Big Ears Festival

A Well Curated Collection of Genre-Defying Performances

Irish band Maruja rallying the crowd with a dynamic performance at Jackson Terminal on March 29, 2025.

The Big Ears Festival, a renowned celebration of music and art, took place in the vibrant downtown area of Knoxville, Tennessee, from March 27 to March 30, 2025. This year, the festival showcased an impressive lineup featuring over 100 talented artists, each bringing their unique sound and style to the stage. The performances were spread across 15 diverse indoor venues, ranging from intimate clubs, churches, to larger concert halls, allowing attendees to experience a wide variety of musical genres suited to each unique venue.

With such an extensive array of amazing acts, festival-goers faced the delightful yet daunting challenge of deciding which performances to prioritize. Each venue offered a distinct atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience and making it difficult to choose between the numerous options available. From experimental jazz and classical ensembles to folk, rock, and electronic music, the festival catered to a multitude of tastes, ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to the musical performances, the festival also featured workshops, panel discussions, and art installations, further enriching the cultural experience as well as the experience of getting to know Knoxville and its lovely local flavor.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with artists, learn about their creative processes, and gain insight into the broader artistic landscape. This multifaceted approach not only highlighted the talent of the performers but also fostered a sense of community among festival-goers, who shared their passion for music and art in a lively and supportive environment.

As the days of the festival unfolded, the excitement and energy in downtown Knoxville grew palpable, with streets bustling with music lovers. The challenge of choosing which acts to see became a topic of conversation among attendees, as they exchanged recommendations and shared their experiences of the performances they had witnessed. Ultimately, the Big Ears Festival proved to be an unforgettable experience, celebrating the power of music and art to connect people and inspire creativity in a small town setting.