Ongoing

Townsend Grains & Grits Festival

Savor the flavors of the Smokies with craft spirits, chef-prepared dishes, live music, and culinary experiences unlike any other. This popular festival celebrates the best of Appalachian food and drink culture.

Smoky Mountain Blast 2026

Feel the excitement as teams from across the country compete in this spirited cheer and dance showdown, bringing athleticism, creativity, and nonstop energy to the Smokies.

Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Wednesdays

pigeon forge Pigeon Forge • Pigeon Forge, TN, Pigeon Forge

Enjoy a rare opportunity to explore Cades Cove without vehicle traffic. Walk, bike, or run the iconic 11-mile loop while taking in historic sites, wildlife sightings, and some of the Smokies' most beautiful scenery.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration

Experience one of the Smokies' most exciting summer events at Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. Enjoy thrilling rides, live entertainment, seasonal food, interactive attractions, spectacular drone shows, and nightly fireworks during this unforgettable family-friendly festival in Pigeon Forge.

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales

Experience the heart of Appalachian culture during Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales in downtown Gatlinburg. Enjoy free live music, storytelling, clogging performances, and roaming entertainers as the Parkway comes alive each evening with family-friendly entertainment and mountain traditions.

Patriot Festival — Pigeon Forge

Celebrate Independence Day at Pigeon Forge's Patriot Festival, a family-friendly Fourth of July event featuring live music, food vendors, kids' activities, and a spectacular fireworks finale. Held at Patriot Park during America's 250th anniversary year, this beloved celebration offers fun, patriotism, and unforgettable summer memories.

Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade

Experience America's first Independence Day parade as the Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade steps off at 12:01 AM. Featuring decorated floats, marching bands, military units, and patriotic performers, this unique Smoky Mountain tradition draws thousands of visitors to downtown Gatlinburg each year.

Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta

Watch homemade rafts of every shape and design float down the Little Pigeon River during Gatlinburg's annual River Raft Regatta. This quirky Fourth of July tradition combines community spirit, creativity, and family-friendly fun, making it one of the most unique Independence Day events in the Smokies.

Gatlinburg 4th of July Fireworks & Drone Show

Celebrate Independence Day with Gatlinburg's spectacular fireworks and drone show above the Smoky Mountains. Featuring synchronized drones, dazzling fireworks launched from the Space Needle, and a festive downtown atmosphere, this annual event delivers an unforgettable Fourth of July experience for visitors of all ages.