Silent auction live now for theatre’s largest annual fundraiser presented by Lawson Family Foundation
Bijou Jubilee, the Bijou Theatre’s biggest night of the year, is coming up in one week on Saturday, June 6, from 4-11 p.m. The 2026 event will feature two stages and span indoor and outdoor venues for a festival-style celebration of East Tennessee music and culture.
This year, Bijou Jubilee will expand onto Gay Street, as well as into the historic Bijou Theatre, for an evening of nationally acclaimed artists, beloved regional performers, two-stepping,
spirited festivities and shared tables under the lights. The 800 block of Gay Street, from Cumberland Avenue to Main Street, will be closed on Saturday, June 6, so that Jubilee
attendees can enjoy the street-festival event and celebrate both inside and outside of the theatre.
Additional performances for the stage on Gay Street have been announced and include Sarrenna; Russell Walker and the Honky Tonk Thursday House Band; and New Market
Trainwrecks. The 2026 event then will feature Margo Price and The Deslondes as headliners. Gates open at 4 p.m. with performances by Sarrenna at 4:15 p.m. on the Gay Street stage;
Russell Walker and Honky Tonk Thursday House Band at 5:15 p.m. on the Gay Street stage; New Market Trainwrecks at 6:30 p.m. in the Bijou Theatre; The Deslondes at 7:45 p.m. on the
Gay Street stage; and Margo Price at 9 p.m. in the Bijou Theatre. The full schedule is available at bijoujubilee.org.
“Less than 100 tickets remain, and we’re anticipating a sellout event for this year’s Jubilee,” Bijou Theatre Executive Director Courtney Bergmeier said. “Get your tickets now and join us for
a fun-filled, music-centered celebration of East Tennessee and our beloved Bijou Theatre.
“For more than a century, the Bijou has been a place where East Tennessee gathers – for music, storytelling, laughter and community. From bluegrass legends to contemporary artists and everything in between, the Bijou always has reflected the spirit of this region, and we are dedicated to continuing that tradition – not by looking back, but by bringing the music and culture of Appalachia forward, together, under one roof and out onto the street of downtown Knoxville.”
All-inclusive tickets grant general admission access to both outdoor and indoor stages, dinner and drinks throughout the evening, complimentary parking and the silent auction – all in support
of preserving and sustaining the Bijou Theatre for generations to come.
In addition, the community is encouraged to participate in Bijou Jubilee’s online auction to support the Bijou Theatre’s largest fundraiser of the year. The auction includes a diverse range of goods and experiences, including autographed guitars and artist posters; travel vouchers and round-trip airline tickets; special packages for local entertainment attractions; exclusive access and private tours at local historic venues; original art; gift packages from local retailers; and more.
The silent auction is live now and available to anyone who wants to bid on items to support the Bijou Theatre’s mission – regardless of whether they are able to attend the ticketed event. To access the Bijou Jubilee auction, visit bijoutheatre.rallyup.com/jubilee26. The auction is also linked from the Jubilee website and the Bijou Theatre’s social media accounts.
As the Bijou continues to invest in preservation and long-term improvements to the historic building, Jubilee plays a critical role in funding the work that keeps it vibrant and welcoming.
Proceeds from Bijou Jubilee benefit the preservation and operation of the historic Bijou Theatre, located within one of Knoxville’s oldest buildings. The Bijou Theatre is a non-profit cultural institution that raises funds to honor, restore and preserve its historic home; ensure a vibrant space for live performing arts; and support youth arts and education, local artists and community groups and the arts and cultural landscape of Knoxville.
“Jubilee isn’t just a party; it’s preservation in action,” Bergmeier said. “The music continues. The doors stay open. The story carries on. Join us to dance, sing and to help keep the lights on.
Your support helps ensure that the Bijou remains a future-forward force in the arts and culture that make our community thrive.”
To help set the scene for an authentically Appalachian night, guests are encouraged to dress to represent the living traditions of East Tennessee; suggested attire includes but is not limited to denim and boots, vintage band tees, flowing dresses, western pearl-snap shirts, bold prints and well-loved leather.
Bijou Jubilee is presented by the Lawson Family Foundation with support from additional sponsors and partners. For live updates about this year’s events, follow the Bijou on Instagram
@bijoutheatre or join the mailing list by visiting knoxbijou.org. For more details about Bijou Jubilee and to purchase tickets, go to bijoujubilee.org.
