When is Big Ears Festival 2027 and where is it held?

Big Ears Festival 2027 takes place from April 1 to 4 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Performances, films, and workshops are hosted across multiple downtown venues.

Who are the headliners for Big Ears 2027?

The festival features over 250 acts, including Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox and Lockett Pundt, The Roots, Weyes Blood, Courtney Barnett, Thundercat, and Mavis Staples. The lineup spans experimental, jazz, folk, and indie genres.

How can I buy tickets for Big Ears Festival 2027?

Four-day passes are available now on the festival’s official website, though early-bird tickets have sold out. Single-day passes will be announced later. Some performances, like The Roots’ concert, require separate tickets.

Big Ears 2027 Lineup: Deerhunter, The Roots & More

Big Ears Festival has announced a major expansion of its 2027 lineup, headlined by a rare joint performance from Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox and Lockett Pundt. The festival, set in Knoxville, Tennessee, will take place across multiple downtown venues from April 1 to 4, 2027, featuring over 250 performances alongside films, exhibitions, and workshops. Tickets are on sale now, with four-day passes already selling at a record pace.

A Reunion and New Beginnings

The most anticipated addition is the reunion of Cox and Pundt, who last performed together as Deerhunter in 2019. Since then, Cox has resurfaced with his solo project Atlas Sound, debuting new material at Philadelphia’s Making Time ∞ festival last month—his first proper live set in seven years. Pundt, known for his solo work as Lotus Plaza, has stayed largely out of the spotlight, making this duo performance a rare opportunity for fans. Their collaboration could signal a new creative chapter for the longtime bandmates.

Other notable additions include: - The Roots, performing a separately ticketed, reserved-seat concert - Shabaka with jazz legends William Parker and Hamid Drake - Sheherazaad, the experimental project of multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily - Zoh Amba, the rising saxophonist on Matador Records - Peter Stampfel (Holy Modal Rounders) with his new group, The Atomic Meta-Pagans - Rosali, the Philadelphia-based songwriter and guitarist

A Festival of Depth and Diversity

Big Ears has long been celebrated for its eclectic programming, blending music, art, and film under the ethos of “Deep Listening”—a concept pioneered by composer Pauline Oliveros. The 2027 edition lives up to this reputation with a lineup that spans genres and generations. Confirmed acts include: - Weyes Blood, the ethereal indie-folk singer-songwriter - Courtney Barnett, the Australian indie rock icon - Thundercat, the Grammy-winning bassist and producer - Oneohtrix Point Never, the experimental electronic artist - Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), the alt-rock veteran - Mavis Staples, the gospel and soul legend - Norah Jones, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter - Kevin Morby, the indie folk-rock musician - Mount Eerie, the lo-fi folk project of Phil Elverum - Rosanne Cash, the country singer-songwriter, with John Leventhal

The festival’s citywide format transforms Knoxville into a hub for immersive experiences, with performances, installations, and workshops spread across two dozen venues. This year’s lineup is the largest in Big Ears’ 16-year history, reflecting its growing influence in the experimental and avant-garde music scenes.

Practical Information for Attendees

Dates: April 1–4, 2027
Location: Multiple venues in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee (US)
Tickets: Four-day passes are available now, with single-day options to be announced. Early-bird tickets have already sold out.
Venue Notes: Some performances, like The Roots’ concert, require separate tickets. Check the official website for details.
Accessibility: Big Ears is committed to inclusive programming, with wheelchair-accessible venues and sensory-friendly spaces.

For fans of experimental, jazz, folk, and indie music, Big Ears 2027 offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience boundary-pushing performances in an intimate, citywide setting. With tickets selling faster than ever, securing a pass early is highly recommended.