Gatlinburg Events

Many people call the holiday season the most wonderful time of the year and we’re inclined to agree with them! During the month of December, the city of Gatlinburg is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with festive decorations, special events, and, hopefully, some snow! Here are 8 of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN in December:

For the first time ever, Gatlinburg is hosting a Creatures, Legends, and Lore Conference! This first annual conference is brought to you by the same people who brought you the Bigfoot Conference. If you want to attend this event, start making plans to be in Gatlinburg on October 12! To help you plan, we’ve gathered all the details on what to expect at this Gatlinburg conference and how to get tickets.

Have you ever thought you’ve spotted Bigfoot during one of your hikes in the Smoky Mountains? Probably not, but you still might believe in this giant, ape-like creature! If you’re interested in hearing more about Bigfoot, we have good news. Gatlinburg is home to the very first Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference on July 27! Here is everything you need to know about the event:

Nowhere else in the United States celebrates Independence Day quite like Gatlinburg, TN! Each year, our Smoky Mountain city rings in the holiday with an incredible parade starting at midnight on July 4th. This annual event typically draws around 80,000 spectators and has been named one of the “Top Ten Parades to See in the U.S.” by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. To help you prepare for Independence Day, Visit My Smokies has put together a guide to everything you need to know about the Gatlinburg parade on the 4th of July.

The Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade has been named to a list of the best holiday parades in America! USA Today is let readers vote on their top 10 favorite holiday parades in the country, and the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade came in third place! We’ve got all the details on the recognition:

Open to the public, the Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival will run August 13 - 22, 2018. This ten-day Gatlinburg event showcases the talent behind some of the biggest musicians in the world. 

If you’re looking for some handmade Smoky Mountain souvenirs, you can’t do much better than the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair! This annual tradition will bring hundreds of artisans from all over the nation to Gatlinburg for 10 days of demonstrations, music, and fun. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this can’t miss event.

Summer is the most popular time for visitors to vacation in Gatlinburg, and July is a very busy month for fun. Many events happen annually in July that add excitement to the already fun attractions, restaurants, and shopping. If you are looking for more fun things to do in Gatlinburg TN in July, check out some of these events that are sure to have all guests of Gatlinburg smiling.

As lush, green foliage sprouts proudly from the earth and tree branches, and the warm feeling of sun on your shoulders becomes an increasingly common occurrence, May seems to be announcing its presence in celebration. And why not? May brings with it a whole new list of activities and opportunities for fun to be had that you have to try, so keep reading to learn all about the best things to do in Gatlinburg in May.

We’re excited to report that Ober Gatlinburg is bringing more German-themed fun to the Smoky Mountains! This spring, the amusement park in Gatlinburg, TN will host its first annual Maifest. Much like Ober Gatlinburg’s popular Oktoberfest celebration in the fall, Maifest will include German-style beer and time-honored traditions from the Old World. To help you make the most of your next vacation, Visit My Smokies has put together a convenient guide to the Ober Gatlinburg Maifest.

If you’re looking for some laughs during your next vacation in the Smoky Mountains, you can’t beat the Gatlinburg Improv Fest! Returning to Gatlinburg, TN this February, this annual festival brings some of the best improv comedy troupes in the Southeast to the Smokies for two days of gut-busting fun. Popular with both locals and visitors alike, the Gatlinburg Improv Fest features a great collection of interactive shows and workshops. To help you plan your getaway, Visit My Smokies has put together a handy guide to this year’s festival.

2020 will be here before you know it, and there is no better place to ring in the new year than Gatlinburg, TN! Our Smoky Mountain city will host its annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks show at the Gatlinburg Space Needle. This hugely popular event is expected to draw more than 50,000 people from across the nation. Visit My Smokies has all of the details on the Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve festivities.