Upcoming Smoky Mountain Events

Annual Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade

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Continuing a cherished tradition spanning nearly half a century, the 50th annual Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade begins on July 3 at 11:59pm. This exciting event is widely heralded as the "First Independence Day Celebration in the Nation." Bathed in a sea of red, white, and blue, this parade is recognized as one of the "Top 10 Parades to See in the US" by National Geographic's Traveler Magazine and recognized by Livability.com as one of the “Five Best Fourth of July Celebrations in Smaller Cities.” This display of vibrant floats and live entertainment winds through downtown Gatlinburg, embarking from the Baskins Creek Bypass on E. Parkway. ...

4th of July in the Smokies

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Tennessee's Smoky Mountains region is a popular destination for 4th of July celebrations. Check out all the upcoming festivities and join us for one of the best and most patriotic days of the year! Gatlinburg’s most-nail biting race of the summer returns with the River Raft Regatta! Set against the backdrop of Gatlinburg’s fun-filled Fourth of July celebration, comes the ever-competitive River Raft Regatta, an annual race of unmanned floatables down the Little Pigeon River.  Gatlinburg's 4th of July Drone Show and Fireworks Finale has been designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. Join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg to mark our nation’s “Independence Day” with a magnificent fireworks and drone show. The Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival includes the city’s annual fireworks extravaganza. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the show!...

Gatlinburg Summer Craftsmen's Fair

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Come off the street and beat the July heat! Join us to celebrate our 50th year at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. Artisans in nearly 400 fairs voted our Fair the Fifth-All-Time Favorite Fair in the nation! Our July 2025 show offers over 180 booths of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States. Watch as they demonstrate their skill, answer questions, and offer their unique art for sale indoors at the Gatlinburg Convention Center at Traffic Light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg. Tickets are available at both entrances to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. ...

Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference

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Get ready for the 7th 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!...

Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival

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Join us this August for a summertime spectacle, The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival, when professional balloonists light up the evening sky with a beautiful balloon glow and spectacular tethered rides. The sky will be filled with a spectrum of color like never before, against a backdrop of a breathtaking Tennessee Smoky Mountain sunset, in beautiful Townsend, Tennessee!...

Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion

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Calling all Jeep enthusiasts and Jeep Clubs from across the nation! Get ready for the annual Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion, where the Jeep community comes together for a weekend full of all things Jeep. Taking place from August 21-23, this event is not just an Expo – it’s a celebration of everything that makes Jeep culture so special. The Expo features leading Jeep parts and accessory vendors showcasing their latest offerings, making it the perfect place to find that next upgrade for your ride. Plus, don’t miss the Jeep Show, where coveted trophies are awarded to the top contenders....

Fall Rod Run

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Calling all the automotive enthusiasts out there! The Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run car event is the area’s largest automotive gathering, and it’s coming back to town from September 11-13. It’s one you surely don’t want to miss! This fall event will feature a massive swap meet with hundreds of show cars, a car corral, top 25 awards, ultimate 5 awards, a cash giveaway of $10,000, and much more. This spectacular 3 day event is family-friendly and offers free spectator parking at the show! Be sure to head over to the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge and have a blast with us!...

Wears Valley Fall Fest

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Experience the magic of autumn at the 12th Annual Wears Valley Fall Festival, taking place from October 17 - 19! With sixteen acres dedicated to family fun, this event promises excitement for all ages. Explore over 240 talented crafters showcasing unique handmade goods, perfect for finding that special treasure or gift. Get ready for a plethora of interactive activities designed to engage and entertain. From live performances to children's events, families will discover countless opportunities to create lasting memories together. Indulge in a wide variety of food options that celebrate the flavors of the season....

Gatlinburg's Chili Cookoff and Winter Magic Kickoff

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Gatlinburg Chili Cook-off and Winter Magic Celebration presented by Bush’s Chili Beans returns to Gatlinburg November 6 to fill the hearts and bellies of visitors and locals, as well as provide an opportunity for giving back to kick off the holiday season. Ringing in the 36th year of the food centric festival, local businesses, organizations, and attractions will simmer flavors ranging from traditional to those with eclectic flair. Festivalgoers can sample the homemade chili recipes while enjoying live music from TopHouse Band and a special meet-and-greet with Bush’s Spokesdog, Duke. The event celebrates the official countdown to Gatlinburg Winter Magic Celebration, lighting up the Smokies with over 1 million LED twinkle lights throughout downtown Gatlinburg....

GSACC Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show

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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 artists and craftsmen here create beautiful and useful things with techniques handed down for centuries. 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. Don't miss this extraordinary event!...

GSACC Christmas Arts & Crafts Show

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Experience the wonder of the season at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, where the members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community present their exclusive handcrafted gifts during their much-anticipated annual holiday show. Nestled in the heart of Gatlinburg, the esteemed Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is the largest collective of independent artisans in the country. Discover the rich heritage of Tennessee through the skilled artisans and craftsmen who meticulously craft a range of exquisite items using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Delight in the array of offerings, from intricately designed quilts and meticulously carved straw brooms to finely woven baskets, aromatic hand-dipped candles, elegant Victorian ceramic pitchers, and charming pottery....

Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

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The Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade ushers in the holiday season the first Friday in December, ringing in 50 years of family-friendly festive tradition. The award-winning parade will bring a cheerful procession to downtown Gatlinburg with festive floats, joyful marching bands, larger-than-life holiday balloons, and more, among over 1 million LED twinkling lights featured in Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic Celebration. The Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is free and open to the public. However, the event's popularity encourages parade-goers to arrive early to secure seating and parking....

GSACC Christmas Arts & Crafts Show

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Experience the wonder of the season at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, where the members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community present their exclusive handcrafted gifts during their much-anticipated annual holiday show. Nestled in the heart of Gatlinburg, the esteemed Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is the largest collective of independent artisans in the country. Discover the rich heritage of Tennessee through the skilled artisans and craftsmen who meticulously craft a range of exquisite items using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Delight in the array of offerings, from intricately designed quilts and meticulously carved straw brooms to finely woven baskets, aromatic hand-dipped candles, elegant Victorian ceramic pitchers, and charming pottery....

Gatlinburg New Year's Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks

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Known as the “Best New Year’s Eve Show in the South,” Gatlinburg will ring in the new year with its Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31. Since 1987, this free, family-friendly celebration has been one of the largest organized New Year’s Eve events in the nation, and this year’s celebration is set to be a spectacular end to the year. Join us for a night of free fun with drones, ball drop and fireworks finale. Enjoy a spectacular illuminated drone show, a free live concert, a ball drop under the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle, and a festive firework finale. Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable start to the new year! Make memories with the whole family as we kick off 2026 with a bang! ...