Springtime in the Smoky Mountains is a nature lover’s paradise. Two major events occur in April and May, centered around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These are the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, based in the national park close to Gatlinburg, followed by the annual Wilderness Wildlife week, based in Pigeon Forge.

Both events offer expert guidance to some of the most breathtaking and rare highlights of the seasonal changes.

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

The springtime period after Easter marks the magical time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park when millions of wildflowers bloom for a brief time, one step ahead of the trees blooming, which will cover the skies above with foliage and plunge the forest floor back into deep shade.

For a few weeks, 1,500 species of wildflower cover the ground everywhere, and April 21-25, 2015, marks the time of the 65th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. Participants come from around the world to catch sight of rare wildflowers and to learn more in the 150 or so classes and treks provided by organizing groups and Park rangers during the 5-day occasion.

The weather is mild, and often moist, and it’s a perfect time to breathe in the great outdoors and take a guided tour or hike. Participation in all events is by pre-registration, and many people plan a year ahead of time.

For full information, see our guide to The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Wilderness Wildlife Week

For a week in May, Pigeon Forge fields a rich array of programs that are free to the public and celebrate the rich history, culture and natural features of the area, particularly in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The event draws a variety of experts from all over, and the range of classes, demonstrations, lectures, hikes and fun activities jammed into 7 or 8 days is such that it takes about a 60-page brochure to list them all. Many of the events are designed as one-hour classes, along with guided hikes in the national park.

The spacious LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge is the headquarters for Wilderness Wildlife Week, a p[perfect place since as many as 100 exhibits and booths may be hosted to deal with the various subjects of the week.

From photography to fishing, from music and art to hiking and nature study, and all the relevant natural sciences, topography and lore, Wilderness Wildlife Week offers a vastly diverse display of the wild, its plant life and its inhabitants. Something in all the programs is there to captivate everyone.

The event is aimed at being fun for kids, and makes a great school and home-school field trip. For more information, see our guide to Wilderness Wildlife Week.

Other Springtime Events in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Of course, there are many more things happening at this time in the area, from festivals to shows to attractions. For a calendar to the main events of this season, see our guide to Festivals and Events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Visiting the Area

Springtime in the Smoky Mountains is a magical time filled with many events and growing excitement, in this transition time from winter to summer. After Easter, it’s also a slow time for traveling, with kids at school, and no holidays in sight just yet.

This is a good time for off-season deals, and with millions of Americans within a day’s drive of Gatlinburg, our last-minute specials on cabin rentals can be useful for a weekend getaway on the spur of the moment.

We have Gatlinburg cabin rentals and Pigeon Forge cabins – we’re there wherever your favorite place is to stay. We also have Wears Valley cabins on the “Quiet Side of the Smoky Mountains”. And of course, we have many pet friendly cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Most people plan their trips long in advance of course, which is certainly the way to treat the two events above – some people plan a year ahead based on the timing of these events. And booking the perfect cabin is best done long in advance also – see our Tips on Finding the Best Cabin for more.

The month of May is the most popular month for weddings in the Smoky Mountains. And this is an area hugely popular for weddings, and all things romance. See our guide to Smoky Mountain Weddings for more information on this most important of days – and also learn about our perfect Gatlinburg honeymoon cabins for your stay after the ceremony.

But if you can’t make springtime in the Smokies, everything is still just fine, because any time is a good time to be in the Smoky Mountains!

2025 INFO: A Mountain Quiltfest this year is June 9-12. Most everything is free and open to the public but many things require registration at the website (see below). Registration usually opens in early March.

Every year in June, the city of Pigeon Forge plays host to a “quietly spectacular” festival that draws 20,000 visitors from all over, to take part in the Annual Mountain Quiltfest.

The quilting festival packs a huge amount of activity into its 4 to 5 days. There are hundreds of unique quilts on display, fascinating works of supreme art and craft, with 20 different categories of competition for prizes that amount to well over $20,000.

One of the highlights of A Mountain Quiltfest every year is the abundance and variety of quilting classes that are open for you to attend. Each day of the event is packed with classes taught by renowned quilting instructors that cater to every skill level from beginners all the way to advanced quilters.

The instructors come from all over the U.S. to share their knowledge and spur a love of quilting in others, and it’s a great resource to take advantage of if you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the intricacies of the art of quilting. Some classes are centered on specific themes, while others are focused on general quilting practices and techniques. Be sure to browse the list and register early to secure your spot.

The entire event is FREE and open to the public, although for a fee and by appointment you can have an expert appraise your own quilt.

A combination of learning, teaching and shopping, Quiltfest embodies the signature friendliness of this Smoky Mountain area. Participants often arrive days early and stay late, content to visit the area and to sit and sew and swap knowledge and stories.

Images courtesy of A Mountain Quiltfest

Several times a day during the festival, experts present the “Antique Quilt Bed Turnings”, which go beyond the artisanship and tell the  stories of the people and events behind the making of a quilt. Humor is never far away. Dinner lectures and an evening Dinner Social elevate the festival to celebration.

A Mountain Quiltfest is held at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, at 2986 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Classes usually begin a day before the public show. Apart from custom appraisals, all activities are free. For more information visit A Mountain Quiltfest web page or call 865-453-8574.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park exhibits a wildflower explosion in spring. This unique ecosystem, with abundant water and more than 100 species of trees, is also home to more than 1,500 species of wildflower. But these unique and colorful flowers only appear for a short time – as the ground is warmed by the springtime sun, and before the trees fully leaf out, which plunges the forest floor back into shade. But this short window of just a few weeks produces a miraculous display of millions of vibrant flowers.

The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage annual event has been held since 1950 each year in spring, usually in late April – dates vary according to climate. The Pilgrimage ranks as the best way to explore many of the wildflower highlights. Led by experts and park rangers, the Pilgrimage draws people from all over the world to view the wildflower profusion.

Image courtesy of Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

Programs in the Wildflower Pilgrimage

The week-long Wildflower Pilgrimage offers a variety of classes, guided hikes along scenic trails, evening programs, seminars, motorcades, and leisurely walks, all taking advantage of some of the best places and vantage points for viewing the magic of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The programs offer a chance to enjoy the area up-close, and the benefit of visiting experts who share their unique knowledge and skills. The diverse programs include many on birding – a very popular aspect of the Pilgrimage – as well as ecology and earth science, edible flora, understanding salamanders and other native wildlife, and discovering the many trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, and fungi that reside in the area.

If you’re interested in journaling or have a knack for photography, the Pilgrimage includes programs for both. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited parks in the nation. Along with a diverse culture, the area has a long and rich history, which is discussed and explored in the park history programs.

For an idea of what to expect, a few of recent events include an Edible Mushroom Walk, Wildflower Walks, Beginners Photography Workshop, Wildfire Walk, Chimney Tops, Birding Photography, Night Owl Prowl, Black Bear and Wild Hog Walk, Nature Journaling, Salamander Foray, Tree and Shrub Identification Walk, and many, many more.

Wildflower Pilgrimage Contact and Registration Information

Participation in the Wildflower Pilgrimage is by registration only, and this usually opens in February on the Wildflower website. In recent years registration has sold out in the first weekend! Organizers are still trying to find ways to expand the Pilgrimage, but currently it remains highly sought after and filled by less than 1,000 participants – it’s a rare reward of exceptional value.

Registration and full information is available online at the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage website, and also at the Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg.

The Wildflower Pilgrimage happens rain or shine, and events are never canceled due to inclement weather, unless it’s a threatening severe weather event. Events cannot be rescheduled should it become necessary to cancel due to weather.

Here’s a short clip about the event:

The Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival is an annual street festival in the fun town of Seviervile, just up the road from Pigeon Forge. Happening in the latter part of May, it’s a very family-friendly event with kids activities,championship barbecue and world-class bluegrass music.

The festival takes place in Sevierville’s historic downtown, and it’s Free Admission, with free concerts, and lots of food to sample and to buy. Nearly 40,000 visitors a year are attracted to the event’s great mix of music, great food, fun and local crafts. Here’s what you need to know.

Images courtesy of Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival

The Music

Every year the Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival has some of the best bands in the region playing. You’ll be entertained by live music during the celebration, letting you get a taste for musical greats and up-and-coming local artists from throughout the area.

There is also a vocalist contest in two age groups, featuring covers of selections from Dolly Parton’s more than 3,000 penned songs. In an area packed full of musical talent, the festival offers a chance to hear some astonishing performers at the start of their careers, as well as the solid professional bands booked for the event.

You can find complete playlists and all other details on the official Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival page.

The Food

Barbecue is the word of the day here, with mouthwatering sauces and melt-off-the-bone meats abounding. The festival offers a state championship Barbecue Cookoff, where judges pick the best teams’ fare and award prizes. Naturally, visitors get to taste the food, too. In the past, around fifty teams have faced off for the win, so there will be plenty of barbecue for you to sample.

Kid-Friendly Festival Activities

This festival is a real hit for families with younger kids. There’s a fun zone where children of all ages can explore bouncy houses, enjoy trampolines, ride the trackless train, and many other activities. Your budding artists can also show off their skills with chalk art at the children’s arts and crafts section. There’s also a giant pig mascot who will wander around, sharing hugs and good cheer and making for a great photo opportunity.

Please note that some attractions in the kids zone have a nominal charge.

Arts and Crafts

Bluegrass and barbecue is just the tip of the iceberg at this festival. Local craftsmen and artists will be showing off their best work and offering great take-home gifts including handicrafts, portraits, jewelry, handmade soaps and lotions, and scented candles.

Prepare for the Festival

If you want to make the most of this festival, here are some tips:

• Come with a big appetite. There’s a lot of delicious food to chow down on.
• Wear comfortable shoes. There can be a fair amount of walking.
• Prepare for crowds. This festival hits during the tourist season and draws people from across the South.
• Bring your camera. You won’t want to miss a minute of the fun!
• Book a place to stay well in advance. Accommodations in the Smoky Mountains can fill up quickly.

Drop By the Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival in Sevierville!

The Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival runs from May 18 to 19 in Sevierville, TN. The town is located on Highway 441 north of Pigeon Forge and Pine Grove, and is just a short drive outside of Knoxville, TN. Entrance and music is free, although some activities have a small charge. For more information, visit the official festival website. You can also email them at [email protected] or call them at 1-888-738-4378.

See our write-ups of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 festivals. And for accommodation during the festival, you can’t beat a cabin for the most fun. Distances are no more than a few miles between Gatlinburg cabins and Pigeon Forge cabins. And don’t forget our Wears Valley cabins – on the “peaceful side” of the Smoky Mountains and with very easy access to Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

Make a longer stay here and take advantage of our Pigeon Forge coupons – over $700 of free tickets to some of the best local attractions! Call us 24/7 at 855-91-SMOKY to book or just to ask questions. And if you didn’t book in advance, keep an eye out for our last minute specials – often as much as Half-Price on remaining cabins – perfect for a weekend festival!

Every spring the city of Maryville, TN plays host to one of the most unique events of the year: the Scottish Festival and Games. Held on the historic campus of Maryville College in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this one-of-a-kind festival is a celebration of all things Scottish. It’s fun for the whole family, whether you don your clan’s tartan every weekend, or you know very little about Scottish heritage.

UPDATE 2022: The Festival has moved to Townsend Visitor Center (see our feature story)

Images courtesy of the Scottish Festival and Games

The culture of Scotland is so much more than kilts and accents, and the Scottish Festival and Games is the perfect place to learn more about the history, people, and customs of this amazing nation while enjoying some springtime fun in the Smokies. There will be lots of food and drink, live music, dance  and entertainment.

Music is an integral part of the history of Scotland, and the festival always incorporates several distinct musical performances for attendees to enjoy throughout the weekend. The traditional Highland dance competition is always one of the featured events, and other live music typically includes bagpipers, drummers, and beautiful Celtic folk music.

Centuries ago, many Scottish people left their homeland and settled in the United States, with a particularly high concentration of settlers in the southeastern region and around the Smoky Mountains in particular. Now, you can learn more about the history of Scottish people in the Smokies and how they impacted life and culture in the region. If you have Scottish ancestry in your family, you can even research your own heritage at the festival and see how your ancestors may have come to the area.

We know what you’re thinking: how have we gone all this time without mentioning that most celebrated of Scottish beverages: Scotch whisky? Well have no fear, because the Scottish Festival and Games is never complete without Scotch tastings during the festivities. Connoisseurs of this world-renowned beverage will be on hand to introduce attendees to a few of the different regions and flavor characteristics that make up the vast realm of Scotch whisky.

They may not be able to sample the whisky, but there’s still plenty of fun in store for the kids as well. Kid-themed entertainment opportunities such as face painting, crafts, and other games will keep them busy all weekend long. The festival also holds a kids-only version of the famous Highland Games, where the young ones can participate in scaled-down editions of such classics as the Caber Toss and the – somewhat improbable – Haggis Hurl.

The festival is more than dog-friendly – it features a dog show and parade, where some of these intelligent and hard working animals will even be decked out in their family’s tartan colors. It’s one of the most popular events during the weekend, and don’t worry, breeds other than Scotties are welcome to join!

[By the way, if pet-friendly matters to you, make sure you know about our many pet-friendly Gatlinburg cabins and our Pet friendly cabins in Pigeon Forge.]

And last but not least, the festival wouldn’t be complete without the annual Scottish Games. It is believed that many of these competitions have been a part of Scottish culture since at least the 11th century, when the king of Scotland ordered peasants to race so that he could find the fastest messenger in the land.

Thankfully, today’s competitors don’t have to bear that burden, but they still thrive on performing these feats of athleticism for a crowd! Watch as participants toss massive poles end-over-end in the Caber Toss, hurl a traditional Scottish hammer in the Hammer Throw, and much more.

The Scottish Festival and Games is held annually in Maryville, which is a beautiful drive – as guests in our Wears Valley cabins know – about 40 miles to the west of Gatlinburg. If you’ve made it to Townsend, perhaps on your way to Cades Cove, or for that fun town’s own festival, then you’re already halfway to Maryville – which in June usually has its own festival, the BBQ Bash. But in May, the Scottish Festival offers a compelling reason to go the extra miles.

For more information about the festival, including ticket information and registration for events such as Scotch whisky seminars, check out the official event website. You can also visit the Facebook page to connect with other attendees and see photos from past editions of the festival.

Independence Day is such a special occasion that it deserves more than one day of celebration, and for over 40 years the town of Gatlinburg has been treating residents and visitors to a Fourth of July event that kicks off at the stroke of midnight on the night of the 3rd. The First Independence Day Parade in the nation is just the beginning of a full slate of events allowing everyone to come together and honor the founding of this great country.

Images courtesy of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Gatlinburg’s 4th of July Midnight Parade

Once the clock strikes midnight and it is officially Independence Day, the festivities begin in downtown Gatlinburg. The parade floats will depart at 12:01 AM from Baskins Creek Bypass on East Parkway. From there, the parade route turns south onto Parkway and traverses downtown Gatlinburg for approximately one mile. It eventually concludes at traffic light #10 at Ski Mountain Road.

The parade has been named by National Geographic Traveler magazine as a “Top Ten parade to see in the US.” It is one of the most popular events of the year in the Smoky Mountains region, so we recommend that you stake out your spot earlier in the evening of July 3 to get a great view of the parade festivities.

Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta

After you have had a chance to rest it’s time to get ready for the annual River Raft Regatta in Gatlinburg. Don’t worry, you don’t need to learn how to sail to participate in this regatta, because it’s a race of unmanned floatable watercraft that speed down the Little Pigeon River.

The race kicks off at 12:00 PM on July 4, but participants can register their watercraft beginning at 10:00 AM. It starts at the Christ in the Smokies bridge and winds down to the finish line at Ripley’s Aquarium. Even if you aren’t able to build a floatable, you can still participate in the fun by renting a rubber duck to send down the river for just a $1.00 donation to the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation (or you can bring your own for free).

Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival

If you’re staying in Pigeon Forge there will be plenty of Independence Day-themed fun for you to enjoy as well. Every year on July 4 the Patriot Festival takes place at Patriot Park (186 Old Mill Ave.). It features live entertainment, food vendors, and the Kid’s Karnival throughout the day, all leading into a headlining musical performance as the sun starts to set.

Fireworks Extravaganzas

No Fourth of July celebration is complete without a rousing fireworks display, and here in the Smoky Mountains we have two great ones to choose from. In Pigeon Forge, the fireworks cap off the Patriot Festival beginning at 9:45 PM and conclude the evening in spectacular fashion.

Fireworks also light up the night sky over the heart of downtown Gatlinburg at 10:00 PM on July 4. While there are excellent viewing areas throughout downtown, the best spots tend to be near traffic lights #3 and #5. You won’t have time to catch both fireworks shows, so pick which one works best for your schedule, relax with your family, and enjoy the celebration.

For more information about these fantastic events, check out the official websites for the town of Gatlinburg and the town of Pigeon Forge. You can also read some of the write-ups we’ve done in the past on the Fourth of July Midnight Parade and other Independence Day festivities in the area.

And whichever town you pick for your celebration on the Fourth, check us for your Gatlinburg cabin or your Pigeon Forge cabin rentals (and we even have Wears Valley cabins).

One of the most engaging attractions of summer in Gatlinburg is the annual street-performing Tunes & Tales event, which runs for almost two months and features musicians and performers at large on the streets of Gatlinburg, entertaining downtown Parkway strollers with bluegrass music for free every evening.

Tunes & Tales usually starts in late June and runs to around mid-August. We often write about the event in our blog – see some of our other articles here and here. And you can find an update each year at the bottom of this article.

Gatlinburg has always been a strolling town, as well as filled with musical talent and a rich, Appalachian heritage. Tunes and Tales takes all this to the street each evening during its summer season, to the great delight of visitors. This immensely popular event started in 2006, and has gained strength ever since.

Bluegrass musicians, cloggers, artisans, character actors and storytellers are the features of Tunes and Tales, with period and traditional costume much in evidence. Zeno the Bear, Gatlinburg’s signature costumed character can often be discovered during these summer evenings. He’s always ready to try some street dancing and to give out furry hugs to kids for selfies.

The season draws on the area’s formidable array of musical and performance talent, as well as attracting artists from across the country. While it may seem impromptu, auditions for each season usually begin half a year in advance, and the performing troupes plan out their surprises diligently.

Sometimes the performers will descend on Parkway by horse-drawn wagon, and sometimes they’ll quietly steal in from out of nowhere. They like to surprise people, but you can find information on who’d appearing and sometimes even where and when on their Facebook page.

Here’s a scene from a few years back when that year’s performers organized a bluegrass flash mob to surprise visitors:

Winter Tunes and Tales

Tunes and Tales has a winter season also, on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when carolers enliven Parkway with live music, conversation and storytelling. Period costume abounds, and selfies flash amid all the colorful lights and decorations of Gatlinburg in the season.

Summer or winter, there’s always something happening and countless Things To Do in Gatlinburg!