Big Ears 2018 was very largely another success for the ambitious festival. To read the full statement, click here. Notes Event Description Over 16,000 patrons and artists from 18 countries, 42 states and over 2,200 cities. After an extremely successful return of the festival in 2014, Christopher Weingarten of Rolling Stone wrote that "Big Ears 2014 is the most ambitious avant-garde festival to emerge in America in more than a decade." 3/11/20 - Update from Ashley Capps, Founder/Executive Director of Big Ears Festival It has become clear that we must cancel Big Ears 2020, scheduled for the weekend of Thursday, March 26 thru Sunday, March 29. The meticulously-scheduled performances went smoothly and were engineered well, and surely there will be repeat festival-goers in years to come. In 2010 the festival was praised by Rolling Stone as "arguably the classiest, most diverse festival in the country." It has become clear that we must cancel Big Ears 2020, scheduled for the weekend of Thursday, March 26 thru Sunday, March 29. Big Ears is a dynamic festival experience in downtown Knoxville, TN that explores connections between musicians and artists, crossing all genres, and knowing no boundaries. Check out recent media coverage, highlights from previous festivals, and more. Just 48 hours ago, we were optimistic that there was a path forward; but with events surrounding COVID-19 developing rapidly along with the obvious need for urgent steps to contain its spread, we simply cannot move forward with the festival as scheduled. Check out Big Ears Festival 2020 Downtown Knoxville Dates Location Schedule Registration Agenda Reviews Exhibitor list. Big Ears is a dynamic festival experience in downtown Knoxville, TN that explores connections between musicians and artists, crossing all genres. A 4 days trade show, Big Ears Festival is going to be held in Knoxville, USA from 26 Mar 2020 to 29 Mar 2020.