HOTELS
VISIT KNOXVILLE HOTEL PARTNERS
Big Ears has partnered with Visit Knoxville to offer festival patrons access to hotel rooms in downtown Knoxville and adjacent neighborhoods during the 2026 festival at preferred rates. Hotel availability is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. If none of the included hotels meet your criteria, we encourage you to explore Knoxville’s accommodation options using your favorite travel or hotel website as well as AirBnB, VRBO, or other options. Hotel Portal with preferred rates will open on Tuesday, September 9 at 9am ET. Stay tuned for more details!
ADDITIONAL HOTEL OPTIONS
In addition to the Visit Knoxville hotel portal, we encourage patrons to consider the hotels listed below or utilize their favorite travel search engine to secure lodging in Knoxville. Each neighborhood outside of downtown and included below features multiple business-class hotels at lower rates than downtown properties and are located a short 10-15 minute drive from downtown Big Ears venues. Once downtown, there is ample parking near performance venues including a number of surface lots that offer free parking 24/7 and city garages which are free when exiting after 6 P.M. on Thursday and Friday and the entire day Saturday and Sunday.
DOWNTOWN
Stay in the heart of downtown Knoxville, just steps from Big Ears venues, acclaimed restaurants, lively bars, and unique local shops. With everything within easy walking distance, downtown hotels make exploring the festival effortless.
PAPERMILL / BEARDEN (WEST)
(Appx. 10 mins)
Only 10 minutes from downtown, the Papermill and Bearden neighborhoods offer an easy, convenient base for Big Ears. With plenty of business-class hotels, excellent dining options, and quick access to I-40, this area is perfect for festival-goers seeking comfort and value while staying close to the action
MERCHANTS DRIVE (NORTH)
(Appx. 10 mins)
Located only a short drive from Knoxville’s downtown, Merchants Drive is a convenient and economical choice for festival visitors. The area features familiar hotel brands, diverse restaurants, and excellent interstate connections, making it simple to reach Big Ears venues while enjoying a comfortable stay.
CEDAR BLUFF (WEST)
(Appx. 15 mins)
For guests seeking affordability and convenience, Cedar Bluff and West Knoxville are excellent choices. Just 15 minutes from Big Ears venues, the area offers well-known hotel brands, abundant restaurants, and direct interstate access, making it one of the easiest and most accessible places to stay during the festival.
STRAWBERRY PLAINS (EAST)
(Appx. 15 Mins)
Located just east of Knoxville along I-40, Strawberry Plains offers affordable hotel options with easy access to downtown in about 15 minutes. It’s a convenient choice for festival guests seeking comfort and value while staying close to Big Ears.
TURKEY CREEK (WEST)
(Appx. 20 MINS)
Just 20 minutes west of downtown, Turkey Creek offers a wide range of hotels surrounded by Knoxville’s largest shopping and dining district. With easy interstate access, it’s a convenient home base for festival-goers who want plenty of amenities close at hand.
The above hotel properties are suggestions only, do not represent all available accommodation options, and does not imply special rate or official partnership with Big Ears.