FAQ
Where do I go to pick up my festival passes?
You can pick up your Will Call passes at the Big Ears Hub powered by Toyota Knoxville in the Woodruff Building at 424 S. Gay St. (just to the left of the Downtown Grill & Brewery). There will be a large Big Ears sign on the door on Gay Street; enter here then head down the hallway to get on the elevator. Proceed to the 5th floor to pick up your passes and information packet at the Will Call table. While at the hub, you can also peruse the Big Ears merchandise and play around in the Moog Lab.
The Hub will be open on Friday and Saturday, March 26th and 27th from 10:00am until 10:00pm as well as Sunday the 28th from noon until 4:00pm. You can pick up your passes anytime the Hub is open. Also, don’t forget to bring your driver’s license or passport with you to Will Call, as you will be asked to show photo ID to claim your passes.
Where is the Big Ears Annex?
The Big Ears Annex (formerly the Catalyst and Blue Cats) is located in the Old City across from Barley’s.
Where is Cox Auditorium?
The Cox Auditorium is located on the University of Tennessee campus in the Alumni Memorial Building right next to Neyland Stadium.
When and where does Big Ears 2010 take place?
Big Ears is March 26, 27, 28, 2010 in Knoxville, TN.
How many concerts will take place during Big Ears this year?
We’re still actively programming the festival, but we anticipate that there will be over 50 concerts during the course of the weekend, plus talks, exhibitions, installations, parties and more.
Are all of the concerts indoors?
Yes.
Do I have to purchase the weekend pass, or can I choose to select only a few concerts that I wish to see?
It will be possible to purchase tickets for most of the concerts separately, so it’s not necessary to purchase a weekend pass. However, the weekend pass is a tremendous value and will provide access not only to the concerts, but also to several special events during the weekend.
Where can I purchase tickets?
Tickets for individual concerts are now on sale here. The Inner Ear and Outer Ear weekend passes provide a real value for festival attendees. A limited number of these weekend passes will be available for purchase in advance of the festival.
What is included in the Big Ears 2010 “Inner Ear” Festival Weekend Pass?
The Big Ears 2010 “Inner Ear” Weekend Festival Pass offers premium access to all Big Ears 2010 happenings throughout the entire weekend (subject to each venue’s capacity, which will be based on first come, first serve availability), as well as exclusive invitations and access to select special events. A limited number of Inner Ear passes will be available for purchase.
What is included in the Big Ears 2010 “Outer Ear” Festival Weekend Pass?
The Big Ears 2010 “Outer Ear” Weekend Festival Pass offers priority access to all Big Ears Festival events at the Big Ears Annex, the Square Room, the Pilot Light, and the Knoxville Museum of Art on a first come, first serve basis, subject to venue capacity.
The Outer Ear pass does not include admission to any of the concerts at the Bijou or Tennessee Theatres, or to Terry Riley’s Pipe Organ concert at the Cox Auditorium. Tickets for these concerts may be purchased separately to augment the Outer Ear pass.
When will I receive my “Inner Ear”/”Outer Ear” pass?
Passes will be available at Will Call (The Big Ears Hub – located on the 5th floor of the Woodruff Building, 424 S. Gay St.
When will the Official Schedule be released?
You can check out the Schedule of events here.
How do I get to the Big Ears 2010 Festival?
Knoxville is located in Eastern Tennessee in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located at the crossroads of I-40 and I-75, it is an easy drive from anywhere in the eastern United States…3 hours from Nashville and an easy 4 hours from Cincinnati, Louisville, Atlanta, or Charlotte. McGhee Tyson Airport is only 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville, and is serviced by many national airlines with both direct and easy connecting flights. There is also a Greyhound Bus Station located in downtown Knoxville.
For those flying in, Green Car offers shuttle service from the airport to downtown hotels for $40 roundtrip per person.
Do I need to rent a car?
It’s up to you. If you’re staying at one of Knoxville’s downtown hotels, you will be within an easy walk of all Big Ears concerts and events, as well as a great selection of excellent restaurants. However, taxi and shuttle service to and from the airport isn’t the greatest, but it is available. If you are staying outside of the downtown area, you will probably want to have a car. If you choose to rent a car, you will find parking downtown to be cheap (often free), easy, and plentiful throughout the weekend.
Are there any travel packages available?
We have partnered with CID Entertainment to offer you an effortless solution to your travel needs for the Big Ears Festival weekend. These travel packages include two (2) Inner Ear Weekend Festival passes, two (2) nights at the Crowne Plaza in Knoxville, two (2) festival posters and two (2) festival t-shirts or hoodies. One click and you’re all set to go!
Which hotels are close to the venues?
All downtown hotels listed in the Big Ears travel section are within walking distance of all the venues. There are also several hotels within a 10 to 15 minute drive from downtown.
Where can I park?
All hotels have parking. Additionally there are multiple parking garages that are free on weekends. Locations of garages here.
Is public transportation available?
Downtown Knoxville is serviced by a trolley system. You can find the route map here. Additionally, your hotel should also be able to assist in any ground transportation needs.
Are there any good places to eat?
There are a number of wonderful restaurants located in downtown Knoxville.
Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria
– Enormous beer selection and great pizza – 200 E. Jackson Ave.
Bistro at the Bijou
– Great bistro style food in an intimate atmosphere – 807 S. Gay St.
Cafe 4
– Comfort food with a global flair- 4 Market Square
Chesapeake’s
– Wonderful seafood specialties- 500 Henley St.
Crown and Goose
– A traditional gastropub with a beautiful beer garden 123 S. Central St.
Coffee and Chocolate
– Amazing coffee and sinful desserts- 327 Union Ave
Coolato Gelato
– Paninis and authentic gelato- 524 South Gay St.
Downtown Grill and Brewery
– Fantastic homemade brews and good food- 424 S. Gay St.
The French Market
– Authentic French crepes- 526 South Gay St.
Havana Nights
– Traditional Cuban cuisine- 137 South Gay St.
Koi
– Asian French cuisine- 19 Market Square
La Costa
– Mediterranean flavor in a cozy atmosphere- 31 Market Square
Le Parigo
– Fine dining and delectable French cuisine- 416 W. Clinch Ave
Mirage
– Egyptian cuisine, including belly dancers- 718 S. Gay St.
Nama
– Knoxville’s sushi experience- 135 S. Gay St.
Oodles Noodle Bar
– Italian American fare with a great wine selection- 18 Market Square
Patrick Sullivan’s
– A fantastic steakhouse in a historic building- 100 N. Central
Sangria
– Authentic Spanish tapas and wine- 35 Market Square
Sapphire
– A modern bar and restaurant- 428 S. Gay St.
S&W Grand Cafe
– Traditional southern dishes– 516 South Gay St.
Tomato Head
– An excellent selection of vegan/vegetarian/carnivore food with the freshest ingredients- 12 Market Square
Trio Café
– Simply tasty breakfast lunch and dinner- 13 Market Square
Are ATMs readily available?
Yes. There are numerous banks and ATMs located throughout the downtown area.
What else is there to do in the area?
Knoxville is located in the Appalachian valley, 35 miles from the Smoky Mountains. There you can hike and enjoy the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains. There are also a number of attractions within downtown Knoxville from YeeHaw Industries letterpress and gallery to the Sunsphere to the shops and restaurants on Market Square. Just minutes from downtown is Ijams Nature Center with a number of walking and biking trails.
Will alcohol be available at each event?
Most events will have a bar with beverage available but some of the more non-traditional venues may not be serving alcohol.
Are there any age restrictions?
Big Ears 2010 is an all ages event, however there are age restrictions at a few of the festival venues. The Pilot Light shows are 18+.
If you need more information or have additional questions, please contact us directly: info@bigearsfestival.com
