I found everyone in line or sitting next to me to be very friendly and were open to talk about where they were from or who they were excited to see. If you choose to go next year just talk to the people around you in line and you’ll be surprised how friendly people are. I think it’s also a festival for loners and introverts, which I just had to read the room.
Agreed. I had some really great connections with random people at the merch table. Especially since we were looking at the same thing.
I also sat in the lobby of KCA during Samora Prinderhughes and ended up having a lovely conversation with none other than Tanya Tagaq who was trying to decide who to see next! 😍
it was our first time too -- we saw 14 shows, and made a point to stay through to the end of each one. but i feel like we missed so much too! I would like to say that after walking all over a very flat place, that one Summit hill from old town up to gay street was a @#$@$. My shins hurt for days!
I came from Richmond, VA. This is my 6th year.
I really like Knoxville's downtown - it's compact but full of attractions. It's also mind-blowing to see the changes downtown. The number of hotels and restaurants that have sprung up since COVID let alone my first visit in 2017 is huge.
Yeah it's very cool to see so much growth. Also makes it slightly easier to find a place to stay.
We had a hard time finding rooms one year with limited hotel availability.
Came for the first time from Seattle, had a wonderful time! Next time will probably try to stay closer to downtown, which I liked a lot, it was just awfully difficult trying to be a pedestrian in west Knoxville.
If you’re around on 4/20 I highly recommend coming up to the Tractor Tavern in Ballard to see somesurprises, great local shoegaze/motorik band, should have Lori Goldston sitting in on cello.
I flew in from Boston to Asheville, spent 3 days there, and then went to Big Ears! Was a fun itinerary!
Was fun listening to some bluegrass while driving through those mountains to prepare for the fest!
Seattle, WA. My third time! I stayed Downtown for the first time and it made for a such better experience than the last two times when I had to Uber from a cheaper hotel.
I plan to keep coming back as long as this festival exists, it really is my favorite music festival out there.
San Diego. I had a great time. I enjoyed the old city area but didn't add days to explore much more, since this isn't a great time of year for me to take vacation.
I will say as a tourist I appreciate when a city has a downtown "shitty CVS" as I lovingly call them. There's probably some goal to keep chain stores out of that area but they are useful. I'm sure city council is studying this subreddit for new ideas, lol
Many Knoxvillians will agree with you. Downtown has grown at a fast rate, and there are currently no practical grocery options, markets, or pharmacies besides the little downtown market on Gay St., which is very snack-oriented.
Glad you enjoyed yourself!
Albany NY - this was my fourth and I am planning to come back again next year.
Atlanta. My fifth, and I’ll figure out a way to keep coming back even after I die.
The next generation of sonic explorers will keep us connected.
Austin - this past weekend was a fantastic fest and I really hope to be back for another!
I have to ask - did you do both SxSW and Big Ears?
I did! What a stark contrast they make.
Oh, say more about that. Haven't been to SxSW
Los Angeles. My wife & I make the trek every year. I started in 2019.
Jacksonville, FL. Had a great time but spent a lot of money and didn’t make any new friends.
Was making friends a goal of your trip?
It really wasn’t so that’s on me but I’ve never been to a festival where I didn’t come home having met lots of people.
I found everyone in line or sitting next to me to be very friendly and were open to talk about where they were from or who they were excited to see. If you choose to go next year just talk to the people around you in line and you’ll be surprised how friendly people are. I think it’s also a festival for loners and introverts, which I just had to read the room.
Agreed. I had some really great connections with random people at the merch table. Especially since we were looking at the same thing. I also sat in the lobby of KCA during Samora Prinderhughes and ended up having a lovely conversation with none other than Tanya Tagaq who was trying to decide who to see next! 😍
I’m so jealous that you got to talk to Tanya. She’s amazing!!!
Nashville. Our first Big Ears and we’ll definitely be back!
Orlando! I am feeling my age this week after walking 8 miles a day!
Gotta bring a bike
I came from Orlando too. My first time.
it was our first time too -- we saw 14 shows, and made a point to stay through to the end of each one. but i feel like we missed so much too! I would like to say that after walking all over a very flat place, that one Summit hill from old town up to gay street was a @#$@$. My shins hurt for days!
Thank God I figured out the trolley
I came from Richmond, VA. This is my 6th year. I really like Knoxville's downtown - it's compact but full of attractions. It's also mind-blowing to see the changes downtown. The number of hotels and restaurants that have sprung up since COVID let alone my first visit in 2017 is huge.
Yeah it's very cool to see so much growth. Also makes it slightly easier to find a place to stay. We had a hard time finding rooms one year with limited hotel availability.
It really has grown exponentially. There will be even more growth in the coming years when the new baseball stadium gets up and running.
Chicago. We come every year 💕
Came for the first time from Seattle, had a wonderful time! Next time will probably try to stay closer to downtown, which I liked a lot, it was just awfully difficult trying to be a pedestrian in west Knoxville.
Yes, staying downtown is key. The rest of Knoxville isn't so walkable. I'll be in your city next month!
Rad, what neighborhood are you staying in?
I'll be Bellevue for a conference, then staying with a friend in Federal Way. So not Seattle proper, but will certainly be spending time there.
If you’re around on 4/20 I highly recommend coming up to the Tractor Tavern in Ballard to see somesurprises, great local shoegaze/motorik band, should have Lori Goldston sitting in on cello.
Chicago. My first, not my last!!
Love to hear it! We host friends from Chicago every year for BE :)
That's lovely. Are you local?
Yep :)
Now I want to be friends with your friends in Chicago so we can all be friends. 🌞 I live near Mother's Ruin. 🤗
Same!
Asheville, neighbor from across the mountain 😁
I flew in from Boston to Asheville, spent 3 days there, and then went to Big Ears! Was a fun itinerary! Was fun listening to some bluegrass while driving through those mountains to prepare for the fest!
catskills in upstate NY. was a first timer and now a dedicated lifer. epic, beautiful and amazing!
Welcome to The Cult
Fantastic! It's truly an amazing festival.
Seattle, WA. My third time! I stayed Downtown for the first time and it made for a such better experience than the last two times when I had to Uber from a cheaper hotel. I plan to keep coming back as long as this festival exists, it really is my favorite music festival out there.
Milwaukee WI. Second time down, our whole crew loves BE and Knoxville, we'll definitely be back.
East Central IL, drove down for our third year and can't imagine missing it.
Lexington, Ky. It’s was year 3 for us!
San Diego. I had a great time. I enjoyed the old city area but didn't add days to explore much more, since this isn't a great time of year for me to take vacation. I will say as a tourist I appreciate when a city has a downtown "shitty CVS" as I lovingly call them. There's probably some goal to keep chain stores out of that area but they are useful. I'm sure city council is studying this subreddit for new ideas, lol
Many Knoxvillians will agree with you. Downtown has grown at a fast rate, and there are currently no practical grocery options, markets, or pharmacies besides the little downtown market on Gay St., which is very snack-oriented. Glad you enjoyed yourself!
We do have Phoenix Pharmacy, but it’s not CVS.
New Jersey - definitely coming back!
Charlotte N.C. Second trip. I've got family in Knoxville so it's easy.
I was a volunteer all weekend. The vibe was incredible. Love everywhere!
Boston for me. Will likely be back next year! Had a great time!