Spring is a very exciting time for a vacation in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains! As the weather warms up, a variety of fun annual events return to Pigeon Forge, bringing millions of visitors to the area over the course of the season. To help you make the most of your getaway, Heritage Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to six of the most popular Smoky Mountain spring events.
1. Festival of Nations at Dollywood
When you visit Dollywood during the Festival of Nations, you’ll take a trip around the world without leaving the theme park! As part of this celebration in mid-March and early April, Dollywood hosts performers from across the globe who bring a taste of their native culture to the park. Regular entertainers at the Festival of Nations include dancers and acrobats from all around Africa, musicians from Ecuador, and yodelers from the Swiss Alps. In addition to all of the great shows, Dollywood also serves up international cuisine, such as Japanese teriyaki and Colombian tacos.
2. Quiltfest
The quilter (or aspiring quilter) in your family will love A Mountain Quiltfest! This five day festival in March features a great collection of classes that cater to every level of quilting experience and expertise. Additionally, guests can enter their quilts in a number of competitions for the chance to win some spectacular prizes. Even if you don’t plan on picking up a needle yourself, it’s still fun to see all of the beautiful quilts on display at this event.
3. Pigeon Forge Rod Run
The Pigeon Forge Rod Run is another one of the most popular Smoky Mountain spring events. Hundreds and hundreds of classic car owners flock to Pigeon Forge each April to compete for thousands of dollars in cash prizes. Seeing all of the beautifully maintained muscle cars make their way down the Parkway is quite a sight! Whether you have your own hot rod or you’re just a fan of classic cars, you will have a blast at the Rod Run.
4. Dolly Parton’s Homecoming Parade
There is no one more beloved in the Smoky Mountains than Dolly Parton! After she became a chart topping country star, Dolly never forgot her roots and has helped make Pigeon Forge the major vacation destination it is today. Each May, the city of Pigeon Forge throws a parade in honor of everyone’s favorite Smoky Mountain hometown hero. Thousands of people line the Parkway to see Dolly wave to the crowds from atop a beautiful float. In addition to catching a glimpse of Dolly Parton, spectators at the parade will see marching bands, military veterans, festive floats, and a variety of local entertainers.
5. Wilderness Wildlife Week
Wilderness Wildlife Week in May offers a behind the scenes look at the Great Smoky Mountains. Vacationers can sign up for a number of guided hikes that will take you to some of the most talked about spots in the national park. Along with the hikes, Wilderness Wildlife Week includes a wonderful selection of seminars and workshops at the LeConte Center that are all about the Smokies. All of the events are free and open to the public!
6. Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival at Dollywood
In late May and early June, Dollywood hosts its beloved Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival. While the Festival of Nations draws on cultures from around the world, Barbeque & Bluegrass showcases two of the Smoky Mountain area’s finest art forms. Guests will have the chance to sample mouthwatering ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and all of the best BBQ sides. While you chow down on all of the great food, your ears will enjoy a feast of their own: music from some of the finest bluegrass performers from around the nation!
When you stay with Heritage Cabin Rentals, you will be just a short drive from all of these excellent Smoky Mountain spring events. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins for a romantic retreat to 9 bedroom cabins for a family reunion, we are sure to have the perfect property for your vacation. To start planning your next getaway, browse our selection of Smoky Mountain cabin rentals!
