While our neighbor to the west may be more well known for her music scene (have you heard of an obscure little place called Nashville?), our favorite lil scruffy city (Knoxville, duh) certainly holds her own when it comes to live music opportunities. After all, Dolly Parton herself would make the trek over from Sevierville to Knoxville to perform at just ten years old. So whether you’ve got a taste for bluegrass (welcome to Tennessee!), jazz (oh you fancy), or you prefer some acoustic strumming to accompany your beer sipping, here’s where to find live music in Knoxville, Tennessee, seven days a week:

MONDAYS:

Crafty Bastard Brewery in North Knoxville currently hosts “Patio Jams” on Monday nights. There’s not much we love more than local musicians accompanied by local beer… and the vibes at Crafty’s delightfully scream summertime in the south.

If you’d prefer to class up your evening, Babalu hosts live jazz with Frog and Toad’s Dixie Quartet. (If you’re not looking to be too classy, don’t worry. Mondays are also Margarita Night at Babalu😜)

Finally, down the street, Knox Brew Hub hosts Emo Happy Hour on Mondays at 7:30pm. Local favorite Grady Milligan plays a great selection of nostalgic emo songs with all your new best friends (because when you find yourself singing along with the whole freakin’ bar, you just made yourself some new friends). Bonus Perk: Emo Happy Hour means $1 off all dark beers!

TUESDAYS:

Tuesdays are more known for trivia here in Knoxville (seriously, there are endless options for Trivia Tuesday), but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch some live music! Head to Jig & Reel for an Old Time Jam With Sarah Pirkle. Feel free to just listen and enjoy over some scotch – or take an instrument off the wall and join the party!

WEDNESDAYS:

Every other Wednesday is Songwriter Night at Albright Grove Brewing Co. in the Marble City neighborhood! Sipping on brews named after Smokey Mountain Trails while enjoying music on their pretty patio makes for a perfect East Tennessee summer evening.

THURSDAYS:

Geezers Brewery often has live music inside their groovy space on Thursday nights! However, it doesn’t happen every single week so make sure to check their Instagram to be sure. Around the corner and down the street, the always-a-good-choice Central Filling Station is home to both delicious food trucks and live music. Finally, Backdoor Tavern is a Knoxville classic nestled in Bearden. They have live music periodically through the week, but Thursdays specifically are Open Mic Jam Nights on their outdoor stage!

FRIDAYS:

Fridays have plenty of opportunities for live shows, but one of our consistent faves is Pour Taproom. You can be sure to find live music there every Friday night from 9pm-12am! Across the river on the south side, Trailhead Beer Market also hosts live music on their drool-worthy outdoor space on Fridays.

SATURDAYS:

Missed those gems? Pour and Trailhead are both back at it on Saturdays; but if you’re looking for elegance, Water into Wine out west hosts live jazz.

SUNDAYS:

Grab your girls because Sunday means jazz brunch at Knox Farmacy in Bearden!

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE LIVE MUSIC:

If you’re looking for more options, you’re in luck. Here are a some local spots literally known for their live music:

• Barleys Taproom in the Old City
• Jig & Reel in the Old City
• Preservation Pub in Market Square
• Scruffy City Hall in Market Square
• BrickYard Bar & Grill in Bearden
• WDVX Blue Plate Special® (Free Show at 12pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at Visit Knoxville and Fridays at Barleys Taproom.)

Want something to accompany your live music adventure? Click here for 7 Date Night Ideas!