Name: Tennessee Theatre
Address: 604 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, Knoxville
Telephone: +18656841200

Early-19th-century hall restored to its former colorful grandeur to host musical & theater acts.

At a glance

#1 of 7 Performing arts theaters in Knoxville

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.90

0.2 km from the center of Knoxville

Rating breakdown

5 ★90%
4 ★7%
3 ★1%
2 ★0%
1 ★1%

604 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902

tennesseetheatre.com

(865) 684-1200

Photos of Tennessee Theatre (116)

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Quick facts

What is the rating of Tennessee Theatre?: Tennessee Theatre is rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 6,130 reviews.
How does Tennessee Theatre rank in Knoxville?: Tennessee Theatre is #1 of 7 Performing arts theaters in Knoxville by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Tennessee Theatre located?: 604 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902 — 0.2 km from the center of Knoxville.
How can I contact Tennessee Theatre?: Phone: (865) 684-1200 · Website: tennesseetheatre.com

Reviews (14)

Brian Wilder 2024 Feb 25

I took my fiancé to a Beethoven violin concerto hosted by the Tennessee Theater. First off, parking was $10 in a lot just across the street. Once we got in we were blown away by the ambiance and decor. The place is very elegant, classy, and extremely clean. The staff was friendly and very helpful. The guards heckled me to chug a beer because you aren't aloud to take out drinks during a smoke break, lol. The prices for alcohol weren't bad, I've seen them more expensive in movie theaters...yeah you AMC in Johnson City. Overall we were extremely pleased. The music sounded great, everything lived up to one's childhood dream. Another experience crossed off the bucket list.

Dana Koogler (Cumberland Gal) 2024 Feb 20

First time experiencing Tennessee Theater. Saw LAa Traviata. It was awesome. Packed house. Gorgeous setting and powerful show. Usher very helpful and courteous. Easy access. Loved it and already looking fir an excuse to return. Everyone should have this experience.

Ron Plasencia 2024 Feb 09

This venue never fails to deliver! The acoustics are good and the shows are great.
My daughter bought us tickets for The Simon and Garfunkle Story... a tribute band.

All staff we encountered were friendly and helpful. Don't fail to visit soon!

Kellye Talley 2024 Feb 01

Beautiful theater. Had to look up history just to appreciate it more. Came to see a favorite comedian, Ron White. Had a fantastic time!!!

Trickedout 900 2024 Jan 29

This is a great piece of history. The building is full of well preserved relics of the past. It was a great venue to see the comedy show. I will say the seats are small and tight, and not very comfortable but can be tolerated for a couple of hours. The staff members were pleasant for the most part. It's pretty easy to get to with lots of parking garages nearby.

Robin Dintleman 2024 Jan 14

We have been several times over the last 6 months. This concert was absolutely amazing. Never saw them before but will definitely see them again. Saw Foreigner there also & the Nutcracker. Was able to check a couple shows off my bucket list. Great theater sound is great & you have great view of stage no matter where u sit.

Aldo Schipper 2023 Nov 06

So disappointed!!! I looked forward to the organ concert on the mighty Wurlitzer organ they so carefully restored and after a few songs they had a singer accompanied by a digital piano that could be plugged in and played literally anywhere. They should warn people.

Reginald Jones 2023 Sep 30

Theater is located downtown and there is free parking in the State Street Garage directly behind the Theater. Entrance was by electronic ticket on your phone. Went very smoothly. Theater is very ornate and appealing. Bathrooms on the upper and lower levels. Staff was super friendly.

Liz W 2023 Sep 25

A much cherished place amongst the locals, this gorgeous theatre with its iconic Tennessee sign is definitely worth a visit. They often do concerts and stage productions, but we went to one of their summer movies, to see Sleeping Beauty. The theatre has been well-cared for, and it is still a glamorous place. The staff were all very friendly too. Before the movie, we got to see their organist play the Wurlitzer organ, which is a magnificent instrument. He rose up out of the floor, and played several Disney songs. It was a perfect prelude to a Disney classic.

Ryan Simmons 2023 Sep 25

Great concert venue, great staff. The architecture inside is something to see all by itself. I come for comedy and concerts/the symphony. Crowding at the concession area can sometimes be too much, especially if shows run too close to each other and people are let in late to the second show (happened with Daniel Tosh shows recently).

Darren Gibson 2023 Aug 19

I love this venue! The building is amazing and beautiful, the staff are above and beyond, the sound is great, and it's in a great location in the old city. There is always ample parking within a block or two at most also. What more could you want?

-The photos are from the Kansas concert on August 18, 2023 (50th anniversary tour).

vearnie gray 2023 Aug 18

Let me start by saying.. This place is beautiful! The architecture and craftsmanship are amazing. Now, I guess you're wondering why I only gave 3 stars? I have been wanting to see Tom Keiffer since the 1980s and never got the chance. When I seen he was coming to a venue this close, I decided it was time to finally get to see him. I bought the best seats I could afford. My wife and I were so excited! We got to the show and found our seats. They were fantastic! The band came out and..... You couldn't hear Tom or the guitars or anything that was supposed to be coming out of the line array. You could only hear the subs and some sound off the stag and stage monitors.Then you could hear the array for a second and it would cut off again. I don't know if it was a compression problem or a short in the cables but it totally ruined the show. We were honestly ready to leave after the first 2 songs. The only reason we stayed was to support the band.

Anthony Yuill 2023 Aug 07

It has been called the South's most Beautiful theater, and it's easy to see why! Check out my pictures.
Opened in 1928. On my visit, I experienced organist Freddie Brabson, GREAT!, and band, The Vertical Birds! Fantastic singer, DJ Morrison, is also a talented songwriter and guitar player! His band is great! Enjoyed my visit to this gorgeous theater.

Stephanie Wren 2023 Jul 26

AWESOME CONCERT AT TENNESSEE THEATER TONIGHT!! ZZ TOP! I have to say seeing a concert in this kinda of venue was a totally different experience than being in a huge stadium. Of course both have their pros and cons but here it's a more personal experience. Something that you can't achieve in a huge venue. LOVE LOVE LOVE!! Oh and the history that goes along with it, makes it that much more enjoyable! 1000% recommend!