Knoxville Today

By the People, for the People

Big Ears Festival

Name: Big Ears Festival
Start: 2026-03-27T12:00:00+0000
Location: Downtown Knoxville

March 27, 2026 12:00 pm

Downtown Knoxville
604 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902

The Big Ears Festival is a four-day celebration of experimental, avant-garde, and boundary-pushing music, art, and ideas in the heart of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Featuring a diverse lineup of musicians, composers, and performers, the festival offers an immersive and thought-provoking experience for attendees.

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Why We Like It

Discover cutting-edge and genre-defying performances across multiple venues in downtown Knoxville.
Engage with thought-provoking discussions, installations, and interactive experiences that challenge traditional notions of art and music.
Explore the vibrant and creative community of Knoxville, which serves as the perfect backdrop for this unique festival.

Who Should Attend

The Big Ears Festival appeals to open-minded music enthusiasts, art lovers, and curious individuals who are eager to expand their horizons and discover new and innovative forms of artistic expression. It's a must-attend event for those interested in the avant-garde, experimental, and boundary-pushing realms of music and art.

In the Spotlight

Laurie Anderson

Pioneering multimedia artist and composer known for her innovative and genre-defying performances that blend music, storytelling, and visual art.

Kronos Quartet

Acclaimed string quartet that has been at the forefront of contemporary classical music for over four decades, known for their collaborations with a wide range of artists.

Tyshawn Sorey

Acclaimed composer, multi-instrumentalist, and MacArthur Fellow who blends elements of jazz, classical, and experimental music in his boundary-pushing work.

About the Venue

Downtown Knoxville

The Big Ears Festival takes place across multiple venues in the heart of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, a vibrant and creative city that serves as the perfect backdrop for this unique event. Attendees can explore the various performance spaces, galleries, and public spaces that come alive with the festival's diverse programming.