From I-40 East: Take Exit 388a, James White Parkway to Summit Hill Drive, (first exit). Turn right onto Summit Hill Drive. Turn left onto Gay Street at the third traffic light. The Tennessee Theatre is located at 604 South Gay Street.

From I-40 West: Take Exit 388, James White Parkway to Summit Hill Drive, (first exit). Turn right onto Summit Hill Drive. Turn left onto Gay Street at the third traffic light. The Tennessee Theatre is located at 604 South Gay Street.

The State Street garage (located behind the Tennessee Theatre), Locust Street garage, and Market Square garage are available for free parking starting at approximately 6pm and on weekends. They are also available for daytime parking, but payment will be required. Additional parking lots and on-street parking are located throughout the Downtown area.

Downtown Parking Map

Service fees are charged in addition to the advertised ticket price and will vary depending on the purchase method. Service fees cover the costs of operating a box office, including staffing, software licensing, and shipping/handling.

We do not post shows on our schedule until we have confirmed an on-sale date. For some rental or private events, information will not appear on our calendar.

There is no specific dress code for The Tennessee Theatre. Some events such as the Symphony and Opera will draw a dressier crowd. Most people enjoy dressing up to go to the Theatre, but you will see people wearing everything from casual to Sunday best, and on Opera nights, formal wear.

If you have special seating needs, please contact the Box Office directly at 865.684.1200, ext. 2, or visit the Special Needs & Accessibility page.

For most shows, the concession stand in the lobby sells snacks, sodas, beer, wine, and mixed drinks. For movies, we sell popcorn, candy, soda, beer, and wine. Prices vary from $2-10. Food and beverages are allowed inside the auditorium for all events except the symphony, some classical music events, and at the artist’s specific request. Please check with the ushers and bartenders when you arrive at the Theatre to see if there is a restriction on food and beverages in the auditorium for that evening’s performance.

Some events, such as symphony and Broadway performances, require late arriving patrons to enter the auditorium only at certain intervals once the production has begun. Please check with the ushers when you arrive at the Theatre to see if there is a late-seating restriction for that evening’s performance.

Please see the Tour the Tennessee page.

Items that are left at the Theatre are kept in our lost and found at the Clinch Ave. Box Office. Please call 865.684.1200, ext. 2 during regular business hours to see if your item has been turned in.

We believe the arts provide an open door for difficult conversations by exploring topics and themes that affect the human condition and social norms. We hope these subjects encourage thought and conversation to allow us to recognize and acknowledge these issues through awareness, empathy, understanding, and compassion. Unlike movies, live entertainment such as comedy or Broadway productions do not have a standard content rating system. Sometimes the content of a live event could be considered inappropriate or otherwise unsuitable for children under 18. In fact, some content can be challenging or offensive to people of any age. Many resources exist online to provide more information about shows and events, and this information may help you make your own decision as to whether you would enjoy the performance. As personal tastes vary widely, we strongly advise that you conduct your own research before you purchase tickets to any Tennessee Theatre event. All ticket sales are final.

Yes, everyone, regardless of age, must hold a ticket. For questions, please contact the Box Office at 865.684.1200, ext. 2.

In accordance with Tennessee state law, The Tennessee Theatre expressly prohibits smoking, including electronic cigaerrettes, anywhere inside the building either backstage or front of house. Violation of this policy may result in the offender’s immediate ejection and an additional cleaning fee for the lessee. 
 
Patrons may smoke outside on Gay Street and re-enter only if their ticket stub is retained. Performers and production staff and crew may smoke outside at the back of the Theatre on State Street only.  

Smoking is not permitted outside the Stage Door or anywhere on Clinch Ave. unless otherwise noted.

Every show is different. The Tennessee Theatre abides by the rules set forth by the artists and their management. Please call the Theatre at 865.684.1200 within two weeks of the event for the camera policy.

These local performing arts organizations produce events at the Tennessee Theatre and sell tickets through their own offices. Tickets for these organizations' shows are available at Knoxville Tickets outlets, by phone at 865.656.4444, online by clicking here.

Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
100 South Gay Street, Suite 302
Knoxville, TN 37902
Box Office: 865.291.3310
Administrative Offices: 865.523.1178
Fax: 865.546.3766

Knoxville Opera
612 East Depot Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37917
Box Office: 865.524.0795, ext. 1

UT-Cultural Attractions Committee
Office of Student Activities
305 University Center
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865.974.5455
Fax: 865.974.9252

Weapons of any kind, including pocketknives

Outside food and beverages

Smoking of any kind, including e-cigarettes

Large backpacks, bags, oversized purses, etc.

For the safety and security of all patrons, all persons and items entering the Tennessee Theatre are subject to search.

At the Tennessee Theatre, our top priority is the safety and security of our guests, performers, and staff. Read all of our current COVID policies here.