As a music lover and concert photographer, I’ve attended a lot of music festivals. In a sea of similar lineups, Big Ears Festival stands out. Big Ears Festival has quickly become one of my favorite music events of the year due to its eclectic music and arts lineup and the opportunity to hop around venues in charming Knoxville, Tennessee. If you’re curious about attending, I’ve collected my tips in this Big Ears Festival Guide to Knoxville.
Located in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville blends the creativity of a college town with outdoorsy access and southern hospitality. Knoxville has around 200,000 residents in a walkable city boasting many small businesses. With an artistic sensibility and laid-back vibe, Knoxville is the perfect creative hub to host Big Ears.
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What is Big Ears Festival?
Big Ears Festival has been celebrating arts and music in Knoxville since 2009. The four-day event attracts more than 40,000 people to attend nearly 200 concerts, film screenings, discussions, and more. The festival pops up in more than a dozen venues around town, making it a fun way to explore Knoxville. Big Ears’ musical lineup spans genres from jazz and hip-hop to bluegrass and classical.
Big Ears typically takes place in the spring. In 2025, the festival dates are March 27-30. Big Ears typically announces the festival lineup every fall around September. In 2025, the lineup includes Yo La Tengo, the Philip Glass Ensemble, ANOHNI and the Johnsons, Sun Ra Arkestra, Waxahatchee, Esperanza Spalding, Steve Roach, Julien Baker & TORRES,Explosions in the Sky, Jessica Pratt, Darkside, and more. You can view the full lineup on the Big Ears website.
The daily schedule for Big Ears festival is usually released about one month ahead of the festival in February. Big Ears events kick off around 9 a.m. each day including workshops, film screenings, and discussions. Live music typically begins around noon and the latest sets start at 11:30 p.m. or midnight. The music can stretch to 1 a.m. or later. The Big Ears schedule is listed on their website, and it includes the set times and venue for every artist each day.
Where does Big Ears Festival take place?
Big Ears takes place at more than a dozen venues across Knoxville. It’s easy to walk between Knoxville music venues, making the festival like a choose your own adventure. Here is a guide to the Big Ears Festival venues.
Bijou Theatre
The Bijou Theatre is a historic performance venue built in 1909. It’s a smaller theater with an intimate vibe and great views from every seat. Bijou Theatre offers a bar in the lobby as well as the Bistro Restaurant.
Capacity: 755 people
Address: 803 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Jackson Terminal
Built as a freight depot for the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railroad in the 1880s, Jackson Terminal serves multiple purposes at Big Ears. One entrance leads you to the festival information center where you can pick up festival passes and browse the Big Ears and artist merchandise. Another entrance leads you to the Jackson Terminal performance space, an open room in the industrial space with a few chairs in the back of the room.
Capacity: 200 people
Address: 213 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
Jig and Reel
Boyd’s Jig and Reel celebrates Tennessee’s Scottish heritage with music and whisky. Jig and Reel is a bar with a one room for live music sessions. The bar side serves lunch and dinner and has a full bar including an extensive whisky list. The venue is one of the smallest at Big Ears, and it is likely where last-minute jam sessions will be announced. You may have to wait to get into the venue, but its spirited, intimate feel is one of the quintessential Big Ears experiences.
Capacity: 50 people
Address: 101 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Knoxville Civic Auditorium
Built in 1961, the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum (KCAC) is an arts anchor hosting concerts, musicals, theater, and sports. It’s the largest venue at Big Ears and it hosts the biggest name artists and headliners at the festival. The Knoxville Civic Auditorium is the furthest distance from downtown, and walking to the KCAC can take between 10 and 30 minutes depending on where you are coming from. The Knoxville Civic Auditorium offers multiple levels with bars and concessions. If you’re planning to see a show here, head there early to wait in line and go through security.
Capacity: 6,500 people
Address: 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Knoxville Museum of Art
The Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) opened in 1961 and features historical and contemporary art of East Tennessee. During Big Ears, the museum hosts intimate musical performances as well as workshops and discussions. The Knoxville Museum of Art free to visit, so be sure to check it out whether or not you’re seeing a performance here.
Capacity: 250 people
Address: 1050 Worlds Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916
Mill & Mine
The Mill & Mine opened as a music venue in a former industrial building in 2016. The large, open room’s details like exposed brick and wood beams hint at its past. Located in the Old City neighborhood, Mill & Mine is across the train tracks from other venues in downtown Knoxville. It’s only an 8 to 15-minute walk to the downtown venues depending on the location. Mill & Mine hosts some of the most popular acts at Big Ears in a roomy venue. A second level is available to attendees with premier passes, while the outdoor courtyard and lounge seating are open to all. Mill & Mine has a full bar and some snacks.
Capacity: 1,200 people
Address: 227 W Depot Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917
Old City PAC
The Old City Performing Arts Center opened in a former ice factory in 2019. It’s located in Knoxville’s Old City neighborhood. The open plan of the warehouse offers a flexible space for cozier shows.
Capacity: 220 people
Address: 111 State St, Knoxville, TN 37902
The Point
The Point is a church located in a historic building located in Knoxville’s Emory Place Historic District. During Big Ears Festival, the Point hosts musical performances.
Capacity: 200 people
Address: 211 W Fifth Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917
Red Gallery
Red Gallery is a small art gallery in Knoxville’s Old City neighborhood that features regional artists. During Big Ears Festival, it typically hosts an exhibition related to the festival.
Capacity: 20 people
Address: 130 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
Regal Riviera Cinema
In 2007, the Regal Riviera opened in downtown Knoxville on the site of the historic Riviera Theatre that opened in 1920 and burned down in 1963. During Big Ears Festival, the eight-screen theater hosts film screenings.
Capacity: 2,000 seats
Address: 510 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Regas Square
Regas Square is an events venue located in a mixed-use building in the Old City neighborhood. The bright, open space typically hosts workshops and discussions during Big Ears Festival.
Capacity: 450 people
Address: 333 W Depot Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917
The Standard
Another formerly industrial building, the Standard features exposed brick and wood interiors in an open space. During Big Ears Festival, the front room features a bar and adjoining gallery space. In the main performance room, there is a second level available to premier pass holders.
Capacity: 680 people
Address: 416 W. Jackson Avenue, Knoxville TN 37902
St. John’s Cathedral
St. John’s Cathedral is an Episcopal church in downtown Knoxville that was built in 1892 and renovated in 1963. The historic church is a poignant venue for musical performances during Big Ears Festival.
Capacity: 200 people
Address: 413 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
Tennessee Theatre
In 1908, the Burwell Building became the first skyscraper in Knoxville. The Tennessee Theatre opened inside in 1928. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the theatre hosts theater, opera, symphony, films, and other events. The elegant theater is one of the larger venues at Big Ears. Make sure to see a show in this historic theater!
Capacity: 1,645 people
Address: 604 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit Knoxville Visitor’s Center
The Knoxville Visitor’s Center should be anyone’s first stop when they arrive in town for information about the region. During Big Ears, the visitor’s center hosts workshops and discussions. Enjoy a free musical performance all year on Tuesday through Thursday at noon during the WDVX Blue Plate Special.
Capacity: 199 people
Address: 301 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Map of Big Ears Venues
I created this handy map to help visualize where the Big Ears Festival venues are located around Knoxville.
Where to Stay in Knoxville for Big Ears Festival
One of the draws of attending Big Ears festival is Knoxville’s walkability and the proximity between concert venues. The most convenient hotel and rental locations in Knoxville for attending Big Ears Festival are the downtown and Old City neighborhoods. However, convenience comes at a cost as these areas will also be the most expensive during an event like Big Ears.
Hotels and Rentals in Knoxville
Whether you are staying in a hotel or rental, it’s wise to determine how far of a walk it will be from your lodging to the crux of the festival in downtown Knoxville. You will be able to find more options and lower prices further outside of downtown, but don’t forget to factor in the many steps you’ll take throughout each day of the festival. Popular downtown Knoxville hotels include:
- Courtyard by Marriott Knoxville Downtown
- Cumberland House Knoxville, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Knoxville Downtown
- Hilton Knoxville
- Marriott Knoxville Downtown
If you want to research hotels and vacation rentals for your Knoxville trip, this map can help you compare the available options. It’s set to show hotels and rentals in downtown Knoxville, but you can view any neighborhood where you’d like to stay.
For lower rates, the Big Ears website recommends searching for hotels outside of downtown near Papermill, Cedar Bluff, or Merchants Drive. Be prepared to drive about 10-15 minutes into the city and find parking. HOTEL LINKS
Parking in Knoxville
If you’re looking for parking near the Big Ears venues, try to snag surface lots with free 24/7 parking or city garages which are free when you exit after 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Download the Parkopedia mobile app to see real-time data on how many spaces are free at city-owned parking garages downtown. Alternatively, you can self-park at a nearby garage using SpotHero or a similar service.
Where to Eat and Drink in Knoxville
It’s not a Big Ears Festival Guide without sharing the best restaurants in Knoxville to grab a quick meal or drink between sets. Here are a few coffee shops, restaurants, and bars that I’ve enjoyed during my visits to Knoxville.
- Old City Java – Don’t be surprised if you see festival musicians sipping a coffee among students in this cozy cafe. The pastry selection is fantastic to get your day started.
Address: 109 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902 - Potchke Bagel – Don’t sleep on this Jewish deli and cafe in Old City or you might be in for a long wait. Fortunately, the bagel sandwiches are worth it.
Address: 432 N Cedar Bluff Rd, Knoxville, TN 37923 - Cafe 4 – Grab lunch and dinner at this cafe serving Southern classics. Grab a patio seat and people watch on Market Square. Don’t miss the fried green tomatoes.
Address: 4 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902 - Curious Dog Hotdogs & Sandwiches – Hot dogs are a great quick bite between shows, but it might take a while to read Curious Dog’s menu of more than 30 hot dog varieties! The good news is you can’t go wrong.
Address: 200 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902 - Preservation Pub – This bar has multiple levels, but head to the rooftop for views of Market Square. Expect affordable drinks and a laid-back atmosphere.
Address: 28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Chivo Taqueria – There’s nothing better than a margarita and queso after a day running between music venues. Located downtown, Chivo puts a creative spin on tacos like the Limp Brisket and Clusterduck.
Address: 314 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902 - A Dopo Pizza – Reserve ahead to chow down on Neapolitan style, wood-fired pizzas made with a sourdough crust. This downtown pizza joint books up in advance.
Address: 516 Williams Street Knoxville, TN 37917 - Mill & Mine – Special mention for the chicken sandwich available for purchase at the Mill & Mine bar. It saved me multiple times when I forgot to eat all day!
Address: 227 W Depot Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917 - Clancy’s Tavern & Whiskey House – If its central location in Knoxville wasn’t enough of a draw, Clancy’s boasts late night hours and delicious pub grub.
Address: 602 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902 - Pretentious Beer Co – Sip on sours, IPAs, and lagers at this experimental brewery. They also blow their own glassware which you can purchase.
Address: 131 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902
How to get to Knoxville, Tennessee
If you’re booking a flight to Knoxville, McGhee Tyson Airport (TSY) is the closest airport. When you arrive, you can book an airport transfer 12 miles into downtown Knoxville or rent a car. There are about 120 daily flights to McGhee Tyson Airport.
Knoxville is a great road trip destination from many cities. On my first visit to Knoxville, I drove eight hours from Chicago. Knoxville is under a three-hour drive from Nashville, TN or Atlanta, GA. It’s a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Louisville, KY. Knoxville is a two-hour drive from Asheville, NC.
Tips for Attending Big Ears Festival
1. Book Your Accommodations Early
Knoxville isn’t a big city, so lodging books up early when events like Big Ears draw lots of visitors. When I’ve attended Big Ears with groups of friends, we’ve booked hotels and rentals about five months in advance for the closest access to venues in downtown. If you wait to book, you will still find a place to stay but it might not be within walking distance to the festival venues.
2. Listen to the Lineup Before the Festival
The beauty of an eclectic festival bill like Big Ears is discovering new artists. I like to listen to at least one song from other artists on the lineup to try and find new favorites. Big Ears created this Spotify playlist to highlight recommended songs from each artist at the festival.
3. Download the Big Ears App
With four days of events at a dozen venues, keeping the festival schedule handy is a must. The Big Ears mobile app keeps the info at your fingertips. Create a custom schedule by adding artists that you don’t want to miss. In addition to the lineup, it includes a map with local restaurants and parking info. The app is also where you’ll see alerts like secret shows being announced and shows reaching capacity. Download the Big Ears Festival app on the Apple Store and Google Play.
4. Line Up for “Must See” Shows Early
Speaking of shows reaching capacity, it does happen for popular artists and smaller venues at Big Ears. While the festival is generally fluid with the ability to walk in and out of venues to catch parts of shows, arrive early for artists you can’t miss.
5. Discover New Artists
Isn’t that what music festivals are all about? If you’re passing by a venue, wander in to see who is playing. Take a chance on a musical genre that’s outside of your comfort zone. Ask other folks in line who they are excited to see. The thrill of Big Ears is in the discovery. live, and you might just find your new favorite song.
6. Get the Lay of the Land
Spend some time mapping out your known shows for the first day of the festival. If there are any shows you must see, have a plan for how to get there and how long it will take between venues.
7. Experience All Big Ears Has to Offer
Music is the main draw of Big Ears Festival for me, but it isn’t the only type of programming. Don’t miss the film screenings, workshops, and discussions with your favorite artists on the festival schedule.
8. Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’re going to get your steps in at Big Ears Festival. I’m typically walking and standing for about 12 hours each day. Be kind to yourself and wear comfortable shoes as you dash around Knoxville. This is one music festival that values comfort over fashion.
9. Check the Weather Forecast
The downside of walking around all weekend between venues is that the weather might not cooperate. You might not need sunscreen in March, but packing a raincoat or poncho is a good idea. When I had to wait for an hour in the rain to enter the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and see Laurie Anderson, I was certainly glad for my raincoat.
10. Plan Your Meal Breaks
Once the schedule gets going, each day of Big Ears can fly by. Be deliberate about finding a break in your schedule to grab a meal and some water.
11. Visit the Merch Area in Jackson Terminal
If you’re catching a show at Jackson Terminal or just walking by, pop into the merch area. There’s some sweet Big Ears merch (bomber jacket anyone?) as well as merch from the festival artists. With records, books, apparel, and more, you’re bound to find the perfect Big Ears souvenir.
12. Patronize Local Businesses
The beauty of Big Ears being scattered around the Knoxville community is that visitors get to interact with locals and support their businesses. Whether you’re in the market for hand-blown glassware, handmade brooms, or just a latte, it’s easy to shop local in Knoxville.
I hope you find this Big Ears Festival guide handy on your visit to Knoxville. Enjoy the show!
Check out some of my Big Ears Festival coverage!
Six Artists to Watch at Big Ears Festival 2024
Big Ears Festival Day One: Unwound, Secret Chiefs 3, Mary Halvorson, and More
Big Ears Festival Day Two: André 3000, Laurie Anderson, Carl Craig, and Sam Amidon
Big Ears Festival Day Three: Herbie Hancock, Digable Planets, The Messthetics, and Colin Stetson
Big Ears Festival Day Four: Thurston Moore and John Paul Jones, Laugh Ash, Medeski Russo Ribot
Jessica Mlinaric founded Urban Explorer in 2010 to inspire curious travelers by highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems in Chicago and beyond. She is the author of ‘Secret Chicago’ and ‘Chicago Scavenger,’ and she has contributed to several travel guidebooks. Jessica has visited 20+ countries and 30+ U.S. states. She has more than 16 years of experience as a marketing strategist and works as a freelance writer and photographer.
