Every season in East Tennessee is genuinely beautiful. East Tennessee is simply “friendly on the eyes” not to mention the heart and soul. Whether your are an investor or a resident, it is important to know why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is so highly visited, one reason is the fabulous festivals held throughout the year.
- * Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration
Now – August 11th
“Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration is just that—a time to celebrate making memories with family at a place everyone enjoys! This summertime event, presented by Food City, gives families a unique chance to ride Dollywood’s BBM world-class roller coasters, including Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle all day and well into the night! Once the sun sets, these rides will thrill guests as they race through the summer night not knowing which way the track will turn next!And this year’s celebration is about to get a little sweeter with Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights, a guest favorite, as well as other show offerings.Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights is a multi-sensory drone light show that creates a magnificent symphony of light in the sky above the park. Guests will be delighted as they watch hundreds of drones each evening illuminate the skies. This performance is integrated into a musically-choreographed fireworks show, creating a spectacular nighttime experience of epic proportions.”
See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/dollywood-summer.* - Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
Now – July 31st
“Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is a strolling street performance event featuring musical performers, storytellers, cloggers and artisans in Gatlinburg. Tunes & Tales is a street performance festival featuring costumed musical performers, dancers, and storytellers portraying characters from time periods as far back as the 1800s. Daily performances from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.”See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/smoky-mountain-tunes-and-tales/13/.*
Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference
July 27th
“Get ready for the 6th annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference, where we have the privilege of bringing you an incredible event supported by our amazing sponsors! This conference is not just for Bigfoot enthusiasts, but for anyone who wants to believe. Join us as we take you on a journey to unravel the mysteries of Bigfoot on stage as well as sponsors and vendors selling all kinds of Bigfoot and cryptozoology gear. So gear up and get ready to be a part of this one-of-a-kind gathering!”See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/smoky-mountain-bigfoot-conference/686/.*
- Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede
August 16th – August 17th
“The Great Smoky Mountain Bronco® Stampede is a major annual event in TN held at the Le Conte Center in Pigeon Forge.The event is open to ALL Bronco® enthusiasts and Bronco® clubs throughout the nation. It is an Expo for all the leading Bronco® parts and accessory vendors, and the smaller vendors who deal in Bronco® and off-road-related products.”See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/great-smoky-mountain-bronco-stampede/.*
- Gatlinburg Songwriter’s Festival
August 16th – August 18th
“Welcome to the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival – an intimate, two day music series taking place at the Historic Gatlinburg Inn that features some of the top songwriters in Nashville, responsible for multi-platinum hit songs.” See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburg-songwriters-festival/321/.*
- Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion
August 22nd – August 24th
“The 11th annual Great Smoky Mountain Jeep® Club Invasion will be held once again be held at the LeConte Event Center at Pigeon Forge with show hours daily from 9 am-5 pm. Admission can be purchased each day at the door, we can only accept cash at the outside admission tents and can accept both cash and credit at the inside admissions booths of the LeConte Center.Daily admission includes admittance into the inside vendor area, the outside vendor areas, and the Show & Shine event for $18 per adult, $8 for children 6-12, and children 5 and under are free, we do not offer presales on admission tickets, so do not fall into any online scams.Attendees come to meet and purchase products from many of their favorite merchandisers for Jeeps of all varieties, including Wrangler, JT, JL, JK, TJ, and YJ, as well as XJs and WJs. The Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion also offers patrons the opportunity to participate in one of the largest Show and Shine Competition Jeep Shows around.” See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/great-smoky-mountain-jeep-invasion/.*
- The Mountain Music Festival
August 23rd – August 25th
“A Smoky Mountain Rock N Roll Hoedown! Music, Food and Nothin’ But A Good Time in the Smokies.The time has finally come to prepare for our journey back to the Smoky Mountains and we are happy to invite you along for the ride. We are excited to announce our lineup and all the details…Get ready for the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Festival! Welcome to the Monsters on the Mountain!This will be an epic 3-Day immersive Fan and Artist Music Celebration like no other! An inviting and quaint mountain town in eastern Tennessee, Gatlinburg is a fabulous tourist destination featuring great dining options, outdoor attractions, shops, and a plethora of lodging options all nestled under the backdrop of the breath-taking Smoky Mountains.” See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/the-mountain-music-festival/301/.*
- Gatlinburg Harvest Festival
September 4th – November 9th
“To fully embrace the fall season, the City of Gatlinburg is expanding Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival beginning mid-September through late November. The extension of the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival offers visitors more time to plan a trip to the Smokies during the peak of the fall season.Vote For Your FavoriteEvery year the community competes for Best Harvest Decorations. This year, we are inviting visitors to weigh in on your favorite displays in the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival “People’s Choice Award.” As you visit town, take note of the gorgeous decorations and vote for your favorite. You can find all the Harvest Festival Participants here.Scarecrow Scavenger HuntGatlinburg is rolling out all the stops with seasonal decorations. Gatlinburg Harvest Festival will also feature over-the-top fall displays including life-size, 3-dimensional scarecrow people. Participate in a Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt by downloading the Visit Gatlinburg app to locate each of the 30 unique scarecrows throughout downtown Gatlinburg and then share your scarecrow selfies on social using #GatlinburgFall.” See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburg-harvest-festival/642/.*
- Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana
September 9th – October 28th
“Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana provides bushels of fall fun thanks to everyone’s favorite Smoky Mountain tradition, Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Dollywood stays open late each evening giving families more time to enjoy the glow of thousands of carved pumpkins throughout the park.Dollywood guests also can enjoy the spectacular artistry of visiting crafters from across the country or sample the special harvest-themed food items from Dollywood’s award-winning foods team. Each day is a picture-perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the experiences of a Smoky Mountain harvest.” See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/harvest-celebration.*
- Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run
September 12 – September 14th
“A spectacular 3-day event for any car enthusiast! $8,000 cash giveaway, Top 25 Awards, Ultimate 5 Awards and King of the Hill. Huge swap meet with hundreds of show cars and car corral.Join the many automotive enthusiasts and come on out to the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, the area’s largest automotive event! Don’t miss this incredible car show! For registration and show information contact MCS Promotions at (865) 687-3976.” See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/pigeon-forge-fall-rod-run/.*
- Bear-Varian Beer Festival
September 15th to August 31st
“Bear-Varian Beer Festival is a two-month culinary extravaganza celebrating the flavors of the season with entertainment, food, beer, and cider. Guests can indulge in Pork Schnitzel with brussels and smashed potatoes at Cliff Top Restaurant, a giant turkey leg from Smokehouse Bar and Grill, soft pretzels at the Watering Can, Bratwurst and Kraut at Kephart Cafe and delight in sweet German Chocolate Cake Funnel Fries at the Snack Shack. All of Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian themed fare is expertly created and prepared by in-house chefs.”See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/bear-varian-beer-festival/612/.*
- Pigeon Forge Bluegrass Festival
September 20 – September 21
“The Pigeon Forge Bluegrass Festival is a first-class production featuring an all-star lineup of some of the nation’s top Bluegrass talent! Make plans now to come out to the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge for great music and fun.Festival starts at 6pm (doors open at 5pm).For tickets, call 1-800-965-9324 or visit the Bluegrass Festival website.” See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/pigeon-forge-bluegrass-festival/.*
- National Quartet Convention
September 22 – September 28
“Gospel Music’s largest annual event drawing 40,000 people from over 40 states and a half dozen countries to a week-long Gospel Music festival, featuring the very best in the world of traditional Gospel Music.” See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/national-quartet-convention/.*
- Rotary Club Fall Crafts Festival
September 27th – October 26th
“Visitors to Pigeon Forge have the opportunity to see and purchase handmade items from some of the area’s most talented artists and crafters. Stop by the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Crafts Festival in Patriot Park. Admission and parking is free, however, a freewill donation will be distributed to local and area charities.” See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/rotary-club-fall-crafts-festival/.*
- Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
October 3rd – October 20th
“The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. Shop indoors among two hundred booths of unique, one-of-a-kind handmade products that are beautifully displayed for your shopping pleasure. As these skilled craftspeople demonstrate their talents, you can witness works of art come to life. Each participant is subject to a rigorous jury process to ensure the uniqueness and quality of their respective products. Look for exceptional jewelry, pottery pieces, painted artwork, molded leather, copper art, local candy makers, photography, and many more unique items.Come inside to cool off, warm up, or dodge rain showers. (Free for Kids 17 and under with a Paid Adult). Kids enjoy the demonstrations, talking with artists about what they make, and always learning something new! Enjoy hands-on arts and crafts the kids can take home: Visit The Kids Korner, operated by teen and adult volunteers from the Smoky Mountain Resort Ministry.”See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/fall-gatlinburg-craftsmens-fair/824/.*
- Chalkfest at The Island
October 6th
“Professional and aspiring chalk artists will gather at The Island in Pigeon Forge to adorn its concrete with colorful masterpieces made entirely with chalk during the annual Chalkfest.All artists, professional and aspiring, are invited to create a masterpiece. Registration is free and chalk and concrete are provided.If you prefer to just watch, come check out four featured artists and be sure to vote for your favorite community piece!” See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/chalkfest-at-the-island/.*
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Presented By Humana
November 1st – January 5th, 2025
“It’s an all-new Dollywood Christmas traditionWander through more than six million holiday lights shining bright throughout the Dollywood park, delight in the spectacular holiday performances, soak up the warm Christmas atmosphere, and it’s easy to see why Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is such a beloved holiday tradition.Family-favorite shows:
* Christmas in the Smokies and Twas the Night Before Christmas return to share holiday cheer for another year!
* Enjoy these classics on our indoor stages, then stroll through the crisp mountain air to experience outdoor performances of Appalachian Christmas, Holiday Wild Roots, and O Holy Night.Don’t miss a minute of holiday music. Bring your family to Dollywood and experience these cherished holiday traditions this Christmas.Sample a Christmas menu filled with culinary surprises. Looking for the perfect family meal to celebrate the holidays? Dollywood has that too! Dollywood’s team of chefs have a menu full of culinary surprises sure to delight.Race through the night sky on world-class rides. As always, guests can experience Dollywood’s world-class rides amidst the hustle and bustle of the park during the holidays, as most rides are operational during the Christmas season. Nothing compares to racing quickly through the night sky with millions of lights twinkling below.”See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/smoky-mountain-christmas/.*
Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic & Chili Cookoff
November 7th
“Celebrate the kickoff of Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic at the 35th Chili Cookoff presented by Bush’s Chili Beans. Offering mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous, Gatlinburg hosts this annual event on Thursday, November 7 from 5 to 8 PM in the Shade Tree Parking lot (120 Airport Road). Festivalgoers will enjoy free, live entertainment offered throughout the event.IMPORTANT INFORMATION* Tickets will be required for entry to 2024 Gatlinburg Chili Cook-Off.
* Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis.
* Due to the popularity of this event, we strongly suggest you purchase tickets in advance.
* There will be no refunds for this event.TICKET INFO* VIP tickets are $50 per person for early entry beginning at 4:00 p.m. This will get the ticket holder into the International Chili Society Cookoff and get to experience some of the best chili around, music and drinks!
* General Admission tickets are $25 per person beginning at 5:00 p.m.
* Ages 5 & up must have a ticket for entry. Under 5 are free but will not be given a spoon for sampling.” See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburgs-winter-magic-%26-chili-cookoff/16/.*
Pigeon Forge Winterfest
November 7th – February 16th, 2025
“Annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest Celebration. Draped in more than 6 million holiday lights, the annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest celebration creates a winter wonderland for locals and guests alike to enjoy. The lights of Winterfest shine bright from early November until February.From winter light displays to captivating holiday shows and so much more, here are just a few of the fun ways you can experience the delightful Pigeon Forge Winterfest celebration.Pigeon Forge Winterfest keeps getting bigger and brighter! When the city-wide festival begins on Nov. 9, visitors will get to experience the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail. In all, more than one million LED lights were added to the city’s Winterfest displays.”See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/winterfest/.*
Hearts On Fire
November 22nd – November 23rd
“Hearts on Fire will be held in Pigeon Forge at the beautiful LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge in November. We look forward to being able to meet in person again this year! Plan now to attend this youth evangelism conference. As always, the conference ministers to middle school, high school, college-age, and singles but not limited by age. Our purpose is to fan the flames within the hearts of all ages and to challenge them to a dynamic walk and commitment in Christ!”See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/hearts-on-fire.* - Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Thanksgiving Show
November 26th – December 1st
“The Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show runs from November 26 – December 1. Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual Thanksgiving show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community is the nation’s largest organization of independent artisans makes its home in Gatlinburg, TN.The Tennessee artist and craftsmen here create beautiful and useful things with techniques handed down for decades. Find gorgeous quilts, old-fashioned straw brooms with hand-carved handles, exquisitely woven baskets, hand-dipped scented candles, Victorian ceramic pitchers, pottery, dulcimers, stuffed bears, leather vests, and more. There is handmade jewelry unlike any you’ll find back home. Painters capture scenes of landscapes and mountain life, while potters and weavers work magic with clay and cloth.”See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/great-smoky-arts-%26-crafts-community-thanksgiving-show/442/.*
Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees
November 27th – December 1st
“This year marks the 50th year of Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees. Hospitality Solutions is honored to participate as the Presenting Sponsor again in 2024. Our special 50th Anniversary Sponsor, who is also celebrating their 50th Anniversary is Citizens National Bank. The proceeds from Gatlinburg Festival of Trees 2024 will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation.The Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains serve more than 1,600 local youth across Sevier County. The clubs offer youth a safe place to learn and grow through programs designed to build character and strengthen life skills while not at home or school. We are very pleased to announce that the proceeds from the Festival’s 49th year netted a donation of $75,000 to Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and $15,000 to the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarship Fund. With your help and participation, we hope to continue to make this 50th year a very special one.”See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburgs-festival-of-trees/29/.