Big Ears

Being in downtown Knoxville, there is no camping within the festival parameters. There are several marvelous options for camping nearby.

Beauty surrounds Knoxville, Tennessee in grand style. State parks, privately owned campgrounds, and national parks can be found nestled within the Cherokee National Forest, the Great Smoky Mountains, and other stunning locations. Depending on how far you would like to be outside of Knoxville, you can set up your RV oasis as close as one hour away. Plan an extended stay beyond the four-day festival and see some of the natural splendor of the area, including miles and miles of trails, acres of forest, waterfalls, and wildlife.

In between trolley hopping, prepare to walk. There is so much to see in Knoxville that you will want to have your most comfortable walking shoes on so that you do not miss a thing! With over 100 music, film, and art performances to be experienced you don’t want sore and tired feet. Walk and trolley ride all day and then put your feet up in the evening, relaxing in your motor home away from home.

The temperatures at festival time are quite pleasant, but it’s still wise to plan for every eventuality. Rain is not a stranger in March, but neither are warm spring days! A pair of light pants and a short sleeved top can be the base for layers. Wear or bring along a light sweater. Jackets can be added to the mix in the evening, keeping in mind that you can remove layers once inside an indoor venue. If you have children in your party, make sure that they are sporting their favorite comfortable clothes.

Big Ears will require little in the way of gear. Because the venues are easily reached by foot or trolley, essentials include your ticket and yourself! You may want to put a collapsible umbrella in your purse or small backpack. You can bring along a camera with a non-removable lens, but that is about it. You are not permitted to bring food or drink items into any venue. Leave the glowsticks at home, along with tripods and audio or visual recording equipment.

If you are planning to walk a fair amount, be sure to put on sunscreen. Stop for a water break even though you may not feel thirsty. Maintaining hydration will give you the staying power needed to keep up the pace! Pop a small first aid kit into your purse or backpack in case there is need of a band-aid or other minor need while on the go.

Big Ears Festival does not allow for meal preparation at the venue sites. Making a healthy breakfast at camp is the best way to start the day before heading into Knoxville. Bringing food and drink items into the venues is also forbidden. Many of the venues will serve an alcoholic drink to thirsty festival-goers of age. Take advantage of this policy and enjoy the delicious fare of downtown Knoxville! Once back at the RV in the evenings, cook up a homemade comfort dish before relaxing for the evening.

Being right in the center of town, eating in between concerts at Big Ears is a breeze. There are restaurants featured on the festival map and those that are strewn throughout downtown. It’s not a matter of, “Where can we eat?” The question is what do you feel like having! From a casual meal to fine dining, downtown Knoxville has no shortage of excellent eateries. Whether tapas, pub food, café style, or a seafood buffet, every palate will be tempted.

There will be merchandise stands set up at Big Ears and if you are in the mood to shop in between entertainment stops, patronize the artists and performers. Downtown Knoxville will not disappoint either. Wares include clothing, vintage collectibles, jewelry, and imported goods from worldwide markets.