6 Upcoming Events in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains You Will Want to Attend
No matter what time of year you decide to visit the Smokies, there are always exciting things happening! From car shows to parades and holiday events, you are sure to find an event around town that appeals to you. However, in the coming weeks, the Smokies are set to host some of the biggest festivals of the entire year! Here are 6 upcoming events in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains you will want to attend:
1. Monsters on the Mountain
If you are a fan of rock music, you will not want to miss this year’s Monsters on the Mountain festival. The event is set to take place between August 19th-21st in Gatlinburg. During the 3-day experience, guests can head to the Gatlinburg Convention Center to hear a variety of rock bands take the stage to perform classic rock hits. Some of the artists that are set to perform this year include Lillian Axe, Bad Marriage, Pyromania, and Wild America. Spectators can purchase tickets for just one day or buy a 3-day pass that is good for the entire weekend!
2. Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion
Pigeon Forge is home to a number of car shows throughout the year, and the next one on the docket is the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion! If you love living the Jeep life, this is the festival for you! It is set to take place August 25th-27th at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. Throughout the event, thousands of Jeep owners will be in town showing off their rides. At the expo, spectators can purchase accessories for their Jeep and show off their rides to win a multitude of prizes. There will also be a variety of merchandise available at the event, including hats, decals, souvenirs, and more. Even if you don’t attend the expo, you can enjoy the sight of thousands of Jeeps riding down the Parkway, which is what makes this one of the biggest events in Pigeon Forge!
3. Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival
On August 20th, you can experience one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the country. The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival is held at the Townsend Visitor Center and is hosted from 4-9 PM. During the afternoon and early evening hours, you can enjoy live music and get an up-close view of the gigantic balloons on the ground. Once the sun goes down, the colorful balloons are released into the evening sky for a scene you don’t want to miss. The bright colors of the balloons look incredible against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains at sunset! You will also have the opportunity to check out the family activities, food truck court, and crafters that demonstrate and sell their artwork.
4. Sevier County Fair
The fair is back in town in 2022 from August 30th-September 5th. The 7-day event will be held once again on Old Knoxville Highway in Sevierville. During the fair, your family can experience all sorts of wonderful activities. This year’s Sevier County Fair will feature livestock, live entertainment, nightly music, contests, and much more! Of course, you will also get the chance to ride all your favorite county fair rides, including the Ferris wheel and swings. Everyone from the kids to the grandparents will have a blast at this event, so be sure to plan a trip to check out the fair.
5. Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival
There are many talented musicians who call the Smoky Mountains home. From August 18th-21st, you can travel around Gatlinburg and listen to some of the most talented voices in the area. Some of the venues that are set to participate in the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival include Ober Gatlinburg, Ole Red, The Listening Room, and the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. Some of the artists who you can see perform are Larry Gatlin, Brady Seals, Tim Stafford, and Carl Jackson. Be sure to check out the full lineup so you know where to go to enjoy your favorite musicians!
6. Shades of the Past Rod Run
One of the biggest car shows in the Smokies is just over a month away! The Shades of the Past Rod Run will be held on September 9th and 10th at Dollywood’s Splash Country. During the event, you can marvel at over 200 hot rods that are competing for the grand prize, which includes a $10,000 cash prize. Admission to the event is $10 for adults and children 12 and under get in free. There will also be a variety of vendors at the event that you will want to check out!
Now that you know about some of the upcoming events in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains, you can start planning your trip! Check out these amazing lodging options in the Smokies to stay just minutes away from all the action. We look forward to seeing you soon!