The countdown is on! In just three short weeks, on Tuesday, September 9, the 2026 Big Ears lineup will be announced. For months, we’ve been dreaming, planning, and curating a weekend that will once again transform Knoxville into a dreamscape of music, art, and ideas.

Those of you who have supported Big Ears as previous pass purchasers and through your generous donations are the heart and soul of what makes Big Ears possible. In appreciation, we offer two special pre-sales before our general on-sale to the public. Current donors (between September 10, 2024 and September 7, 2025) and previous purchasers will receive a unique access code via email before the pre-sale begins, so keep an eye on your inbox in the lead-up! Here’s the schedule:

Lineup Announcement + Special Donor Pre-Sale:
Tuesday, Sept. 9 • 9:00am ET

Previous Purchaser Pre-Sale:
Wednesday, Sept. 10 • 9:00am ET

Passes On-Sale:
Thursday, Sept. 11 • 9:00am ET

Are you interested in donating to support the mission of Big Ears? You can learn more and donate at the link below!

Coming Soon: Knoxville Broadcast

A Spatial Symphony Brought to Life by Hundreds of Musicians

Although its acclaimed international festival is still seven months away, Big Ears has announced an extraordinary project for this coming October: Knoxville Broadcast, a large-scale, site-specific “spatial symphony” created by the award-winning composer Lisa Bielawa, that will unite hundreds of musicians from across Knoxville in three free public performances at World’s Fair Park:

Friday, October 17 • 6:00 pm
Saturday, October 18 • 11:00 am & 2:00 pm

Featuring
Appalachian Equality Chorus | Knoxville Community Band | Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra | Halls Middle School Bands | L&N Stem Academy Concert Band and Orchestra | Drums Up, Guns Down | Members of Nief-Norf | Hardin Valley Academy Guitar Ensemble | Roane State Community College Choir | University of Tennessee Gospel Choir | Sterchi String Band (old-time) | Found Forte (youth percussion) | Sunsphere Singers (intergenerational choir)

More than 600 musicians will begin in the amphitheater and gradually disperse throughout the park, coordinated by long-distance musical cues. Audiences can choose their own paths, hearing the piece from multiple perspectives as it unfolds. 

Mark your calendars for Knoxville Broadcast, October 17 & 18!