Festivals are held annually in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Bluegrass festivals, a quiltfest, Winterfest, arts and crafts shows, BBQ festivals and lots more fun! Discover your favorite festival throughout the year in the Smokies.
Many festivals and special events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have been planned for your enjoyment throughout the year. Sevierville also has some wonderful festivals.
Festivals & Special Events:
SPRING FESTIVALS
A Mountain Quiltfest™
Quilters from throughout the country gather to attend classes that are based on skill level and technique. Also, there is a magnificent quilt show that displays a variety of quilts. A quilt competition includes various categories.
Bloomin’ Bluegrass & BBQ
This annual festival is held in May at the Sevier County Courthouse. Most noteworthy, it features live bluegrass music, vocal competitions, and BBQ cook-offs.
Music in the Mountain Spring Parade
Local entertainers, colorful floats, military veterans, and marching bands parade;down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
Easter Sunrise at Ober
Early morning Easter Service at Ober Gatlinburg includes complimentary tram service to the top of the resort begins at 5:45 a.m. Service begins at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet available.
Smoky Mountain Soul Vocal Competition
This honors the songwriting of Sevierville’s favorite daughter, Dolly Parton. Contestants must sing a song written by Dolly Parton in the style of his or her own choosing (country, rock, rap, bluegrass, etc.).
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
This 2-day event is held in the Spring and Fall every year. Furthermore, more than 10,000 trout are stocked in over 20 miles of streams prior to the tournament. There is $10,000+ awarded in cash and prizes. This is the largest trout tournament in the Smoky Mountains and is for all age groups, tourists and locals.
Spring Fling at Ober Ober Gatlinburg
This traditional spring celebration includes pond skimming, giant slalom, jump competition, plenty of food and drinks, and cool vendors. Registration will start in February and there will be loads of great prizes up for grabs. Held at Ober Gatlinburg ski area and freestyle terrain park.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
Experience unprecedented access to some of the nation’s leading botanical experts as well as Appalachian wildlife authorities. The Wildflower Pilgrimage, which dates to 1951, offers over 150 programs including an array of instructional walks and guided hiking tours tailored to meet individual walking skill and ability, along with demonstrations and guest lecturers.
SUMMER FESTIVALS
4th of July Midnight Parade
Saluting the men and women of our military services, the 41st “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!” parade starts at the stroke of midnight. This is one minute past 11:59 pm on July 3rd. The parade is held in downtown Gatlinburg and starts off Independence Day. Floats, balloons, and marching bands.
Festival of Nations
Dollywood’s Festival of Nations is a month-long event celebrating music, dance, food, and art. The event showcases the most captivating entertainment from around the world.
Gatlinburg Beans & Cornbread Festival Gatlinburg
Celebrate Appalachian culinary past with the Gatlinburg Beans and Cornbread Festival presented by Bush Brothers Company. Most of all, the event features a beans and cornbread cook-off, foot-stompin’ Smoky Mountain music, antique engines and lots of beans and cornbread for tasting. $10 admission. Purchase tickets: email info@gatlinburg.com or call 865-430-1817 or 800-588-1817.
Gatlinburg River Regatta
Anything floatable can be entered starting at 10 am on July 4th at the Christ in the Smokies bridge on River Road. It will end at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Awards will go to the top 3 in each category. The “Judges Choice” award will go to the most creative “raft.” Awards will be given to the oldest and the youngest participant. Registration begins at 10 am, and the race will start at 12:00 noon.
MountainFest
Kick up your feet up at this music and outdoor festival. Gather for four days this Fall with outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy over 30 live musical performances. Also running, biking, & fishing competitions, craft cocktails, award-winning spirits and brews.
Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival
Celebrate the area’s Appalachian musical roots. Gatlinburg will host its fourth annual Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival. Hear sounds of some of the biggest hits in country, gospel and bluegrass music will resonate through the streets of Gatlinburg.
FALL FESTIVALS
National Quartet Convention
Southern Gospel’s largest annual event, the National Quartet Convention the very best Southern Gospel music, singers, and quartets for more than 50 years!
National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration
This is the biggest Southern gospel festival in the Smoky Mountains. This six week harvest celebration features FREE gospel concerts! Furthermore, all concerts are included with Dollywood admission.
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
This 2-day event is held in the Spring and Fall every year. Especially relevant – more than 10,000 trout are stocked in over 20 miles of streams prior to the tournament. Especially relevant is $10,000+ awarded in cash and prizes. This is the largest trout tournament in the Smoky Mountains and is for all age groups, tourists and locals.
WINTER FESTIVALS
Smoky Mountain Winterfest
This four month event begins November 6, 2018 and continues through February 28, 2019. Millions of lights line the Parkway from I-40 at Hwy 66 all the way through Gatlinburg, TN. Furthermore, lots of great activities and shows are planned for the Winterfest celebration.
Great Smoky Christmas & Arts & Crafts Show
The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Easter Show features some of the finest artisans in the Southeast. These artists make up the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community located just off Hwy 321 in Gatlinburg. The show is held in the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
This festival runs from Nov. 4, 2018 through Jan. 3, 2019. Furthermore, it is a seven-time award winner of America’s Best Christmas Event. Come see four million holiday lights and spectacular holiday performances, including Dollywood’s A Christmas Carol.
Tennessee Special Olympics Winter Games
Come see over 150 Tennessee athletes with intellectual disabilities compete in alpine skiing, snowboarding and speed skating. Divisions are based on age and ability.
Wilderness Wildlife Week
Fill your week with special seminars and workshops. Learn about the wilderness and wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding outdoor areas.
So many festivals! So much fun! You and your family should pack up and head this way since we have plenty of places to stay. In addition, you probably need a break anyway. Maybe you could check out our cabins and find one perfect for the entire family, including grandma.
