
Bijou Theatre
Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee
- Knoxville, TN
- Venue location
- Theatre
- Venue type
- 24 events
- Upcoming dates
- Visitor guide
- Arrival & venue details
About Bijou Theatre
The Bijou Theatre occupies the historic Lamar House building on South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. Opened in 1909, the theatre presents touring musicians, comedy and performing arts in a room of just over 700 seats. Its smaller scale distinguishes it from the Tennessee Theatre farther along Gay Street and the city’s larger arenas. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra also presents chamber programs here. Visitors should plan for a historic theatre with orchestra and upper-level seating rather than an open-floor concert club.

803 South Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
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Tennessee Theatre
The Tennessee Theatre is a downtown Knoxville performing arts venue at 604 South Gay Street. Its calendar brings together Broadway productions, orchestral performances, touring concerts, comedy and film programs.

Clarence Brown Theatre
Clarence Brown Theatre is the University of Tennessee’s mainstage performance venue on the Knoxville campus. Professional theatre and university training meet here through productions involving visiting artists, faculty and students.

Clarence Brown Lab Theatre
The Clarence Brown Lab Theatre is a smaller performance room within the University of Tennessee’s Clarence Brown Theatre building. Its black-box setting supports a different relationship between audience and stage from the mainstage auditorium nearby.
Plan Your Visit to Bijou Theatre
Which level should I choose?
The orchestra level is the practical choice for guests who cannot use stairs. The Bijou has no elevator to its upper levels. Wheelchair locations and other accessible seats must be requested when ordering; an available upper-level ticket is not a substitute for a step-free seat. Consult the performance’s seating plan before selecting a level.
Where can I park downtown?
The theatre is at 803 South Gay Street. Public garages, privately operated lots and metered street spaces serve this part of downtown. The venue names State Street, Market Square and Locust Street garages among the options. Their published evening and weekend free periods do not apply to every downtown lot, so read the entrance signs before parking.
The Bijou’s FAQ also identifies the neighboring Conley Square Lot at 310 West Church Avenue. Compare the parking operator’s current terms with the time you expect to leave, especially for a daytime performance.
What assistance can I arrange?
The theatre offers wheelchair seating, accommodations for low vision or hearing loss, and advance requests for sign-language interpretation. Interpreter requests should reach the theatre at least ten business days before the performance and remain subject to availability. Arrange seating first rather than relying on a change at the door.
KultureCity sensory bags can be borrowed at the box office with identification. A designated quiet space is available for breaks, and staff can help locate it. These resources can be useful when preparing for loud sound, lighting or a crowded lobby.
What should I bring to the show?
Clear bags are not required, but backpacks, duffels and oversized purses are prohibited. Security may search guests and belongings. Outside food and drinks, weapons and smoking devices are restricted; the artist may add photography limitations. Use the show’s instructions alongside the theatre’s general FAQ.
Are concessions available?
Snacks and beverages are sold inside and may be taken into the auditorium. The Bijou is cashless. Doors generally open an hour before the performance, giving visitors time for screening and concessions; the individual event can specify a different arrangement.
For in-person ticket assistance outside show hours, the shared box office is at 224 Clinch Avenue at the Tennessee Theatre. On performance days, the Bijou’s own lobby box office opens at least an hour before the scheduled start.
Bijou Theatre FAQs
Does the Bijou have an elevator?
No. Upper-level seating requires stairs; ask for an orchestra-level accessible location if you need step-free access.
Must my bag be clear?
No, but oversized purses, backpacks and duffels are not permitted and bags can be searched.
Can children attend?
Age restrictions depend on the performance. The general policy requires a ticket from a child’s second birthday; contact the box office about the specific show.
Where is the daytime box office?
The shared daytime ticket office is at 224 Clinch Avenue. The Bijou lobby handles performance-day assistance.
Venue information checked 2026-11-04. Event layouts, policies and operating hours can change; consult the venue’s event instructions before traveling.
Sources & References
Venue photo credits
- The Bijou Theatre and Lamar House exterior on Gay Street. — Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0.
- Historic Bijou Theatre auditorium and balcony. — Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0.