The Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, is one of the most understated of its type. Purposefully not trying to draw huge-name entertainers has resulted in a stacked lineup in terms of quality over the decade-plus that the festival has been a thing. 2027 will be no different.
Taking place from April 1st through 4th next year, just before the weather turns brutally warm and maybe still slightly cool, those who buy tickets will want to plan for a four-day stay, plus dole out a bit more for the standalone shows. No one will be disappointed either way.
The "headliners," if one wants to call the musical acts that (the festival definitely won't) are Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, Wednesday, Weyes Blood, and Natalie Merchant. But the decision-makers in Knoxville have made a concerted effort to add a depth of talent that isn't simply top-heavy.
Big Ears Festival 2027 promises to be terrific
The standalone shows -- those you will need to purchase separate tickets for -- are Nathaniel Rateliff, Norah Jones, and Gillian Welch with David Rawlings (who will play the Grateful Dead's Acoustic Reckoning). Each is great, just as David Byrne in 2026 was.
But if you want to buy passes for the festival, you will see many elite performers, especially if you love rock. Melvins will perform, as will the Meat Puppets. Daniel Lanois will also put on a show. It will all be epic.
There are several different packages for Big Ears, and most are relatively inexpensive as far as festivals go. Plus, the way the concerts are presented is interesting. Unlike going to a random field or farm, Big Ears takes place throughout downtown Knoxville. Parking is plenty, but also in limited spaces. It is better to park a bit away and take transportation downtown.
Once there, many excellent restaurants will make your tummy happy, and several bars are around, too. That is part of the joy of the festival. You can pick and choose where you want to go, and the whole affair feels like you are seeing a relatively small city at its finest.
Still, how could you avoid Melvins and the Meat Puppets, both influential bands from the West Coast? They will be worth the price of a pass alone. As far as the rest, there is a lot of everything for anyone else. Maybe just take a trip to the South in early April. If you get tired of Knoxville, the fantastic Asheville, North Carolina, is only a two-hour drive away.
Add us as a preferred source on Google