The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee, is one of the oldest and most revered performance venues in East Tennessee. Located at 803 S Gay St, it is celebrated for its superb natural acoustics and intimate atmosphere, with a capacity of approximately 700-757 guests. Originally built in 1909 as an addition to the historic Lamar House Hotel (which dates back to 1817), the theater has hosted legendary performers ranging from the Marx Brothers and Houdini to modern acts like Dolly Parton and the Dave Matthews Band read more

See all

Beautiful historical theatre with amazing acoustics loved it there and it was my first time there and looking forward to gojng again

It is seldom I can write the best possible review ever for a business, let alone a theater of the stature of the Bijou! If I could give them 25 stars I would gladly do so. I booked a seat at the concert of Graham Nash, which I was looking forward to. Alas, I am having foot surgery about 2 weeks before the concert. The Bijou has a ZERO refund policy, I called to find out what I could do. Ticketmaster would not let me sell the ticket online because of this policy. I talked to a sweet young lady who said she would see what she could do. Not an hour later, she called me back with the good news. Because this was not an issue I had any control over, being confined to my home for the recuperating period, they granted me the refund for my ticket! I cannot believe the generosity of this venue. They went above and beyond the capabilities of their policy to grant me the refund. so, THANK YOU BIJOU! read more

We were visiting Knoxville and saw there was an free musical event the day we were there. Chris Blue who was on the Voice hosted and sang and Noah Guthrie who appeared on Americas Got Talent, a younger 13 year old who is currently appearing at the Grand Ole Opry and a duo named the Young Fables...yes all of them played and it was free....! The Bijou was a great event and there didn't seem to be any bad seating. The sound quality of the singers was great in the older venue and we had a great time. This is a wonderful place to watch a show or concert. read more

See all

The staff here are extremely rude. Prior to the event beginning, everyone was looking at their phones,trying to pass the time until the show started, and a female staff member was walking around announcing to everyone "I will throw you out if I catch you recording." It was overkill because she was at the door as people were checking in and made sure she told each person the exact same speech. I'm not sure where they found her, but they really need to return her! Prior to the show they announced how much they needed patrons. I doubt you will get many takers with her attitude. I personally will not be choosing this venue going forward. She never said anything directly to me, but watching her interact with everyone else started the concert on a very negative note. read more

Definitely worth a visit to hear some good music! It's a stunning venue with great sound! Every seat in the house is good and the entertainment is excellent! read more

The Bijou Theatre has a great ambiance in the middle of Knoxville! It is a smaller theatre that is cozy and comfy. I love going there! The acoustic seems to be good as well. read more

This was my first and last time here. The security staff are rude and make you feel like a criminal with the wanding and going through your purse. Doesn't seem like they like their jobs much. The venue has an old musty smell that you wouldn't expect if it were properly taken care of. They might have more money to care for it if they weren't so rude to people. read more

It's hard to beat the Bijou Theatre for a concert. There's honestly not a bad seat in the house, and they bring some great acts here. We're lucky to have them, and should all be Friends Of The Bijou. Historic theatres seemed to be pushed aside in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Then in the early 00s, people understood the importance of these palaces, and their place in the community at large. Slowly, those theatres turned into non-profits, started fixing up to get to their glory days. Thank goodness the Bijou was one of those. Every time I walk in there I can feel the weight of the history, and the weight of the care that folks took in piecing it back together again, like Humpty Dumpty. read more

Bijou Theatre - Signage - Performing Arts Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

I LOVE THIS THEATER! It is the perfect intimate entertainment venue. There is not a bad seat in the house. You can always hear the performances well, without being too loud. It can be a bit crowded in the small entryway, if you wait until the last minute to arrive. The staff is always cheerfully standing by to assist you with locating your seats. I have seen comedy, pop and jazz there. Also, the performances are reasonably priced. I feel like I get my money's worth when I attend a performance here. My wife and I look forward to attending many more in the future. Highly Recommended! read more

I've now seen a couple of shows at the Bijou and been there for a couple private events. Let me tell you, there's not a bad seat in the house. The classic theater space is small so everyone gets a great view of the stage. The acoustics are quite good. The bar, while small, is efficient so lines move quick. If you can see someone in this small space, you really should. read more

Such a historic venue. It's more than 150 years old and each section has a story. Great place for concerts and shows. Makes you a part of Knoxville even though you haven't been living here so long. read more

See all

I seriously love Knoxville!! This was my first time to the Bijou...I was mesmerized as I step into the theatre and stepped back in time. I came for tape face I left with sore face as the show was hysterical. I cant wait to see many show to come at the Bijou! read more

See all

I know a lot of stuff happens here but definitely get your groove on at this place. Definitely try and become a friend of the bijou. The performances here are amazing, I definitely think they should advertise more but I'm sure that has something to do with the budget but either way if you've never been to an event here at least try one time this year and let that be your goal or even your 20/20 resolution! You go out there and support local awesomeness. The staff here or beyond next level! Go have an experience, go try something new, go be a friend of the bijou! read more

See all

What a beautiful and historically rich venue Knoxville is so lucky to have. I am constantly amazed at the variety of shows that take place here. I hope the Knoxville community continues to see it's uniqueness and helps them restore the balcony at some point. If you ever get a chance to ask locals, staff or take a backstage tour make sure to ask about the theaters history with social integration, the Lamar House Hotel, the cartoon club and all of the other neat things that have taken place here over the years! read more

See all

Tom Bugg cancelled our tickets for no reason. We paid the money and got a confirmation but Tom Bugg decided he didn't like something so he cancelled the tickets. Ticketmaster dosen't even know why. All Tom Bugg needed to do was look to see that we had tickets to another event at the same venue. It took his assistant all of 5 seconds to see this. Beware, as this could happen to you and there is no recourse. You may even show up the day of the event and your ticket is worthless. He is the general manager and, according to his employees, answers to no one. read more

Just left halfway through a concert tonight. People on our left were scrolling through Facebook, woman in front of us was texting the entire time, people below them were videoing, and the family on my right was watching the basketball game that was going on across town! it was incredible - I think we were the only one's actually watching the performance. The Bijou staff said "there's nothing we can do to stop them"...with that philosophy we won't be back and I would be careful if I were you looking to spend money to watch everyone around you on their phones. read more

This theater was amazing. Easy to get in, last minute ticket available. Friendly staff who are awesome and made everything in the night go very smoothly. There isn't a bad seat in the house in my opinion. I'm from out of state but cannot wait to be back and visit this theater again. read more

Went to Michael W. Smith concert. Quaint theater with nice cafe attached. The theater was great. Looks like every seat has good view. We were in upper balcony center and could see everything unobstructed on stage. The acoustics were surprisingly good as well. Could hear every word, well balanced. Seats were accommodating and comfortable. Never felt the feeling of falling forward like I do in alot of small theaters. Stairs were easy to navigate. Staff very friendly. Highly recommend venue. Think it would be great for plays as well. read more

This is probably my favorite place in Knox to see a show. It's such an intimate environment that no matter where you sit you're not far from the stage. It's an old building with so much history and it's cool to think about all the great acts that have graced the stage. It's more understated than the Tennessee Theater but in a good way! read more

This is a lovely theater! The staff were friendly. I felt safe w the appropriate amount of security presence. There was a variety of refreshments for purchase. The theater was so beautiful. Truly not a bad seat in the house. I cannot wait to return! read more

Bijou Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Knoxville, Tennessee

See all

I left my heart at the Bijou! Not only is this venue beautiful, but the size makes for an intimate experience with the artist. Don't forget to look up, the ceilings are breath taking. read more

Fabulous small venue. Full of charm and personality. Many great memories there. Plan to make many more.

Knoxville's Bijou Theatre is a delighful kink in an otherwise decidedly straight-laced cultural scene. Within the past year and a half, acts as varied as the seminal L.A. punk band X and the seminal early-'60s folk-singer Joan Baez have appeared here, along with countless others. The Bijou is said to be Knoxville's oldest commercial building, which I guess means some houses and churches predate it. A tavern in 1813 and a grand hotel by the 1830s, it reopened as a theater in 1909. Extensive lettering on the side wall details some of the famous names who have performed there: a veritable who's-who of 20th century entertainment. So there's history, but what about now? The Bijou is a smaller venue than the Tennessee Theater just up the street, and less lavish overall. The hall is more or less a straight rectangle, with one balcony. Sometimes classic films are shown, and there are various programs for children, but the bread-and-butter here is musical acts, and it's a swell place for it. The acoustics are fine and clear and there are no blocked or partial views. It's big enough for a crowd to get excited but small enough to feel intimate with the performers. I gladly recommend it for any musical act you might be interested in. Tickets: I've seen several national touring acts here and prices have been in the $20-35 range, quite reasonable. Be aware though that if a concert is cancelled, refunds can be a complicated bitch, so don't pay cash if you can avoid it. (Marianne Faithfull still owes me $60.) Parking: the lot across the street is $5 flat-rate for "event parking." If that's too steep, there's metered parking along the street. Good luck with that. I'd pay the $5. Seating: Most shows I've seen had assigned seating, although a couple have been General Admission. I prefer the front row in the balcony myself. The floor is a fairly shallow slope, and there's always some jackasses in the front row who want to stand through the entire show, forcing the people behind them to stand too, and so on and so on. If you'd rather actually sit in the seat you were assigned, go for the balcony. Drinks: There's a bar. It's not much: a couple of beers, red wine, white wine, a handful of top-shelf liquors. And yes, it's pricey, but this is a concert hall, not a Happy Hour. What did you expect? Meet & Greet: The Bijou is on the smallish end of the theater-circuit, so performers who appear here often must contribute to their own publicity and marketing. That means most times if you hang around in the lobby after the show, you can meet them and tell them how awesome they are, what a huge fan you are, and how great they are. They'll love that. Strange But True: Four of the last six acts I've seen here featured female bass players. Random Tip: There are private boxes on both sides of the theater, on two levels. The top level is usually used for lighting fixtures. The middle level, equal to the balcony, has two boxes on each side of the hall. These are not private. To avail yourself of one you need only walk around and find the stairs. Since these are relics of the theater's Vaudeville days, though, you will be giving the rest of the audience a good view of yourself, rather than getting a better view of the stage. read more

This 110 year old theater in a 200 year old building is one of a kind. Location is extremely convenient to upper end hotels and the market square. The market square is full of local food and shops that have collectibles and skin care stuff. This theater is very intimate seating less than 800 guests. They have a multi-floor balcony system to the right and left with beautiful trim. The first floor has ample sized seating and it slopes for a good view at row H. The ceiling has hand painted stars and the place is costly to maintain but they donors and a good nonprofit backing. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is because it is very hard to navigate and once inside there is not many staff at important areas. The merchant booth is hidden up the steps to the right in an incredibly small area that leads to hidden bathrooms. The bar is tiny and the first thing you see and squished in between the main floor doors after going into the main entrance. THIS IS MY FAVORITE VENUE IN KNOXVILLE! read more

See all

Really awesome theatre. But they charged me $20 for an adult ticket instead of $5 for a youth ticket even though they were clearly not close to 18 at all, but didn't have an ID to prove it. I guess that's on me but still that kind of sucks. Other than that 5 stars fantastic place read more

The theatre is clean with very comfortable chairs and they've got beer. What more can you ask for.

I've been to the Bijou Theatre Center twice for concerts. One was for the Wallflowers and the other for Relient K. Obviously, both bands are very different in genres and get very different audiences. During the Wallflowers concert people just sat or stood by their seats. However, during the Relient K concert, the majority of people planted themselves right in front of the stage. Basically, the theater knows how to accommodate their concert goers. The acoustics in there are great and the staff is very professional. It's a medium size venue and I don't think there's a bad seat in the house. I've been in the first floor and also in the balcony. I was pleased each time. They also have a small refreshments area, serving soda, water, beer/liquor, and candy. I didn't think it was too pricey, so I got some peanut m&ms and a beer. Classy, right? But anyway, I was happy that was able to bring to my seat and enjoy it while watching the concert. There's just something about the old school architecture that makes the place a fun venue to be in and look around. It's very historic and I really enjoy going to see concerts here. Last Details: Parking is very convenient since there's a parking garage across the street and all long the road. Also, because it's right down town in Knoxville, there are many places to hangout while waiting for your show. They don't allow people to enter until a certain time before the show but I know there's a place to eat that's connected to the venue. read more

I LOVE the Bijou! Acoustics are sublime, atmosphere is perfect, and it seems to attract artists that span a thousand genres. Couldn't ask for a better venue. read more

This is a great venue to see a concert. The room acoustics are outstanding and it's an intimate place to see a performance. The size of the place really puts you close to the artist. read more

See all

Was in Knoxville to see Mary Chapin Carpenter at the Bijou. It was all very good. Good sound, good seating, good lighting, lovely old theater and a good performance. My sole complaint would be that some of the ushers that helped people to their seats once the lights were down got a little careless with their flashlights and were sometimes shining them in faces and what not. Otherwise, nice place to see a show. read more

I love this little theater! It's the perfect size. It provides an intimate atmosphere for whatever you are there to see. The acoustics and sound staff are great, if you are seeing a show. This renovated gem offers some the best seats from their balcony seating, though there isn't a bad seat in the house even when it's crowded. They keep the place simple and classy. There is also a bar located in the from for drinks and snacks. They do a really good job of keeping the lineup broad with concerts, talks, and films. read more

What a great Venue! The place is small only holds 750. We went for Beth Hart concert and loved everything about the place. The security was present and professional but not overbearing. They would let you take a picture or video until it might have been bothersome to others and then politely ask if you could give it a break. The older lady Ushers were just as sweet as could be. I hope I get an opportunity to go back. read more

Very similar to the review below, I too had an order canceled since I am out of state. I planned to be intown for a show, but I am going to see this group at another city. Advice to Tom Bugg, there are other ways you can block people from ordering tickets ahead of time. Work with ticketmaster before instead or after. I am sure the theater is lovely and the staff is great, but my family will not be visiting this venue or city anytime soon. read more

This is a review of Bijou's customer service only. I ordered tickets from Ticketmaster for a show at the Bijou Theatre. A few days later I received an email saying that Ticketmaster had cancelled my tickets at the request of the Bijou. Of course I immediately called the Bijou to find out why my tickets were cancelled and learned that because the tickets were ordered from out of state the Bijou had determined that they were most likely purchased for re-sale, a practice that drives ticket prices up and, understandably, is not good for the theatre business. I get that but I'm offended that the Bijou would treat me like a criminal and put the onus on me to make the added effort of having to contact them, re-order the tickets after having to explain that, no, I'm not a scalper but rather a fan of the band who will be playing at the Bijou. And instead of having the tickets in advance I now have to pick them up at will call. I understand that businesses need to protect themselves, but they should never inconvenience honest customers in the process. Maybe it's time for the Bijou to pick up the phone and contact all "suspects" for verification of their intent before cancelling their customers' tickets. read more

The Bijou Theater is a wonderful concert venue. The 750 seat Theater has great acoustics and ambiance. A Knoxville treasure.

The Bijou is a beautiful old theater/roadhouse celebrating it's 100th Anniversary. It went through several incarnations and is now a theater once more, with a beautifully restored & decorated interior. The acoustics are solid- nice speaker setup, PLENTY loud even in the back of the top balcony. The bar prices are a little steep, but pretty much par for the course for places like it. read more

Beautiful theater with perfect acoustics. It's the perfect size as well, feels very intimate. Full bar as well with a decent canned beer selection. I've been to many shows here and it continues to be one of my favorite venues in Knoxville. read more

Being in the music and production industry for over 25 years, this is one of the most acoustic friendly space I have ever played and listened. The staff their is very helpful and professional. The vibe is one of the coolest around. They bring in great concerts covering a wide variety genres. The Bijou should be a pride and joy of the entire Southeast. read more

Best sound in Tennessee. Have had the privilege of seeing a few artists play and I have never been disappointed. Staff is great and the bartenders are always nice no matter how long the lines are. read more