What to do, when to go, and where to stay — your complete Smokies guide.
Upcoming Events
What's on
100 dated happenings across the region — festivals, ranger walks, foliage drives, fireflies, rod runs, and holiday lights. Filter by interest or search by name.
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Sugarlands Distilling Company
Live music performances on the back porch cocktail bar at Sugarlands Distilling Company every Friday and Saturday throughout the year. No tickets, reservations, or cover charge required. Artists vary by week.
Main Street Farmers Market
Weekly Wednesday market offering fresh produce, meats, and local goods during the growing season. Operates from spring through fall in a scenic riverside location. SNAP/EBT acceptance may be available.
All Good Things Garden Center
Community Saturday market offering local produce, crafts, and goods from area vendors. Operates on weekends during peak season from April through September. SNAP/EBT accepted.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
A rail excursion along the Tuckasegee River offering views of western North Carolina mountain scenery. Departs from the Bryson City depot on select days throughout most of the year. One of the railroad's longest-running seasonal offerings.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
A scenic train excursion through the Nantahala Gorge departing from the Bryson City depot. The round-trip journey follows the Nantahala River through forested mountain terrain. Runs seasonally from spring through fall.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
A family-oriented adventure combining a train ride into the Nantahala Gorge with a zipline experience. Designed for younger riders and families seeking an outdoor activity paired with the scenic rail journey. Operates on select days from spring through late summer.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
A combination excursion pairing a scenic train ride into the Nantahala Gorge with guided whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River through Nantahala Outdoor Center. Participants ride the train one way and raft back. Runs from spring through fall.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
An excursion combining a train ride into the Nantahala Gorge with a guided hiking experience along mountain trails. Participants travel into the gorge by rail and return via trail or vice versa. Available on select operating days through early October.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
An adventure excursion combining a train ride to the Nantahala Gorge with a multi-line zipline experience over the gorge terrain. Intended for participants seeking a higher-intensity outdoor adventure alongside the scenic rail journey. Operates from mid-April through mid-October.
Dollywood
A spring festival combining elaborate floral displays with food offerings throughout the park. The Kingdom Heirs gospel group is among the performers featured beginning April 18. The festival runs through early June 2026.
Dollywood
Spring festival featuring over 500,000 blooming flowers, large-scale mosaicultures, garden-fresh culinary offerings, and an Umbrella Sky installation. Indoor and outdoor entertainment runs throughout the festival period. Tasting passes are available for the food and drink experiences.
Maggie Valley Farmers Tailgate Market
Tailgate-style farmers market featuring fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, meat, and agricultural products sold directly by farm vendors. Operates weekly throughout the growing season from May through October.
Downtown Sevierville Commons
Local farmers sell fresh produce, meats, and handmade items every Friday morning in downtown Sevierville. Held in the gravel lot across from Rawlings Funeral Home. Runs from May through October.
Aquarium Park Campus
Weekly outdoor market by the river in Bryson City featuring local produce, baked goods, jellies, crafts, and live music. Leashed pets are welcome. Operates every Friday from May through October.
Cades Cove Loop Road
Every Wednesday from May 6 through September 30, 2026, the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motorized vehicles. Only pedestrians and cyclists, including Class 1 and Class 2 e-bike riders, are permitted on the loop during this time.
Gatlinburg Farmers Market
Weekly outdoor market featuring local produce, baked goods, crafts, and goods from regional vendors. Held across from Food City in Gatlinburg. Runs every Saturday from mid-May through mid-October.
Anakeesta
New summer food and beverage festival at Anakeesta featuring regional flavors representing different parts of the United States. Family-friendly entertainment accompanies the culinary programming throughout the festival run.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
A leading national owner event for Polaris Slingshot three-wheeled vehicle enthusiasts, featuring vendors, on-site installation services, competitions, and group rides through the Smoky Mountains. Entertainment and prizes round out the four-day gathering.
Mountainside Theatre
Long-running outdoor drama depicting the history and removal of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, performed Monday through Saturday at Mountainside Theatre. Gates open at 7:00 PM with pre-show music at 7:30 PM and the main performance beginning at 8:00 PM, running approximately two hours. Adult tickets start at $35, youth $25, and children under 5 are admitted free.
Happy Holiday RV Village
A three-day celebration of bluegrass music featuring top-tier artists, open jam sessions, food vendors, and live performances suitable for all ages. Shuttle service is provided for attendees. The festival is held at Happy Holiday RV Village in Cherokee, North Carolina.
LeConte Center
The 26th annual Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge showcases classic Pontiac vehicles while raising proceeds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Ciera Blackburn. The event includes a swap meet and vendor exhibits.
Little River Trail
A ranger-led evening hike along the Little River Trail designed for adaptive outdoor enthusiasts. Adaptive equipment is available and trained volunteers assist participants with trail navigation.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
The 7th annual WNC Jeepers community showcase featuring a show and shine competition, guided trail rides through mountain terrain, and over 80 Jeep enthusiasts. The two-day event celebrates Jeep culture in the Western North Carolina region.
LeConte Center
A Mountain Quiltfest celebrates the art of quilting with over 60 classes offered across skill levels, a juried quilt show, and a large vendor hall. Classes begin June 8 and run through the close of the event.
200 Major Jim Circle
Annual summer festival benefiting the Cosby Volunteer Fire Department. Features various community activities and entertainment in support of local fire services.
Ober Mountain
Two-day summer event at Ober Mountain combining automotive and motorsports activities with craft beverages and mountain entertainment. Full operating hours apply on June 14.
Maryville Greenway Amphitheater
A craft beer festival featuring tastings from regional breweries paired with food, live music, and lawn games set against a Smoky Mountain backdrop. Attendees receive an event t-shirt with admission.
Dollywood
Dollywood's summer seasonal festival featuring themed entertainment, live performances, and special programming throughout the park. The celebration runs from mid-June through early August 2026. Part of Dollywood's game-changing 2026 season lineup.
Dollywood
Summer-long festival at Dollywood featuring live music, seasonal entertainment, and themed attractions across the park. The event runs through the core summer season and coincides with regular park operations.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
A three-day combined event encompassing a car and parts swap meet, a custom and specialty vehicle showcase, and a dedicated Camaro and Firebird show. Daily admission is $5, with free entry for ages 13 and under.
Oconaluftee River Trail
A ranger-led hiking program along the paved Oconaluftee River Trail for adaptive outdoor enthusiasts. GRIT Freedom Chairs and other adaptive equipment are available to borrow, with volunteer support provided.
LeConte Center
A world-class national dance competition providing positive performance experiences for dancers, teachers, and families. The event is held in Pigeon Forge against the scenic backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
A specialty excursion featuring craft spirits tastings aboard the train during a scenic journey through the western North Carolina mountains. Offered on three select dates in 2026. Advance ticket purchase is recommended as capacity is limited.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
The summer edition of Maggie Valley's largest and oldest motorcycle rally, featuring tour rides, vendors, bike shows, competitions, prizes, and live concerts. Displays of the latest bikes and products are also on hand throughout the weekend.
Downtown Gatlinburg Parkway
This summer street performance festival features costumed musical performers, dancers, and storytellers portraying characters from as far back as the 1800s. Performers arrive by horse-drawn wagon and disperse throughout downtown to share folk songs, mountain tales, and historical narratives.
Patriot Park
Pigeon Forge's largest single-day celebration brings over 20,000 people to a riverside setting to commemorate Independence Day with live music, food vendors, and a fireworks finale at 9:30 PM. This free, family-focused event is framed by Smoky Mountain views.
Downtown Gatlinburg Parkway
For over 45 years, Gatlinburg has hosted the nation's first Independence Day parade, stepping off at 12:01 AM on July 4. The parade features marching bands, patriotic floats, local organizations, and civic groups traveling approximately one mile through downtown.
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Voted one of the South's most prestigious craft fairs, the summer session features over 180 booths of craftspeople from across the United States. Visitors can watch artisans demonstrate their skills and purchase unique handmade art and goods.
Deep Creek Trail
A ranger-led adaptive mountain biking program on the Deep Creek Trail near Bryson City. Adaptive bikes and equipment are provided, and trained volunteers assist participants throughout the ride.
Ober Mountain
Father's Day weekend event at Ober Mountain featuring family-oriented activities and access to the mountain adventure park attractions. The event runs over three days in July.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
A family-friendly two-day event celebrating mountain culture through live music performances, car and bike shows, and food and craft vendors. The festival runs from morning through evening on both days.
LeConte Center
A two-day celebration of custom big rigs featuring a truck showcase, parade, light show, live music, and food vendors. Proceeds from the event support local nonprofit organizations.
Red Clay State Historic Park
Annual Cherokee cultural celebration featuring traditional and contemporary programming over two days. The 2026 event includes new offerings and activities to be officially announced. The event is hosted at Red Clay State Historic Park, a site of significant Cherokee historical significance.
Townsend Festival Grounds
Professional balloonists gather in Townsend for an evening balloon glow and tethered rides set against a Smoky Mountain sunset. The festival runs from mid-afternoon into the evening hours.
LeConte Center
An expo for Jeep enthusiasts and clubs featuring parts vendors, indoor and outdoor vehicle exhibits, and a Jeep show with trophies. Heavy traffic throughout Pigeon Forge is expected during the event.
LeConte Center
Three-day annual expo for Jeep and off-road vehicle enthusiasts held at LeConte Center. Includes vendors, live music, and organized cruises on Foothills Parkway and surrounding areas. Tickets are available on-site during show hours.
Anakeesta
Returning fall craft beer festival held at Anakeesta with mountain views of the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop. The event pairs regional and craft brews with autumn scenery and seasonal activities.
Dollywood
Dollywood's fall festival featuring autumnal theming, pumpkin displays, and the Great Pumpkin LumiNights evening light experience. The festival spans from mid-September through Halloween 2026. It is one of the park's most popular seasonal events.
Dollywood
Autumn festival celebrating fall foliage, seasonal food offerings, and the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights display featuring over 12,000 glowing carved gourds. Daytime and evening experiences are offered throughout the festival run.
Cades Cove Loop Road
A ranger-led adaptive mountain biking program along the scenic 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road. Adaptive bikes and equipment are available, and volunteers assist participants during the ride.
Newport Speedway
ARA National Championship rally racing event held on gravel and clay stages near Newport. Features competitive mileage stages, a super special stage, and designated spectator viewing areas. Includes regional competitors navigating elevation changes through the Smoky Mountain terrain.
Western Carolina University
Annual multi-day celebration of Appalachian mountain culture held at Western Carolina University, featuring live music, dance, storytelling, artisan crafts, and traditional food. The event has been held for over 50 years and welcomes family audiences. Contact [email protected] for additional information.
LeConte Center
Gospel music's largest annual gathering features top traditional Southern Gospel artists performing throughout the week. Attendees travel from 40 states and multiple countries to participate in this week-long festival.
Ober Mountain
Month-long fall festival at Ober Mountain celebrating Appalachian regional flavors and mountain entertainment. Extended daily operating hours are offered throughout the festival period.
Ober Mountain
Bavarian-themed fall festival at Ober Mountain featuring seasonal food, craft beverages, and themed entertainment in a mountain setting. The event begins in early October with the end date to be confirmed.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
The 16th annual Corvair enthusiast show featuring a scenic mountain rally, valve cover race, fan belt toss, trivia competitions, and participant awards. The event also raises funds for Haywood County charities.
Gatlinburg Convention Center
The fall session of Gatlinburg's prestigious craft fair features artisans displaying handmade crafts from across the United States. Visitors can browse unique items, watch live demonstrations, and support local and regional artists.
Porters Creek Trail
A ranger-led hiking program on the Porters Creek Trail in the Greenbrier area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Adaptive equipment including GRIT Freedom Chairs is available to borrow, with volunteer support on trail.
Downtown Gatlinburg
For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winter Magic with millions of twinkling LED lights and festive holiday displays throughout the town. The event transforms Gatlinburg into a winter landscape where mountain scenery, holiday décor, and light displays come together. Hours vary by individual attraction.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
A licensed theatrical train experience based on the classic holiday story, featuring costumed characters, hot chocolate, and storytelling aboard a decorated train. The 2026 season begins November 5 and runs through early January. Tickets sell out weeks in advance and are available through the GSMR website.
Dollywood
Dollywood's signature holiday festival featuring millions of lights, Christmas-themed shows, and seasonal food and entertainment throughout the park. The 2026 event begins in early November and runs through early January 2027. It is consistently ranked among the top theme park Christmas events in the country.
Dollywood
Annual holiday event featuring over 6 million twinkling lights, festive food, holiday entertainment shows, seasonal shopping, and visits with Santa. The 2026 season includes a new Peppermint Valley area added to the park.
Cades Cove
The only organized footrace held inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, benefiting Friends of the Smokies. Participants choose between a scenic 5K or a USATF Certified 10-Mile Loop through Cades Cove. All proceeds support park projects including historic preservation, wildlife conservation, and native plant restoration.
Anakeesta
Annual holiday event at Anakeesta featuring over one million twinkling lights, live holiday shows, festive food and beverages, hot cocoa crawls, and spirited mountain entertainment. The experience is accessed via the ridge rambler or aerial gondola.
Downtown Newport
Annual Christmas parade through downtown Newport featuring floats, marching bands, and community walkers. The route runs from Debbie's Drive In to Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. A traditional holiday celebration for Cocke County residents.
LeConte Center
The Strength to Stand Student Bible Conferences challenge students to commit to Jesus Christ beyond casual Christianity. The event offers a balanced, intense experience combining worship and ministry sessions.
Hilton Knoxville Airport
The Best of Blount Awards ceremony honors outstanding community members and businesses with live entertainment, dinner, and dancing. The event is hosted by the Blount County Chamber of Commerce.
LeConte Center
Shabbach Youth Conferences bring young people together for worship, ministry, and fellowship in a high-impact spiritual weekend. The event is designed to inspire and engage youth in their faith.
LeConte Center
This multi-day gymnastics competition kicks off the spring season, bringing together athletes, coaches, and families. The event is designed to foster team bonding and create lasting memories for participants.
LeConte Center
The Church of Christ Youth Conference has hosted this annual event in Pigeon Forge since 2000, focusing on youth ministry and spiritual development. Students gather for teaching, worship, and community.
Dollywood
Dollywood's opening seasonal festival celebrating the music of Dolly Parton and country music heritage. The festival runs for approximately one month at the start of the 2026 park season. Live performances and themed entertainment are featured throughout the park.
LeConte Center
The GROOVE Dance Grand Nationals is a large-scale competitive dance championship hosted at LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. Dancers of various ages and styles compete across multiple divisions. Event information is coordinated through Varsity.com.
LeConte Center
One of the premier Corvette shows in the nation, also featuring Chevys in the Smokies. Enthusiasts gather to display, compete, and celebrate America's sports car in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Various Venues, Downtown Knoxville
Big Ears Festival is a multi-day music event featuring adventurous, boundary-defying performances across genres and disciplines. The 2026 edition includes David Byrne, Robert Plant, Laurie Anderson, John Zorn, Pat Metheny Side-Eye III, and Cécile McLorin Salvant. Events take place across multiple downtown Knoxville venues.
Rivers across the Qualla Boundary
Tournament offering a $20,000 prize for catching specially tagged trout stocked in Qualla Boundary rivers, excluding 2.2 miles of designated catch-and-release waters. Registration fee is $15, plus a two-day fishing permit at $17. Tagged fish may be redeemed for cash prizes.
Greater Smokies Event Grounds
A multi-day spring celebration centered on Ford Bronco vehicles held in Townsend, Tennessee. The event draws Bronco owners and enthusiasts from across the region.
LeConte Center
The area's largest automotive gathering features hundreds of show cars, a swap meet, a car corral, and Top 25 and Ultimate 5 awards. The event also includes an $8,000 cash giveaway and free spectator parking.
Main Street, Downtown Waynesville
A two-day celebration of Appalachian culture featuring live music, hands-on craft demonstrations including spinning, weaving, carving, and blacksmithing, along with storytelling and authentic mountain food. The festival honors the region's history and living traditions through interactive Hand to Heritage activities.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
An annual spring kickoff event at the Nantahala Outdoor Center celebrating the start of the outdoor adventure season. The event typically features whitewater demonstrations, gear showcases, and outdoor recreation activities along the Nantahala River. Open to the public and family friendly.
Downtown Knoxville
The Rossini Festival is Knoxville's original international street fair celebrating global influences on music, food, and culture in East Tennessee. It offers free family-friendly entertainment including opera, classical, jazz, ethnic music, dance performances, artisan booths, and street food vendors. The festival spans two days with non-stop outdoor stages.
Mills Conference Center
The 76th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage offers professionally guided walks, hikes, and indoor seminars exploring wildflowers, plants, birds, reptiles, and amphibians native to the Great Smoky Mountains. Activities range from easy strolls to strenuous hikes, complemented by photography workshops and natural history lectures. Events take place at multiple locations throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
World's Fair Park
The Dogwood Arts Festival is a premier juried fine arts event celebrating East Tennessee's art, culture, and natural beauty, held annually since 1961. It features over 100 fine art vendors, live music, children's activities, food vendors, and an emerging makers tent. Named one of the top art festivals in the U.S., it draws regional visitors during spring bloom season.
Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center
A two-day fiber arts fair held at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center showcasing fiber crafts, spinning, weaving, and related handcraft traditions. Vendors, demonstrations, and activities are featured throughout the weekend.
Cocke County High School Gym
Buy, sell, and trade collector event at Cocke County High School. Vendor and artist tables are available for trading cards, memorabilia, and related collectibles. Family-friendly event open to all ages.
Oconaluftee River
Live outdoor music event along the Oconaluftee River in downtown Cherokee featuring performer Holden Le Dinh. Part of a recurring Friday and Saturday evening music series. Local food and treats are available at the riverside venue.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
The largest and oldest motorcycle rally in Maggie Valley, featuring tour rides, vendors, bike shows and competitions, bike games, prizes, live concerts, and a church service. Attendees can also view displays of the latest bikes and products.
Greater Smokies Event Grounds
An annual festival celebrating Bigfoot with guest speakers, live music, food trucks, and vendor booths. The event includes cupcakes, confetti, and photo opportunities with Party Sasquatch.
LeConte Center
Teach Them Diligently is a national homeschool convention held at LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. The multi-day event features speakers, curriculum vendors, and workshops for homeschooling families. It draws attendees from across the southeastern United States.
LeConte Center
A homeschool convention welcoming both veteran and new homeschooling families, with a focus on Kingdom impact in the home. Sessions cover curriculum, teaching methods, and faith-based family development.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
A vibrant two-day festival celebrating bohemian and hippie culture with live music, performance arts, demonstrations, and craft vendors. The event also features bounce houses, games, and food trucks for families.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
A special themed excursion aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad featuring wine tastings and pairings during a scenic rail journey. Held on select dates throughout the operating season. Tickets are limited and typically sell in advance.
Hilton Knoxville Airport
Hosted by the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, this event celebrates economic growth by recognizing new job signings and workforce commitments in the region. The gathering is open to community members and business leaders.
LeConte Center
Billed as the world's largest classic Ford truck show, this event features 1996 and older F-Series trucks along with a swap meet, cruise, and vendor exhibits. Admission is free for children 12 and under.
LeConte Center
The Grand National F-100 Show is a dedicated showcase for Ford F-100 truck enthusiasts held at LeConte Center. The event features truck displays, competitions, and vendor exhibits celebrating the classic F-100 model.
Ober Mountain
Annual reopening of Ober Mountain following spring maintenance, marking the start of the summer chairlift and adventure park season. Scenic mountain views and warm-weather activities become available to visitors beginning on this date.
Downtown Sevierville
This free, family-friendly festival hosts the Bush's Best Tennessee State Championship BBQ Cook Off with $17,500 in prizes and over 70 arts and crafts vendors. Four stages feature bluegrass, country, Americana, and regional performers throughout the weekend.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
A one-day celebration of the Plott Hound, North Carolina's official state dog, featuring dog competitions and historical programs about the Plott breed. The event also includes vendor booths and live concerts.
Greater Smokies Event Center
Tennessee's oldest Scottish, Irish, and Celtic cultural festival features highland athletics, pipes and drums, folk music, traditional dance, whisky tastings, and artisan vendors. The event draws clans and Celtic heritage enthusiasts from across the Southeast.
Elkmont Historic District
This annual event allows visitors to observe Photinus carolinus fireflies during their synchronized mating display. Vehicle access after noon is restricted to lottery winners who pay a $29 per vehicle fee and registered Elkmont Campground campers. Viewing typically occurs at dusk.
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds
A dog-friendly outdoor festival featuring a trout derby, fly fishing and casting instruction from experienced guides, and a variety of food and outdoor equipment vendors. Live music accompanies the two-day event.
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery hosts live music performances by various local and regional artists as part of its ongoing entertainment offerings. Shows occur weekly throughout the year, with start times varying by event.
DetailsSmoky Mountain Brewery
Smoky Mountain Brewery hosts live bands and performers on multiple evenings per week throughout the year. Shows typically begin around 8:30 PM and run through closing. Artists and schedules vary by week.
DetailsWhere to stay
Festival weekends — Rod Run, Wildflower Pilgrimage, October foliage, Smoky Mountain Christmas — sell out lodging months ahead. Compare live prices and lock in dates before the calendar fills.
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