Gatlinburg Events
May
May 13-14: Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games; a weekend celebration of all those with Celtic heritage (or those who want to celebrate with them). There will be many contests, exhibits, games and food reflecting the Scottish heritage. You’ll get tto enjoy the games to see who wins the highest honor for their clan. After the games are played there will be a Scottish parade through downtown Gatlinburg. There will be plenty of bagpipes, kilts and festivities for you to enjoy.
May 14-15: Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival; a two day event putting the spotlight on artisans from the Gatlinburg area. The Ripley’s Aquarium and River Road will see a lot of submissions from the locals. You’ll want to stop by for this free event. There will be ceramics, glass works, paintings, woodworking, photography and much for to enjoy. There is an activities program that will be set up for the children and music will be playing for added entertainment.
May 27-29: Family Fest in the Smokie; join Bill and Gloria Gaither for their 21st Family Fest in the Smokies event that will be held in Gatlinburg. Three days of good ‘ole Southern Gospel and guest speakers can be enjoyed during their feature in town. You’ll laugh, sing, and dance along as they serenade you at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. You know you’ll be in town for the Memorial Day Weekend so make sure you get over to see/hear these wonderful performers!
June
June 2-5: Mountain Hounds Weekend; owners of retired racing Greyhounds gather in Mynatt Park in effort to raise support and awareness of Greyhound rescue. Returning for its seventh year, you will meet new people and get to know great dogs!
June 17 – August 13: Smoky Mountains Tunes and Tales returns for its sixth season. Located in downtown Gatlinburg, Tunes and Tales is a street performance event featuring musical performers, storytellers, and artists all portraying different time periods. Walk along the streets as you take in the fun, interactive environment of this event. With at least four acts nightly (and as many as eighteen!) you are sure to catch a performance that you will enjoy.
July
July 3-4: 36th Annual July 4th Midnight Parade; celebrate Independence Day at the nation’s very first parade! Beginning at midnight in downtown Gatlinburg, nearly 100,00 spectators gather to cheer on the parade. Featuring a special tribute to military personnel and extending the parade route for more than a mile, this parade is one you don’t want to miss – just make sure you arrive early to set up your chairs!
July 4: “Stand Here” Fireworks Finale; designated a top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society, this fireworks show is not one you want to miss! Beginning at 10:00PM, Gatlinburg lights up the Smoky Mountains with a breathtaking display of fireworks. While visible from nearly everywhere, the best locations to view the show are right on the streets of downtown.
July 15-23: Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair; held in the Gatlinburg Convention Center, this craft fair features almost 200 booths. Featuring some of the nation’s finest craftsmen and artists, booths offer unique art and crafts for sale. There is also live country and bluegrass music, so bring the whole family and enjoy a day out of the ordinary.
July 30: Gatlinburg United Way Shark Race; are you looking for a truly “one of a kind” sight? The Gatlinburg United Way Shark Race releases hundreds of rubber sharks in to Little Pigeon River. Featuring a grand prize of $10,000 dollars, the winner is the first to cross the finish line downstream!