Summer is heating up in the Smoky Mountains, and there’s plenty of entertainment opportunities. I have resumed my posts about events in the Smoky Mountain areas of Blount County (including Townsend and Maryville) and Sevier County (including Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Gatlinburg). However, I am focusing on outdoor events that can be attended safely while COVID is still a factor.
Late June – August 2021 Outdoor Events
June – October. SUNSET CONCERT SERIES AT GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS HERITAGE CENTER, Townsend. Every other Friday evening. Reservations required; tickets $10. Spacious, covered outdoor amphitheater. Upcoming events include local area bands, an Eagles Tribute, Neil Diamond tribute, and Tall Tales of Tennessee. https://www.gsmheritagecenter.org/events/concerts/
Late June – mid-August. FREE PARKWAY TROLLEY. The City of Gatlinburg offers free trolley service along the length of the Parkway. The open-air shuttles operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with extra stops established between traffic lights 1 and 10 along Parkway.
June 25 – 26. SUMMER ON BROADWAY. Enjoy a fun summer weekend in downtown Maryville with Dock Dogs, music, food, muscle cars, and Hops in the Hills craft beer festival. http://www.summeronbroadway.net/
June 26. 6th ANNUAL HOPS IN THE HILLS CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL, Maryville, 5:00-9:00pm. Attendees sample regional craft beer from the best breweries in the area. This year’s festival will be located in the Maryville Greenway Amphitheater to allow extra space for games, lounging, and live music. Festival price includes tastings, food, official event t-shirt, and great live music. https://hopsinthehills.com/
June 28 through July 31. SMOKY MOUNTAIN TUNES & TALES. Downtown Gatlinburg. The Warman Trio will be performing with every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night in July (except Friday the 23rd) from 6-10:30pm. Summer-long street performance festival featuring costumed musical performers portraying characters from as far back as the 1800s. https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/smoky-mountain-tunes-and-tales/13/
July 2 – 4. 46th ANNUAL 4th OF JULY POWWOW AND FIREWORKS. Cherokee, NC. A 3-day explosion of authentic Indian music, dancing, food, traditional Indian crafts, and festivities. Get an insider’s look at a rich, ancient culture. https://visitcherokeenc.com/events/detail/46-annual-powwow/
July 3. 30TH ANNUAL PATRIOT FESTIVAL | 4TH OF JULY. Pigeon Forge. The night will feature music, food and fun games, all of which are free and open to the public. https://www.pigeonforge.com/event/patriot-festival/
July 4. GATLINBURG’S JULY 4TH FIREWORKS FINALE. Downtown Gatlinburg. Join the celebration of our nation’s Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks show starting at 11:00pm. New this year: The fireworks will be launched from the Space Needle. This event is designated as a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. https://www.pigeonforge.com/event/gatlinburgs-fireworks-finale/
August 21. 4th ANNUAL GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL. Townsend Visitor’s Center. Professional balloonists light up the evening sky with a beautiful balloon glow and spectacular tethered rides. The sky will be filled with a spectrum of color like never before, against a backdrop of a breathtaking Tennessee Smoky Mountain sunset! https://gsmballoonfest.com/
Save the Dates
September 24-25. TOWNSEND FALL HERITAGE FESTIVAL AND OLD TIMERS DAY. Townsend Visitors Center.
September 24 – October 30. DOLLYWOOD’S HARVEST FESTIVAL.
Other Events?
Do you know of any other outdoor events this summer? Let me know in the comments, and I’ll update this post. What are your favorite events in the Smokies?
Smokies Cabins Availability
Smokies Cabins (www.smokiescabins.com) is already booked for June and July but has openings in August and September. Call Myra at 865-207-6071 to book your next Smoky Mountain vacation!
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