One of the best times of year to visit the Smokies is springtime. As the winter weather slowly makes its exit, spring arrives and brings warm air, blooming wildflowers, lush greenery, flowing streams, rushing waterfalls, and stirring wildlife. It’s a beautiful sight to behold, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect place to enjoy this stunning display of nature. But Gatlinburg offers even more for those looking to spend spring in the Smokies. A jam-packed community calendar provides plenty of entertainment for the entire month of April, with events for the whole family. If you’re headed to the Smokies this spring, check out these exciting events!
Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show
March 31 – April 4
Find one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans and craftsmen at the Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community come together to showcase and sell their fantastic work, with many seasonal selections!
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
April 4 – 5
Open to children and adults, locals and visitors, the 16th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is a fun competition that offers a great way to spend some time in the great outdoors. This spring fishing tournament, the largest trout tournament in the Smokies, features multiple competition categories and lots of prizes!
Easter Sunrise at Ober
April 5
Spend a peaceful Easter Sunday watching the sunrise atop Mt. Harrison at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. A Sunday service, sponsored by the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association, will be held as the sun rises over the Smoky Mountains.
Wine, Dine and Art Crawl
April 10
Enjoy fine wine, great food, and local art along the Wine, Dine and Art Crawl in the historic Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. The private, guided tour will be held from 5 p.m to 9 p.m., offering the opportunity to meet artists, sample local wines, and taste hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants.
Mountain Man Memorial March
April 11
A tribute to our men and women of the armed forces, the Mountain Man Memorial March is a challenging and unique race in the Smoky Mountains. This year’s 8th annual event should be larger than ever, with many service men and women marching 26.2 miles through Gatlinburg with their 35-pound rucksacks. If you’re not a member of the military, you can still compete in the marathon, half marathon, or 10KM race and honor those who serve our country!
Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest
April 11
Featuring the best wines from around the Smoky Mountains, the Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest is a great way to taste some local flavors.
Earth Week
April 19 – 25
Celebrate the fantastic scenery and variety of flora and fauna during Earth Week in Gatlinburg! The family-friendly springtime event will feature classes about green practices, live music, food, and kids’ activities. The celebration will peak on April 23 with the Earth Day Festival at Mynatt Park from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
April 21 – 25
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and learn more about the area wildlife and wildflowers during classes, lectures, and guided hikes that are part of the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. You’ll find something for all ages during this fun outdoor week!