Gatlinburg Events for 2018 | January - June

Each year, Gatlinburg boasts a community calendar packed with family fun, seasonal events, music and food festivals, fireworks shows, tournaments, and more. The year starts out with a continuation of Winterfest festivities in January and ends with a bang – literally – with an incredible fireworks display and New Year’s Eve party at the base of the Gatlinburg Space Needle in downtown.

As you start planning your Gatlinburg vacation – whether it’s a family reunion, church retreat, honeymoon, anniversary trip, or weekend with friends – be sure to check out our list of events below. Seeing what’s happening throughout the year may even help you decide exactly when you want to come visit the Great Smoky Mountains!

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights | November 8 – January 27

Explore downtown Gatlinburg – and the magic of millions of glittering LED lights in holiday displays – on a festive ride aboard the Gatlinburg Trolley this winter! Try to spot reindeer, dancing fountains, happy children, Santa, and more – all in the form of $1.6 million worth of holiday lights! Stay cozy and warm as you experience the magic of winter in the Smokies!

Gatlinburg Winter Magic | November 8 – January 27  

Frozen fountains and waterfalls, icicles hanging from rooftops, snow-covered mountains, holiday lights lining the streets, shop windows showcasing Santa and his reindeer, the smell of cinnamon and hot cocoa in the air…winter in Gatlinburg is truly magic!

Tennessee Winter Special Olympics | January 28 – 30  

Talented athletes converge on Ober Gatlinburg each winter for the 2-day Tennessee Winter Special Olympics competition. Cheer on your favorites and enjoy a lovely day at the slopes!

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament | April 7 – 8

Cast a line for your chance at $10,000+ in cash and prizes or come to watch at the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament each spring. The 2-day event is the largest of its kind in the area, open to adults, kids, locals, and visitors. Prizes range from gift certificates and cash to fishing gear and attraction tickets, but just participating is a fun way to experience the cool mountain waters of the Great Smoky Mountains! Register in person at Rocky Top Outfitters, online, or over the phone at 865.661.3474.

Hands On Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Weekend | April 13- 15

After a day browsing the shops and checking out the awesome work of the artisans in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, you’ll have the inspiration you need to create your own masterpieces during the Hands on Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Weekend this spring. You can try your hand at making scarves, forming pottery, painting and drawing, woodcarving, and more! And you won’t be on your own. Talented artists and pros will host classes and workshops in area galleries and shops to give you the guidance you need.

Smoky Mountain Wine Fest | April 14

Sip and sample a taste of the Smokies during the 2018 Smoky Mountain Wine Fest in Gatlinburg. Featuring sweet, dry, bold, and crisp wines from area wineries – including Apple Barn Winery, Cades Cove Winery, The Winery at The Old Mill, Sugarland Cellars, and Tennessee Valley Winery – it’s perfect for a day date or a fun day in the mountains.

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage | April 24 – 28  

Immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the Great Smoky Mountains with guided hikes, classes, workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and walking tours during the 68^th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. Over 100 programs will be held at the W.L. Mills Conference Center and in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show | March 29 – 31

Always wanted a chance to meet the talented artists of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community? Don’t miss the 2018 Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center this spring! Browse the aisles for pottery, leather goods, wood carvings, baskets, paintings, clothing, jewelry, photography, and so much more!

Easter Sunrise at Ober | April 1

Celebrate Easter with a heartwarming service atop Mt. Harrison at Ober Gatlinburg this spring. In its 21^st year, the Easter Sunrise at Ober celebration features a multidenominational service, put on by the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association, free tram rides starting at 5:30 a.m., and complimentary parking at Ober Gatlinburg. A breakfast buffet ($) will also be available at the Seasons of Ober Restaurant from 7:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Earth Day Festival| April 26

Test your green thumb and celebrate all things eco-friendly and green during Earth Week in the Smokies! There will be kids’ activities, crafts, food and drinks, live music, and more! Stop by the Earth Day Festival in Mynatt Park or lace up your running shoes and participate in the Earth Day 5K (run or walk) for a good cause!

Spur Clean Up With Keep Sevier Beautiful | April 24

Part of Earth Week 2018, the Spur Clean Up with Keep Sevier Beautiful is a great way to give back during this celebration of green living and taking care of our earth.

Mountain Man Memorial March | April 13-14

Honor fallen military heroes during the 11^th Annual Mountain Man Memorial March in the Smokies! Bringing in ROTC members, active-duty military and reserve units, civilians, and veterans from around the U.S., the march is one of the largest U.S. events honoring fallen heroes. Civilians can follow along in a marathon, half marathon or 10K race while military members follow a 26.2-mile course with 35-lb rucksacks.

Gatlinburg Beans & Cornbread Festival | date TBA

Warm up with hearty samplings of beans and cornbread – unique recipes whipped up by area businesses and restaurants – as you stroll along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg this spring. For just $10, you’ll get to sample beans and cornbread recipes from all the booths (kids 5 and under sample FREE). And don’t forget to vote for your favorite before checking out music, antique cars, and more.

Gatlinburg Farmers Market | 2018 dates TBA

Fill up your cabin with fresh local produce and goods from the annual Gatlinburg Farmers Market each Saturday from 8:30 to noon! Browse the booths for fresh fruits and veggies, homemade baked goods, salsas, jams and jellies, and treats to take back home! The Covered Bridge, 849 Glades Road

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales | June 22 - August 11 

As you stroll the Parkway this summer, enjoy the sounds – and stories – of the Smokies during Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales. The FREE event features costumed storytellers along the streets of downtown as you pick up fudge, explore the shops, and play!

Free Parkway Trolley | June 16 - August 15 

Hop aboard the FREE Parkway trolley for the most charming way to explore downtown Gatlinburg – without wearing out your walking shoes. Open-air trolleys run the length of the Parkway and to the many shops, restaurants, and attractions of the Smokies from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.