January
Trolley Ride of Lights (Jan. 1-30) Visitors can soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley by taking the relaxing Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights. These popular guided excursions. Starts at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and travels throughout downtown Gatlinburg. Admission $5. (865) 436-0535
Gatlinburg Winter Magic (Jan. 3 – Feb. 28) The city of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with millions of spectacular lights and lighted displays from November through February. Throughout Gatlinburg.
15th Sevier County Juried Biennial Exhibition (Jan. 7 – Feb. 26) – It’s that time again – time for Sevier County artists who are 18 years or older to submit artwork for the 15th Sevier County Biennial Juried Exhibition. 556 Parkway, www.arrowmont.org or (865) 436-5860
Tennessee Winter Special Olympics (Jan. 30 – Feb. 2) – Watch and cheer as Special Olympics athletes compete for the gold in their annual Winter Olympics day. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, www.obergatlinburg.com
February
March
Smoky Mountain SpringFest (March 11 – June 6) – Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, trees are full of new growth and leaves, frost has melted from the high country and waterfalls cascade onto rocks below. Throughout Gatlinburg.
3rd Annual Gatlinburg Screenfest (March 25 – 27) – Gatlinburg Screenfest features independent films and filmmakers from all over the nation at River Terrace Resort.
www.gatlinburgscreenfest.com or 865/809-4106
April
Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon (April 2) – The third annual triathlon at the Community Center starts at 8:15 a.m. and is open to anyone 15 years and older capable of swimming one-half mile, biking twenty kilometers, and running five kilometers consecutively. Gatlinburg Community Center, 865/436-4990. Entry Fee
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament (April 2 – 3) – The 12th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament in Gatlinburg is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. www.rockytopoutfitter.com or 865-661-3474
Music of the Mountains (April 16) – Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents its annual event highlighted by the “Jimbo Whaley and Friends Concert” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 16 at W.L. Mills Conference Center. This year’s one-day event begins at Sugarlands Visitor Center with free, limited-seating performances by a series of six prominent musical acts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mountain Man Memorial March (April 16) – The Fourth Annual Mountain Man Memorial March is a 26.2-mile march in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee which will be conducted Saturday, April 16 in Gatlinburg as a tribute to our men and women in uniform. (865) 974-5371
Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show (April 20 – 23) – Unique handcrafted gifts and products produced by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are placed on display and offered for sale as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Demonstrations are part of the show. www.gatlinburgcrafts.com
Wildflower Pilgrimage (April 26 – May 1) – Enjoy the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 150 different programs, including hiking tours, motorcades, demonstrations & classroom lectures. W.L. Mills Conference Center & various venues, www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org or 865-436-7318
Ribfest & Wings (April 28) – Enjoy the area’s best ribs and wings as well as live entertainment during Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings on Thursday, April 28. One admission price allows sampling until the ribs and wings run out as the Parkway transforms into a Street Fair.
May
Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games (May 13 – 14) – For the 30th consecutive year, Scottish clans will gather in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains for the Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games, scheduled May 13 and 14 at Mills Park. Admission fee
Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival (May 14 – 15) – A family oriented fine arts festival featuring juried artists from around the country, delicious cuisine and music on Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza and River Road. www.gfaf.net
Family Fest In The Smokies (May 27 – 29) – For 21 years Bill & Gloria Gaither have been coming to Gatlinburg with an extraordinary 3-day musical event! Gatlinburg Convention Center, www.gaither.com. Admission fee.
June
Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales (June 17 – August 13) – All summer long hear tales, mountain music, and learn the lore of the Smoky Mountains on the sidewalks of downtown Gatlinburg. Fourteen acts nightly. 6 – 11 p.m.
July
36th Annual July 4th Midnight Parade (July 3-4) – For the 36th consecutive year, Gatlinburg kicks off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, which leads off at 12 a.m. on Sunday.
Gatlinburg’s River Raft Regatta (July 4) – Gatlinburg’s popular River Raft Regatta takes place at noon on Monday, July 4th, on the Little Pigeon River in Downtown Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (July 15-23) – Art, crafts and music lovers can find almost 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gatlinburg Convention Center, www.craftsmenfair.com or 865/436-7479. Admission: $6
August
September
Annual Taste of Autumn (Sept. 15) – Featuring the fare of the area’s finest restaurants and businesses, the performance of jazz performers John Celestin and Peggy Smith, the Taste of Autumn returns to the Gatlinburg Convention Center on Thursday, September 15, all to benefit the United Way of Sevier County. Admission fee
Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival (Sept. 15 – Oct. 31) – Fall decorations, old fashioned hayrides, events, entertainment, and local craft exhibits can be seen throughout Gatlinburg.
Fall Color in the Smokies (Sept. 15 – Nov. 15) – There are still a variety of trees in the low country in the Smokies and Gatlinburg that are hanging on, bearing the more muted brown hues and subdued oranges and golds. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, www.gatlinburg.com
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament (Sept. 25 – 26) – The 11th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies.
October
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (Oct. 6 – 23) – Art, crafts and music lovers can find almost 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gatlinburg Convention Center, www.craftsmenfair.com or (865) 436-7479. Admission: $6
November
Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff (Nov. 9) – Offering mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous, the City of Gatlinburg hosts its 22nd annual Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. on the popular Downtown Parkway. Admission fee
Veteran’s Day Celebration (Nov. 11) – Join Gatlinburg in saluting America’s veterans. Stirring musical tribute on Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza.
Festival of Trees (Nov. 21 – 25) – Festival of Trees and weekend performances of a holiday classic presented in Gatlinburg. W.L. Mills Conference Center, www.gatlinburgfestivaloftrees.com. Admission fee
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show (Nov. 22 – Dec. 4) – Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual holiday show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748.
December
A gorgeous mountain backdrop mixed with diversity in creativity from across the nation is the perfect pairing for the 8th Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival Labor Day weekend, August 31 through September 2.
