Tennessee Theatre
About
Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928 as a movie palace. The Tennessee Theatre is the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Tennessee Theatre is the region's leading performing arts facility with advanced technology, staging and lighting that draws top entertainment to the Knoxville area.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
709 reviews
Excellent
618
Very good
67
Average
14
Poor
2
Terrible
8
Black and Silver Nomadic
Box Elder, SD160 contributions
May 2022
It doesn't matter who you book here, if you're in Knoxville and you can catch a show at the Tennessee Theatre you need to do it. This is one of the most beautiful historical theatres in the country. We actually saw Tom Segura here when he passed through, and we love Tom so the show was great. That aside though we were just as excited that he played here, as we had seen several shows in town, and none happened to be here. Absolutely a thrill to listen to a comedian we enjoy while admiring the architecture of this incredible place. And then after the show, you step out onto Gay and have so many options to let the night continue! Be sure to dress up when you go, not because of a dress code or anything, but when you snap that picture of yourselves in this beautiful spot, you'll be happy you look the part.
Written December 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janet F
33 contributions
Oct 2021
The Tennessee Theatre is historic and one of the most beautiful theaters we have seen. We had great seats on the aisle but there probably aren’t any bad seats since it is a small theater. We attended the concert during Covid times. Vaccination cards or negative Covid tests along with a photo id were required for entry. Masks were required. In spite of the extra entry requirements, entry to the theater was well organized and moved quickly. Staff was friendly and helpful The merchandise table did look long. Acoustics were very good in the theater. We really enjoyed our concert.
Written October 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amber S
Roswell, GA250 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
We went to see Anastasia and the production was great and the theater is absolutely gorgeous, BUT it was so hot inside when we were there and with the seats being on the smaller side, it was uncomfortable. We were 5 rows back from the stage, so it’s not like we were high up or anything, and still so hot. The performers were drenched with sweat as well (which I know is not uncommon). It would have been nice and more pleasant for it to be a little chillier during the performance.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
zekesphotos
St. Petersburg, FL36 contributions
Dec 2019
Visiting Knoxville and the historic Tennessee Theater for the first time, we saw "Fiddler on the Roof" just before New Years. Very cool venue with antique chandeliers in the lobby,and incredible ornate decorations in the theater itself. Definitely worth seeing if you're in Knoxville. "Fiddler" was excellent, too!
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
edleingroup
Knoxville, TN6 contributions
Jan 2020
You have to attend an event if for no other reason than to see the theatre. Truly spectacular in beauty! I have been to a lot of Broadway plays, have been season ticket holder and have attended concerts etc at this venue. I love it's historical note and exceptional shows it showcases. I give it four instead of five stars only because the seating is pretty tight for a tall person...and if you are beside or behind a large person you can be crowded or not be able to see over or around them.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JamesRaRa
76 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We went to see Fiddler on the Roof - one of my all time favorites. There is no better venue to see an iconic live performance. The movie palace is beyond beautiful, at site worth touring even if you do not see a show. The Fiddler performance was a little different from others I have seen. Not sure I want it to be changed.
Lots if nearby options for food or drink before & after the show.
Lots if nearby options for food or drink before & after the show.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maggie S
Knoxville, TN8 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We go to numerous concerts and shows at The Tennessee Theatre throughout the year. One of my favorite venues of all time! BEAUTIFUL with great sound and a wonderful, intimate atmosphere. You won't be dissapointed.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Loralee W
Sevierville, TN59 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Such an iconic and lovely theater. Parking was convenient (free) and a short walk to theater. Going through security was easy and getting "checked in" was painless. Several ushers were available to assist with any issues. We had seats pretty far from the stage (can't remember exact section); however, we could see the stage from all angles. The show was amazing, too. Love going to the Tennessee Theater. Attended Three Dog Night and had a wonderful time!
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Greta L
Atlanta, GA65 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
The guide had been with the theather 42 years and knew all the wonderful details and back stories. Getting to see backstage..the projector room...the organ up close and ride the lift to the orchestra pit. BEAUTIFUL THEATER!
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
831vickig
Morristown, TN8 contributions
Jun 2021
When they renovated this place they chose capacity over comfort. Seats are narrow and there is NO leg room. The shoulder/arm of the person sitting next to you is touching yours if they use the armrest, so you have to shift over to one side. Like sitting in a coach airline seat, only worse. Knees touch the seat in front if you don't sit up uncomforably straight I used to go there a lot but I now choose to go to any of the other Knoxville venues because they ALL are more comfortable. For me no show is worth the discomfort of sitting at the TN Theatre for several hours.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kyval_67
Pikeville, KY95 contributions
i will be visiting the theatre in may, i am curious about parking? and the ease of access to parking? are there nearby parking garages or does the theatre have their own parking area? it will be later at night when our event ends, around 11pm, so i want to find parking in an area not too far to walk.
Marshall M
Knoxville, TN9 contributions
There is free public parking after 6 pm within a block of thr theatre, and there is free street parking within easy walking distance. There are several paid parking lots in easy walking distance, too.
Kathryn C
Prairie Village, KS2 contributions
Hotels close to the theatre?
Sandra H
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States16 contributions
As folks mentioned, several hotels close to the theatre--and the Knoxville Trolley system is free--although doesn't operate late--but a trolley to the event and an uber home might be helpful. Google Knoxville free trolley (Trip Advisor won't let me post the link)
Gregory B
Barnesville2 contributions
I'm bringing a group to town, and I don't think a concert is on our agenda. Is there any way for us to see the theater? I'm thinking my group might just like to see the place.
Rani L
Des Plaines, IL96 contributions
Hi. That is a good question. I am not sure if the theater does tours when there is no event. Here is their phone number. You can call and ask.
(865) 684-1200
Good luck! It is definitely worth walking around in as it is a beautiful theater.
Eric B
Long Key, FL126 contributions
Hello, I am needing to leave a quite lengthy review regarding the ethics of the sales department (one in particular to name) for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra that perform at the Theatre. Is this the proper location to leave my review?
Dr. T Broyles
Puccini8
Knoxville, TN16 contributions
I hope you haven't had a problem with tickets, but if you have had a problem with the Knoxville symphony tickets, you might want to direct your question to them. The KSO Board of Directors needs to know if the public is not being well served. You can find their e address on the web.
LindaDavus57
Nashville, TN68 contributions
I went to your web site and the last item listed was for Aug 16th As my question was do you have anything going on around the 18th thru the 20th The TripAdvisor answer I was given was Stinky!
Tennessee T
Knoxville, TN
We're sorry you felt the response you were given was stinky. Our website is the best place to see what shows are coming to the theater and to purchase tickets online so we always try to communicate that with our patrons. Unfortunately, we do not have any shows or events August 18-20th.
The homepage only lists a few of the upcoming shows. If you click on the event calendar button, you will see the full listing of shows and can filter those by month or by type. We appreciate your interest in our events and hope to see you soon
LindaDavus57
Nashville, TN68 contributions
Are there any shows during August? Like 18,19 20?
Tennessee T
Knoxville, TN
You can find our full event calendar on our website.
What show is avail sat July 18 and or sun July 19
Tennessee T
Knoxville, TN
Hi there. We do not have any events scheduled for those days. You can view all upcoming events on our website in the event calendar. We hope to see you for a show soon!
What show is avail sat July 18 and or sun July 19
Tennessee T
Knoxville, TN
Hi there. We do not have any events scheduled for July 18th or 19th. You can view our events calendar on our website to see all upcoming scheduled events. Thanks for your interest - we hope to see you at a show soon!
Thea Q
Cookeville, TN4 contributions
Sunday hours? Asked before and no answers yet!
Tennessee T
Knoxville, TN
We are only open on Sundays if there is a show and patrons must have a ticket in order to enter the theatre. We are not open to the public but as mentioned in my previous response, we do hold a few open houses each year and you may request a tour on our website under the tour menu. There is no charge for the tour and it is only available as the theatre and tour guide's schedules allow. We hope you are able to come see Knoxville's Grand Entertainment Palace through a tour.
Thea Q
Cookeville, TN4 contributions
What are your Sunday hours? Are there guided tours? How much per adult for guided tour.
Tennessee T
Knoxville, TN
We are only open on Sundays if there is a show and patrons must have a ticket in order to enter the theatre. We are not open to the public but as mentioned in my previous response, we do hold a few open houses each year and you may request a tour on our website under the tour menu. There is no charge for the tour and it is only available as the theatre and tour guide's schedules allow. We hope you are able to come see Knoxville's Grand Entertainment Palace through a tour.
Tennessee Theatre (Knoxville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Tennessee Theatre
- We recommend booking Tennessee Theatre tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Tennessee Theatre tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Tennessee Theatre:
- (0.04 mi) Hyatt Place Knoxville/Downtown
- (0.08 mi) Embassy Suites by Hilton Knoxville Downtown
- (0.09 mi) Residence Inn by Marriott Knoxville Downtown
- (0.09 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Knoxville Downtown
- (0.16 mi) The Oliver Hotel
- Restaurants near Tennessee Theatre:
- (0.03 mi) Scruffy City Hall
- (0.04 mi) Five Thirty Lounge
- (0.10 mi) Cruze Farm Ice Cream
- (0.07 mi) Nama Sushi Bar
- (0.04 mi) Clancey's Tavern and Whiskey House