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Discover the numerous Gatlinburg events that take place throughout the year and see why the variety of events in Gatlinburg, TN make this a place to visit all year long!

Events

Ultimate Guide to Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg

Oct. 04, 2021

If you are looking for a fun activity to do in Gatlinburg this fall, look no further than the 12th annual Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg. The festival is already underway and runs through the end of October. Inspired by the event in Munich, the festival takes some of the rich German tradition and mixes it with the spirit of the Smoky Mountains. Here is everything you need to know about Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg: Delicious Food One of the many highlights of the festival at Ober Gatlinburg is the amazing meals. At the Seasons of Ober restaurant, they switch their menu during this time of year to a unique German theme. Most of the recipes are derived from traditional German cuisine from Bavarian...

Events

Gatlinburg 4th of July Fireworks and Parade

May. 02, 2021

Gatlinburg, TN will once again have to “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation” with the return of the annual Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade, which begins exactly at midnight when the clock ticks over to July 4th! It has been named by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as a "Top Ten Parade to see in the US". This popular Gatlinburg parade has grown to be a favorite of visitors as well as locals for over four decades now with over 80,000 spectators! This special parade features numerous floats and participants to honor our nation’s Military Veterans and other U.S. Military Heroes. We are so excited to see this parade return in 2021! 4th of July Fireworks The 4th of July celebration...

Events

New Years Eve Gatlinburg TN 2020 – CANCELLED

Dec. 23, 2020

Each year, Gatlinburg hosts a large New Year’s Eve celebration filled with fireworks and fun activities. However, due to the Governor of Tennessee’s guidance for gatherings to limit COVID-spread, the 2020 fireworks have been cancelled.

Events

Watch Popular Smoky Mountain Fireflies Event Online

May. 27, 2020

Have you ever had the opportunity to see the synchronous fireflies in the Smoky Mountains? Now’s your chance! A non-profit in the Smokies is hosting a virtual firefly event so that you can experience the magic from wherever you are. We’ve gathered all the details on how you can watch this popular Smoky Mountain fireflies event online.

synchronous fireflies elkmont smoky mountains

Events

Synchronous Fireflies 2020 Event at Elkmont

Apr. 07, 2020

If you want to witness one of the most amazing sights that the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer, then be sure to check out the incredible synchronous fireflies in Elkmont this summer. Many people refer to them as “lightning bugs” or “lighting bugs”, but the Photinus carolinus is an amazing synchronous firefly that finds its way to a special spot in the Great Smoky Mountains each year near Gatlinburg in the first part of June. Elkmont is one of the only places in the United States to see the synchronous fireflies making it an incredibly special event that very few people get to witness! Below, we provide information on how to get to Elkmont during the event along with photos and synchronous fireflies videos!

Events

Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

Jun. 27, 2018

The 2018 Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales in Gatlinburg, TN takes place June 22 – August 11 each night beginning at 6pm and lasting until 11pm. Gatlinburg Tunes & Tales features costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying characters from as far back as the 1800’s. The performers arrive nightly and setup in various parts of downtown Gatlinburg to perform free, family-friendly entertainment that people have increasingly enjoyed over the past few years since it began.

Events

3 Reasons to Spend New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg

Dec. 15, 2016

New Year’s Eve is the time of bittersweet endings and new beginnings! You are probably excited for what new opportunities and changes the new year will bring you. This year, if you want to have an awesome end of the year celebration and you are trying to find the perfect location, we know the best place. Going into the new year, Gatlinburg comes alive with many great new year celebrations and there are also many amazing winter activities for you to participate in as well. Here’s a few reasons why you should spend New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg:

Events

Gatlinburg Beans and Cornbread Festival

May. 11, 2015

The 2015 Gatlinburg Beans and Cornbread Festival is one of the few “locally” operated events in the Smoky Mountains where you can get a taste (literally and figuratively) of Appalachian life that dates back over 100 years! This special event takes place on Thursday, May 14 between traffic light numbers 6 and 8 right on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg from 4pm to 8pm. They shut down the Parkway and redirect traffic as vendor booths and tents line the street offering up some amazing beans and cornbread along with good ole’ fashion Smoky Mountain music!