Bijou Theatre

Getting there and parking

The Bijou is at 803 South Gay Street in the heart of downtown Knoxville, under the marquee on Gay Street. From I-40 in either direction, take the James White Parkway exit to Summit Hill Drive, turn right onto Summit Hill Drive and left onto Gay Street at the third light.

The closest lot is the Conley Square Lot next door at 310 W Church Ave, with more than 200 spaces and run by Park Tenn. The State Street, Market Square and Locust Street garages are free after 6pm on weekdays and all day at weekends, and there is some metered street parking around.

Doors usually open 60 minutes before the event. The box office in the lobby opens an hour before showtime unless the show is sold out; advance tickets are sold by phone on 865-684-1200 option 2 or in person at the Tennessee Theatre Box Office at 224 Clinch Avenue, 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday.

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Accessibility

Staff will help you choose seating, and anyone staying in a wheelchair should request wheelchair locations when ordering. Orchestra-level accessible seats are set aside for people who cannot climb stairs, there is seating for patrons with low vision or who are hard of hearing, and ASL interpreters can be requested at least ten business days before the event.

The Bijou is a historic building with no elevator to the upper levels, and accessible seats are limited, so book them early rather than on the day.

Festival-specific · Big Ears FestivalBig Ears notes a lobby elevator to the venue's lower level, a limited-mobility seating area at back house right, and no elevator access to the balcony.

Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (bigearsfestival.org).

Camping

We don't yet have confirmed information about camping at the Bijou. The venue's own pages are the place to check: knoxbijou.org.

Food, water and what you can bring

Drinks and snacks are sold at the concessions stand and can be taken into the auditorium. Bartenders take card payments only, since the venue is cashless, and the theatre and the adjoining Bistro are non-smoking.

Outside food and drink are not allowed. Backpacks, duffel bags and oversized purses are barred, clear bags are not required, and all bags are searched. Weapons including pocketknives, smoking and e-cigarettes, tripods, selfie sticks and professional or flash photography are also prohibited.

Sound and sensory

The Bijou is a KultureCity certified Sensory Inclusive venue. Staff are trained to help with sensory needs, and sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, strobe-reduction glasses and weighted blankets can be checked out at the box office with a valid ID.

The room is praised for its sound and offers a clear view of the stage from every seat. Phone and point-and-shoot cameras are generally fine, larger cameras or removable lenses need prior permission, and flash is never allowed.