PLAN YOUR TRIP

INTRODUCTION

Each spring, thousands of adventurous listeners and music lovers converge in Knoxville, Tennessee, for four days of music, art, and exploration. Whether you’re traveling from across the globe or just down the road, getting here is easier than you might think, and once you arrive, everything is within reach.

GETTING TO KNOXVILLE

Knoxville may feel like a hidden gem, but getting here is simple. Whether you’re arriving by air or hitting the road, the city is well-connected and easy to navigate. McGhee Tyson Airport is just a short drive from downtown, and major interstates make road trips easy from cities across the region. However you choose to travel, what awaits you is worth the trip.

CAR

Knoxville sits at the crossroads of Interstates 40 and 75, making it an easy and scenic drive from cities throughout the Southeast and Midwest. From Nashville, it’s about 180 miles east, roughly a three-hour drive. Atlanta is just under four hours to the south, Asheville two hours to the east, and Cincinnati, Charlotte, and Birmingham are all within a five-to six-hour reach.

PLANE

Knoxville is served by McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located just 12 miles south of downtown within view of the scenic Smoky Mountains. It’s a small, easy-to-navigate airport with daily nonstop flights connecting Knoxville to major hubs including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, New York, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C., among others, making it a convenient option whether you’re flying in from across the country or connecting from overseas. Once you land, downtown is about a 20–25 minute drive. Rental cars, taxis, rideshares, and limited hotel shuttles are all available.

WHERE TO STAY

From historic downtown landmarks to quiet neighborhoods just a few miles away, Knoxville offers a wide range of lodging options for every kind of traveler. Staying downtown puts you in the middle of it all—steps from venues, restaurants, and the energy of the festival. But nearby areas like Cedar Bluff, Papermill, and North Knoxville offer their own perks: more space, lower rates, and only a quick drive, cab, or rideshare into the heart of the action. Wherever you land, you’ll find Knoxville welcoming, accessible, and easy to navigate, making it easy to rest and recharge.

HOTELS

Staying downtown Knoxville puts you right in the heart of Big Ears. Many of our venues—from historic theaters to intimate clubs—are just steps from downtown hotels. You’ll be able to walk to most performances, pop back to your room for a break between sets, and fully immerse yourself in the festival’s rhythm. These rooms are in high demand and often fill quickly, so booking early is essential.

Many fans find that you don’t need to stay downtown to have a great experience. Neighborhoods like Cedar Bluff, Papermill, and Merchants Drive offer a wide range of well-rated hotels just a short drive from the heart of the action. These areas offer more availability, more space, and often better rates, making them a smart and comfortable option, especially for longer stays or group travel. With downtown only 10–15 minutes away, it’s easy to enjoy the festival while having a quieter place to recharge.

VISIT KNOXVILLE PREFERRED HOTEL RATES

Big Ears works with Visit Knoxville, our local tourism bureau, and multiple hotels within town to offer discounted rates at select properties during the festival weekend. These rooms (especially those in downtown Knoxville) are limited and only available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly recommend booking early if you hope to take advantage of these special rates. If the portal doesn’t have what you’re looking for, we encourage you to explore additional hotel options downtown or in nearby neighborhoods using your favorite travel site or booking tool.

MORE WAYS TO STAY

Hotels not your style? Knoxville hosts over 1,300 short-term vacation rentals, including apartments, homes, cabins, and even unique listings like studio lofts or houseboats via sites like Airbnb or VRBO. For the more adventurous, campgrounds and RV parks near Knoxville offer a different kind of festival stay. However you choose, Knoxville offers plenty of places to rest during your festival weekend.

NAVIGATING THE FESTIVAL

Over four days, the festival takes place in nearly 20 indoor venues, including theaters, churches, clubs, and other unique spaces, spread across a walkable, half-mile radius in downtown Knoxville. While most patrons explore on foot, there are multiple ways to get around.

WALKING

The festival’s footprint within Knoxville’s downtown is easy to navigate on foot. Big Ears venues are clustered within a walkable, half-mile radius of downtown’s center, so you’re never far from your next performance. There’s no need for a car once you’ve arrived downtown; most festivalgoers spend the weekend walking between theaters, churches, clubs, and galleries. It’s the simplest and most enjoyable way to experience the festival. Stop in for a quick bite at one of downtown’s many world-class restaurants or take a break at one of the many bars or coffee shops along the way.

FESTIVAL SHUTTLE

Need a lift? We’ve partnered with Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) to offer a free, dedicated festival shuttle throughout the weekend. It’s an easy way to get around, especially if you’re heading to a venue that’s a little farther out or just need to give your feet a break. The shuttle runs a continuous loop with stops at or near all festival venues. It’s fully accessible and makes getting around downtown simple and stress-free.

BIKES & BIKE RENTAL

Knoxville is a certified Bicycle Friendly City, and cycling can be a great way to navigate the festival. Most Big Ears venues are just a few minutes apart, and dedicated bike parking is available at or nearby every location. Whether you’re commuting from your accommodations or just prefer to ride between sets, bringing your bike is a convenient and flexible option.

Don’t have a bike? We’ve partnered with local nonprofit, Two Bikes, to offer a limited number of affordable festival rentals. Located in downtown Knoxville, Two Bikes provides everything you need, including a helmet and lock, for an easy, no-fuss ride. Click the link below for more info and to reserve you bike for Big Ears!

SCOOTERS

Electric scooters from Lime and Bird are widely available throughout downtown Knoxville and offer a fast, flexible way to travel between festival venues. Just download the app, unlock a nearby scooter, and you’re ready to go. They’re simple to use and a great option when you need to be at the next show fast. Just be sure to follow local traffic laws, use responsibly, and park in designated areas away from sidewalks and venue entrances.

VENUE ACCESSIBILITY

Big Ears is committed to creating a welcoming and accessible experience for all. All venues are ADA accessible in accordance with local, state, and federal law, though specific accessibility features may vary by location. We work closely with our venue partners to ensure access for everyone, but some spaces may have limitations. For more details, please visit individual venue pages or consult the information below.