Springtime in the Smokies not only marks the return of warmer weather but also a variety of fun annual events and exciting festivals. To help you make the most of your visit to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, we have put together a comprehensive guide to the most popular Smoky Mountain spring events:
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Many attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are decked in green and many restaurants offer specialty menus with green beer. March is Irish Month at The Titanic Museum Attraction, which honors the 187 Irish passengers on board. Other St. Patty’s Day events include:
- Shamrock Celebration at Anakeesta– A Celtic band called The Crossjacks will be performing at the Black Bear Village stage.
- St. Patrick’s Day at The Island– the show fountain is dyed green specifically for the holiday; plus, enjoy live music and specialty food items.
- Get Lucky at Gatlinburg SkyPark– the SkyBridge is lit up with green lights all month long!
Even just having a burger and beer at Boudicca’s in Gatlinburg or enjoying a night of fun and karaoke at the Shamrock Pub are great ways to celebrate!
Festivals at Dollywood
One of the best ways to celebrate spring in the Smoky Mountains is visiting Dollywood! This Pigeon Forge theme park hosts two different festivals beginning with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival in March and then the Flower and Food Festival with its umbrella sky, beautiful blooms, and delicious food starting in April.
Related: “Benefits of Staying at Our Cabins Near Dollywood”
Music in the Mountains Spring Parade
Formerly known as Dolly Homecoming, the Music in the Mountains Spring Parade is Pigeon Forge’s springtime parade featuring character balloons, marching bands, choral and dancing groups. The route begins on the Pigeon Forge Parkway near traffic light #6 and ends at traffic light #3. Free parking is available at the LeConte Convention Center or Patriot Park in Old Mill Square.
Sevierville Springfest
Another event in the Smoky Mountains you’ll want to experience is Springfest in Sevierville! For one Saturday in April, Bruce Street in downtown Sevierville transforms into a block party zone with live music, food trucks, street vendors, and more! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Easter Bunny!
Pigeon Forge Car Shows
Car shows in Pigeon Forge are some of the most popular Smoky Mountain spring events. Thousands of car owners flock to Pigeon Forge to showcase their beautifully maintained cars, from Pontiacs to Chevys. Whether you have your own hot rod or are just a classic car fan, you’ll have a blast at these rod runs.
Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show
The Gatlinburg Convention Center hosts several annual crafts shows, and the Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show is the best place to find unique souvenirs made by local artisans and one-of-a-kind gifts. Want to have a hand in making a souvenir yourself? You can also participate in Hands on Gatlinburg throughout the Arts & Crafts Community, as well as workshops at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.
Easter Egg Hunt
This list of Smoky Mountain spring events wouldn’t be complete without an Easter egg hunt! You can take the kids to Wear Farm City Park in Pigeon Forge the Saturday before Easter for a free egg hunt at 11 AM. Come early for pictures with the Easter Bunny, inflatables, a raffle, and more.
Easter Sunrise Services
Both Ober Mountain and Gatlinburg SkyPark host Easter Sunrise services for those looking for a way to celebrate the holiday in the Smokies. The free Ober Tam ride opens at 5 AM, and parking is also available for those who wish to drive. After the 6:30 AM service, you can enjoy a breakfast buffet, a children’s Easter egg hunt, and all the fun activities at Ober. Gatlinburg SkyPark’s service is a little later, at 7:15 AM, with the SkyLift opening at 6:15 AM.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
If you love Smoky Mountain wildflowers and exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then you won’t want to miss the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from nature experts, learn about the area's flora and fauna, as well as experience the beauty of the Smokies firsthand through guided walks and hikes.
Now that you know about all the exciting Smoky Mountain spring events happening in the area, it’s time to plan your trip. Browse through our cabin rentals in the Smokies and book your vacation today!
