After decades of defining their respective corners of rock music history, iconic artists David Byrne and Robert Plant will headline the 2026 Big Ears Festival, scheduled for March 26-29 in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.
The multi-venue, multi-disciplinary festival continues its tradition of genre-fusing, boundary-pushing musical programming with this powerhouse duo leading a lineup of over 250 events spread across more than 20 venues.
Byrne, the former Talking Heads frontman, will perform two special shows centered around his 2025 concept album “Who Is The Sky?” Meanwhile, Plant, the legendary Led Zeppelin vocalist, will present his 2025 covers album “Saving Grace,” featuring reinterpretations of classic songs.
Musical legends David Byrne and Robert Plant bring their latest innovative projects to Big Ears, showcasing their continued artistic evolution.
Both headliner performances will be ticketed separately from the main festival, though passholders will enjoy early access privileges.
The festival’s expansive programming extends far beyond these headline acts. Electronic experimenter Flying Lotus and jazz guitarist Pat Metheny with his “Side-Eye III+” project are among the main performers. The festival will also feature comedic performances by Tim Heidecker with the Very Good Band, Neil Hamburger, and Reggie Watts.
Avant-garde composer John Zorn will present an ambitious 12 new works exclusive to the festival, while Polish pianist Hania Rani’s “Non-Fiction” concerto will make its North American premiere.
Festival passes went on sale September 11, 2025, giving attendees access to a diverse array of concerts, films, conversations, exhibitions, workshops, and interactive experiences.
Curated by Josh Johnson, the festival has earned its reputation for blending established legends with cutting-edge artists.
Additional performers include Laurie Anderson, John Scofield Trio, Orchestra Baobab, Cymande, Richard Thompson, and numerous emerging talents.
The festival also features the “Conversations About Music” podcast series, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process.
Big Ears serves as a platform for experimental music and artistic innovation, fostering a unique environment where pioneering musicians interact with global audiences.
The inclusion of Byrne and Plant highlights the festival’s commitment to presenting iconic artists who continue to push creative boundaries while honoring their influential legacies in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music.
Among other notable performers, fans can look forward to seeing Perfume Genius whose atmospheric compositions will add to the festival’s eclectic offerings.
For participating artists, this festival represents an important opportunity to create additional revenue streams beyond traditional album sales, allowing them to connect with dedicated fans willing to purchase merchandise and limited edition physical releases.
Artists will leverage social media advertising to build anticipation and engagement with their festival performances, creating content that resonates with their specific audience demographics.
