November 5, 2008 - February 28, 2009
Gatlinburg Winter Magic
Visitors of all ages can marvel at the traditional mountain scenes, colorful winter displays, playful teddy bears and other familiar, much-beloved displays both downtown and along Hwy. 321 which have been making Gatlinburg a must-see destination for both the young and young at heart for years.
Adjacent to the famous Parkway, River Road features a “magical” touch along the popular Riverwalk area, where the romantic arched walkway is enhanced by a pair of graceful 40-foot swans and several ornate floral representations to set the tone for romance in lovers of all ages.
You’ve not experienced winter until you see the lights of Gatlinburg again. Gatlinburg Winter Magic has been named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Winter Magic Tunes & Tales begins during the holiday season, where visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling and entertainment along the Parkway weekend evenings.
November 5, 2008 - January 31, 2009
Trolley Ride of Lights
Enjoy a guided trolley ride of Gatlinburg's spectacular Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure from Mass Transit/Trolley Center at Ripley's Aquarium Plaza. Tours leave nightly at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. beginning November 5 except on December 5, 24, 25 & 31, and run each Saturday in January. Call 865/436-0535 for reservations.
February 19-22, 2009
9th Annual Saddle Up! Celebration West meets Southeast during one of the fastest-growing events in Pigeon Forge. Saddle Up! shows how the West was fun with three days of cowboy poetry, Western music, dances and songwriter workshops.
March 11-15, 2009
5th Annual A Mountain Quiltfest™ This event has made Pigeon Forge a popular gathering spot for quilters from across the nation. Participants can learn the latest techniques and quilting secrets during classes and lectures conducted by some of the nation’s top quilting experts. Quilts of all shapes, sizes and colors are on display, and quilt show participants compete for cash prizes.
March 13-15, 2009
Gatlinburg Screenfest
Gatlinburg Screenfest, the city of Gatlinburg’s first annual film festival, will feature independent films and filmmakers from all over the nation at the River Terrace Resort.
April 23, 2009
Ribfest & Wings
The smell of hickory-smoked barbeque fills the air as folks roll up sleeves and dive in to sample their secret sauces on delectable ribs and wings from vendors from all over the Southeast at Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings. This festive street party features live entertainment, lots of fun and barbeque ribs and wings on the open grill just for your tasting.
November 6, 2008-February 28, 2009
19th Annual Winterfest in Pigeon Forge
During this time, the city’s five million lights are simultaneously illuminated with the flip of a switch. In addition to our featured events, the 18th annual Winterfest promises to be the biggest and brightest yet! Some of our events include Saddle up! Smoky Mountains Storytelling, and Wilderness Wildlife Week
February 6, 2009
Southern Exposure Competitions Watch or compete as skiiers and snowboarders take to the slopes for an afternoon of competition! www.obergatlinburg.com 800-MUCH FUN
March 11 - June 7, 2009
Gatlinburg Springfest
During the three-month Springfest celebration that begins in early March and continues into the second week of June, visitors witness Gatlinburg’s transformation into spring when the city’s streets overflow with baskets of beautiful blooming flowers and plants. Pansies, daffodils, tulips, mandevillas, bougainvilleas, lantanas, scaveolas and wave petunias are among the many varieties of flowers seen throughout the city. Live entertainment can be found along sidewalks, adding a festive flair to the time-honored Downtown Parkway stroll.
Members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community display unique handcrafted wares as they gather at the Gatlinburg Convention Center to host their annual Easter Arts & Crafts show Wednesday, April 8 through Saturday, April 11.
On Easter morning, April 12, join in the local tradition and attend Ober Gatlinburg’s 12th Annual Easter Sunrise Service enhanced by the beauty of the Smokies. Free tram rides to the mountain top begin at 6:15 a.m. and continue in 15 minute intervals until the service begins at 7 a.m. Complimentary parking at the resort will be provided for those who prefer to drive. A breakfast buffet will be waiting and available at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant from 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
The 59th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, Wednesday, April 22 through Sunday, April 26, is another great event, especially for hikers and nature lovers who love to see delicate wildflowers in bloom. Hosted by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the University of Tennessee Botany Department and the Gatlinburg Garden Club, this seven-day program offers more than 150 different hiking tours of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, exhibitions, demonstrations, classroom lectures and delightful motor excursions into the wonderful season of spring in the Smokies.
Spring events continue with Gatlinburg’s Scottish Festival & Games Grand Parade on Friday, May 15 at 6 p.m. at Traffic Light #10 in downtown Gatlinburg. All Scots are invited to march or ride in the parade. On Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, Mills Park in Gatlinburg becomes competitive ground for the 28th Annual Scottish Festival & Games where clans meet and feature Highland athletics, bagpipe competitions, highland dancing, border collie demonstrations, haggis hurling, entertainment and whiskey tasting, along with food and merchandise vendors.
Gatlinburg's Fine Arts Festival, a family-oriented fine arts festival featuring juried artists from around the country, delicious cuisine and music takes place in downtown Gatlinburg on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday,May 17. Proceeds benefit the Sevier County Arts Council.