The Big Ears Festival 2026 returns to Knoxville, Tennessee, in March. Being known as eclectic and bold, the festival has some of the world‘s most innovative musicians and artists of classical, jazz, electronic, avant-garde, rock, folk, and other genres. Big Ears has an intellectual lean, where lectures, film, sound art installations, and workshops augment beautifully the performances. It‘s as much an event of minds coming together as it is a reveling in noise. Spanning scores of venues throughout the downtown Knoxville landscape, Big Ears is not just a music festival—it‘s a full cultural experience.
About Big Ears Festival 2026
Big Ears Festival was founded in 2009 with a desire to dismantle musical boundaries and foster meaningful artistic collaboration. It has since become one of the most respected festivals for adventurous listeners. Often pairing legendary performers with younger experimental voices, the festival is a pilgrimage for music lovers with a serious passion for music. Big Ears was envisioned as a sanctuary for artists and audience members starving for musical exploration. It’s known for blending:
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Classical and contemporary composition
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Jazz and improvisation
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Experimental rock and electronic music
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Global music traditions and cutting-edge sound art
Big Ears Festival 2026 Date and Location
Big Ears Festival 2026 invites you to step into a world of fearless creativity and open-minded listening. Whether you’re hearing a contemporary opera for the first time or watching a jazz legend in a candlelit cathedral, every moment at Big Ears can be transformative.
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Dates: March 26th to 29th, 2026
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Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
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Venues: Over 14 downtown spaces, including historic theaters, churches, and warehouses—many within walking distance
Big Ears Festival 2026 Lineup Highlights
The Big Ears Festival 2026 lineup features a rich mix of genres and generations. For artists, fans, and cultural explorers alike, this isn’t just a festival—it’s a four-day adventure into the unknown. Key acts include:
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Philip Glass Ensemble – Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Music in Twelve Parts
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ANOHNI and the Johnsons – A rare and emotional return performance
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Esperanza Spalding – Jazz icon known for her fearless innovation
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Waxahatchee – Americana and indie favorite led by Katie Crutchfield
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Les Claypool’s Bastard Jazz – Funk-meets-jazz improvisation
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Yo La Tengo with Sun Ra Arkestra – A cosmic fusion of indie rock and Afrofuturist jazz
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Rufus Wainwright – Celebrated for his operatic voice and songwriting
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Béla Fleck – Genre-defying banjo virtuoso
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Múm – Icelandic ambient pop pioneers
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Lankum – Experimental Irish folk group
This year’s lineup continues the festival’s tradition of presenting bold, genre-crossing performances.
Notable Performances and Premieres
The Big Ears Festival honors creative freedom and experimentation. It draws curious music lovers, writers, and artists worldwide who seek depth, experimentation, and artistic integrity over commercial trends. Big Ears 2026 boasts numerous world premieres and special performances:
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Jonny Greenwood’s “133 Years of Reverb” – An eight-hour pipe organ work performed in St. John’s Cathedral
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Kate Soper’s “Ipsa Dixit” – A dramatic contemporary opera hailed as a modern masterpiece
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Michael Rother – Playing the music of NEU! and Harmonia
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Ambient Americana – A curated showcase blending American roots and ambient sounds
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King Britt’s Blacktronika – Featuring electronic artists exploring Afrofuturism and innovation
How to Get Big Ears Festival Tickets
Tickets for Big Ears Festival 2026 are available via the official website:
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Buy Passes at bigearsfestival.org
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Options include 4-day festival passes, daily passes, and premium experiences
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Early booking is highly recommended due to high demand and limited-capacity venues
How to Watch Big Ears Festival Streaming
Big Ears Festival is primarily an in-person experience, with few performances live-streamed. However, highlights and artist interviews are often shared via:
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Big Ears YouTube Channel
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Social media: @BigEarsFestival on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
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Post-festival recordings may be available through select artist platforms
Festival Travel, Lodging & Tips
Travel: Knoxville is accessible via McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).
Lodging: Book early; hotels fill quickly. Boutique hotels and Airbnb options are available downtown.
Tips:
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Dress comfortably for walking
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Expect long, immersive concerts
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Explore local food and art between sets
What to Wear to the Festival
Big Ears doesn’t have a dress code, but comfort is key. Big Ears attracts a thoughtful, eclectic crowd—artistic yet laid back. Here are some outfit ideas:
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Layers: Indoors may be warm; outdoors, it’s March in Tennessee
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Shoes: Stylish but walkable—expect lots of venue-hopping
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Vibe: Smart-casual, artistic, with scarves and creative flair common
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Bag: Compact tote or cross-body for ease between showsStylish but casual looks that reflect the artsy crowd
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How to Stay Updated
For real-time updates:
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Website
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Social Media:
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Instagram: @bigearsfestival
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Twitter/X: @BigEarsFestival
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Facebook: Big Ears Festival
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Sign up for their newsletter to receive artist updates and schedule alerts. Social media provides real-time highlights, and the app (coming soon) helps navigate venues, artist bios, and set times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Ears a seated festival?
Yes, many performances take place in seated venues like theaters and churches.
Are all performances included with the pass?
Yes, unless otherwise noted. Some special events may require an RSVP or add-on fees.
Can I bring kids?
The festival is geared toward adults, but some performances are family-friendly.
What is the food situation?
Knoxville offers great local food options. There are no food vendors inside venues, but plenty nearby.
Can I see every artist?
No, overlapping sets make that impossible. Planning is essential.
Can I see every performance?
No, many sets overlap. Build a personal schedule in advance using the app.
Are performances seated or standing?
Both. Classical and jazz shows are mostly seated; indie/rock/electronic tend to be standing.
Is the festival all-ages?
Yes, but it is artistically mature. Some shows may not be suitable for younger children.
Can I buy food or drink at venues?
Some venues offer concessions, but there are no dedicated food areas. Eat at local restaurants nearby.
Can I bring my camera?
Most performances prohibit professional photography unless approved. Phones are okay for personal use.
Final Thoughts
The Big Ears Festival 2026 will be one of the most adventurous to date. If you are an old-school aficionado of avant-garde jazz, modern classical, or ambient folk—or simply looking for something new—Big Ears offers a sonic journey unlike any other. Held in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee, this four-day event is revered for its genre-defying lineup, immersive performances, and thoughtful programming. Don’t miss this unique chance to experience groundbreaking performances in one of America’s most welcoming arts communities.