Big Ears 2026: Schedule Live + New Artists Announced: The Avett Brothers & Mike Patton, Chris Thile, Thurston Moore, Tune-Yards...

The 2026 Big Ears Festival schedule is now live—along with a brand-new festival app that lets you map out your weekend in detail. Recent lineup additions include The Avett Brothers & Mike Patton, Chris Thile, Thurston Moore, Tune-Yards, Miles Electric Band’s centennial tribute to Miles Davis, William Tyler & Yasmin Williams, Jeff Parker’s Expansion Trio, Dave McMurray’s Grateful Deadication, Fred Frith’s Fremakajo, rare collaborative sets with Carlos Niño & Sam Gendel and Mary Lattimore & Walt McClements, Darrell Scott, and many others, making this the most wide-ranging and adventurous Big Ears yet.

This year also brings four additionally-ticketed, reserved-seat concerts: two performances of David Byrne’s Who Is The Sky?; Robert Plant’s new project Saving Grace; and the world premiere live performance of The Avett Brothers & Mike Patton’s AVTT/PTTN. 
Exclusive pre-sales for these shows will open to festival passholders in early December.

There’s more. Keep an eye out for announcements about Big Ears’ film programs, artist conversations, workshops, art installations, and new venues that will add fresh dimensions to the festival experience.

From Thursday, March 26 - Sunday, March 29, Big Ears brings an unprecedented and dazzling weekend of musical discovery, excitement, and exploration for music lovers from all over the world. 

Full 4-Day Weekend and Single Day Passes are still available, with VIP Sonic Explorer and Premier Passes in very limited supply and won’t last much longer. 

Download the app, browse the schedule, and start shaping your Big Ears journey.