Knoxville's music scene is vibrant and takes place across numerous venues in the city. You can hear local, regional and national acts in historic theaters, hole-in-the-wall listening rooms and state-of-the-art venues. This is just a sampling of where to go when the sun goes down for music in Knoxville.
Photo Credit:
Erick Baker
Follow the Music in Knoxville
Get your feet tapping to the music flowing from Knoxville's venues and listening rooms.
July 21, 2020
You’ll love the modern space of Mill & Mine with its indoor stage, 8,000-square-foot lawn and indoor stage. Concerts can accommodate up to 1,200 people. Each show has a full bar with mixed drinks along with an array of local food trucks, carts and vendors. You can expect to see a variety of acts from country and rock to punk.
Tennessee Theatre
When it first opened in 1928, the Tennessee Theatre was lauded as “the South’s most beautiful theatre.” Walking on the Italian terrazzo flooring, looking up at the Czechoslovakian crystal-chandeliers and the beautiful Asian influences in the carpet and drapery patterns, you’ll be mesmerized by the Official State Theatre of Tennessee. The theatre hosts today’s musicians, vintage films, Broadway performances, concerts by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Opera and much more.
WDVX Blue Plate Special
The Knoxville Visitor Center is always rocking noon Monday to Thursday as it hosts the WDVX Blue Plate Special. It’s a live performance radio show that showcases blues, bluegrass, rockabilly, folk, funk and more. Past performances have included Old Crow Medicine Show, The Avett Brothers, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Sturgill Simpson and many more. Be sure to arrive a bit early for the popular show as seating is limited.
Preservation Pub
This whimsical music venue offers not only local music and brews, but a beautiful rooftop forest full of electric trees and a moonshine roof garden overlooking Market Square. Take in the relaxed atmosphere on Preservation Pub's second floor which is a speakeasy and live music on the first floor each night. Enjoy the twinkle lights and friendly atmosphere of this creative space.
Bijou Theatre
Enjoy music in one of East Tennessee’s oldest performance venues. The Bijou Theatre was opened in 1909 and has been praised for being one of the best sounding venues in the U.S. Throughout its history, the Bijou has hosted vaudeville, opera, comedy, music, movies and more. Before the show, dine in the Bistro at the Bijou hat provides a cozy bistro setting and delicious food such as steaks, pasta, burgers and sandwiches. The Bistro serves vegetarian and vegan dishes as well. Don't miss the Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase event at the Bijou Theatre Feb. 20, 2023 where songwriters from across the nation will sing their songs for a chance to perform at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
The Concourse
Dance the night away at The Concourse, where you can expect to hear rock, metal, tribute bands and EDM/dance nights. The newly-renovated space can host up to 500 people, mostly standing room. You can be sure you’ll have an unforgettable night anytime at The Concourse.
Open Chord
Music lovers unite at Open Chord to enjoy world-class musicians and singers every week on the OC Stage. Blues, rock, folk, soul and more pump through the listening room and music venue. You can even take part in the Open Mic Nights and Blues Jams. Artists you can see range from Striking Matches, The Mike Thomas Band, Fade to Black and Mutlu among others.
Scruffy City Hall
Three levels of music and entertainment can be found at Scruffy City Hall. Three full bars, a medieval hall, two balconies, a rooftop bar and music each night make this a must-visit on your vacation in Knoxville. It’s the perfect hangout to take in local music, culture and food.
If you're wanting a night full of tunes, go to any of these venues or the many other music stops in Knoxville. It's always rocking in this city!
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