Big Ears runs April 1–4, 2027 across 20+ downtown Knoxville venues. Plan the four-day arts festival around passes, reserved-seat concerts, walkability, schedule clustering and volunteer opportunities.
Big Ears 2027 quick answers - When? April 1–4, 2027. - Where? More than 20 venues across downtown Knoxville. - Camping? No. - Scale? 250+ concerts, films, talks and installations. - Passes? Four-day passes are on sale. - Volunteers? The 2027 Ambassador program opens in fall 2026. This is a schedule-design festival Big Ears turns downtown Knoxville into the venue. Historic theaters, churches, clubs, galleries and other rooms host overlapping programming, so a good plan needs clusters and backups. Do not try to cross downtown for every single set without leaving walking time. Understand the pass A standard festival pass covers the advertised festival program, but several reserved-seat concerts are separately ticketed. That distinction matters before you assume one four-day pass unlocks every room. Stay close if you can Downtown lodging can simplify the festival dramatically. The organizer also uses festival trolleys/shuttles, but the core experience is designed to be walkable. Volunteer exchange Big Ears' 2027 Ambassador program includes several commitment levels. Entry-level Festival Ambassadors work two four-hour shifts for a complimentary single-day pass, while higher-hour roles can earn four-day access. Official resources: Big Ears · overview · passes · volunteer