Come relish the glories of Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains! What better way to celebrate the rebirth of nature in all its glory than to visit these majestic mountains as trees bud, flowers bloom, and birdsong fills the air. Apart from the luscious natural landscape, the Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge area hosts numerous events which will take your springtime fun to the next level.
“We stayed Sunday through Thursday morning during March for our first visit to the area. We had so many great and special experiences during our stay! Hiking was incredible, Ripley’s Aquarium was the best aquarium I’ve ever been to, we made a nice dinner one night, went to the wax museum and so much more! There are an infinite number of things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg” J.Y. from Toledo, OH
While March can be tricky, it also brings the first warmth of the season with average temperatures between 45 and 70 degrees. The trees begin to wake up and the flowers bloom, and you can hike through the Smoky Mountains to see the natural beauty of the area. Click here for some of our favorite trail options and see spectacular waterfalls.
Hiking in May is a perfect time to catch all the splendor of the Smoky Mountains in spring. Downtown Gatlinburg offers festivals, tons of food, and arts & crafts galore. And don’tforget the Dolly Parton parade in Pigeon Forge!
MAY 6, 2016
The Annual Dolly Parade kicks of Pigeon Forge Springfest! Folks line the Blue Ridge Parkway to say hello to Tennessee’s favorite daughter. Local entertainers and military vets join in the fun as colorful florists make their way down the streets of Pigeon Forge.
MAY 5 – 7th, 2016
The Annual Dolly Parade kicks of Pigeon Forge Springfest! Folks line the Blue Ridge Parkway to say hello to Tennessee’s favorite daughter. Local entertainers and military vets join in the fun as colorful florists make their way down the streets of Pigeon Forge.
MAY 9 – 13, 2016
Pigeon Forge hosts this free annual event and includes exhibits, musical and theatrical performances, and workshops. Enjoy learning more about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and what keeps bringing nature lovers back year after year. The program runs from 8am – 7:30pm daily.
MAY 12, 2016
This festival pays homage to Appalachia’s culinary past with a beans and cornbread cook-off, live bluegrass music, booths, games, and food sampling. Downtown Gatlinburg transforms into a festive scene of celebration of the fine culinary past of the Appalachia. This events has an admission fee of $10.
MAY 12, 2016
Avast, mateys! Dress up as a pirate, dive into a ton of delicious foods and participate in a treasure hunt. The action is all taking place at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This event raises funds for the Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic in Sevierville.
EVERY SATURDAY, STARTING MAY 14, 2016
Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Gatlinburg Farmers Market is held in the Great Smoky Arts and Craft Community at the Covered Bridge, 849 Glades Rd Gatlinburg, each Saturday from 8:00 – 11:30 am. See if your favorite local vendors will be there this year and new additions to the market.
MAY 20 – 21, 2016
Not only is the music non-stop, but so is the BBQ! Teams from across the United States compete for prizes and fame. You can also enjoy crafts, the Mountain Soul Competition, and tons of activities for kids. See past events and learn more about the annual Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass event.