No matter what time of year you decide to visit the Smokies, there are always exciting things happening. Summer is especially packed with Smoky Mountain events you won’t want to miss, and some are free to attend! Here are some of the biggest and most exciting summer events in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and beyond:
New for 2026
First Annual Kickoff to Summer
- When: May 30, 2026 from 10 AM to 10 PM
- Where: Mountain Mile (Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge)
- Admission: Free
More Details: The Kickoff to Summer is an upcoming event in Pigeon Forge TN that the whole family will love! Expect balloon artists, face painting, kids' inflatables, and live entertainment; plus, an MLE-sanctioned eating competition featuring Junction 35's World Famous Blackberry Moonshine Smoked Wings!
Neon Nights at Dollywood’s Splash Country
- When: June 19-20, 26-27; July 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 30; August 1
- Where: Dollywood’s Splash Country, Pigeon Forge
- Admission: Additional ticket required (get combo ticket for all-day admission + nighttime event for the best value)
More Details: Neon Nights is one of the most thrilling Pigeon Forge weekend events for families! This after-hours experience from 7:30 to 10:30 PM features a live DJ at the wave pool, exclusive food and merchandise, and neon-lit thrills at Fire Tower Falls, Mountain Scream, and more!
First Annual Black Bear & Berry Jam Festival
- When: Friday through Sunday, July 17-19
- Where: Ober Gatlinburg
- Admission: Included in ticket price (Food cost not included)
More Details: The Black Bear & Berry Jam Festival will be one of the best family-friendly weekend events in Gatlinburg! Enjoy the sweetness of summer with a full lineup of live music, berry-flavored food, and special content and interactive activities at the Wildlife Habitat.
Read more about what’s new at Ober Gatlinburg, the return to its original name, and improvements made just in time for the summer!
May & June Events
Festival of Flags
- When: May 15- July 5, 2026
- Where: Gatlinburg SkyPark
- Admission: Included in ticket price
More Details: The Festival of Flags celebrates Memorial Day, Flag Day, and July 4th, with all 50 state flags and our nation’s military flags on display along the SkyBridge!
July Events
Patriot Festival
- When: July 3-4, 2026
- Where: Patriot Park, Pigeon Forge
- Admission: Free
More Details: Already one of the most highly anticipated Pigeon Forge summer events, the Patriot Festival will be bigger than ever, now a 2-day event for America’s 250th celebration!
Gatlinburg also has a 4th of July event, one of the most popular parades in the nation!
Gatlinburg Craftmen’s Fair
- When: July 10-19, 2026
- Where: Gatlinburg Convention Center
- Admission: Tickets required for ages 18+, ages 17 and under are free with paid adult
More Details: The finest craftsmen from the Smokies and across the country bring their unique arts and crafts to the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair! Enjoy nearly 200 vendors, hands-on crafts for the kids, and live entertainment.
August Events
August is a big month for Pigeon Forge car shows, but you can escape the crowds along the Parkway by checking out one of these summer events instead:
The Mountain Music Festival
- When: August 21-23, 2026
- Where: Gatlinburg Convention Center
- Admission: Tickets required (2 and 3-day passes available)
More Details: The Mountain Music Festival is the ideal event in Gatlinburg Tennessee for rock and metal music lovers! You’ll hear a variety of rock bands take the stage to perform classic rock hits, plus guitar clinics and acoustic performances all weekend long.
Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival
- When: August 15, 2026 from 3 to 9 PM
- Where: Townsend Events Center
- Admission: Tickets required for ages 11+, kids 10 and under are free (additional fee for parking and VIP experiences like the SIP TN Wine Experience)
More Details: The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival is a Townsend TN event everyone must experience! Plus, it’s a fundraiser for the local volunteer fire department and elementary school.
Where to Stay this Summer
Now you know all about the upcoming events in Pigeon Forge and the Smokies this summer. Ready to start planning your trip? Browse the best cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains! Don’t wait to book; summer availability fills up quickly!
