences. One location, three ways to experience the city.
Hi-Wire Brewing sits just across the river in beautiful South Knoxville with a big, welcoming taproom built for good times and great company. We’re everyone-friendly, including kids and pups, with plenty of drinks, games, and a lively atmosphere that makes it easy to connect and hang out awhile. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just dropping in on a random Tuesday, there’s always a spot for you. Find Your Fun with us at Hi-Wire!
We at SoKno Pride are grateful to the City of Knoxville and Mayor Kincannon for their continued support of our organization! Their accommodations for our festival are invaluable to its success and the joy that it brings the community.
Grow is proud to be a sponsor of SoKno Pride, celebrating love and inclusivity in our community. For ten consecutive years, we've been honored as Knoxville’s “Best of the Best” salon, a testament to our commitment to excellence. We warmly welcome everyone to experience our full suite of services, including Grow, our barbershop Stubble, and our med spa Grow Wellness. Join us in fostering a space where everyone can thrive and express themselves authentically!
Taylor CPA offers tax planning and preparation services for business and individuals as well as full-service accounting solutions tailored to meet your individualized needs, in an inclusive, diverse environment.
Knoxville Title Agency is a modern title and closing partner built on experience, precision, and innovation. Since 2003, our team has combined deep industry knowledge with a forward-thinking approach to deliver seamless, secure real estate transactions. We leverage technology to streamline every step of the closing process, from secure communication to efficient coordination, ensuring our clients and partners stay informed and confident throughout. Whether residential or commercial, our focus is simple: accuracy, speed, and a better closing experience. As a locally driven company, we are proud to support and serve the diverse communities that make Knoxville strong. We believe great partnerships are built on trust, accessibility, and showing up for one another. Knoxville Title Agency is redefining what a title company should be.
Planned Parenthood of TN and North Mississippi has provided reproductive services and education throughout the region for over 75 years and proudly sponsors SoKno Pride 2026. PPTNM's mission is to improve health and well-being by providing high-quality, nonjudgmental sexual health care, honest and accurate sexuality education, and reproductive health and rights advocacy.
Following unbelievably gorgeous restorations, today's Tennessee Theatre has something for everyone: classical music, vintage films, dance, Broadway, and stellar performances by today's hottest musicians and yesterday's favorites. They are also a theatre for everyone, uplifting and supporting our community through consistent partnerships with organizations like ours.
Paragon Gaming is Knoxville's premier gaming store focused on Magic the Gathering, Riftbound, Star Wars Unlimited, Pokemon, Dungeons & Dragons, and Board Games!
Good Girl Books is a queer & women-owned romance-only bookstore & book truck in Knoxville, TN. The mission of Good Girl Books is to provide people with an opportunity to explore romance books in an inclusive and fun way.
Theatre Knoxville Downtown is a vibrant, volunteer-driven community theater that has been a cornerstone of Knoxville’s arts scene since 1976. As the city’s oldest continuously operating, all volunteer, non-academic, nonprofit community theater, it produces a wide range of performances—from classic plays to contemporary works—in an intimate, welcoming setting. Known for its dedicated local talent of all walks of life and creative productions, TKD offers audiences an engaging, grassroots theater experience while fostering artistic growth for everyone and community involvement.
Underworld Pest Control is a locally owned and operated Pest Control company that is proud to serve Knoxville and surrounding areas. We are grateful to partner with SoKno Pride to show our love and support for all people. Pests don’t discriminate and neither do we!
East Tennessee Spine & Sport is proud to support SoKno Pride 2026 as a vendor sponsor. As a locally owned physical therapy practice serving East Tennessee for more than 30 years, we believe every person deserves compassionate, individualized care in a welcoming environment. Our team is committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community through inclusive care, pelvic health services, injury recovery, wellness, and helping people stay active and confident in their daily lives. We’re excited to celebrate community, connection, and pride alongside South Knoxville.
The Tennessee Pride Chamber of Commerce advances common business interests, economic growth, and equality in the workplace and society for its LGBTQ+ members, businesses, and allies by providing educational, networking, and community building opportunities.
The Pink Cactus is South Knoxville’s newest hangout spot! Gather with friends and celebrate the good life while enjoying signature drinks and latin-inspired food. We offer a lively bar downstairs, private karaoke rooms upstairs, plus a spacious outdoor patio.
Elder Care Law of Tennessee was born from a simple yet profound vision: to create a law firm that goes beyond conventional legal services to enrich the lives of our clients. Whether you’re considering long-term care, Medicaid planning, estate planning, or a planning for a loved one with a disability, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and advocating for your well-being. We provide comprehensive, individualized services with honesty, respect, and compassion.
Proudly serving Knoxville for 15 years, Born This Way Body Arts is a gay-owned, veteran-owned studio built on self-expression, inclusivity, and community. From custom tattoos and professional piercings to permanent jewelry and curated body piercings, our team is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming and affirming experience for every client who walks through our doors. Whether you're celebrating your identity, marking a milestone, or simply treating yourself, Born This Way is here to help you wear your pride with confidence. Stop by our Kingston Pike studio, in the heart of West Knoxville, and experience why Knoxville has trusted us for 15 incredible years. Happy SoKno Pride from our community to yours!
Knoxville Mindful Wellness Center is a Knoxville-based therapy practice where mindfulness and psychotherapy come together. Our team of clinicians offers personalized, evidence-based mental health care to help individuals navigate life's challenges and build lasting change. We are proud to support the SoKno Pride community because inclusive, affirming care matters to us. We are currently accepting new clients and welcoming everyone who walks through our doors.
KUB provides electric, fiber internet, natural gas, water, and wastewater treatment services to nearly 520,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We exist to serve our customers as a trusted partner and steward, providing industry-leading utility services that are safe, reliable, and affordable. We are grateful to be Knoxville’s hometown utility and look forward to continuing to help our community grow in the years to come.
Yellow Door Media produces and promotes local stand-up comedy and variety shows. Our mission is to provide local and visiting artists with a stage to showcase their talents in a safe and equitable environment. We pride ourselves on booking artists who can be funny and entertaining without punching down on others.
Mood Ring Vintage is a vintage shop in the heart of Old Sevier District with treasures from over 20 different local vendors & creators. We have something for everyone and all are welcome! Come see us 7 days a week on Sevier Avenue!
New Moon Rising Gifts & Goods is a woman-owned small business located in the enchanting foothills of Appalachia. We're a New Age gift shop that's LGBTQ+ friendly, feminists, and focused on our local community to empower and uplift our neighbors. We've curated a wondrous selection of mystical gifts and goods to help awaken your own inner magic.
Emergencies can happen anytime--day or night. That's why at VEG, you never need an appointment. Call and speak directly with a veterinarian or come in--we're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Care begins the moment you walk through our door.
Glitter and Toadstools is the artist merch shop of Hannah Mathis. Mathis creates images inspired by folklore, fairytales, and urban legends. She is most interested in the scary stories we tell and in familiarizing and de-villainizing that which haunt us. She uses painting and drawing mediums, such as gouache, acrylic, pencil and ink, as well as digital illustration, in her art.
Severed Studios is a network of professional actors, musicians, and TTRPG enthusiasts from across North America who have gathered to share their love of tabletop games and create amazing stories. Many of our cast and community are LGBTQ+ and we support SoKno Pride, and Pride celebrations everywhere! You can find links to episodes and our socials at Support Severed Studios on Patreon and join our fantastic community on Discord!
