Live music and nightlife in Knoxville: venues, bars and free shows

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Addresses and phone numbers come from each venue’s own site or its Downtown Knoxville listing, linked below. We do not list individual shows; check each venue’s calendar.

Most of Knoxville’s live music and nightlife sits within a few blocks downtown: two historic theaters on Gay Street, a run of bars and clubs in the Old City around Jackson Avenue and Central Street, and pubs around Market Square. One of the best-known shows in town is free: WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, live at lunchtime.

Good to know

• Parking: city garages are free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend, except a $3 weekend fee at the Market Square Garage. City of Knoxville
• Getting home: plan a ride before you go out; see our getting around guide.
• Police non-emergency: 865-215-4010

Concert halls and theaters

Tennessee Theatre. The big downtown hall for touring acts, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Broadway tours and classic films. It is home to the Mighty Wurlitzer organ and hosts Mighty Musical Monday shows. Tennessee Theatre

Bijou Theatre. A historic Gay Street theater with its own concert calendar. The Bistro at the Bijou is next door at 807 S. Gay St. Bijou Theatre

The Mill and Mine. A concert venue on West Depot Avenue; it also hosts the Thanksgiving turkey trot start. The Mill and Mine

Old City clubs and bars

Barley’s takes music booking inquiries and hosts WDVX’s Friday “Big Plate” lunchtime show. The Old City’s other bars, including Southbound, Hanna’s Old City, Old City Sports Bar, Wagon Wheel and Cowboy Cantina, team up for crawls such as the Halloween Freaker’s Ball.

Market Square

Both share the Scruffy City website and phone line. In summer, the city’s free Concerts on the Square bring jazz on Tuesday nights and a variety night on third Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m. Concerts on the Square

Free live music: the Blue Plate Special

WDVX’s Blue Plate Special is a live performance radio show at noon Monday to Thursday and Saturday at Visit Knoxville, 301 S. Gay St. On Fridays it moves to Barley’s as “The Big Plate.” It is always free, the station says, and you can bring your lunch. The music runs from bluegrass and blues to folk, funk and rockabilly. WDVX

What this means for you

• Look up a show on the venue’s own calendar before you buy tickets.
• Going out for a holiday? See our Halloween and New Year’s Eve pages.

Related: date night in Knoxville, brunch and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I hear free live music in Knoxville?

The WDVX Blue Plate Special is a free live radio show at noon Monday to Thursday and Saturday at Visit Knoxville, 301 S. Gay St., and on Fridays at Barley’s Taproom. The city also runs free Concerts on the Square on Market Square in summer.

What are the main concert venues in downtown Knoxville?

The Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay St.; the Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay St.; and The Mill and Mine, 227 W. Depot Ave. Smaller clubs include Pilot Light in the Old City.

Where is the nightlife in Knoxville?

Mostly downtown: the Old City around Jackson Avenue and Central Street, Market Square, and Gay Street.

How do I get home from downtown Knoxville at night?

Plan a ride before you go out. City garages are free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend, except a $3 weekend fee at the Market Square Garage.