Gatlinburg is an ideal location for a family reunion, church retreat or other large group outing. Our area offers a ton of activities and amenities perfect for groups. We have nature activities in beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), fun activities in exciting Pigeon Forge, and enough entertainment options that everyone, from young children to grandparents, can find something enjoyable to do.
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Category archive: Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains Balloon Festival 2024: Experience the Magic
Hot air balloons drifting majestically across the sky is a sight that captures everyone’s imagination. The Great Smoky Mountains Balloon Festival, a beloved annual event, is set to return on August 17, 2024, promising a day filled with wonder, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Set against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, this festival offers an opportunity to experience our area’s natural beauty from a new perspective.
Event Date and Location
Mark your calendars for August 17, 2024, when the skies over the Smokies will come alive with a display of hot air balloons. The festival will be held at the Townsend Visitors Center in Townsend, Tennessee. Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend provides the perfect setting for this enchanting event, offering both stunning scenery and a serene atmosphere.
Ticket Prices and Entry
Tickets for the Great Smoky Mountains Balloon Festival are affordably priced to ensure that everyone can enjoy this magical experience. General admission tickets are available for $20 per person, with children under the age of 5 admitted free of charge. For those looking to enhance their experience, VIP tickets are offered at $75, providing exclusive access to the VIP area with shaded seating, complimentary refreshments, and prime balloon viewing spots. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and it’s advisable to buy early as this popular event often sells out.
The Balloons
One of the main attractions of the festival is, of course, the hot air balloons. This year, over 20 balloons are expected to participate, each one unique in design and color. These giant, floating works of art will fill the sky with a kaleidoscope of hues, creating a visual feast that is sure to leave attendees in awe. The balloon pilots, hailing from various parts of the country, are seasoned professionals, eager to showcase their skills and share their passion for ballooning with the audience.
The event features several balloon-related activities throughout the day. Morning and evening balloon flights offer attendees the chance to take to the skies and experience the Smoky Mountains from a bird’s-eye view. Tethered balloon rides are also available, providing a taste of flight for those who prefer to stay closer to the ground. The highlight of the day is the spectacular balloon glow at dusk, where the balloons are inflated and illuminated from within, creating a magical display of light and color against the night sky.
Festival Activities and Entertainment
Beyond the mesmerizing balloons, the Great Smoky Mountains Balloon Festival offers a wide array of activities and entertainment for the whole family. The festival grounds will be filled with live music, featuring performances from local bands and artists throughout the day. A variety of food vendors will be on hand, offering delicious eats ranging from classic festival fare to gourmet treats.
For those interested in arts and crafts, the festival includes an artisan market where local craftsmen and artists showcase their handmade goods. This is the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or gift. Children will love the dedicated Kids’ Zone, which features inflatable bounce houses, face painting, and interactive games.
Nature enthusiasts can take advantage of the festival’s location to explore the natural beauty of the Smokies. Guided hikes and nature walks are scheduled, providing an educational and enjoyable way to experience the area’s diverse flora and fauna. There will also be educational sessions on ballooning, where attendees can learn about the history and science behind these magnificent flying machines.
Tips for a Great Experience
To make the most of your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains Balloon Festival, here are a few tips:
- Arrive Early: Gates open at 6:00 AM for the morning balloon launch. Arriving early ensures you get a good parking spot and prime viewing location.
- Bring Essentials: Sunscreen, hats, and comfortable seating like lawn chairs or blankets can enhance your experience. While there will be food and drinks available for purchase, bringing your own water and snacks can be handy.
- Dress Appropriately: The weather in August can be quite warm, so lightweight clothing is recommended. However, evenings can get cooler, so having a light jacket or sweater is a good idea.
- Capture the Moment: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking sights. The balloon glow, in particular, is a photo opportunity not to be missed.
The Great Smoky Mountains Balloon Festival is more than just an event; it’s an experience that brings people together to celebrate the beauty of flight and the wonder of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned balloon enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this festival offers something for everyone. With its stunning location, diverse activities, and the awe-inspiring sight of colorful balloons filling the sky, the 2024 festival promises to be a highlight of the summer. So, gather your family and friends, and head to Townsend, Tennessee, on August 17, 2024, for a day of unforgettable fun and adventure.
What To Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in July 2024
The 4th of July holiday is the big attraction this month, with lots of celebrations in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and nearby towns. There’s so much to do, many holiday events even start on July 3rd!
There’s also plenty to do all month long. From patriotic celebrations to unique festivals, here’s a roundup of special events that will captivate tourists.
Back Roads and Shortcuts in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge get a lot of traffic, especially during the summer peak season. Roads through Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be crowded. Likewise, traffic along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge can be bumper-to-bumper on buys weekends.
That’s why it can be useful to know some of the alternative roads to take if the main routes are jammed.
We’re locals, so we know our way around and have developed some tricks to avoid clogged rounds during the busy season.
Here are some of our favorite shortcuts.
What’s Happening in June in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
The arrival of June brings a world of excitement to the Smoky Mountains, particularly the twin towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a music lover, or searching for family fun, June is packed with something for everyone. Here’s a glimpse of what’s going on this June 2024.
Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge (May 20 – June 1)
Pontiac aficionados won’t want to miss Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge, an event that brings together over 400 Pontiacs, from classic models to the latest editions. The event includes a car show, a swap meet, and a cruise through the scenic streets of Pigeon Forge. Held at the LeConte Center from May 29 to June 1, 2024, it’s a unique gathering for anyone with a passion for these iconic cars and a perfect opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.
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What’s Happening in April in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
April in the Smoky Mountains around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is the month of wildflowers in the millions, all the venues are open, people are arriving for fun, and everything starts popping.
Wildflowers are a big thing here in the Smokies, with literally millions of brightly colored wildflowers springing up all over during April. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is normally so filled with trees and covered with canopy that the forest floor doesn’t see a lot of sun, but in springtime, before the canopy has fully leafed out, the wildflowers get their chance in the sun, for a short window of time.
We see flowers blooming everywhere inside and outside of the park during April, but we see it best each year with the expert guides of the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage taking us on selected tours to the best places and the most stunning sights of these millions of exotic flowers. Registration opened in March, and the magic dates this year are May 1-4, 2024.
The snow melt brings water to the forest floor (the “understory“) for all those wildflowers to wake up, and the waters of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are generally rushing and giving us good waterfalls, and river adventures – and the fishing is good. Music is in the air as special events happen, and the sound of hot rods mingles in too.
April is also the time when the national park announces the viewing dates for the annual synchronous fireflies in June, and the Lottery dates for the limited parking available.
One image courtesy of GSMNP
What’s Happening in March in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Here are March events in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, as wildflowers, wildlife and venues all wake up, and cabin deals abound in this less crowded time.- a good time to visit for those who like less crowds but plenty of action.
Photo by Genia Stadler
Immersive Theaters in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
We’ve had virtual reality for some time, but immersive theaters are fairly new – this is where the screen image moves and so do you, in your moving seat. Immersive technology continues to grow, so this roundup of all the immersive experiences available in the area will expand over time. It’s a moving target – rather like most of the sights and sounds in the immersive attractions.
Here’s a brief roundup of the immersive theaters in the area.
Image courtesy of Ripley’s 5D Adventure
Homeschooling Activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
The Smoky Mountains area of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a feast of wonders for homeschooling parents who want to pack a semester’s worth of learning into so much fun that kids will value their education forever. Even better is that many of the attractions also offer homeschool rates.
From the natural wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the museums and attractions of the towns, a trip to Gatlinburg packs in more opportunity for adventure and learning than anyone can take in just in the one trip. That’s why so many people make it a favorite for the kids (and parents) to return to often.
What’s Happening in February in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
February in the Smoky Mountains means the action is on the slopes for ski season, or out on the hiking trails with their special appeal in winter. It’s cold outside, but it’s cozy warm in the cabin, made for snuggling with Valentine’s Day happening and a romantic getaway in the snowy mountains on the calendar.
Read on for all that’s happening in the area in February.
Image courtesy of Ober Mountain
