Must See Events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg

There are a bunch of amazing events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg around the year. The natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains provides a stunning and captivating backdrop for any event. The picturesque landscapes and scenic vistas create a memorable and enchanting atmosphere for festival-goers. Additionally, these towns offer a plethora of tourist attractions, including theme parks, museums, and outdoor activities, which can enhance the overall festival experience and attract a diverse audience. At it’s core, the local communities in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have a deep-rooted sense of pride and hospitality, eagerly supporting and participating in festivals. This community support adds to the festive spirit and contributes to the overall success and enjoyment of events in the area. Here are some of the must see events throughout the year!

Spring Events

Spring in the Smoky Mountains is an incredible time with the festivals and flowers blooming. Here’s some of the best events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in the Spring.

Dollywood’s “I Will Always Love You” Festival

Pigeon Forge during March 9th through April 14th. Held at Dollywood theme park, kick off the season with a festive event featuring new entertainment elements every Dolly fan will love like an updated version of Paradise Road, new show called Trio and an interactive singalong featuring Dolly’s biggest hits.

Dollywood opening day for 2024 is March 8th for season pass holders, and March 9th for the general public.

Chevys in the Smokys + Corvette Expo

In it’s 47th year, this annual car car show and swap meet celebrates Camaros, Chevelles, C10s, and all types of Chevrolet vehicles. They have also combined it with a Corvette Expo so you’ll see 1,000s of classic American cars. It’s all happening at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge.

• 2024 Dates are March 15-16

Ponies in the Smokies

Join us for Ponies in the Smokies car show featuring 108,000 square feet of indoor vendors and special displays. Come and enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountains and kick off the 2024 car show season right! It’s all happening at the Sevierville Convention Center.

• 2024 Dates are March 18-23

Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show

Unique handcrafted gifts and products produced by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are placed on display and offered for sale as they host their annual Easter show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Demonstrations are part of the show. The event is free and always a good time.

• 2024 Dates are March 27-30

Dollywood’s “Flower & Food” Festival

Pigeon Forge during April 19th through June 9th. Held at Dollywood theme park, explore the larger-than-life blooming sculptures, dance under a picturesque Umbrella Sky, indulge in garden-fresh flavors and enjoy all-new indoor and outdoor entertainment. They have over a million blooming flowers on display.

Smoky Mountain Music Festival

Gatlinburg in April. More than 6500 groups from 29 states and Canada have participated in choral, band and orchestra events. The Smoky Mountain Music Festival has developed into one of the nation’s most exciting and educational festivals.

• 2024 dates are April 12th, 19th, and 26th

Anakeesta’s Blooms & Tunes

Gatlinburg in April. Beginning April 14. and running through May 29, the mountain will feature larger-than-life spring-themed art installations, daily live music and entertainment, chef-inspired seasonal menu items and over 10,000 new blooms in Vista Gardens.

Spring Rod Run

Join the many automotive enthusiasts and come on out to the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, the area’s largest automotive event. The spring event features top 25 awards, ultimate 5 awards, a huge swap meet with hundreds of showcars and car corral, and a big cash giveaway. This event has been running ever since 1970 and all the action is over at Le Conte Center in Pigeon Forge

• 2024 dates are April 18-20 and September 12-14

Bloomin’ BBQ and Bluegrass

Sevierville in May. Enjoy free admission and free concerts. Whether you’re enjoying toe-tapping tunes, devouring the nation’s best BBQ or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of one of the southeast’s top festivals, Bloomin’ BBQ is a weekend of fun for the whole family.

2024 dates are:

• Friday, May 17, 2024 | 5pm – 10pm
• Saturday, May 18, 2024 | 10am – 10pm

Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival

Townsend in May. Celebrating its 42nd year, the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games is Tennessee’s oldest festival of Scottish, Irish and Celtic culture. Presenting folk, roots, rock & pop music, highland athletics, pipes & drums, highland and Irish dance. Whisky tastings, vendors and a great selection of beer and food from the Scottish, Irish and British homelands. Enjoy a weekend of family fun in the beautiful foothills of Townsend, Tennessee, just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• 2024 dates are May 18 – 19th

Bruce Street Brew Fest

Sevierville in May. This is a fun microbrew festival and competition. Tickets are about $40 to try some of the best microbrews in the area.

• 2024 dates are May 4 from 2 pm- 6pm

Gatlinburg’s Beans and Cornbread Festival

Gatlinburg in May. Celebrating traditional Appalachian food, this festival brings together local chefs and restaurants to showcase their best beans and cornbread recipes.

Summer Events

Here are the best events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg during the Summer months, while it’s warm and the sun is shining.

Tastes of the Smokies

Townsend in June

Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

Gatlinburg in June to August. This summer-long festival in Gatlinburg features street performers, storytellers, musicians, and artisans, all showcasing the cultural heritage of the region.

Patriot Festival

Pigeon Forge on Fourth of July

Greenbrier Mountain Festival

Pittman Center in July

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

Gatlinburg in July and October. This renowned fair highlights the work of local artisans and craftsmen, displaying their handmade creations ranging from pottery and jewelry to woodwork and textiles.

Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival

Townsend in August

Rotary Club Crafts Festival

Pigeon Forge in August

Smoky Mountain Fan Fest

Sevierville in August

Heros & Legends Wrestling Fanfest

Pigeon Forge in August

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Fall Events

Here are the best events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in the Fall. This is one of the best times of the year because of the changing colors and harvest season.

Fall Rod Run

Join the many automotive enthusiasts and come on out to the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, the area’s largest automotive event. The spring event features top 25 awards, ultimate 5 awards, a huge swap meet with hundreds of showcars and car corral, and a big cash giveaway. This event has been running ever since 1970 and all the action is over at Le Conte Center in Pigeon Forge

• 2024 dates are April 18-20 and September 12-14

Great Smoky Mountains Jeep Invasion

The Pigeon Forge area draws in over 12 million visitors per year, making it the perfect location to spend time with family and friends at the 12th annual Great Smoky Mountain Jeep® Invasion. Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, the area has over 800 miles of breathtaking trails, many historic sites, a multitude of wildlife, and just a stone’s throw away from hundreds of stores. The area also offers over 100 restaurants including southern favorites, international cuisine, and several dinner theaters. The gathering is at the LeConte Center but you’ll also see Jeeps decked out everywhere along the Parkway and beyond.

• 2024 dates are Aug 22-24

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival

Gatlinburg in Mid-Sept through November. This festival celebrates the beauty of autumn and the harvest season with various events showcasing local crafts, music, and food.

Townsend Fall Heritage Festival

Townsend in September

Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival

Kodak in September

Wears Valley Fall Fest

Wears Valley in October

Grains & Grits

Townsend in November

Gatlinburg’s Chili cook-off

Gatlinburg in November

Winter Events in Pigeon Forge

Winter is an amazing time to go to the Smoky Mountains, with all the lights and Holiday charm. Here are the best events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in the winter.

Smoky Mountain Winterfest

Pigeon Forge in Nov to Feb. This festival transforms the region into a winter wonderland, with millions of twinkling lights, parades, and holiday-themed events, including the Christmas and New Year’s period. The lights usually stay up until mid-February.

Which events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas have you been to? Which were your favorites? We want to know…comment below!