Gatlinburg Events

calendar
EXPERIENCE GATLINBURG, TN

Upcoming Events in the Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg, TN, is an extremely popular place for special events throughout the entire year. Some of the most popular events are the Craftsmen’s Fair, Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade, Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales, Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff, and so many more! The Gatlinburg Calendar of Events below provides a quick overview of the numerous Gatlinburg events along with their dates, phone numbers, websites, and locations. We hope this list of Gatlinburg events helps you to plan the best vacation to Gatlinburg, TN!

2026 Gatlinburg Calendar of Events

Events in Gatlinburg, TN may change dates or locations, so be sure to check with the official website, phone number, etc., to confirm event details before making your plans. Also, events may be added or removed throughout the year, so check back before visiting Gatlinburg to see what will be happening during your stay.

Gatlinburg Events In january 2026

Dec 31

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop And Fireworks Show

Gatlinburg will ring in the new year under the cover of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle for its Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show on December 31.

location_on
115 Historic Nature TrailGatlinburgTN37738
Around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle

Time : Late Evening

More Info: Click here

Nov 6 - Feb 8

Gatlinburg Winter Magic

For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winterfest with millions of twinkling lights on festive holiday displays throughout the city. Soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of your own vehicle and take a memorable journey on the exciting Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour.

location_on
GatlinburgTN37738
Gatlinburg

More Info: Click here

Until Jan 31

Lights Over Gatlinburg at the SkyPark

Running daily every night through January 31 (except Christmas Day), the Gatlinburg SkyPark will be lit up at night with over 40,000 lights, including a 300-foot tunnel of lights on the SkyBridge, a 30-foot Christmas tree structure with lights animated to music, and much more. It’s a truly magical experience that every visitor to Gatlinburg simply must see.

location_on
765 ParkwayGatlinburgTN37738
Gatlinburg, TN

More Info: https://www.gatlinburgskypark.com/events/lights-over-gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Events In february 2026

Nov 6 - Feb 8

Gatlinburg Winter Magic

For more than 30 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Winterfest with millions of twinkling lights on festive holiday displays throughout the city. Soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of your own vehicle and take a memorable journey on the exciting Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights Tour.

location_on
GatlinburgTN37738
Gatlinburg

More Info: Click here

Feb 20-28

Gatlinburg Pancake Week

Gatlinburg Pancake Week is a delightful celebration during National Pancake Week that showcases the region's love for delicious pancakes with a variety of creative and mouth-watering toppings. Local eateries and pancake houses come together for this week-long extravaganza to offer an array of pancake flavors.

location_on
GatlinburgTN
Gatlinburg

More Info: https://www.gatlinburg.com/events/annual-events/pancake-week/

Gatlinburg Events In march 2026

Mar 10-15

Easter Arts and Crafts Show

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts show hosts unique hand made gifts created by artisan members of the community at the annual Easter show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Admission is free!

location_on
234 Historic Nature TrailGatlinburgTN37738
Gatlinburg Convention Center

More Info: https://greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com/easter-arts-craft-show/

Mar 14

Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest

Experience behind the scenes moments of creativity with artists from Arrowmont and the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community demonstrating their craft while you enjoy sipping wines from regional wineries and food pairings from local Gatlinburg restaurants. Handcrafted items will be available for purchase from the artists, crafters and wineries throughout the duration of this event.

location_on
556 ParkwayGatlinburgTN37738
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

More Info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gatlinburg-smoky-mountain-wine-fest-tickets-1112916947549

Gatlinburg Events In april 2026

Apr 22-25

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual event in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring professionally-guided walks to explore the region’s rich natural and cultural resources.

location_on
GatlinburgTN37738
W.L. Mills Conference Center & Various Venues

More Info: https://www.wildflowerpilgrimage.org/

Apr 5

Easter Sunrise Service at Gatlinburg SkyPark

The Gatlinburg SkyPark will be hosting a Free Easter Sunrise Service on April 5, 2026, at 7:15 am. This is a free event where guests will be able to enjoy the SkyPark at no cost, watch the sunrise from the top of Crocket Mountain, and hear a brief gospel presentation all from the top of the mountain, on Easter morning, at the Gatlinburg SkyPark! Loading of the SkyLift will begin at 6:45 am with the sunrise service beginning at 7:15 am.

location_on
765 ParkwayGatlinburgTN37738
Gatlinburg SkyPark

More Info: https://www.gatlinburgskypark.com/events/easter-sunrise-service

Gatlinburg Events In june 2026

Early June

Synchronous Fireflies at Elkmont

Once a year, in the first part of June, an amazing display of synchronous fireflies can be found near Gatlinburg at Elkmont in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s one of the only places in the world to see synchronous fireflies and we’ve got a full guide on how to see them along with photos, videos, and more.

location_on
GatlinburgTN37738
Park at Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride trolley to Elkmont (parking pass required).

More Info: Click here

Gatlinburg Events In july 2026

Jul 10-19

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

Come off the street and beat the July heat at Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair! This unique show features over 180 booths of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States. Watch as they demonstrate their skill, answer questions, and offer their unique art for sale indoors at the Gatlinburg Convention Center – located at Traffic Light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg.

location_on
234 Historic Nature TrailGatlinburgTN37738
Gatlinburg Convention Center

Phone: 865-436-7479

More Info: Click here

Jul 25

Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference

The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference features some of the most knowledgeable and engaging voices in the world of Sasquatch research, cryptozoology, and the unexplained. Speakers share their expertise, incredible stories, and cutting-edge findings, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best in the field. In addition to their presentations, the speakers host booths where you can meet them, ask questions, and explore their work up close, creating a truly immersive and interactive experience.

location_on
234 Airport RdGatlinburgTN37738
Gatlinburg Convention Center

More Info: https://gatherupevents.com/smoky-mountain-bigfoot-conference/

Gatlinburg Events In august 2026

Aug 6-8

Gatlinburg Square and Round Dance Convention

Over 70 gifted, talented, and challenging callers, cuers, and lines instructors help fill 7 halls with great, continuous dancing.

location_on
234 Historic Nature TrailGatlinburgTN37738
W. L. Mills Conference Center

More Info: http://www.tnsquaredance.org/convention/

Sept – Nov

Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta

During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival which runs from late August to early November, visitors can enjoy Halloween-themed décor throughout the park. For an additional add-on, sample drink specials from several local and regional craft breweries. Make your way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature-inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor.

location_on
576 ParkwayGatlinburgTN37738
Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN

Phone: 865-325-2400

More Info: https://anakeesta.com/bear-varian-fall-festival/

Gatlinburg Events In september 2026

Sept – Nov

Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta

During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival which runs from late August to early November, visitors can enjoy Halloween-themed décor throughout the park. For an additional add-on, sample drink specials from several local and regional craft breweries. Make your way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature-inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor.

location_on
576 ParkwayGatlinburgTN37738
Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN

Phone: 865-325-2400

More Info: https://anakeesta.com/bear-varian-fall-festival/

Gatlinburg Events In october 2026

Oct 8-28

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair features over 180 booths of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States. Watch as they demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale indoors at the Gatlinburg Convention Center – located at Traffic Light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg.

location_on
234 Historic Nature TrailGatlinburgTN37738
Gatlinburg Convention Center

Phone: 865-436-7479

More Info: Click here

Oct – Nov

Fall Colors in the Smokies

During the fall season, the Smoky Mountains transform into a beautiful palette of colors as leaves begin to change. While the timing can never be predicted precisely to a specific day, we provide a fall color forecast for the Gatlinburg area to provide tips on the best time to visit to see the best possible colors!

location_on
GatlinburgTN37738
Gatlinburg

More Info: Click here

Sept – Nov

Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta

During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival which runs from late August to early November, visitors can enjoy Halloween-themed décor throughout the park. For an additional add-on, sample drink specials from several local and regional craft breweries. Make your way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature-inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor.

location_on
576 ParkwayGatlinburgTN37738
Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN

Phone: 865-325-2400

More Info: https://anakeesta.com/bear-varian-fall-festival/

Gatlinburg Events In november 2026

Nov 24-29

Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show

Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual Thanksgiving show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

location_on
234 Historic Nature TrailGatlinburgTN37738
Gatlinburg Convention Center

More Info: https://greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com/events/

Oct – Nov

Fall Colors in the Smokies

During the fall season, the Smoky Mountains transform into a beautiful palette of colors as leaves begin to change. While the timing can never be predicted precisely to a specific day, we provide a fall color forecast for the Gatlinburg area to provide tips on the best time to visit to see the best possible colors!

location_on
GatlinburgTN37738
Gatlinburg

More Info: Click here

Sept – Nov

Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta

During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival which runs from late August to early November, visitors can enjoy Halloween-themed décor throughout the park. For an additional add-on, sample drink specials from several local and regional craft breweries. Make your way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature-inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor.

location_on
576 ParkwayGatlinburgTN37738
Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, TN

Phone: 865-325-2400

More Info: https://anakeesta.com/bear-varian-fall-festival/

Gatlinburg Events In december 2026

Dec 4

Gatlinburg Christmas Parade

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. from Baskins Creek Bypass and East Parkway, a spectacular parade line-up of balloons, floats decorated by local businesses and community groups, and high school marching bands, spans through downtown before ending at traffic light #10. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early on parade day.

location_on
GatlinburgTN37738
Downtown Gatlinburg along the Parkway

Time : 7:30pm

More Info: Click here