Smoky Mountain Special Events

Townsend Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers Day
2017-09-29 - 2017-09-30
From their official Facebook page:
“A celebration of mountain and Appalachian arts and crafts. Features demonstrations, bluegrass and mountain music, an antique tractor and engine show, storytelling, children’s activities, crafts by local artisans, basketry, spinning, weaving, sorghum molasses, apple butter making, lye soap, beekeeping, and blacksmithing. 9 am-10 pm daily. Events are held at Townsend Visitors Center & Cades Cove. Appalachian Bear Rescue will host an information/merchandise booth.”
See more on this event at http://www.smokymountains.org/fall-festival/.

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
2017-09-24 - 2017-09-25
Visitors coming to the Smokies this weekend should bring their fishing gear, because the Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is going on Saturday and Sunday. Cash prizes will be awarded and if you’re interested in participating, contact Rocky Top Outfitter at 865-661-3474 or email rockytopoutfit@aol.com.

National Quartet Convention
2017-09-24 - 2017-09-30
From VisitTheSmokies.com:
“The National Quartet Convention is returning to Pigeon Forge for another exciting year of fun and adventure. Promising to be better and bigger than ever before, this year’s event is sure to be one that you and your family or group will remember for years to come. the National Quartet Convention is the largest collection of gospel music fans in the country. This year, event organizers expect over 40,000 attendees from 40 different states to come together and celebrate their love for music.
A week-long event, the convention features over 500 exhibitors, nearly 300 Gospel artists and a countless number of fans. With this many people, we can guarantee that there will be no shortage of new things to discover and inspirational music to hear.”
See more on this event at http://www.natqc.com/.

14th Annual Old Mill Heritage Day
2017-09-23
Nothing in Pigeon Forge exemplifies the spirit of our heritage like The Old Mill, and that heritage will be celebrated fully with the 14th annual Old Mill Heritage Day! Arts and crafts, music, quilt demonstrations, a petting zoo, kid’s train rides and more should all be expected for a beautiful day full of family fun! www.old-mill.com

Taste of Autumn
2017-09-14
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/taste-of-autumn/

Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run 2017
2017-09-14 - 2017-09-16
The rod runs are famous in Pigeon Forge for being the only times of the year where practically the entire city turns into a huge party for fans of all things automotive. Some of the coolest cars on planet Earth are expecting to be on display either parked or parading down the street with so many others. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/pigeon-forge-fall-rod-run/

Shades Of The Past Rod Run XXXV
2017-09-08 - 2017-09-09
Oh, the visitors of our area who love automobiles find September the best month for their Smoky Mountain Vacations. Two HUGE rod run weekends, one after the other, will turn downtown Pigeon Forge into a huge party! If you love Hot Rods, this is the month for you. www.shadesofthepast.com

Sevier County Fair
2017-09-04 - 2017-09-09
From Pigeonforge.com:
“It’s Fair time in Sevier County!! ENJOY ALL WEEK Free Laser Tag – Sponsored by Wonderworks– Check information booth for location Entertainment Sponsored by Sevier County Bank Poultry Show – Poultry Barn Scavenger Hunt- Exhibit Hall Money Pole-Sponsored by TopJump and located next to the Exhibit Hall Escape Room- back of the Little Red Barn Kid’s Farmer For A Day Tent Hubba Bubba Clown Show- Check our Information Booth for times and location Mainstreet Market – Moved to a new location, inside our Little Red Barn Theater And much more!”
See more information on this at http://www.pigeonforge.com/event/sevier-county-fair/.

Dollywood Rock the Smokies
2017-09-02
From VisitTheSmokies.com:
“Come experience a rocking worship experience Dollywood-style as we Rock the Smokies during the theme park’s newest Christian Music Festival, featuring Third Day and For King & Country. Dollywood is partnering with Premier Festivals to produce a powerful Christian rock experience in Dollywood’s Celebrity Theater. The day-long celebration provides time for both thrill rides and a Christian Festival for one great price.”
See more information on Rock the Smokies at www.rockthesmokies.com.

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/.
