smoky mountan events pinterest smoky mountains facebook smoky mountains twitter smoky mountains meeting space about the great smokies smoky mountain visitor packet smoky mountain lodging smoky mountain specials things to do dining special events smoky mountain weddings shopping meeting space smoky mountains vacation smoky mountains twitter smoky mountains facebook smoky mountains pinterest shopping
 

Smoky Mountain Festivals & Special Events

THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AND ALL AGES
AT SMOKY MOUNTAIN FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS


  cabins usa

There are many wonderful special events in the Smoky Mountains throughout the year. The spring months bring arts and crafts festivals and Dolly's Homecoming Parade in Pigeon Forge. Summer features musical festivals, bbq festivals, arts and crafts festivals, and food festivals.

Car shows are plentiful in spring, summer, and fall.

The Fall months feature more arts and crafts festivals throughout the entire Smoky Mountain area which bring in some of the country's finest artisans. Southern gospel music fanfares are held in summer and fall.

Winter is our annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest.


smoky mountain visitor guide

 

smoky mountain winterfest
Smoky Mountain Winterfest
Early November thru February
More Info
smoky mountain quiltfest
Smoky Mountain QuiltFest

March
More Info
smoky mountain springfest
Smoky Mountain Springfest

mid-March to early June
More Info
spring wildflower pilgrimage
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

April
More Info
sunset concert series
Sunset Concert Series

April-September
More Info
parade
Music in the Mountains Parade
May
More Info
sunset concert series
Sunset Concert Series

April-September
More Info
wilderness wildlife weekWilderness Wildlife Week
May
More Info

gatlinburg craftsmens fair
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
July & October
More Info
gatlinburg parade
Gatlinburg's 4th of July Parade
July 3-4 midnight
More Info
songwriters festival gatlinburg
Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival
August
More Info
smoky mountain fall festival
Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
mid-Sept to Nov. 7
gatlinburg craftsmens fair
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
July & October
More Info
smoky mountain fall foliage
Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage
Oct 1-Nov 7
More Info
smoky mountain winterfest
Smoky Mountain Winterfest
November 6 thru February
More Info
 

SPRING EVENTS

 

Rose Glen Literary Festival
February 22, 2020

You will have an opportunity to meet the famous author - Robert Beatty, author of the #1 New York Times best-selling Serafina Series, a spooky mystery-thriller about a brave and unusual girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate, surrounded by the opulence of the Gilded Age and the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This festival is held at the beautiful Sevierville Convention Center.

rose glen literary festival

 
 

Chuckwagon Cookoff Competition
April 4-5, 2020

Chuck wagons will gather at Clabough’s Campground (405 Wears Valley Road) for this one-of-a-kind outdoor cooking event. Cooks will be serving up made-from-scratch dishes at noon. The day also includes several free activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: an old-time Western Buckaroo Roundup for children of all ages featuring free entertainment.

chuckwagon cookoff


 
   
 

Dollywood's Festival of Nations
mid-March - April 20, 2020

Dollywood's Festival of Nations features the most captivating entertainment from around the world during this celebration of music, dance, food and art.

festival of nations

 
 

A Mountain Quiltfest™
March 4-7, 2020

Celebrate the art and heritage of quilting with other uilters from all around who come together in Pigeon Forge for this ultimate quilting event. Quilters have the opportunity to attend classes that are based on skill level and technique. There is also a quilt show that displays a variety of quilts for your viewing pleasure.

mountain quiltfest

 
 

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Easter Crafts Fair
April 8-11, 2020

This crafts show is showcased in the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg. You can meet and visit with more than 100 members of the Arts and Crafts Community as they produce one-of-a-kind works of art available for purchase. Some of the artists and crafters are second, third and even fourth generation artisans carrying on the tradition of their heritage while making a living the way pioneers did back in the 1760s and ‘70s. Admission is free!

craft show


 
 

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
April, 2020

Adults and children, visitors and locals, participate in this annual fishing tournament. Multiple categories are offered in the largest trout tournament in the Smokies. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations are observed. For information, call 865-661-3474 or email rockytopoutfit@aol.com.

trout tournament

 
 



 
 

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
April 22-25, 2020

The Wildflower Pilgrimage, which began in 1951, offers over 150 programs. Programs include instructional walks and guided hiking tours tailored to meet individual walking skill and ability, along with demonstrations and guest lecturers. These tours showcase the abundant varieties of wildflowers, plants, ferns, mosses, trees and shrubs, as well as birds, reptiles and amphibians, all native to the Great Smoky Mountains.

wildflower pilgrimage


 
   
 

Music in the Mountains Spring Parade
May 2, 2020

Formerly named Dolly's Homecoming Parade, this grand event draws over 50,000 fans. The parade begins at 6:00 PM and travels from traffic light #6 to traffic light #3. You will see uniquely decorated floats against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains.

dolly parade

 
 

Wilderness Wildlife Week
May 8-10, 2020

Nature lovers, hikers and outdoors enthusiasts gather annually for Wilderness Wildlife Week™ in Pigeon Forge. Educational programs are designed specifically for youngsters and there are guided hikes into the Great Smoky Mountains for the more adventurous folks. Wilderness Wildlife Week offers a variety of programs for all ages and interests. The event is free and open to everyone. Seminars and workshops are offered daily at the LeConte Center.

wildlife

 
 

Chili Cookoff
November 12, 2020

From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Parkway between traffic lights 6 and 8. The festival is free, but attendees can purchase a spoon for $10 and sample recipes from all booths while supplies last. Children ages 7 and under can sample for free. Area restaurants, businesses and caterers prepare traditional and original beans and cornbread recipes for tasting while vying for top honors in the cook-off. Bush’s Best beans will be featured in all the recipes served at the festival.

beans cornbread festival

 
 

Bloomin' Bluegrass & BBQ Festival
May 15-16, 2020

Held annually in Historic Downtown Sevierville, this is a very popular Sevier County festival. Teams from all over the Southeastern U.S. compete in a BBQ cookoff. There are bluegrass music competitions and a Mountain Soul Vocal Competition where contestants sing songs written and performed by Dolly Parton herself.

bbq cookoff


 
 

Dollywood Barbeque & Bluegrass
April 24 - May 3, 2020

Bring your barbeque-eating hands and your bluegrass-tapping feet to the Dollywood Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival. With the price of Dollywood park admission, you get access to free concerts by some of the greatest bluegrass acts in the country and great food to go along with it.

When you’re ready for some southern dishes, head over to the Barbeque Headquarters at Market Square where you can try some Tennessee pulled pork, delicious ribs, and succulent chicken. A variety of sauces will be available from savory sweet to smokin' hot.

bbq bluegrass

 
 
 

Artisan Craft Sale at Wears Valley Ranch
Date TBA

This is a free event with lots of free parking on the scenic campus of Wears Valley Ranch, 3601 Lyon Springs Road, Sevierville, TN. Enjoy a great event and shop for a cause -- wooden items, hand crafts, vintage finds, apothecary, jewelry, furniture, and more! Mountain music will be in the air and delicious food will be available for purchase. Behind the Scenes tours of the Wears Valley Ranch campus will be offered. Rain or shine - in the heart of beautiful Wears Valley - between Townsend and Pigeon Forge!

artisan craft sale

 
 

Car Shows
Various Dates

Bring your coolers, bring your friends. Put your lawn chairs along the Pigeon Forge Parkway with 100's of other chairs and be part of all the action.

car shows


 
 
SUMMER EVENTS

 
 

Fourth of July Midnight Parade Gatlinburg
1 minute after 11:59 pm on July 3rd

More than 100,000 people attend this major event which includes magnificent floats, marching bands, and much more. Held in downtown Gatlinburg.

 
 
Car Shows
Various Dates

Bring your coolers, bring your friends. Put your lawn chairs along the Pigeon Forge Parkway with 100's of other chairs and be part of all the action.

car shows


 
 

Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
October 8-25, 2019

The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair features Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the U.S. Two hundred booths with unique and one-of-a-kind handmade products, are beautifully displayed. You will also have an opportunity to watch skilled craftspeople demonstrate their talents. Each participant is subject to a jury process to insure the uniqueness and quality of their respective products. The Fair also features Country, Gospel & Bluegrass Music Shows. This event was voted one of the Southeast’s “Most Popular Events”. $

crafts fair


 
 

Drums on the Dam Dragon Boat Race
August 10, 2020

Teams of 16-20 members compete in relays using authentic 46-foot long Hong Kong style boats for medals, top trophy as well as bragging rights. Make a day of it on Douglas Lake, 1680 Boat Launch Rd, Sevierville, TN. Fun for the entire family.

songwriters festival

 
 

Smoky Mountain Songwriter's Festival
Dates TBA

“Celebrating Our Appalachian Musical Roots" -- This 4-day festival is held in downtown Gatlinburg featuring "Hit" songwriters. The public is invited. Free Live Entertainment. Songwriter Opportunities: song competition, workshops, co-writing with hit writers, mentoring sessions and stage spots. Rain or shine.

songwriters festival

 
 

FALL EVENTS

 
 

Car Shows
Various Dates

Bring your coolers, bring your friends. Put your lawn chairs along the Pigeon Forge Parkway with 100's of other chairs and be part of all the activities.

car shows


 
 
 

National Quartet Convention
September 27 - October 3, 2019

Held at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. $$

quartet convention

 
   
 

Oktoberfest at Ober

Ober Gatlinburg celebrates October with a festival featuring Bavarian-style food, drink and music to commemorate the 207th anniversary of Octoberfest held in Munich, Germany. Dressed in authentic costumes, the Bavarian Fun Makers Band will perform traditional Bavarian folk dances, schuhplattling, oompah music, sing-a-longs, yodels. Shows and multiple performances will be held every day during Oktoberfest. Special Oktoberfest Biers will be served along with traditional German wurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, strudel, pretzels and more.

oktoberfest

 
 

Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
October 8 - 25, 2020

The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair features Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the U.S. Two hundred booths with unique and one-of-a-kind handmade products, are beautifully displayed. You will also have an opportunity to watch skilled craftspeople demonstrate their talents. Each participant is subject to a jury process to insure the uniqueness and quality of their respective products. The Fair also features Country, Gospel & Bluegrass Music Shows. This event was voted one of the Southeast’s “Most Popular Events”.

crafts fair

 
 

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
October, 2020

Adults and children, visitors and locals, participate in this annual fishing tournament. Multiple categories are offered in the largest trout tournament in the Smokies. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations are observed.

trout tournament


 
 

Robert A. Tino Smoky Mountain Homecoming
October, 2020

The Homecoming centers around the Robert A. Tino Gallery and the art of Robert Tino. For over 30 years Robert has been capturing the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and East Tennessee. Join Robert and other local artisans and craftsmen for a celebration of our mountain heritage. There's something special for all age groups. Live music and food vendors.

crafts fair

 
 

Smoky Mountain Fall Colors
October 1 - November 15, 2020

The Smoky Mountain foliage turns brilliant colors of red, orange, and gold as leaves change colors in October to mid-November. Bring your cameras and take in this magnificent time of the year.

fall foliage

 
 

Bruce Street Brewfest
Date TBA

At 138 Bruce Street in Historic Downtown Sevierville, this will include over 30 home and professional brewers, live music, great food, and good friends. Come out to join us from 1:00-6:00pm. All proceeds to benefit local charities.

trout tournament

 
 

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas
November 9, 2020- January 5, 2021

Shows, great holiday food, shopping, rides, and more! Dollywood brings a Christmas classic to life through its performance of It's a Wonderful Life. Celebrate an acoustic Christmas at the Back Porch Theater with Appalachian Christmas. Meet Rudolph and His Friends. Christmas in the Smokies -- Dollywood’s musical Christmas tradition features a 14-member cast performing hometown holiday favorites that celebrate the joy of the season. Celebrate a Southern gospel Christmas as the Kingdom Heirs keep your spirits high with your favorite Christmas hymns and songs. The Robert F. Thomas Chapel hosts worship services at 5:30 p.m. each Sunday throughout Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. Gather the family for the Parade of Many Colors, an exciting new holiday tradition performing nightly. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas -- A family finds its own Christmas miracle with the help of a mysterious, white-bearded stranger. Listen to four ladies’ do an cappella performance of traditional Christmas standards puts a new twist on classics.

smoky mountain christmas

 
 
Smoky Mountain Winterfest
November 6, 2019 - February 28, 2020

From the 407 Exit at I-40 in Sevierville, TN to the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nearly 20 million lights adorn the highways, attractions, and shopping outlet. Many exciting activities are planned for this year's Smoky Mountain Winterfest. You won't want to miss them!

winterfest

 
 
 

Veterans Day Celebration
November 11, 2020

This is a day Gatlinburg celebrates and salutes America’s veterans of the Armed Forces. Moving music and words of tribute will take play at Ripley's Aquarium Plaza. The ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m., a free event.

veterans day



 
 
WINTER EVENTS


 
 

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas
November 10, 2020 - January 5, 2021

Shows, great holiday food, shopping, rides, and more! Dollywood brings a Christmas classic to life through its performance of It's a Wonderful Life. Celebrate an acoustic Christmas at the Back Porch Theater with Appalachian Christmas. Meet Rudolph and His Friends. Christmas in the Smokies -- Dollywood’s musical Christmas tradition features a 14-member cast performing hometown holiday favorites that celebrate the joy of the season. Celebrate a Southern gospel Christmas as the Kingdom Heirs keep your spirits high with your favorite Christmas hymns and songs. The Robert F. Thomas Chapel hosts worship services at 5:30 p.m. each Sunday throughout Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. Gather the family for the Parade of Many Colors, an exciting new holiday tradition performing nightly. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas -- A family finds its own Christmas miracle with the help of a mysterious, white-bearded stranger. Listen to four ladies’ do an cappella performance of traditional Christmas standards puts a new twist on classics.

smoky mountain christmas

 
 

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Thanksgiving Crafts Fair
November 24 - 29, 2020

This craft show is held in the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg. You can meet and visit with more than 100 members of the Arts and Crafts Community as they produce one-of-a-kind works of art available for purchase. Some of the artists and crafters are second, third and even fourth generation artisans carrying on the tradition of their heritage while making a living the way pioneers did back in the 1760s and ‘70s. Admission is free!

craft shows


 
 

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Christmas Crafts Fair
November 30 - December 6, 2020

This craft show is held in the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg. You can meet and visit with more than 100 members of the Arts and Crafts Community as they produce one-of-a-kind works of art available for purchase. Some of the artists and crafters are second, third and even fourth generation artisans carrying on the tradition of their heritage while making a living the way pioneers did back in the 1760s and ‘70s. Admission is free!

craft show


 
 

Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
December 4, 2020

More than 60,000 people will be in downtown Gatlinburg to see this award winning parade featuring lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units, giant balloons and of course Santa Claus. The parade route starts at traffic light 1A on Hwy 321 (East Parkway) and travels to Hwy 441 (Main Parkway) and continues from light 3 to traffic light 10.

craft show
 
 


Meeting Planners | Advertise | Family Reunions

© 1996-2022 Image Builders