Smoky Mountain Springfest

Spring in Gatlinburg means festivals galore. From barbeque to wildflowers, there’s a celebration for everything.

To say that Spring is just around the corner would be false, but we can eagerly look ahead during these long, cold January days. With every Spring, Gatlinburg ushers in a busy festival season in the old town.

Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Springfest celebration begins March 12 and continues through June 2. People can witness the town’s transformation into Spring when the streets overflow with baskets of beautiful blooming flowers and plants. Pansies, daffodils, tulips, mandevillas, bougainvilleas, lantanas, and wave petunias are among the many varieties of flowers that can be seen throughout town.

On Easter morning, March 31, join in the local tradition and attend Ober Gatlinburg’s 14th Annual Easter Sunrise Service enhanced by the beauty of the Smokies. Free tram rides to the mountain top begin at 5:45 a.m. and continue in 15 minute intervals until the service begins at 6:30 a.m. Complimentary parking at the resort will be provided for those who prefer to drive. A breakfast buffet will be waiting and available at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant from 7 a.m. Until 10:30 a.m.

The smell of hickory-smoked barbeque will fill the air as folks roll up sleeves and dive in to sample their secret sauces on delectable ribs and wings from vendors from all over the Southeast in April at Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings from 5-8pm. This festive street party features live entertainment, lots of fun and barbeque ribs and wings on the open grill just for your tasting.

The 63rd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage & Greener Living Expo, set April 24-28, is another great event, especially for hikers and nature lovers who love to see delicate wildflowers in bloom. Hosted by the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the University of Tennessee Botany Department, this five-day program offers more than 150 different hiking tours of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, exhibitions, demonstrations, classroom lectures and delightful motor excursions into the wonderful season of spring in the Smokies.

Members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will display unique handcrafted wares as they gather at the Gatlinburg Convention Center to host their annual Easter Arts & Crafts show March 28-30.

To learn more about these and other events in Gatlinburg, call 800-56-VISIT (568-4748) or visit the Gatlinburg website at www.gatlinburg.com.