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Events

Events

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!

synchronous fireflies elkmont smoky mountains

Synchronous Fireflies 2018 Event at Elkmont

Posted: 24 Apr , 2018

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 June 7-14. 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! Synchronous Fireflies Event at Elkmont Dates 2018 The extremely popular synchronous firefly event in Elkmont for 2018 will take place June 7-14. During this time, the entrance road to Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be closed to motor vehicles and pedestrians (except campers who are staying at the campground) beginning around 5pm each of those nights. To get access, there will be a shuttle that will pick passengers up at the Sugarlands Visitor...

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by Shane Eubanks
new years eve gatlinburg tn

New Years Eve Gatlinburg TN 2018

Posted: 01 Jan , 2018

New Year's Eve in Gatlinburg, TN seems to get bigger and better each year and the 2018 New Year's Eve ball drop and fireworks is set to be the best one yet! All of the action takes place in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg at the Space Needle (intersection of the Parkway and Historic Nature Trail). The 2018 Gatlinburg New Year's Eve ball drop and fireworks will be the 31st annual celebration of this event in Gatlinburg, TN. When the clock ticks to midnight, fireworks will blast into the air choreographed with music in what is one of the biggest and brightest fireworks displays in the south! The Space Needle has added rhythmic LED lights to the tower, making for a spectacular display. Gatlinburg has become an incredibly popular destination for ringing in the new year with the music, fireworks, shops, attractions, restaurants, cabins, etc. If you're looking for an exciting place to be on New Year's Eve then definitely head to Gatlinburg, TN to celebrate the passing year and welcome the new one! The area around the Space Needle will begin getting crowded during the evening, so plan ahead for parking, walking, eating, etc. If you're fortunate enough to find...

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by Shane Eubanks
4th of july midnight parade gatlinburg tn

Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade and Fireworks

Posted: 28 Jun , 2017

Gatlinburg, TN is known to have the “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation” with the annual Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade, which begins exactly at midnight on July 4th. It has been named by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as a "Top Ten Parade to see in the US". This year's parade will be its 42nd anniversary and will honor the Firefighters, First Responders and Law Enforcement Officers for their efforts during the 2016 wildfires as they will serve as the parades Grand Marshals, Around 100,000 spectators are expected to line the streets of Gatlinburg to celebrate the 4th of July in Gatlinburg, TN. In other words, find a good spot early! Many people put folding chairs out along the sidewalks as early as 7am on July 3rd. If you choose to do this, just keep in mind that it is sort of the "honor" system and your chair could get moved or, even worse, stolen. This rarely ever happens, but just a heads up! Leading up to the parade, the 129th Army Band will provide a free concert beginning at 6pm on July 3rd at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza. The parade will then kickoff hour later at midnight. The 4th of July...

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by Shane Eubanks
friends holding 2017

3 Reasons to Spend New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg

Posted: 15 Dec , 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: 1. The Gatlinburg Ball Drop and Fireworks Show Like many other cities throughout the world, Gatlinburg has a New Year’s Eve tradition. Gatlinburg has one of the most exciting and amazing traditions throughout the world, every year people gather in front of the Gatlinburg Space Needle to watch the ball drop, marking the beginning of the new year. Then once the ball drops, fireworks are shot off the roof of the 400-foot tall Space Needle. The fireworks are shot off to special music that was choreographed especially for this fireworks show. Also, The Space Needle has recently added rhythmic LED lights to the tower,...

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by Emily Wolff
fun things to do in gatlinburg tn

2015 Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

Posted: 16 May , 2015

The 2015 Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales in Gatlinburg, TN takes place June 12 - August 1 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. During the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales in Gatlinburg you can experience traditional Appalachian music, bluegrass, cloggers, storytellers, and more! The variety of performers makes you want to walk the parkway just to see and hear all that is offered. There are even people that will share how musical instruments were made centuries ago in the mountains or learn how people lived in the mountains without the modern conveniences we have today. It's definitely an entertaining and educational experience the whole family will enjoy. To get an idea of what to expect, you can view the video below of the Gatlinburg Tunes and Tales from a couple of years ago. Video of Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales in Gatlinburg TN Final Thought If you visit Gatlinburg, then be sure...

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by Shane Eubanks
gatlinburg beans cornbread festival

Gatlinburg Beans and Cornbread Festival

Posted: 11 May , 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! The Gatlinburg Beans and Cornbread Festival is presented by Bush Brothers & Company so every recipe will include Bush Beans. While it's free to simply stroll around, in order to enjoy the beans and cornbread you'll need to purchase a spoon for $10. There is typically a booth setup at the festival where you can purchase your spoon. There will also be a cornhole tournament from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Teams can register at the festival and compete for a minimal $10 entry donation to benefit Sevier County Humane Society. This year, they've added antique engines and strolling musicians playing Appalachian music up and down...

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by Shane Eubanks