March 20, 2023
6 Can’t Miss Events in Spring in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Springtime is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited! As the last traces of winter melt away in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, a dazzling display of wildflowers and greenery burst forth to delight the senses. In addition to the spectacular scenery, spring also brings a number of popular festivities to the Smokies. To help you make the most of spring in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, we’ve put together a guide to six of the season’s best events.
1. Pigeon Forge Car Shows
If you’re a classic car owner or enthusiast, you’ll love Pigeon Forge’s annual car shows. Throughout the spring, our Smoky Mountain city hosts a number of hugely popular events that bring thousands of hot rods, trucks, and vintage automobiles to town. Even if you don’t attend a show, it’s fun to sit along the Parkway and watch the beautiful cars drive by! Here are the car shows on tap for this spring:
2. Dollywood Flower & Food Festival
At the beginning of the spring season, Dollywood opens its doors! For the first few weeks, guests can enjoy the theme park’s rides, food, and fun. But from the end of April to June, Dollywood celebrates springtime with the Flower & Food Festival. The park is decked out with brightly colored flowers, breathtaking plant sculptures, an umbrella sky, and much more. Alongside the incredible landscape, you’ll find fun food and drinks throughout the park, and you can even purchase a food pass that allows you to taste several of them for an excellent price!
3. Easter in Gatlinburg
Easter is definitely a highlight of spring in Gatlinburg. At the end of March or beginning of April, the city hosts the annual Easter Arts & Craft Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. During this free event, guests can browse the beautiful work created by the artisans in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community in one convenient location. The talented artists will be on hand to answer questions about their work.
On Easter Sunday, Ober Mountain will host a special Sunrise Service. Guests can take a free aerial tramway ride from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of Mt. Harrison, where a religious service will coincide with the sun rising over the Smoky Mountains. More information is released before Easter Sunday, so keep an eye out for the information!
4. Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage has been a Gatlinburg tradition for over 65 years! Held in late April when the area’s wildflowers are at their peak, this wonderful event features professionally guided walks through the most scenic areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Pilgrimage also offers a number of evening talks that are presented at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Be sure to register ASAP, because this event is extremely popular.
5. Blooms and Tunes at Anakeesta
Anakeesta hosts the Blooms and Tunes event every year to welcome spring once again! Guests will take in whimsical spring-themed art installations throughout the theme park, as well as seasonal flowers in bloom. Every day during the event, you’ll also be able to enjoy live music and entertainment, as well as chef-inspired food and drinks. Blooms and Tunes takes place in April and May.
6. Music in the Mountains Spring Parade
Every year in the spring, Pigeon Forge hosts the Music in the Mountains Spring Parade. Filled with colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, baton twirlers, and entertainers from local shows, this parade down the Parkway is expected to draw thousands of spectators. The grand marshall for the parade for the last few years has been legendary baseball player Cal Ripken Jr.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you will have the perfect home base for enjoying spring in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 18 bedroom lodges, we are sure to have the ideal accommodations for your escape. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
