Gatlinburg Events for 2013

Gatlinburg always has something fun to do. Every month brings a new holiday or special event for the area. Check out this list of events in Gatlinburg to see what's going on during your next trip to the Smoky Mountains.

February

Smoky Mountain Winterfest
November through February 29th 
Each year, Gatlinburg dazzles with the brilliant display of LED lights lining the streets. The light displays feature reindeer, sleighs, presents, fountains, animals and frolicking children. Winterfest is also a collection of dozens of events around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, including trolley light tours, concerts, storytelling, wine tastings, contests and more. During Winterfest, Gatlinburg is transformed into a winter wonderland.

Gatlinburg Winter Magic
December 1st - February 28th              
Transforming Gatlinburg into a winter wonderland, the $1.6 million custom lights display is all LED and energy efficient. The lights line the Parkway and run along Highway 321, and guests can walk, drive or ride the trolley to see the lights.

Ober Gatlinburg winter sports
December 23rd – March 16th
Once winter arrives in Gatlinburg, the weather is great for snow making at Ober Gatlinburg. When conditions permit, Ober Gatlinburg opens its slopes to skiing, snowboarding and tubing. There is something for kids and adults of all ages. Ober Gatlinburg has nine trails with two quad lifts, one double lift and one surface lift. During winter, the indoor ice rink, alpine slide and aerial tramway are also open.

Valentine's Day
February 14th 
Gatlinburg is one of the most romantic places to spend Valentine's Day. With the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, couples can relax and get away together. Many restaurants offer Valentine's Day specials, so plan ahead to get a great table. There are also plenty of great chocolate shops, florists and gift boutiques, so you can get that perfect gift for your special someone. If you'd rather stay inside, take advantage of our many gift baskets or vacation packages, including a candlelit dinner, flowers, gourmet gifts and more. Soak in the hot tub and let us do the work for you!

Smoky Mountain Romance
February
In honor of the most romantic month of the year, Gatlinburg will feature a light display dedicated to Valentine's Day. Lighted swans, flowers and hearts will decorate the town and add to the romance. Enjoy the lights by strolling the Parkway on foot or sitting back on the trolley.

March

Pirate's Ball
March 7th
Held at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, the 5th Annual Pirate's Ball will raise money for the Mountain Good Hope Shepherd Clinic. The event will feature live music, a tropical environment, food, drinks and dancing.

Smoky Mountain Springfest
March 12th – June 2nd
As the snow and ice melt away in the mountains, spring brings vivid wildflowers and warmer weather. Gatlinburg celebrates in fine fashion. Enjoy the Appalachian music of bluegrass bands, delicious Southern foods, flowers adorning local shops and the fresh mountain air. Leading landscape professionals and horticulturists will also be on hand to guide hikes and teach locals and guests how to tend to plants and flowers.

Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show
March 28th – March 30th
Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, the Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen who are members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Through live demonstrations, the artists will show their talents in wood working, quilting, painting, jewelry making and more. The beautiful pieces will also be for sale, so you can pick up the perfect souvenir.

Easter Sunrise at Ober
March 31st
On Easter Sunday, head to the top of Mt. Harrison to have a memorable Easter service at Ober Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Ministerial Association hosts the 30 to 40 minute service at 6:30 am. Ober Gatlinburg will provide free tram rides to the mountaintop beginning at 5:45 am and continuing every 15 minutes until the service begins. There will also be a breakfast buffet at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant from 7:15 to 10:30 am. Free Parking is available for those who drive up the mountain.

April

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
April 6th – April 7th 
With categories for age, skill level, locals and visitors, the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is fun for all! It is fun and challenging for both beginners and seasoned pros. If you're looking for a father/son outing or some quiet time to yourself, the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is an event not to be missed. There will be over $10,000 in cash and prizes given away, including $500 for the largest and smallest trout, trophies, gift certificates and passes to local attractions.

Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon
April 13th
The 5th Annual Triathlon begins at the Gatlinburg Community Center at 8:15 am. The race is open to everyone ages 15 and older who can swim one half mile, bike 20 kilometers and run 5 kilometers consecutively. There will be a mixed team relay event and awards will be given in men's and women's divisions for multiple age categories. Pre-registration is required, so call 865.436.4990 for more information.

Smoky Mountain MABC Regional Bridge Tournament
April 15th – April 21st
As the largest regional bridge tournament in the United States, this event brings about 4,000 card players to Gatlinburg for one week during April this year. Players come from around the world –  including Japan, Poland, Germany and France – to play in the Great Smoky Mountains. There will be over 9,500 tables with KOs, BAMs, Open Pairs, 299er events, Gold Point events and much, much more.

Food Ministry Fiesta
April 18th
Benefiting the Sevier County Food Ministries, the 3rd Annual Food Ministry Fiesta will be hosted by Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. All of the proceeds will go to the SCFM's outreach programs. The event begins at 6 pm and will feature great food and entertainment. For ticket information, call 865.428.5182.

Mountain Man Memorial March
April 19th - 20th 
The 6th Annual Mountain Man Memorial March honors the men and women (and their families) who have given their lives in service to our country. It also honors those who are currently fighting today. The march/run offers a 10K, half or full marathon in both the march and run categories. It was first created to honor First Lieutenant Frank Walkup, a UT graduated killed in Iraq in 2007.

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
April 24th – April 28th 
Some of the nation's leading botanists and botanical experts will lead seminars and guided tours during the Great Smoky Mountain Association's Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage this April. “Through seminars and intimate guided tours, each participant will expand his or her skills and knowledge of the unmatched flora and fauna of the Smokies,” says botanist and UT Professor Ken McFarland. The program, dating back to the 1950s, offers instructional walks, guided hiking tours and lectures. Casual gardeners and serious botanists will learn more about plants, ferns, mosses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs, as well as birds, reptiles and amphibians.

May

Gatlinburg Farmers Market
weekends May 18th – October 13th
For fresh, local food, head to the Gatlinburg Farmers Market each Saturday from May to October from 8:30 am to 11:30 am. Local farmers and businesses will offer fresh produce and homemade products, including bread, fruit, cupcakes and greens.

Memorial Day weekend
Gatlinburg is just the place to spend your long weekend for Memorial Day. Stop by the outlets for a great deal, stay in the cabin and relax, or head into the mountains for whitewater rafting, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and dinner shows.

Mountain Hounds Weekend
May 30th – June 3rd
The 8th Annual Mountain Hounds Weekend is expected to draw over 250 Greyhounds and their owners to Gatlinburg. Greyhounds Friends of North Carolina, a non-profit dedicated to finding loving homes for retired racing Greyhounds, hosts the event.

June

Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
June 21st – August 10th
This summer-long street performance features costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying characters from the 1800s. The event is a great way for guests to enjoy walking along the Parkway while learning about the area and being entertained. Kids and adults will love all the stories, songs and entertainment, including clogging groups and banjo players. Admission is free.

Fourth of July Midnight Parade

July

July 3rd to July 4th
The 38th Annual Fourth of July Midnight Parade, known as the “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation,” is a way to pay tribute to the men and women of our military. Celebrate at the stroke of midnight in downtown Gatlinburg for our nation's birthday.

“Stand Here” Fireworks Finale
July 4th
At 10 pm on the fourth of July, the city of Gatlinburg will end a day of celebration with an incredible fireworks show that has been named a Top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society. Line the streets of downtown and enjoy an amazing night. The finale will be at traffic light number 3.

River Raft Regatta
July 4th
The River Raft Regatta starts at noon on July 4th on the Little Pigeon River. Beginning at 10 am, anything that floats can be entered in the race at the Christ in the Smokies bridge on River Road. Prizes will be given for the top 3 finishers in the following categories:  Handmade decorated, Floatable object (no creativity), Small entry, Oldest entry, Youngest entry, Judges' choice and Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
July 19th to July 28th
Part of Gatlinburg's rich history is deeply rooted in handcrafted art. Visit the Gatlinburg Convention Center this summer to meet some of the most talented artists from around the country as they display, sell and demonstrate their work in jewelry, quilting, painting, woodworking and more. There will also be live country and bluegrass music. It is open from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, and 10 am to 5 pm Sunday.