Smoky Mountain Special Events

Solar Eclipse Event in the Smokies
2017-08-21
http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/solar-eclipse-in-pigeon-forge/

Welcome Home Veterans Parade
2017-08-19
From Mypigeonforge.com:
“Join us in Pigeon Forge as we salute America’s military veterans at The Veterans Homecoming Parade on Saturday, August 19th at 9:00 a.m. The Veterans Homecoming Parade will travel northbound on the Parkway beginning at traffic light #8 (Dollywood Lane) and ending at traffic light #5 (Jake Thomas Road).
For more information view the event flyer complete with a map of the parade here, or call 1-800-251-9100.”

6th Annual Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival
2017-08-16 - 2017-08-20
A late Summer hit is returning once again this year, the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival is returning to showcase singer songwriters and some of the best undiscovered Appalachian music you can find in one spot. See more at www.smswf.com.

Stringtime In The Smokies
2017-08-05
From Mypigeonforge.com:
“Come out to Old Mill Square for free music during Stringtime in the Smokies! This year’s event features Grassroots Gringos, Richard Bennett, Wyatt Rice and Robinella. Register to compete or sit back and watch the Smoky Mountain Cornhole Tournament in Memory of Sergeant Brett Benton. Festivities begins at 11:00 a.m. with evening bluegrass performances beginning at 7:00 p.m. Bring along your own lawn chair and enjoy the Stringtime in the Smokies.”
For more information on this event, go to http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/stringtime/.

2017 Square Dance Convention
2017-08-03 - 2017-08-05
From Pigeonforge.com:
“Join us on August 3rd, 4th and 5th 2017 for the 43rd Convention, back in Gatlinburg again after that record-setting 2016 Convention there. The beautiful W. L. Mills Conference Center provides more than great dancing space in a comfortable and convenient layout.”
See more on this event at http://tnsquaredance.org/convention/.

Celebrate Freedom
2017-08-01 - 2017-08-31
Throughout the month of August, many businesses in the city will offer particular discounts for former and current members of the US military branches under the banner of “Celebrate Freedom”. This includes lodging, vacation cabin rentals, restaurants, attractions and more.
The full list of participants for this year’s Celebrate Freedom can be found at http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/celebrate-freedom/.

Tax Free Weekend
2017-07-28 - 2017-07-30
The tax free weekend is the Summer weekend where school items, clothing and computers do not have any sales tax added onto them (saving people a decent chunk of money). This applies to school items and clothing less than $100 in value each item and computers less than $1,500 in value. The Smoky Mountains are a popular destination place during this time as many are able to find great school supplies, clothes and computers here during that time.
For more details about tax free weekend, go to https://www.tn.gov/revenue/article/sales-tax-holiday.

Summer Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
2017-07-14 - 2017-07-24
Art, crafts and music lovers will discover over 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country and Bluegrass entertainment. www.craftsmenfair.com

27th Annual Patriot Festival
2017-07-04
From Mypigeonforge.com:
“Pigeon Forge looks good in red, white, and blue, and so will you at the 27th Annual Patriot Festival. Join us at Patriot Park on Tuesday, July 4th for a night of live music, food, and fun games in celebration of our great nation’s birthday.
The headliner for this year’s event is an American country music husband and wife duo, Thompson Square. Their hit singles include, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” and “If I Didn’t Have You.”
All activities are free and open to the public, and are sure to be enjoyed by the entire family! Bring a seat and stay a while. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome.”
See more information on this at http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/patriot-festival/.

First Independence Day Parade In The Nation
2017-07-04
Saluting the valiant men and women of our military services, this annual showcase is the “First July 4th Parade in this Nation!” Parade starts at the stroke of midnight to begin Independence Day. Floats, balloons, and marching bands pay tribute to our country during this Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. www.gatlinburg.com

Free Gatlinburg Parkway Trolley
2017-06-17 - 2017-08-20
From Gatlinburg.com:
“Visitors to Gatlinburg have an additional means to explore the Parkway via this shuttle route which is free for the summer. The free specially painted open-air shuttles will operate from 10 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily June 17 through August 20. Extra stops have been established along the special route to bring the number to 40 along Parkway.”
See more information on this at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/free-parkway-trolley/.

MAGMA Gaming Event
2017-06-09 - 2017-06-11
The Mountain Association of Gaming and Media Alliance is coming to the LeConte Convention Center in Pigeon Forge and there will, naturally, gaming events, guest actors from anime and video game roles and much more. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/magma-gaming-event/

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
2017-06-09 - 2017-07-29
Ever wanted the Smokies to be filled with the old timey music and legends that it used to have way back in the day? Come to Gatlinburg for Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales and you can experience Gatlinburg celebrating Appalachian Culture the way it used to. Music, stories, dancing all throughout the city on evenings. www.gatlinburg.com

Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival
2017-05-26 - 2017-05-31
Dollywood provides some of THE best pork, chicken, beef and Southern music entertainment East Tennessee has to enjoy in May in addition to the dozens of rides and interactive fun stuff they provide almost year-round as well. www.dollywood.com.

Arrowmont’s 7th Annual Shine, Wine & Dine
2017-05-19
From Pigeonforge.com:
“This event is a significant fundraiser for the arts and crafts school and is designed to be an evening of fun and fine art with artwork generously donated by regional and national artists, great wines and unique event packages. For more information, call (865) 436-5860.”
See more on Arrowmont at https://www.arrowmont.org/.

Bloomin' BBQ & Bluegrass Festival
2017-05-19 - 2017-05-20
One of the few events to take place in downtown Sevierville, there are hundreds of different ways to get the best barbecue platter you’ve ever had and there will be a marathon of bluegrass and local acts playing on stage while arts and crafts booths open up on the avenues surrounding it. Lots of great stuff there and you can see more at http://www.bloominbbq.com/

Gatlinburg Beans & Cornbread Festival
2017-05-11
From Gatlinburg.com:
“Gatlinburg Beans and Cornbread Festival presented by Bush Brothers & Company is Thursday, May 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Parkway between traffic lights 6 and 8. While the festival is free, attendees can purchase a spoon for $10 and sample recipes from all booths while supplies last and children ages 7 and under can sample for free. Of course, visitors will be able to taste plenty of beans and cornbread. Area restaurants, businesses and caterers will be preparing traditional and original beans and cornbread recipes for tasting while vying for top honors in the cook-off. Bush’s Best will be featured in all the recipes served at the festival.”
See more information at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburg-beans-and-cornbread-festival/.

27th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week
2017-05-09 - 2017-05-13
If you love the nitty-gritty details and the dirt and all of what makes the mountains Smoky, this is your event. A full week of lectures, vendors, guest speakers, wildlife guests and even guided walks through the mountains… aaaannnd we hadn’t even mentioned admission is free – until now. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events_winterfest_wilderness.aspx

Nawger Nob Arts & Crafts
2017-05-06 - 2017-05-07
From Pigeonforge.com:
“Two Day Arts and Crafts Fair under the trees at Nawger Knob Shopping Area. Dozens of crafts persons and booths, runs all day.

For More Information visit www.woodcarvers.com.”

32nd Annual Dolly Parade 2017
2017-05-05
Dolly Parton herself is the grand marshal of Pigeon Forge’s annual Spring Parade through the streets of downtown Pigeon Forge. Awesome floats and great, free fun for everyone! www.mypigeonforge.com

Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters
2017-05-03 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
From Mypigeonforge.com:
“Join us for a free, special performance by Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters! This country/ rockabilly band will perform on the Old Smoky Moonshine stage at The Island in Pigeon Forge on May 3rd. After enjoying a moonshine tasting plan on sticking around for this exclusive, free concert. The show starts at 8 p.m. ”
See more on this event at http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/billy-bob-thornton-and-the-boxmasters/.

A Mountain Quiltfest
2017-03-21 - 2017-03-25
This event is a lot more popular and a lot more fun than you might guess, and even those who aren’t particularly into quilting will find something worthwhile here. Those who ARE into quilting have found their yearly event, for this festival offers thousands of quilts, 60 quilting classes and workshops, $20,000 in cash and prizes, and quite a bit more. See more on this at http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/quiltfest/.

Dollywood's Festival of Nations
2017-03-19 - 2017-04-09
Festival of the Nations returns for 2017 to once again serve as the grand opening for the Dollywood operating schedule. Festival of the Nations transforms Dollywood into something the county rarely sees – a representation of many different countries and cultures and entertainments all in one place. Ireland, Mexico, Russia, Germany, Ecuador, Canada, Africa and many other nations will be represented all throughout the park. See more information on this at www.dollywood.com.

Pigeon Forge Chuckwagon Cookoff
2017-03-04
Food Network star Kent Rollins will be hosting this new event built off the previous “Saddle Up!” convention of years previous. More than 10 chuck wagons will gather at Clabough’s Campground on Wears Valley Road (across the street from Pigeon Forge Middle) and serve some awesome Western-style lunch. Other free activities will be available also. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/chuckwagon-cookoff-competition/

Rose Glen Literary Festival
2017-02-11
The literary festival for 2017 takes place at the Sevierville Convention Center and is featuring Jon Jefferson and Dr. Bill Bass, who, together, make up “Jefferson Bass”, the author of the Body Farm series. See more at http://visitsevierville.com/MobileRoseGlen/Default.aspx.

Smoky Mountain Strong
2017-02-10 - 2017-02-11
This is a brand new event for the post-holiday Winterfest season and it includes a major bluegrass music festival designed to continue raising funds for the Dollywood Foundation Wildfire Scholarship Fund. Performers include Flatt Lonesome, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, David Adkins Band, Lonesome river Band, Jimbo Whaley & Greenbriar and more. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/smoky-mountain-strong-a-bluegrass-celebration/

2017 Winter Heritage Festival in Townsend
2017-01-27 - 2017-01-29
The Winter Heritage Festival is a weekend of culturally enriching activities at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend. Speakers will come and talk about family history in the mountains, programs the national park puts in place, stories and much more. http://www.gsmheritagecenter.org/

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show
2016-12-31
Gatlinburg writes: “Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2016 in unique style with its 28th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late Thursday night, December 31.” http://www.gatlinburg.com/events/details.aspx?id=117

New Years Eve at The Island
2016-12-31
Pigeon Forge writes: “Ring in the New Year with us on The Island! After our widely successful event last year we are back BIGGER and BETTER with a night packed full of fun! Live music & plenty of family fun, plus attractions! And what’s a New Years Celebration without a midnight countdown and fireworks? Its all brought to you FREE by The Island!” http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/new-years-eve-at-the-island/

Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival
2016-12-07 - 2016-12-10
A four-day music mini-festival at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center just off the parkway in Pigeon Forge with lots of artists playing, Christmas cheer and much more featured. Talent includes Balsam Ridge, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Grascals, Sideline and more. http://www.smokymountainconventioncenter.com
