March 12, 2013
2013 Spring Events and Activities in The Smokies
Heading to the Smoky Mountains in March, April or May? You’ll be just in time for the many family-friendly Spring Attractions Gatlinburg offers every year.
Looking for fun seasonal attractions? There’s never a bad time to visit Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
Smoky Mountain SpringFest
March 12, 2013 – June 2, 2013
Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, trees are full of new growth and leaves, frost has melted from the high country and waterfalls cascade onto rocks below.
Discover Life In America Celebrates “15 Years Of Discovery”
March 21, 2013 – March 23, 2013 Celebration extolling efforts to catalog every living species in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at a unique gathering in Gatlinburg March 21-23.
Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show
March 28, 2013 – March 30, 2013 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 Easter show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Easter Egg Hunt
March 30, 2013 – March 30, 2013 Easter Egg Hunt for children between the ages of 1 and 12 sponsored by the Gatlinburg Community Police Programs. Saturday March 30, 2013 at Mynatt Park on Airport Road at noon.
Easter Sunrise At Ober
March 31, 2013 – March 31, 2013 Soak up Easter Sunday sunrise from the top of Mt. Harrison at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort during this service sponsored by the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association.
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
April 5, 2013 – August 10, 2013 Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800.
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
April 6, 2013 – April 7, 2013 The 14th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies.
Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon
April 13, 2013 – April 13, 2013 The fifth annual triathlon at the Community Center starts at 8:15 a.m. and is open to anyone 15 years and older capable of swimming one-half mile, biking twenty kilometers, and running five kilometers consecutively.
Smoky Mountain MABC Regional Bridge Tournament
April 15, 2013 – April 21, 2013 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.
Food Ministry Fiesta
April 18, 2013 – April 18, 2013 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 programs and special projects.
Mountain Man Memorial March
April 19, 2013 – April 20, 2013 The Sixth Annual Mountain Man Memorial March is a 26.2-mile march in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee which will be conducted Saturday, April 20 in Gatlinburg as a tribute to our men and women in uniform.
Earth Week
April 21, 2013 – April 27, 2013 Celebrate Earth Week in Gatlinburg! Bring the entire family to Gatlinburg to learn about easy green practices, enjoy music, activities and games, craft stations, food and more!
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
April 23, 2013 – April 27, 2013 As winter fades and the colors of spring begin to sparkle throughout the Smokies, Gatlinburg blossoms into the center of all things botanical during Great Smoky Mountain Association’s 63rd Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage.
Earth Day 5K
April 26, 2013 – April 26, 2013 Earth Day 5K Run/Walk in beautiful Gatlinburg. Funds raised will benefit the Chamber Foundation’s initiatives in education and our green program.
Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Winefest
April 27, 2013 – April 27, 2013 Sample wines from Tennessee wineries along with small dish fare from some of the best restaurants in the Smoky Mountains.
Gatlinburg Farmers Market
May 11, 2013 – October 12, 2013
December 2, 2012
Winter Special Events
Annual Wildlife Week January 12-19
An entire week of nature programming including hikes, seminars, and workshops about the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other regions of the United States. Music Road Hotel & Convention Center.
http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events_winterfest_wilderness.aspx
Winter Heritage Festival February 1-2
A celebration of the human history, natural beauty, and cultural history of the Smokies. There will be fascinating speakers, musicians and experts on the Smokies. www.smokymountains.org
Saddle Up! February 24-27
This celebration of the American West features cowboy singers, musicians and poets. The award-winning Stories & Strings program returns. Register to experience three other concerts, a chuck wagon cook-off, and The Cowboy Dance. Finish out the event with Cowboy Church on Sunday.
1-800-251-9100
Mountain Quiltfest March 12-16
Each year Quiltfest welcomes over 20,000 visitors from around the country. Quilting enthusiasts bring their work to compete in a world-renown, multi-category quilt show. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events_quiltfest.aspx
Great Things To Do in the Smokies
The Smoky Mountains is bursting with activities for everyone to enjoy. Complete your stay at Buckhorn Inn by experiencing the mountains in your favorite way. Plan your day by clicking on any of the unique activities below.
View the mountains from high in the trees on a zipline.
Take the challenge on the ropes course.
Ride the chair lift to see the view from 1,800 feet high.
Paddle your way through the river.
Enjoy the mountains with a guide.
Drive through Cades Cove, a “living museum” full of beauty and history.
Climb and rappel from the rocks.
Bicycle through the Cades Cove Loop.
Ace your way through the lush golf courses.
Fly fish your way through the waterways.
Explore under the Smokies in the caverns.
Stand at the highest point of the Appalachian Trail.
Visit the Arts and Crafts Community in Gatlinburg.
See a show at the Smoky Mountain Opry.
November 20, 2011
What's Doin' in the Smokies – Winter 2011-12
22nd Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week
From: Jan. 7, 2012 To: Jan. 14, 2012
Every year Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge brings together nature lovers from all over the country. The festival features many different activities that are sure to please every type of nature lover. 100 experts that will share their knowledge and experience with you during the week in dozens of workshops, lectures, and seminars. Become one with nature on more than 50 guided walks and hikes that are designed for all levels! During Appalachiafest there will be live Smoky Mountain music for your listening pleasure!
Winter Magic Tunes & Tales
From: Nov. 25, 2011 To: Dec. 17, 2011
Christmas just isn’t the same without some Dickens-era caroling! Tales carolers stroll up and down the Parkway from five to nine in the evening serenading passersby and shoppers alike. Experience a Dickens Christmas at Winter Magic Tunes & Tales in Gatlinburg.
Saddle Up
February 23-24
This award-winning, four-day festival includes entertainment presented the cowboy way, including concerts by cowboy poets and western musicians. You’ll enjoy the cowboy-themed activities at the Buckeroo Roundup along with a hearty lunch at the Chuckwagon Cookoff. Your toes will tap and your boots will scoot at Saturday night’s Cowboy Dance. Wrap up a weekend of western entertainment with a chuckwagon breakfast and Cowboy Church on Sunday morning.
Quiltfest
March 14-17
Mountain Quiltfest is a favorite event for quilters and crafters. In fact, more than 20,000 visitors come each year to experience classes and seminars, shop a large vendor mall and view the works of art at the impressive quilt show. More than 60 classes and seminars are scheduled with instruction by some of the nation’s top quilting experts.
Ice Carving Competition
January 14
One day only, they’re back! Those champion chainsaw slinging, blowtorch wielding, iceblock chopping sculptors who took Titanic Pigeon Forge by storm last year. In 2012 they’ll be joined by a new batch of professional and amateur contenders, ready to whip 250-pound blocks of ice into frozen works of art. Bring the family and your camera for this one-day ice spectacular.
September 7, 2011
Heritage Festival at Nearby Pittman Center on September 17
We recommend this down-home, family-friendly event to all our guests each year. The music is terrific, auction items at a bargain and the dog contest show is not to be missed. The event is just about 5 miles of easy driving from Buckhorn Inn.
June 16, 2011
Summer Gatlinburg Events
| Event Name: | Gatlinburg’s River Raft Regatta |
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| Date(s): | July 4 | |
| Season: | Summer | |
| Category: | Entertainment | |
| Description: | Gatlinburg’s popular River Raft Regatta takes place at noon on Monday, July 4th, on the Little Pigeon River in Downtown Gatlinburg. | |
| Location: | Downtown Gatlinburg | |
| Admission: | Free | |
| Event Name: | Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair |
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| Date(s): | July 15 – 24 | |
| Season: | Summer | |
| Category: | Arts, Entertainment | |
| Description: | Art, crafts and music lovers can find almost 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. | |
| Location: | Gatlinburg Convention Center | |
| Website/Link: | http://www.craftsmenfair.com | |
| Contact Info: | 865/436-7479 | |
| Admission: | $6.00 | |
| Event Name: | Fourth of July Midnight Parade |
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| Date(s): | July 3 – 4 | |
| Season: | Summer | |
| Category: | Entertainment, History, Parades | |
| Description: | Saluting the valiant men and women of our military services, this 36th annual showcase is the “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!” Parade starts at the stroke of midnight to begin Independence Day. | |
| Location: | Downtown | |
| Website/Link: | http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/ | |
| Contact Info: | (800) 568-4748 | |
| Event Name: | Gatlinburg United Way Shark Race |
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| Date(s): | July 30 | |
| Season: | Summer | |
| Category: | Entertainment, Fundraiser | |
| Description: | Rubber sharks are released into the Little Pigeon River at the Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens bridge to race downstream, first one to cross the finish line wins! | |
| Location: | Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza | |
| Website/Link: | http://www.uwosc.org/eventscalendar/2011sharkrace.html | |
| Contact Info: | 865/430-5727 | |
| Admission: | Entry Fee | |
| Event Name: | “Stand Here” Fireworks Finale |
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| Date(s): | July 4 | |
| Season: | Summer | |
| Category: | Entertainment | |
| Description: | Finish off the 4th in style with a magnificent fireworks show visible from the downtown streets of Gatlinburg! | |
| Location: | Downtown Gatlinburg | |
| Admission: | Free | |
| Event Name: | Gatlinburg Farmer’s Market |
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| Date(s): | May 21 – October 15 | |
| Season: | Summer, Fall | |
| Category: | Food | |
| Description: | Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Gatlinburg 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 through October 21. | |
| Location: | 705 East Parkway | |
| Website/Link: | http://www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com | |
| Event Name: | Christmas Expo |
|
| Date(s): | June 29 – July 2 | |
| Season: | Summer | |
| Category: | Arts, Entertainment | |
| Description: | Whether you’re a home decorator or professional, Christmas Expo has something for you. See new lighting products and decorations at this FREE trade show, or register to attend a how-to-class or seminar. | |
| Location: | Gatlinburg Convention Center | |
| Website/Link: | http://www.ChristmasExpo.com | |
| Event Name: | Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales |
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| Date(s): | June 17 – August 13 | |
| Season: | Summer | |
| Category: | Arts, Entertainment | |
| Description: | Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800. | |
| Location: | Downtown | |
| Website/Link: | www.eventsgatlinburg.com | |
| Contact Info: |
Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738 |
|
| Admission: | Free | |
Ranger Led Hikes in the Smokies
Rangers in the Great Smoky Mountains will again be leading a series of hikes to various destinations within the park this summer. This is a great opportunity to learn about the flora and faun and the history and people of The Smokies. Here’s the current list of scheduled hikes:
Cades Cove Night Hike: Mondays and Fridays thru mid-August
Times: 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Location: Orientation Shelter at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road
Listen to the spirits of Cades Cove while enjoying a night-time walk in the cove. Distance: 2.5 mile walk rated easy in difficulty.
Sunset Stroll: Every Monday thru 8/8/2011
Times: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Laurel Falls Trailhead
Summary: Come along with a ranger for a guided walk up to Laurel Falls just before sunset. 2.6 miles roundtrip hike rated moderated in difficulty. Click here for more info.
Return of the Elk: Every Tuesday thru 8/9/2011 (except 6/21)
Times: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Cataloochee Valley, Rough Fork Trailhead
Summary: Learn about the return of the elk to the Smokies with a guided hike to the elk acclimation pen. Hike distance: less than one mile, rated moderate in difficulty.
Where the Waters Sing: Every Wednesday thru 8/10/2011
Times: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Kephart Prong Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road between Smokemont and Newfound Gap
Summary: The sound of water is music for the soul. Join a ranger and experience the melody of the mountains. Two-mile round-trip hike rated moderate in difficulty. Click here for more info.
Hike into the Sugarlands Valley: Every Wednesday thru 8/10/2011
Times: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center
Summary: Round up the kids and get your blood pumping on a brisk walk along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River to learn some secrets of the natural world. Hike rated moderate in difficulty.
Hike to Alum Cave Bluffs: Every Thursday thru 8/11/2011
Times: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Alum Cave Bluff Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road
Summary: Geology, old-growth trees, and panoramic views await you while joining a park ranger on one of the most diverse hikes in the Smokies. Wear sturdy shoes; bring water and a snack. Hike rated moderate to strenuous in difficulty. Click here for more info.
Hike to Grotto Falls: Every Sunday thru 8/07/2011
Times: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: Grotto Falls Trailhead on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Summary: Hike with a ranger through an old growth forest to one of the most popular waterfalls in the park. Hike rated moderate in difficulty. Click here for more info.
All hikes are free. For more information, please visit the GSMNP event page.
May 12, 2011
Cosby in the Park: A Celebration of Culture and Heritage–May 21
This annual event showcases mountain music, demonstrations, crafts, nature walks, talks, and more. Join this celebration of culture and heritage on May 21 from 10-5 at Cosby Campground, a short, traffic-free drive from Buckhorn Inn.
May 11, 2011
First Class Fine Arts Festival May 14-15
Combine fine art, a gorgeous mountain backdrop, diversity in creativity from across the nation and what do you have? The Seventh Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival! Set at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this event showcases artists at the top of their fields. Participating exhibitors are chosen by jury in 16 categories ranging from ceramics and glass to watercolor and woodworking; $10,000 in prizes and purchase vouchers is at stake. For artists, the festival is a prestige event. For visitors, it’s a guaranteed opportunity to enjoy the best in fine art, a fantastic free children activity program, listening to music, and gazing at the nearby mountains.
March 30, 2011
Free Music Concerts on April 8, 9 and 10
The Music of the Mountains Festival offers free concerts on April 8, 9 and 10. There is a wide spectrum of old-time, traditional and bluegrass music performers.
The event starts at 10 am with an array of traditional musical performances at Sugarlands Visitor Center Theater. Seating in the theater at Sugarlands (865-436-1291) is limited to 160 persons per concert, and available for free on a “first come, first served” basis.
- Friday, April 8 at the Townsend Heritage Center in Townsend, TN
- Saturday, April 9 at Sugarlands Visitor Center from 10-4 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Saturday night at Gatlinburg Convention Center
- Sunday, April 10 at Cosby Campground
Come enjoy some of the region’s best and most authentic live mountain music and learn about the cultural history of the area from leading experts.
Gatlinburg Weather
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