Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer a year-round lineup of exciting events. These Smoky Mountain towns blend natural beauty, local culture, and family-friendly entertainment. From seasonal festivals to unique attractions, there’s always something happening. Let’s take a look at the standout annual events that make these destinations special throughout the year.
Springtime Celebrations
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival
As winter fades and spring blooms, Dollywood kicks off its seasonal festivities. The Flower & Food Festival, typically running April through early June, transforms the theme park into a floral wonderland. Massive sculptures crafted entirely of flowers dot the landscape, creating eye-catching displays and perfect photo opportunities.
Food stands offer a variety of spring-inspired dishes and drinks, allowing visitors to sample unique flavors while enjoying the park’s attractions. Live music performances add to the festive atmosphere, making this event a feast for all senses.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
Nature enthusiasts flock to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each April for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. This five-day event celebrates the diverse plant and animal life found in the Smokies. Guided walks and seminars led by experts cover topics ranging from botany and wildlife to nature photography.
Participants can explore the park’s trails, learning to identify various wildflower species in their natural habitat. The pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the region’s biodiversity and gain insights into conservation efforts.
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
Anglers of all skill levels gather in April and October for the bi-annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. This event spans multiple streams and rivers in Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas. Participants compete for cash prizes in various categories, including largest trout caught and highest total weight.
The tournament not only provides excitement for fishing enthusiasts but also raises awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy trout populations in the Smoky Mountains’ waterways.
Summer Fun
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
Throughout June and July, downtown Gatlinburg comes alive every evening with Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales. This street performance festival features musicians, storytellers, and artisans dressed in period costumes from the 1800s. Visitors can stroll along the Parkway, enjoying impromptu performances that bring the area’s rich cultural heritage to life.
The event offers a unique blend of entertainment and education, allowing guests to learn about Appalachian history and traditions in an engaging, interactive format.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Twice a year, in July and October, the Gatlinburg Convention Center hosts the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. This long-running event showcases the work of over 200 artisans and craftspeople from across the United States. Visitors can browse and purchase unique handcrafted items, including pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and textiles.
Live demonstrations allow guests to observe skilled artisans at work, providing insight into traditional and contemporary crafting techniques. The fair also features daily music performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival
August brings the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival to Gatlinburg. This event celebrates the art of songwriting, featuring performances by established and up-and-coming artists. Attendees can enjoy intimate acoustic shows, workshops on songwriting techniques, and panel discussions with industry professionals.
The festival culminates in a songwriting contest, where aspiring songwriters compete for prizes and recognition. This event offers music lovers a chance to experience the creative process behind their favorite songs and discover new talent.
Fall Festivities
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
As autumn paints the Smoky Mountains in vibrant hues, Dollywood embraces the season with its Harvest Festival. Running September through October, this event combines fall-themed décor, special performances, and seasonal treats. A highlight of the festival is the Great Pumpkin LumiNights, featuring thousands of intricately carved pumpkins illuminated after dark.
Visitors can enjoy traditional Appalachian music, watch craft demonstrations, and sample hearty fall cuisine. The festival provides a perfect backdrop for experiencing the beauty of autumn in the Smokies while enjoying Dollywood’s attractions.
Gatlinburg Oktoberfest at Ober
Ober Gatlinburg, the area’s ski resort and amusement park, hosts its own Oktoberfest celebration throughout September and October. This event brings a taste of Bavaria to the Smoky Mountains, complete with traditional German food, beer, and music.
Visitors can participate in games like the beer barrel roll or stein holding contest, enjoy performances by authentic German bands, and indulge in pretzels, schnitzel, and other Bavarian specialties. The festival offers a unique cultural experience against the backdrop of fall foliage in the surrounding mountains.
Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run
Car enthusiasts rev up for the Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run, typically held in September. This event draws thousands of classic car owners and admirers to the area. The Parkway in Pigeon Forge transforms into a showcase of meticulously restored vintage vehicles, custom hot rods, and classic muscle cars.
In addition to the impressive car displays, the event features a large swap meet where enthusiasts can find rare parts and memorabilia. The Rod Run creates a festive atmosphere throughout Pigeon Forge, nostalgia and automotive passion.
Wintertime Wonders
Winterfest
As temperatures drop, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg light up for Winterfest, a months-long celebration running November through February. Millions of LED lights transform the towns into winter wonderlands, creating dazzling displays along the Parkway and at major attractions.
Visitors can take guided trolley tours to view the lights, enjoy special holiday-themed shows at local theaters, and participate in seasonal events at various venues. Winterfest sets a magical mood for the holiday season and brightens the winter months.
Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
The Gatlinburg Convention Center hosts the Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show in late November and early December. This event showcases the work of members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, one of the largest groups of independent artisans in North America.
Visitors can browse and purchase unique, handcrafted gifts and decorations, many holiday-themed. The show offers an opportunity to find one-of-a-kind presents while supporting local artisans and traditional Appalachian crafts.
New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg rings in the New Year with a unique celebration at the Space Needle. As midnight approaches, crowds gather around the 400-foot tall structure in anticipation of the ball drop and fireworks display.
The event features live music and entertainment leading up to the countdown. At the stroke of midnight, a dazzling fireworks show illuminates the night sky, creating a memorable start to the new year. This celebration has become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors.
Year-Round Entertainment
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
While not tied to a specific season, Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge offers year-round entertainment that captures the spirit of the Smoky Mountains. This dinner attraction combines equestrian skills, musical productions, and audience participation into a unique show.
Guests enjoy a four-course meal while watching trick riding, friendly competitions between the North and South, and musical numbers celebrating American heritage. The show adapts its themes seasonally, incorporating special elements for Christmas and other holidays.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Events
Gatlinburg’s Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies hosts special events throughout the year, adding extra excitement to its already impressive exhibits. These include:
Sleep the Sharks: Offered select nights year-round, this event allows guests to spend the night in the aquarium, sleeping beneath the shark tunnel.
Penguin Painting Experience: On specific dates, visitors can interact one-on-one with a penguin, even receiving a painting created by the bird.
Mermaids: During summer months, the aquarium features live “mermaid” performances in its Coral Reef tank, combining underwater acrobatics and educational presentations about marine life.
These unique experiences provide memorable encounters with marine life and add an extra layer of entertainment to the aquarium’s offerings.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Programs
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina, offers ranger-led programs throughout the year. These events cater to various interests and age groups:
Junior Ranger Programs: Children can participate in educational activities, earning a badge upon completion.
Guided Hikes: Rangers lead walks ranging from easy nature trails to more challenging backcountry excursions, providing insights into the park’s ecology and history.
Evening Campfire Programs: During summer months, rangers host informative talks on park wildlife, geology, and cultural history at campground amphitheaters.
These programs, most of which are free park admission, offer visitors a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Smokies’ natural wonders.
Biggest Historical Events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
The Smoky Mountain towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have rich histories dating back to the early 19th century. From humble beginnings as frontier settlements to their evolution into popular tourist destinations, these areas have witnessed significant events that shaped their identities. Here’s a brief look at some pivotal moments in their past:
In 1802, William Ogle visited the area, calling it “The Land of Paradise.” He returned home to South Carolina to gather his family, but sadly died before making the move. His wife and children settled in the area in 1807, becoming some of the first European settlers.
Isaac Love built an iron forge in 1817, giving Pigeon Forge its name. The Old Mill, still standing today, was constructed in 1830, becoming a central part of the community.
In 1854, Radford Gatlin opened a general store and post office, lending his name to what would become Gatlinburg. The Civil War reached the Smokies in the 1860s, dividing loyalties and causing hardship for local families.
A significant milestone came in 1934 with the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, preserving the natural beauty of the region. In 1961, Rebel Railroad (later Dollywood) opened in Pigeon Forge, marking the beginning of the area’s transformation into a major tourist destination.
Why Vacation with Smoky Mountain Holiday?
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg’s annual events calendar brims with exciting and diverse offerings. From seasonal festivals celebrating natural beauty and local culture to year-round attractions showcasing the region’s unique character, these events provide enriching experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. Each celebration, be it a long-standing tradition or a newer addition, contributes to the area’s appeal as a dynamic destination in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
To fully immerse yourself in the charm and vibrancy of the Smoky Mountains, consider staying with us at Smoky Mountain Holiday. We specialize in premium cabin rentals nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, offering the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Our hand-picked properties boast stunning mountain views, spacious accommodations ideal for both intimate getaways and large gatherings, and top-notch amenities including indoor pools, relaxing hot tubs, and fully equipped game rooms.
As local experts, we’re dedicated to making your stay exceptional with hassle-free booking, 24/7 support, and insider tips on the best activities and attractions in the area.
Experience the magic of the Smokies with us and create memories that will last a lifetime. Choose Smoky Mountain Holiday for your next vacation and discover why our guests keep coming back year after year.