Depending on the season, you could probably guess what was going on in Gatlinburg last year. It’s very similar for 2010 as the time of year directly impacts the events happening throughout town that month. Whether it’s the Winter Special Olympics and the Winter Magic Lighting Festival in February, the Great Smoky Easter Arts and Craft show in April, the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival in September or Christmas on Ice in December, there’s something for everyone for every season.
*PLEASE NOTE* These dates are subject to change. Please contact the numbers listed for each event to receive official information. If you discover something is different than what we have listed, please post it in the comment section at the bottom of this page.
JANUARY 2010
January 1 to 31 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) (865) 436-0535 ($)
January 4 to 31 – Night Magic Skiing – Purchase a Lift Ticket Monday through Friday (non-holidays) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Ober Gatlinburg (865) 436-5423 ($)
January 28 – Rock Gatlinburg – Aspiring high school and middle school band performers and individual musicians get the opportunity to meet and receive guidance from professional musicians during this event hosted by the Gatlinburg Recreation Department at the Community Center on five consecutive Thursdays through February. Participants can learn about computer recording, explore professional work opportunities and walk away with a CD recording. For information, contact Laurence Evans or Dave Anderson (865) 436-4990 ($)
January 31 – Tennessee Winter Special Olympics – Winter sports competitions including ice skating, snowboarding and snow skiing. Ober Gatlinburg (800) 251-9202
FEBRUARY 2010
February 1 & 2 – Tennessee Winter Special Olympics – Winter sports competitions including ice skating, snowboarding and snow skiing. Ober Gatlinburg (800) 251-9202
February 1 to 28 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
February 1 to 26 – Night Magic Skiing – Monday through Friday (non-holidays) 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ober Gatlinburg (865) 436-5423 ($)
February 4, 11, 18, 25 – Rock Gatlinburg – Performers and individual musicians get the opportunity to meet and receive guidance from professional musicians during this event hosted by the Recreation Department at the Community Center on five consecutive Thursdays through February. Participants can learn about computer recording, explore professional work opportunities and walk away with a CD recording. For information, contact Laurence Evans or Dave Anderson (865) 436-4990 ($)
February 12 & 13 – Anna Porter Public Library Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Enjoy the performance of “The Last Dance of Dr. Disco”. This annual locally produced and cast theatrical show is presented at W.L. Mills Auditorium. The performance is a fundraiser for APPL and includes dinner. (865) 436-5588 ($)
MARCH 2010
March 11 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – A countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748
March 11 – Pirate’s Ball – Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, Inc. presents its fourth annual Pirate’s Ball fundraiser sponsored by Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies. Guests can enjoy a “tropical climate” and live music, dancing, food and drink, with a special party for the kids. For more information, call Elaine Miller at 865-774-7684. ($)
March 12 to 14 – Gatlinburg Screenfest – Independent Film Festival at the River Terrace Resort with the goal of creating, connecting and sharing a film festival with anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of the independent movie industry. The focus is on “Bringing movies to the Mountains.”
March 13 – Holly and Shamrock Parade – St. Nicholas Meets St. Patrick – If a gathering of more than 750 Santa Clauses, Mrs. Clauses, elves and even reindeer won’t be enough to mesmerize you, how about a parade? The second annual parade starts in the early evening and features floats, carriages, decorated wagons, bands and singers to help these happy St. Nicks to party with the Irish! For more information, call (800) 568-4748.
March 13 to 16 – Celebrate Santa – Santa Claus is coming to Gatlinburg! Join hundreds of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus as they gather at the Convention Center for their convention, trade show and gala. Imagine a town filled with Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Reindeer Owners and Breeders and even Elves. Real-bearded and designer-bearded Santas and even those who have never donned the red suit (but think they might like to) are welcome. For more information or to register, call (865) 244-5231
March 31 – Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show – Unique handcrafted gifts and products produced by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are placed on display and offered for sale as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Demonstrations are part of the show. For information, visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748
APRIL 2010
April 1 to 30 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season, featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748
April 1 to 3 – Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show – Unique handcrafted gifts are made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community and placed on display as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. For more information, visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748
April 4 – Easter Sunrise Service at Ober Gatlinburg – Early morning Easter Service at Ober Gatlinburg includes complimentary tram service to the top of the resort begins at 6 a.m. Service begins at 6:30 a.m. Breakfast buffet available. (800) 251-9202
April 10 – Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon – The third annual triathlon, which is headquartered at the Community Center and starts at 8:30 a.m., is open to anyone 15 years and older capable of swimming one-half mile, biking twenty kilometers, and running five kilometers consecutively. Awards will be given in multiple age categories (men’s and women’s division), plus a mixed team relay event, plus a mixed team relay event. Pre-register is required. (865) 436-4990 ($)
April 10 – Music of the Mountains – In association with the City of Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains Association, Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents its sixth annual event. This year’s activities begin at Sugarlands Visitors Center with free, limited-seating performances by a series of acts. The event culminates in an evening concert at W.L. Mills Conference Center. For more information, visit www.eventsgatlinburg.com. ($)
April 17 – Mountain Man Memorial March – This third annual 26.2-mile march starts in downtown Gatlinburg at 7 a.m. as a challenging tribute to our men and women in uniform. The course includes highway and rural road stretches in addition to rugged terrain and mountain slopes. The event honors 1LT Frank Walkup, a University of Tennessee-Knoxville alumnus who in 2007 was killed in the line of duty in Iraq. Pre-registration is required, with Military Heavy, Military Light and Civilian entry categories. Call 865-974-8858 for more information. ($)
April 21 to 24 – 60th Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage and Greener Living Expo – Celebrate and enjoy the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 150 different programs, including hiking tours, motorcades, demonstrations and classroom lectures centered on the flowers, plants and wildlife in the great outdoors. New for 2010, the exposition features sustainability themes. For more information, call (865) 436-7318 ext. 222 or visit www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org. ($)
April 22 – Ribfest & Wings – Enjoy the area’s best ribs and wings as well as live entertainment during this popular ninth annual event. One admission price allows sampling until the ribs and wings run out as the Parkway transforms into a Street Fair. (GSE) (800) 568-4748 ($)
MAY 2010
May 1 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748
May 14 – Gatlinburg Scottish Festival Grand Parade – All Scots are invited to march or ride in the parade as a kickoff to the 29th Annual Scottish Festival & Games. Parade begins at 6 p.m. at traffic light #10, downtown Gatlinburg. For more information, visit www.gsfg.org.
May 15 to 16 – Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games – 29th Annual Scottish clans meeting at Mills Park featuring Highland athletics, bagpipe competitions, Highland dancing, border collie demonstrations, haggis hurling, entertainment and whiskey tasting, along with food & merchandise vendors Visit, www.gsfg.org for more information. ($)
May 15 to 16 – Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival – This sixth annual family oriented fine arts festival at Ripley’s Plaza and River Road features juried artists from around the country, delicious cuisine and music. Proceeds benefit Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts and Sevier County Arts Council. (888) 240-1358 or www.gfaf.net
JUNE 2010
June 1 to 6 – Smoky Mountain Springfest – Join in a countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more. (800) 568-4748
June 11 to 30 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers performing along the Parkway every evening during this fourth annual event! Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
JULY 2010
July 1 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smoky Mountains on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this fifth annual event! Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
July 3 – 4th of July Midnight Parade – Saluting the valiant men and women of our military services, this 35th annual showcase is the “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!” Parade starts at the stroke of midnight to begin Independence Day. Floats, balloons, and marching bands pay tribute to our country during this Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
July 4 – River Raft Regatta – Visitors can enjoy a fun, unmanned, floatable object race for the whole family. Free registration begins at 10 a.m. at bridge beneath chair lift. Race begins at noon and ends at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies bridge where prizes will be awarded in several different categories. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
July 4 – 4th of July Fireworks Show – Join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg to mark our nation’s “Independence Day” with a magnificent fireworks show. The City of Gatlinburg lights up the mountain skyline downtown at 10 p.m. with this grand display. Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
July 16 to 24 – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair at Gatlinburg Convention Center – Art, crafts and music lovers will discover over 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (865) 436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com ($)
AUGUST 2010
August 1 to 7 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – Through early August, visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this five annual event! (GSE) (800) 568-4748
SEPTEMBER 2010
September 17 to 30 – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season in Gatlinburg features festivals, special events and autumn-themed displays. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
September TBA – Library Luau – Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies hosts its fifth annual fall fundraiser benefiting the Anna Porter Public Library at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment and refreshments included. (865) 436-5588 ($)
September TBA – Great Gatlinburg Shark Race – Festivities start at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza with live entertainment, food & fun and opportunity to win fantastic grand prizes. Rubber sharks are released into the Little Pigeon River at the Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens bridge to race downstream, first one to cross the finish line wins! Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. (865) 453-4261 ($)
September 23 – 13th Annual Taste of Autumn – Sample signature dishes from the area’s finest restaurants. Enjoy live entertainment, live auction with a cash bar. Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. Doors of the Gatlinburg Convention Center open at 5 p.m. (GSE) (800) 568-4748 ($)
September TBA – Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament – The 11th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed. For information, call 865-661-3474, or visit www.rockytopoutfitter.com. ($)
OCTOBER 2010
October 1 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season featuring special events, festivals, craft shows, autumn-themed displays and more. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
TBA October 2? – “Vintage Views” Film Premiere – Featuring classic film clips gleaned from family home movie collections, this nostalgic film produced by the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound (TAMIS), debuts at 7 p.m. at the historic Riverside Motor Lodge. The montage will be Bradley Reeves and Louisa Trott. A reception featuring artists and authors of the Smoky Mountain region is part of the festivities. For more information, call (865) 436-0500 (GSE) ($)
October 7 to 23 – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair – Art, crafts and music lovers will find over 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday until 5 p.m. at Gatlinburg Convention Center. Call (865) 436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com ($)
NOVEMBER 2010
November 10 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff – The City of Gatlinburg kicks off Gatlinburg Winter Magic from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Downtown Parkway by turning on over three million lights. Enjoy live entertainment, sample chili recipes from local restaurants and businesses and vote for your favorite. (GSE) (800) 568-4748 ($)
November 10 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
November 10 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) Tickets on sale October 15. (865) 436-0535 ($)
November 11 – Veterans Day Celebration – Join the City of Gatlinburg in saluting the men and women of America who have served in our Armed Forces in this special ceremony on Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza. This eighth annual program begins at 11 a.m. and includes stirring musical tributes, ceremonial words and recognition of Veterans in attendance. Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
November 23 to 27 – Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees – Dozens upon dozens of ornately decorated Christmas trees await visitors in this winter wonderland at Gatlinburg Convention Center’s W.L. Mills Conference Center. Event benefits Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
November 23 to 30 – Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show – Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748.
November 26 & 27 – Winter Magic Tunes & Tales – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this fourth annual event! (GSE) (800) 568-4748
November 26 & 27 – The Nutcracker “Sweet” – Presented by the Smoky Mountain Dance Theater Company, enjoy this holiday classic presented in Gatlinburg, with performances at 7 p.m. in the W.L. Mills Auditorium. (GSE) Call (865) 680-7369 for information and reservations.
DECEMBER 2010
December 1 to 19 – Winter Magic Tunes & Tales – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling and entertainment along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this fourth annual event! (GSE) (800) 568-4748
December 1 to 31 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
December 1 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) Tickets on sale October 15. (865) 436-0535 ($)
December 1 to 5 – Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show – Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual holiday show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748.
December 3 – Gatlinburg’s 35th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade – This popular Christmas parade in downtown Gatlinburg is recognized as one of the very best by the International Festival and Events Association. Parade features lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units and helium balloons. Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. at Traffic Light #1A and continues through downtown to Light #10. Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748
December TBA – Christmas on Ice – Enjoy the spirit of the season as local skaters display their talents on ice to the sounds of holiday music in a two-day performance at Ober Gatlinburg’s ice arena. Visit www.obergatlinburg.com or call (800) 251-9202
December 31 – New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show & Ball Drop on Historic Nature Trail at the Parkway – For the 23rd straight year, the Space Needle area at traffic light #8 comes alive at the stroke of midnight with a fabulous fireworks show. Features free party favors and live entertainment. “Best New Year’s Eve Show in the South.” (GSE) (800) 568-4748
Film-goers in the area now have something to get excited about other than the next big blockbuster or critically-acclaimed indie flick coming for a two-week screening. That something happens to be Gatlinburg Screenfest (Friday, March 25 – Saturday, March 26), now in its third year in the old town.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee has a reputation for a being a quaint mountain town. People walking the sidewalks and window shopping; everything lit up like the Fourth of July. The activity and the friendliness make it easy to just spend time with your family and friends as you stroll down the sidewalks.