Taking place March 26th-29th, 2020 in Knoxville, TN, Big Ears is a singular festival experience that explores connections between musicians and artists, effortlessly crossing the boundaries of musical genres as well as artistic disciplines. Big Ears is a weekend of world-class musical performances that celebrates Knoxville’s historic theaters, nightclubs, churches, museums, and outdoor spaces with concerts, discussions, interactive workshops, installations, film screenings, surprise collaborations and unexpected artistic collisions. It celebrates the never-ending adventure of artistic creation and exploration.
Ticket Price: $225 (GA); $650 (VIP)
Headliners
Festival lineup
- Anja Lechner
- Anthony Braxton
- Bang on a Can All-Stars
- Bell Orchestre
- Ben LaMar Gay
- Caroline Shaw
- Chris Abrahams
- Christian Scott
- Devandra Banhart
- Efterklang
- Fennesz
- Fennesz
- Jason Moran
- Joe Henry's 115th Dream
- John Paul Jones
- Kronos Quartet
- Marc Ribot
- Mdou Moctar
- Meredith Monk
- Mssv (Mike Baggetta, Stephen Hodges & Mike Watt)
- Múm
- Nivhek (Liz Harris)
- Patti Smith Band
- Saul Williams
- So Percussion
- Sokratis Sinopoulos
- Sons of Chipotle (John Paul Jones & Anssi Karttunen)
- Sound for Andy Warhol's KISS (Kim Gordon, Bill Nace, Steve Gunn & John Truscinski)
- Spektral Quartet
- Sudan Archives
- Tamino
- Terry Riley
- The Necks
- Thundercat
- Tindersticks
- Xylouris White
Festival News and Rumors

Netflix Is a Joke Fest Featuring Dave Chappelle, John Mulaney, Larry David Debuting in Spring 2022
Eddie Fu December 6, 2021

Post Malone, Halsey, Tame Impala Headline Hangout Music Festival 2022
With additional performances from Megan Thee Stallion, Fall Out Boy, Doja Cat, and Phoebe Bridgers.
Wren Graves December 6, 2021

Arctic Monkeys, Nine Inch Nails to Headline Inaugural Primavera Sound LA
Lorde, James Blake, Stereolab, Mitski, and Clairo are among the other confirmed acts.
Alex Young December 6, 2021

The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Le Tigre Reunion Headline New Festival This Ain't No Picnic
Wren Graves December 3, 2021

Mad Cool Festival Completes Bonkers 2022 Lineup with Addition of Jack White
Alex Young December 2, 2021

Jack White to Headline 2022 High Water Festival
Marking White's first announced performance in support of his upcoming albums.
Alex Young November 30, 2021