Easter, Mother’s Day, and (for some) even Father’s Day this year have been spent at home with video chats to close friends and family… Independence Day is a time for gathering together and celebrating our country’s freedom, and while forming groups larger than 50 is not recommended for now, traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains and enjoying 4th of July together this summer is A-okay.
Quite a few events have been cancelled to aid in health and safety efforts, like the annual Patriot Festival in Pigeon Forge and the Independence Day Parade in Gatlinburg, TN. However, there’s still fun to be had in town with fireworks, friendly (no contact) competition, and live performances. Plus, you’ll find plenty of entertainment and relaxing amenities at your cabin rental in the Smokies — including private pools, hot tubs, loaded rec rooms, home theaters, and king suites!
Whether you want to spend Independence Day in privacy at your cabin or venture out to play at local events (safely), the Great Smoky Mountains are eager to see you again. And with July 4th on a Saturday this year (2020), it’s the perfect time to take a mini (or extended) vacation and reconnect with loved ones.
Attend Public Events Safely
With cancelled holiday events around the country, it’s nice to have some to look forward to for 4th of July in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges east of the Mississippi — the Great Smoky Mountains. Of course, safety is a top priority at all events still being held in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Social distancing is encouraged at all times, those who are feeling even slightly unwell are asked not to attend, and other options to enjoy the events are being made available to help.
Fireworks!
Pop — Sizzle — BAM! Who doesn’t love a good ole fireworks show? The annual Pigeon Forge fireworks display at Patriot Park is still on and ready to blow you away on July 4th! Starting at 9:30 p.m., this fun event is FREE to the public and lasts roughly 20 minutes. Visitors able to participate by drive-in are urged to do so to help limit crowds. And if you aren’t ready to venture outside, you can listen in at the cabin via the radio simulcast on WIVK-FM 107.7 FM station in neighboring Knoxville.
Patriot Park
186 Old Mill Avenue
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
865.429.7350
Wishing to see more colorful fire light up the night sky? Check out Gatlinburg’s free Fireworks Finale at the Gatlinburg Space Needle downtown. Lively and bright, this event is also free and starts at 11 p.m. Opt for a close-up view in town or ask one of our Vacation Specialists about our cabins with city views of Gatlinburg for a fireworks show from your deck at a super safe distance.
Gatlinburg Space Needle
115 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
River Raft Regatta
Held annually in Gatlinburg, the River Raft Regatta promotes friendly — and no contact — competition for all ages on the Little Pigeon River. Another free event to enjoy on the 4th of July, this river race consists of unmanned floats competing down the river from Christ in the Smokies Bridge to the finish line at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. You can create your own floating vessel, rent a rubber duck for $2-5 (all proceeds go to the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation), or enter a cool miniature sailboat — the options are endless! After registering your buoyant watercraft at the bridge (starts at 10 a.m.), the race will begin promptly at noon. Good luck!
What Do You Win?
Trophies will be awarded to third, second, and first place in 3 categories.
- Treasure — purchased watercrafts
- Duck — rubber duckies!
- Most Creative Float — handcrafted floats
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
Along with fireworks and river racing, harken to Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales, an annual summer event that features live performances on the streets of downtown Gatlinburg. Learn more about Appalachian culture through story, song, and dance as performers tell tales in costume, play dulcimer and bluegrass beats, and clog the nights away! Free for all to enjoy, the entertainment begins every evening from 6-11 p.m., July 1 – August 1. And if you’re keen to participate without getting too close to anyone, it’s a great opportunity to take a few leisurely drives through town.
Celebrate at YOUR Cabin
Attending local Smoky Mountain events for Independence Day is great — and returning to your private, clean cabin in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg is even better. Not convinced? Take look at some of our top amenities, perfect for 4th of July fun!
- Splash in the private indoor pool with waterfall and color changing lights.
- Cook out on the gas/charcoal grill and set out a festive feast at the picnic table.
- Sway in the rocking chairs and gaze upon breathtaking Smoky Mountain views.
- Host a game tournament with air hockey, pool, and arcade games in the rec room.
- Mix cocktails at the wet bar and whip up patriotic snacks in the fully equipped kitchen.
- Watch Independence Day on a big screen with booming surround sound in the theater room.
- Take a soothing soak with bubbly massage in the steamy hot tub under the stars.
- Dream sweetly in the master suite’s plush king size bed every night.
Make YOUR 4th of July spectacular with annual events and cabin fun in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN!