8 of the Best Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN in April
There is certainly no shortage of things to do in Gatlinburg TN in April! Now that spring is on its way, the Smokies are bursting at the seams with incredible events that celebrate East Tennessee’s culture and the great outdoors. If you plan on being here during April, you’re probably wondering what all there is to do. Here are 8 of the best things to do in Gatlinburg in April:
1. Easter Craft Show
If you want to enjoy seeing part of the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, you should go to the Easter Craft Show. You’ll be able to look through all kinds of amazing handmade items, from jewelry to pottery. The event runs from April 1 to 3, and the time is 10 am to 5 pm. It is located at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, and admission is free!
2. Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
If you’re an expert angler, the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is your chance to win big! This annual event gives out over $10,000 in cash and prizes, including $250 for the largest trout, $250 for the smallest trout, and a variety of trophies, fishing equipment, and more. Open to both children and adults, locals and visitors, this two-day tournament is a must for anyone who wants to reel in some fun. It runs from April 3 to April 4. For registration information, visit the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament website.
3. Smoky Mountain Wine Fest
The wine keeps flowing at the Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest! Held at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, this event gives guests the unique opportunity to sample wines from all over the state of Tennessee (along with delicious food from local restaurants). This event runs from April 30 to May 1. Be sure to buy your tickets early, because Wine Fest is one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg TN in April.
4. Blooms and Tunes at Anakeesta
Booms and Tunes is the 1st annual spring event at Anakeesta. This event starts in March and runs through the end of May, so you can visit any time in April! There will be large, whimsical art installations, including a 20-foot-long daisy. Live music will play four times a week at Black Bear Village and Anavista Plaza. You’ll also be able to enjoy seasonal spring food at their five dining locations.
5. PJ Party with the Penguins
If you love penguins, you need to go to the PJ Party with the Penguins at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! This event is for the whole family. You’ll get to spend the night at the aquarium and have a ton of fun! That night, you will enjoy a dive show, scavenger hunt, and other late night activities. In the morning, you’ll get to meet the penguins one on one! This event runs for two days, and they are April 9 and 10.
6. Virtual Easter Sunrise Service
Every year, Ober Gatlinburg hosts an Easter Sunrise Service. This year, it will be virtual. It will run from 6:30 to 7 am on April 4. Enjoy celebrating Easter in the Smoky Mountains from the comfort of your home by watching their virtual sunrise service.
7. Running with the Bears 5K Run/Walk
The second annual Running with the Bears 5K Run/Walk is happening April 23, 2021. This is a little different than other 5Ks because it is held at night. It runs from 10 to 11:59 pm. You will go on a socially distanced run or walk in downtown Gatlinburg. All the proceeds go to Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation for preservation and protection of black bears in the Smokies and Gatlinburg Goes Green Program, which provides scholarships, donations to schools, and education events for the community.
8. Wildflowers and Waterfalls Photo Workshop
If you’re a novice photographer who would enjoy some pointers from professional photographers, you should sign up for the Wildflowers and Waterfalls Photo Workshop. This event is scheduled for April 7 to April 11, 2021. You’ll learn about photography equipment, macro and water photography, and reviewing photos. Then, the group will head out into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to visit some of the waterfalls and wildflowers to take photos.
To keep up with all of the great things to do in Gatlinburg TN in April and beyond, check out our Gatlinburg Events Calendar!
