Things to do in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains
Every season in Gatlinburg Tennessee is a wonderful time to visite the Smokies! No matter when you come, it is a time for exploration, renewal, and enjoying all that nature has in store. Whether its, hiking, shopping, horseback riding, trout fishing, biking, an auto tour, or just relaxing on your porch, the Smoky Mountains are a special place to be with your loved ones. Bring the entire family to enjoy the fun to be had by all in Gatlinburg. One of the best ways to experience Gatlinburg might just be from the porch of a Jackson Mountain Homes Gatlinburg cabin or checking out the many sights Gatlinburg has to offer from your auto, motorcycle, bicycle or while hiking through the park. Don't forget to check out our specials!
Calendar of Gatlinburg Area Events
Visit www.gatlinburg.com/events for more information
(current as of 1/2/13, All Dates Are Tentative And Subject to Change)
(GCVBE) – A Gatlinburg CVB Sponsored Event ($) – Admission/Fee
JANUARY 2013
January 1 to 31 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
January 5, 12, 19, 26 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – On Saturdays in January, enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. Book your seats on-line by visiting www.gatlinburg.com/events (GCVBE) ($)
January 27 to 29 – Tennessee Winter Special Olympics – Winter sports competitions including ice skating, snowboarding and snow skiing at Ober Gatlinburg. Opening ceremonies are held at W.L. Mills Auditorium. (800) 251-9202
FEBRUARY 2013
February 1 to 28 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
MARCH 2013
March 7 – Pirate’s Ball – Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, Inc. presents its fifth annual fundraiser at Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies. Guests can enjoy a tropical climate with live music, dancing, food and drink. For more information, call 865-774-7684. ($)
March 8 & 9 – Gatlinburg Improv Fest – This event for both performers and spectators at Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre will feature a number of improvisation groups and instructors participating in a series of shows and classes. Visit www.gatlinburgimprovfest.com, email gatlinburgimprovfest@gmail.com or call (865) 325-9712 for more information. ($)
March 13 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – A countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748
March 28 to 30 – Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show – 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. For information, visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748
March 31 – Easter Sunrise Service at Ober Gatlinburg – Early morning Easter Service at Ober Gatlinburg includes complimentary tram service to the top of the resort begins at 5:45 a.m. Service begins at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet available. (800) 251-9202
APRIL 2013
April 1 to 30 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season, featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748
April 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – On Fridays and Saturday in June, visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life long ago in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform along the Parkway during this eighth annual event! (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
April 6 & 7 – Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament – The 14th Annual Spring Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed. For more information, call 865-661-3474, visit www.rockytopoutfitter.com, or email rockytopoutfit@aol.com. ($)
April 13 – Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon – The sixth annual triathlon at the Community Center starts at 8:15 a.m. Awards will be given in multiple age categories (men’s and women’s division), plus a mixed team relay event. Pre-register is required. (865) 436-4990 ($)
April 15 to 21 – Smoky Mountain Regional Bridge Conference – This large tournament of the Mid-Atlantic Bridge Conference takes place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center with thousands of players participating in Gold Point events and other programs. For more information, visit www.gatlinburgregional.org. ($)
April 18 – Food Ministry Fiesta – Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies hosts this third annual fundraiser benefiting Sevier County Food Ministries at 6 p.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit SCFM’s outreach program and special projects. Entertainment and refreshments included. For ticket information, call (865) 428-5182 ($)
April 20 – Mountain Man Memorial March – This fifth annual 26.2-mile march starts in downtown Gatlinburg at 9 a.m. as a challenging tribute to our men and women in uniform, with Military Heavy, Military Light and Civilian entry categories. The course includes highway and rural road stretches in addition to rugged terrain and mountain slopes. The event honors 1LT Frank Walkup, a University of Tennessee-Knoxville alumnus who in 2007 was killed in the line of duty in Iraq. For more information, call 865-974-5371 or visit www.mountainmanmemorialmarch.com. ($)
April 24 to 28 – 63rd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage – Celebrate and enjoy the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 150 different programs, including hiking tours, motorcades, demonstrations and classroom lectures centered on the flowers, plants and wildlife in the great outdoors. For more information, call (865) 436-7318 ext. 222 or visit www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org. ($)
MAY 2013
May 1 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748
May 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – On Fridays and Saturday in June, visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life long ago in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform along the Parkway during this eighth annual event! (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
May 18 & 25 – Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway from May 18 through October 12. Comprised of local producers, the emphasis is on fresh produce and homemade products offered in an atmosphere of community. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com for more information.
JUNE 2013
June 1 to 9 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com for details.
June 1, 7-8, 14 to 30 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life long ago in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform along the Parkway every evening during this eighth annual event! (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
June 14 to August 17 – Free Parkway Trolley – The City of Gatlinburg will offer free trolley service to patrons along the length of the Parkway for nine weeks this Summer. The free specially painted open-air shuttles will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through August 18. Extra stops have been established between traffic lights 1 and 10 along Parkway. (800) 568-4748
JULY 2013
July 1 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smoky Mountains on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this eighth annual event! (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
July 3 – 4th of July Midnight Parade – This 38th annual showcase salutes the valiant men and women of our military services in the “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!” Parade starts at the stroke of midnight to begin Independence Day. Floats, balloons, and marching bands pay tribute to our country during this Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
July 4 – River Raft Regatta – Visitors can enjoy a fun, unmanned, floatable object race for the whole family. Free registration begins at 10 a.m. at bridge beneath chair lift. Race begins at noon at Christ of the Smokies bridge and ends at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies bridge where prizes will be awarded in several different categories. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
July 4 – 4th of July Fireworks Show – Join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg to mark our nation’s “Independence Day” with a magnificent fireworks show. The City of Gatlinburg lights up the mountain skyline downtown at 10 p.m. with this grand display. Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
July 6, 13, 20, 27 – Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com for details.
July 19 to 28 – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair at Gatlinburg Convention Center – Art, crafts and music lovers will discover over 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. Call (865) 436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com for details ($)
AUGUST 2013
August 1 to 10 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – Through early August, visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this seventh annual event! (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
August 1 to 17 – Free Parkway Trolley – The City of Gatlinburg will offer free trolley service to patrons along the length of the Parkway for nine weeks this Summer. The free specially painted open-air shuttles will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through August 18. Extra stops have been established between traffic lights 1 and 10 along Parkway. (800) 568-4748
August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com for details.
August 15-18 – Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival - Celebrating the area’s Appalachian musical roots, Gatlinburg hosts its second Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival. For more information, call 865-436-0500 or email george@gatlinburg.com
SEPTEMBER 2013
September 7, 14, 21, 28 – Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com for details.
September 13 to 30 – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season features festivals, special events and autumn-themed displays. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
September TBA – 16th Annual Taste of Autumn – Sample signature dishes from the area’s finest restaurants and other vendors. Enjoy live entertainment with a cash bar. Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. Doors of the Gatlinburg Convention Center open at 5 p.m. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748 ($)
September 26 to 28 – Fast Cars N Mason Jars Moonshine Festival – Ole Smoky Moonshine celebrates Appalachian heritage with this event featuring tours and mountain music. A concert and dinner are also part of the tentative plans. (800) 568-4748
September 28 & 29 – Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament – The 14th Annual Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed. For information, call 865-661-3474, visit www.rockytopoutfitter.com, or email rockytopoutfit@aol.com. ($)
September 27 to 30 – Oktoberfest – This Ober Gatlinburg festival features Bavarian-style food, beverages, music and live entertainment through early November, with daily shows and multiple shows each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call (865) 436-5423 for more information.
OCTOBER 2013
October 1 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season featuring special events, festivals, craft shows, autumn-themed displays and more. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
October 1 to 31 – Oktoberfest – This Ober Gatlinburg festival features Bavarian-style food, beverages, music and live entertainment through early November, with daily shows and multiple shows each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call (865) 436-5423 for more information.
October 4 to 6 – Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival at Arrowmont – This ninth annual family oriented fine arts festival at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts features juried artists from around the country, delicious cuisine and music. Proceeds benefit Arrowmont and the Sevier County Arts Council. (888) 240-1358 or www.gfaf.net
October 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, 31 – Ripley’s Fright Nights – Ripley’s Haunted Adventure celebrates its 15th annual event featuring a special show each weekend in October, with no extra charge every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening plus Halloween night. Call 430-9991 for more information.
October 5 & 12 – Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Alamo parking lot at 705 East Parkway through October 12. Visit www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com for details.
October 10 to 27 – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair – Art, crafts and music lovers will find over 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Enjoy live country & bluegrass entertainment at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Call (865) 436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com ($)
October 31 – Trick Or Treat Kickoff Carnival – Local businesses offer contests, costumed characters, inflatables and candy on Halloween at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Sevier County.
NOVEMBER 2013
November 3 – Oktoberfest – This Ober Gatlinburg festival features Bavarian-style food, beverages, music and live entertainment through early November, with daily shows and multiple shows each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call (865) 436-5423 for more information.
November 11 – Veterans Day Celebration – Join the City of Gatlinburg in saluting the men and women of America who have served in our Armed Forces in this special ceremony on Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza. This 11th annual program begins at 11 a.m. and includes stirring musical tributes, ceremonial words and recognition of Veterans in attendance. This event is designated an official Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day by the Veterans Day National Committee, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
November 13 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff – The City of Gatlinburg kicks off Gatlinburg Winter Magic from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Downtown Parkway by turning on over three million lights. Enjoy live entertainment, sample chili recipes from local restaurants and businesses and vote for your favorite. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748 ($)
November 13 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
December 1 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. Group reservations are available. Book your seats on-line by visiting www.gatlinburg.com/events (GCVBE) ($)
November 26 to 30 – Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show – Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748.
November 26 to 30 – Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees – Dozens upon dozens of ornately decorated Christmas trees await visitors in this winter wonderland at Gatlinburg Convention Center’s W.L. Mills Conference Center. Event benefits Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
November 29 & 30 – Winter Magic Tunes & Tales – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this fifth annual event! (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
November 29 & 30 – The Nutcracker “Sweet” – Presented by the Smoky Mountain Dance Theater Company, enjoy this holiday classic presented in Gatlinburg, with performances at 7 p.m. in the W.L. Mills Auditorium. (GCVBE) Call (865) 680-7369 for ticket information.
DECEMBER 2013
December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 – Winter Magic Tunes & Tales – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling and entertainment along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this fifth annual event! (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
December 1 to 31 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
December 1 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. Group reservations are available. Book your seats on-line by visiting www.gatlinburg.com/events (GCVBE) ($)
December 1 to 8 – Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show – 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 6 – Gatlinburg’s 38th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade – This popular Christmas parade in downtown Gatlinburg is recognized as one of the very best by the International Festival and Events Association. Parade features lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units and helium balloons. Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. at Traffic Light #1A and continues through downtown to Light #10. (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
December 7 & 8 – Christmas on Ice – Enjoy the spirit of the season as local skaters display their talents on ice to the sounds of holiday music in a two-day performance at Ober Gatlinburg’s ice arena. Visit www.obergatlinburg.com or call (800) 251-9202
December 31 – New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show & Ball Drop on Historic Nature Trail at the Parkway – For the 26th straight year, the Space Needle area at traffic light #8 comes alive at the stroke of midnight with a fabulous fireworks show. Features free party favors and live entertainment. “Best New Year’s Eve Show in the South.” (GCVBE) (800) 568-4748
(All Dates Are Tentative And Subject to Change. Confirm All Dates Before Making Reservations!)
Disclaimer
This area is provided to assist our visitors with finding Gatlinburg and area services, attractions, and activities. We hope that it will be of great benefit to you and should you find a broken link or service listed here to be not to your liking please email us right away. info@jacksonmountain.com. The information provided in this section of our web site is believed to be factual, however, it has been provided by others and therefore, Jackson Mountain Homes, Inc. does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of the materials provided by other agencies or organizations. It is highly recommended that prior to relying on any information provided herein that the reader should verify the accuracy.
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