Arriving in the Great Smoky Mountains is a memorable experience all its own. The sheer beauty hand painted by Mother Nature will stop you in your singalong tracks, put a halt on all conversation, and cause everyone to ooh and aah. Once you’ve emerged into the famed TN cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you’ll be eager to hit the streets for shopping sprees, delectable meals, and exciting adventures. And while attractions, restaurants, and boutiques certainly provide plenty to do, what’s more fun than attending a lively local event? Book your cabin, pack your bags, and get ready for good times with family and friends at spectacular 2019 Smoky Mountain events — featuring everything from trout tourneys and car shows to music festivals and hot air balloons! Our list is just a glimpse into the eventful 2019 in the Smokies, so feel free to branch out while you’re in town.
Spring Favs
Nothing pairs better with the fresh blossoms, flowing creeks, and jolly wildlife of spring than a fun event to commemorate the new season!
Corvette Expo | March 15-16
Rev your hot rod engines for the annual Corvette Expo in Pigeon Forge. Swap meets, award shows, cruising the Tail of the Dragon, and a chance to win your very own ZO6 Corvette await!
Smoky Mountain Spring Trout Tournament | April 6-7
Grab your best fishing rod, bait, and tackle — it’s time to reel in a whopper and win big ($500) at the 21st annual Smoky Mountain Spring Trout Tournament along the glimmering Little Pigeon River.
MayFest at Ober | May 17-27
Celebrate the awakening of spring with unique German traditions at Ober Gatlinburg’s MayFest, where you’ll find the Shulz Brau Biergarten plus FREE activities for the kiddos!
Summer Treats
Kick your summer up a notch with riveting, rousing, rambunctious events in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales | June 21 – July 31
Spice up your summer vacay with bluegrass beats, stimulating stories, and clogging feats along the streets of Gatlinburg. Best part? It’s totally FREE!
First Independence Day Parade in the Nation | July 3-4
Join fellow Americans (upwards of 80,000 may show) in a grand celebration of freedom at the 44th First Independence Day Parade in the Nation, which starts promptly at midnight in Gatlinburg on July 4th.
Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival | August 17
Watch as the Tennessee sky fills with vibrant, colorful hot air balloons at the Great Smoky Mountains — you guessed it — Hot Air Balloon Festival with vendors, live music, and games for ground-dwellers in nearby Townsend.
Fall-tastic Finds
Crisp, cool breezes mix with radiant autumn hues across the majestic peaks as you attend classic fall events in the Smokies.
Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run | September 12-14
Attend an annual favorite in Pigeon Forge, the Fall Rod Run, hosting 100s of breathtaking hot rods all around, with a $10,000 cash prize to the victor with the coolest ride!
Oktoberfest at Ober | Late September – October
Get a taste of Munich, Germany, at Ober Gatlinburg’s Oktoberfest — boasting an outdoor biergarten, a talented oompah band, FREE face painting, loads of merch stalls, and oh-so-much more!
Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show | November 26 – December 1
Take a closer look at stunning local craftwork at the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show, where members of the largest independent group of artisans in the nation showcase their best pieces.
Winter Wonders
Bringing in a whole new platter of family-friendly events, whimsical winter is a great time to visit the Smoky Mountains with loved ones.
Winterfest | Early November – February
Savor delish flavors at the chili cookoff, see dazzling light displays on a trolley tour, and attend seasonal shows and dinner attractions in nearby Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade | December 6
Photograph your little ones grinning ear to ear as you enjoy the holiday magic together at the 44th annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg.
New Year’s Eve at The Island | December 31 – January 1
Ring in 2020 on New Year’s Eve at The Island, where eateries, shops, games, and attractions will keep you entertained before the midnight countdown and festive fireworks!
Eventful to say the least, plan your Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg retreat today and have a blast at fun Smoky Mountain events this 2019!