LAST CALL for Full 4-DAY Weekend and Sunday Single Day Passes!

As promised, we’re capping Big Ears 2024 attendance at slightly less than last year’s levels to insure an optimal experience for all. The allotment of Sunday Single Day and 4-Day Weekend Passes is nearly gone and will likely not last more than another day or two. Saturday is not far behind. Thanks to everyone for the amazing response this year! We’re looking forward to seeing you next week! Purchase your pass here.

André 3000 Ticket Allotment for the General Public

We now have a small allotment of tickets remaining for André 3000’s five intimate performances during the Big Ears weekend that we are making available for anyone who wishes to attend (a Big Ears festival pass is not required). There is a limited quantity to each show, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Purchase your tickets here.

BIG EARS 2024 is One Week Away: Things to Know Before You Go!

Big Ears officially kicks off next Thursday, March 21. We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to Knoxville for another unforgettable weekend! Ahead of your arrival, we’re sharing some helpful information and tips as you plan for your visit. Please refer to our website and in the app as well for the most comprehensive information.

• Most of you have received your wristbands in the mail and can head straight to your first performance without checking in at the festival box office! All international customers and anyone who purchased their pass after the mailing cutoff must retrieve their pass upon arrival before attending performances. If your wristband did not arrive in the mail or is lost / damaged, you must secure a replacement from the box office prior to attending performances. 
• We encourage you to register your wristband online.
• Your wristband is your passport to the festival. Guard it carefully and do not remove the wristband once applied to your wrist. It will be scanned upon entering festival venues and events and you will not be allowed entry otherwise. Cut or damaged wristbands will not be honored.
• We will have festival box office at the Green Room in the Jackson Terminal (213 W. Jackson Ave) should you have questions or need assistance.
• Our beautiful full-color, printed festival program will be available, along with a physical schedule and map, at various venues throughout the festival, including the festival box office and on-site merch store at Jackson Terminal.
• Download the Big Ears Festival app. It will be an invaluable source of information. In addition to offering up-to-date details about the festival schedule and more, there will be notifications throughout the festival weekend of surprise shows, last-minute modifications to the schedule, venue capacity updates and other information and news during the weekend.
• Big Ears venues vary in capacity, from 250 people at the Old City Performing Arts Center to 2500 at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. While we schedule concerts and programs to optimize both attendance and access, once a venue reaches capacity, you will not be allowed to enter until someone leaves. We strongly encourage you to arrive at least 30 minutes early for any absolute “must-see” concerts on your schedule to avoid possible disappointment.

ARRVING EARLY? There ARE things to do

Boundless: Artists in the Archives

Knoxville Museum of Art / Wednesday, March 20

In partnership with the University of Tennessee Library, we invite you to attend the 2024 Boundless: Artists in the Archives, featuring singer-songwriter Amythyst Kiah who will perform an an original piece of work inspired by Rising from the Ashes. She will perform at the Big Ears Festival the following day, Thursday, March 21, at the Jackson Terminal, at 8 p.m..

Steve Keene: The Hirschhorn Collection

RED Gallery / March 1 – 29

As a prelude to Steve Keene’s live painting appearance at Big Ears, the festival is presenting the debut of The Hirschhorn Collection’s “Paintings by Steve Keene.” This expansive exhibition of some of his rarer works is at RED Gallery in Knoxville’s Old City. Festival goes are also invited to watch him paint every day of the festival, Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Red Gallery.

Y’all Don’t Hear Me: The Black Appalachia

UT Downtown Gallery / March 1 – April 6

In a partnership with Big Ears and Dogwood Arts, “Y’all Don’t Hear Me,” is an exhibition highlighting the values and legacy of Black Appalachian culture. Curated by Chattanooga native Kreneshia Rielle’ Whiteside-McGee, the exhibition features works by native and local Black artists and poetry from beloved Knoxvillian Nikki Giovanni and also includes an ongoing screening of Moses Sumney’s film “Blackalachia,” originally shown at Big Ears in 2022.

WDVX Blue Plate Special

Visit Knoxville Visitors Center / Thursday, March 21, 12 p.m. (Noon)

Join host Red Hickey and be a part of the live audience at noon at Visit Knoxville to see Amythyst Kiah. Can’t make it in person? Head on over to the WDVX Facebook page for a livestream concert you can watch from wherever you are!