Big Ears Festival is a trailblazing performance experience rooted in Knoxville’s vibrant downtown. Founded in 2009 by Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment, the festival has operated as an independent entity since 2022. It showcases a fearless mix of contemporary classical, jazz, indie and alternative, folk, ambient, electronic, and world music across 12+ venues around downtown Knoxville, including the historic Tennessee Theatre, Bijou Theatre, Church Street United Methodist, First Presbyterian, The Mill & Mine, and Regas Square. Secure your seats for a program that defies traditional genre boundaries and highlights artists at the cutting edge of live performance.
Onstage company
Documented collaborators
In 2025, Big Ears delivered an expansive, nearly 200-performance edition from March 26–29 across multiple venues. The lineup included the Philip Glass Ensemble, ANOHNI and the Johnsons, Waxahatchee, Rufus Wainwright, Esperanza Spalding, Yo La Tengo, Múm, and the North American premiere of Jonny Greenwood’s 133 Years of Reverb. Beyond the festival weekend, Big Ears maintains year-round activity, with initiatives like Knoxville Broadcast and an official festival app that continues to grow the community year after year.
Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, Big Ears offers a welcoming, non-pretentious atmosphere where you can discover bold music in intimate venues, often within walking distance of each other in downtown Knoxville. We’ve got you covered for tickets, schedules, and up-to-date venue information as you plan your visit.
Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Big Ears is more than a festival; it’s a curator-led music movement with a track record of Grammy-recognized artists and groundbreaking performances. The event is centered in Knoxville, Tennessee, a city known for its cultural vitality and walkable downtown. For tickets and easy access, we list single-day and multi-day passes through Front Gate Tickets, making it simple to secure your seats for standout performances across the city’s historic theaters and modern venues. Follow official channels for the latest news, tour info, and event updates.
Artist note
A sourced detail
Official social channels and websites (all links open in a new tab):
The live experience
What reaches the room
Venue details: Big Ears spans 12+ downtown venues, including the Tennessee Theatre, Bijou Theatre, Church Street United Methodist, First Presbyterian, The Mill & Mine, and Regas Square. Each venue offers a distinct atmosphere—from historic acoustics to modern stage setups—creating a dynamic backdrop for a festival that respects both tradition and innovation.
The essentials
Quick Facts About Big Ears Festival
Founded in 2009 by Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment; the festival has operated since 2022 as an independent entity.
Location: downtown Knoxville, across 12+ venues including historic theaters and churches (e.g., Tennessee Theatre, Bijou Theatre, Church Street United Methodist, First Presbyterian, The Mill & Mine, Regas Square).
Genres: contemporary classical, jazz, indie/alternative, folk, ambient, electronic, world music and beyond.
2025 edition ran March 26–29, 2025, with nearly 200 performances across 12+ venues in downtown Knoxville.
Notable 2025 lineup highlights included Philip Glass Ensemble, ANOHNI and the Johnsons, Waxahatchee, Rufus Wainwright, Esperanza Spalding, Yo La Tengo, Múm, and other diverse artists; the festival also hosted the North American premiere of Jonny Greenwood’s 133 Years of Reverb.
Major achievements include artists associated with Big Ears winning Grammys and other awards (e.g., Laurie Anderson’s Grammy recognition and Punch Brothers’ Grammy wins).
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About the Artist/Performer: Big Ears Festival
Big Ears Festival operates as an artist-led platform rather than a conventional touring act. Since its founding in 2009 by Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment, the festival has grown into a trusted hub for adventurous programming that crosses genres and continents. The 2025 edition further cemented its reputation with immersive, multi-venue performances and world-premiere showcases, drawing audiences who seek a rich, thoughtfully curated musical journey.
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Discography Highlights
Notable collaborations and premieres associated with Big Ears performances
Projects tied to festival curators and participating artists that have received critical acclaim
Highlight albums and performances from artists featured at recent Big Ears editions
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Upcoming Tour Information
Big Ears operates with an ongoing calendar of year-round programming, including Knoxville Broadcast and festival app updates that shape a forward-looking schedule. For fans and attendees, the festival experience is always evolving, with announcements through official channels and partner platforms. Tickets for related performances and events are typically available through Front Gate Tickets, with single-day and multi-day passes offered as appropriate.
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Social and Contact
Stay connected with Big Ears through the group’s official channels for the latest news, lineup additions, and performance announcements. Links open in new tabs for convenience: