Crowded beaches, sensitive sunburns, and cramped hotel rooms…sounds like you need to revamp your spring and summer plans for 2020. How about music and dance, arts and crafts, wine and treats, festivals and fireworks, car shows and competitions, plus other unique events — with stunning mountain vistas all around and a roomy cabin to call home? If you’re nodding yes, give the Great Smoky Mountains a try this year. The air is cooler, the views are priceless, the cabins are amenity-packed, and the events are plenty! In fact, we’ve narrowed down our favorite spring and summer events to help you plan your Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg getaway. All you need is a few days (or more) to enjoy the area, a private cabin hub, and friends and family to share it with.
MARCH
26th Annual A Mountain Quiltfest | March 4 – 7
Quilts, quilts, and more quilts — it’s a heritage festival of quilt making with crafters from all over the country, 100s of beautiful pieces, contests, and even classes on the classic skill at this Pigeon Forge event.
Smoky Mountain Encore | March 12 – 14
Clogging is a fun form of dance for all ages! Participate in workshops, listen in on seminars, and watch competitions of the sport at this unique Smoky Mountain event in Pigeon Forge.
Dollywood’s Festival of Nations | March 14 – April 20
See how other cultures bring traditional dance and food to the Pigeon Forge party at this popping festival featuring performances and flavors from many nations at Dollywood!
APRIL
22nd Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament | Early April
Cast your best line in this fierce fishing competition held biannually in Pigeon Forge. Rainbow trout are the target — with a whopping cash prize for the largest and smallest catch!
Chuck Wagon Cookoff Competition | April 4 – 5
Pop on your bib and loosen your belt for this mouthwatering cookoff of the finest frontier recipes prepared by Pigeon Forge cowboys at their chuck wagons!
Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show | April 8 – 11
Just in time for Easter, this local arts and crafts show in Gatlinburg brings the best creators in the area to you — with handmade pieces that make great gifts for family, friends…and yourself.
Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch with the Easter Bunny | April 11
Ever wanted to meet the Easter Bunny? Now’s your chance — and your little ones will love you for it — at the Old Mill Restaurant! There’s even an egg hunt the same day at Patriot Park.
Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run | April 16 – 18
Hot rods meet gearheads at this biannual Pigeon Forge event filled to the brim with stunning cars, competitions, car parts, and prizes at the LeConte Center.
Wildflower Pilgrimage | April 21 – 25
Hike the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with professional guides to learn about the flora and fauna of the area. Plus, there are tons of courses to choose from at this informative event.
13th Annual Mountain Man Memorial March | April 24 – 25
Honor fallen members of the armed forces at this patriotic event where military and civilians march together in remembrance at this annual Gatlinburg event.
MAY
Music in the Mountains Spring Parade | May 1
Come watch the spring parade in Pigeon Forge that features music as the star of the show in celebration of the area’s rhythmic and upbeat heritage.
Smoky Mountain Wine Weekend | May 1 – 2
Flavor and fun combine as you sip fine wine from 18+ Tennessee wineries and savor pairing dishes from top local restaurants at this exclusive Gatlinburg event.
Dollywood Flower & Food Festival | May 8 – June 14
A brand-new Pigeon Forge event filled with scrumptious treats and ~500,000 gorgeous blossoms, it’s sure to be a beautiful hit with the whole family!
Sweets & Beats at The Island | May 9
Rain or shine, the music must play, the treats must be extra sweet, and the flavors must flow at this delightful Pigeon Forge event on The Island.
MayFest at Ober Gatlinburg | May 15 – 25
Bringing the heart of German tradition to the Great Smoky Mountains, Ober Gatlinburg’s MayFest presents a Biergarten, art demos, free activities for the kiddos, and a Maypole folk dance!
JUNE
Picnic Wine Trail | Early June
Follow the Rocky Top Wine Trail — that includes 5 local wineries — and grab picnic treats along the way at this delectable and relaxing Smoky Mountain event.
20th Annual Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge | June 4 – 7
Get revved for the annual Pontiacs car show and swap meet in Pigeon Forge! And the best part is all proceeds go straight to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales | June 19 – August 2
All summer long, harken to Appalachian beats and stories rooted in tradition from locals in costume along the streets of Gatlinburg.
Dollywood’s Summer Celebration | June 20 – August 2
Fireworks most nights, The Gazillion Bubble Show, extended park hours, special entertainment, and Southern treats await this summer at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge!
JULY
Gatlinburg’s 4th of July Midnight Parade & Fireworks | July 3 – 4
Attend the first Independence Day parade in the nation as the floats take off at midnight, followed by a spectacular fireworks show in Gatlinburg!
Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta | July 4
Show off your best floating creation for the win at the Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta that features prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in varying categories.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair | July 10 – 19
With 180 booths boasting beautiful handmade items, this fair for crafters and craft lovers is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Gatlinburg.
Arise Youth Conference | July 20 – 23
Fellowship, worship services, and group sessions make this youth conference fun and memorable for youngsters from across the country.
AUGUST
Veterans Homecoming Parade | August 8
Saluting military veterans, the City of Pigeon Forge welcomes you to attend this annual event held to honor those who’ve served and protected our country.
Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion | August 20 – 22
Join 1,000s of Jeep enthusiasts at this invasion into Pigeon Forge — with around 10,000 Jeeps + 100 vendors + competitions!
Dollywood’s Rock the Smokies | August 22
Opt for Christian rock at this family-friendly and festive Pigeon Forge event at Dollywood! Paired with rides, dining, and shopping in between, it’s great for a fully day of fun and worship together.
Are YOU ready to play, explore, dine, sip, and win this spring and summer in the Great Smoky Mountains?! Don’t wait to plan your memorable stay — let’s make it happen!