Events

Registration for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is opening soon. Wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park have lain dormant as the winter’s wet, snowy, and cold weather persists. As the season changes, the warming sun heats the earth, awakening new growth to paint the landscape with a magnificent display of color. Southern migratory ...

In black ties and ball gowns, Friends of the Smokies gathered for an evening of elegance at Cherokee Country Club for the Evergreen Ball to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service and to raise more than $500,000 for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Evergreen Ball, now in its 13th year, featured a silent auction, wine auction, ...

Special Olympics athletes from around the state are waxing their skis and snowboards and sharpening their skates in preparation for the Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games to be held Jan. 31 through Feb. 2, 2016 at Ober Gatlinburg. Over 150 athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete in skiing, snowboarding and speed skating in divisions based on age and ability. “Thanks ...

Add volleyball to the list of sports that have sought out the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge for tournament action. Dynamic Eventz, a tournament organizer in Mobile, Ala., has booked the LeConte Event Center for the Smoky Mountain Blast, a two-day tournament that could attract as many as 120 girls’ volleyball teams from at least four states. Dates are April ...

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host a Holiday Homecoming at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015. Park staff and volunteers will provide hands-on traditional crafts and activities from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children and adults will have the opportunity to learn about and experience some of the traditions surrounding an Appalachian Christmas. Hot apple cider ...

Great Smoky Mountains National Park announces the 40th annual Festival of Christmas Past celebration scheduled on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sugarlands Visitor Center. The event, sponsored in cooperation with Great Smoky Mountains Association, is free to the public. The festival will include old-time mountain music, traditional harp singing, mountain craft demonstrations, and living ...

On Dec. 4, 2015, the 40th Fantasy of Lights Parade will step off at 7:30 p.m. celebrating the arrival of Santa Claus in Gatlinburg. Everyone is invited to wear a Santa hat to the parade to welcome Santa Claus to town! Actress and Bond Girl Rachel Grant will be the Grand Marshal of the Parade. Bond Girl Rachel Grant is ...

Guitarists Ed Gerhard and Bill Mize will present their 25th Annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. This special evening with two of the country’s finest acoustic guitarists will feature Christmas classics, concert favorites and selected solo pieces. Every year, community members, friends and family attend the holiday concert following Arrowmont’s family ...

Gatlinburg transforms into a magical winter wonderland just in time for the holidays during Gatlinburg Winter Magic, a Smoky Mountain tradition. For 26 years, Gatlinburg has delighted visitors of all ages with enchanting light displays, decorations, strolling musicians, special events and seasonal activities. “Santa Claus is Coming to Gatlinburg” during the 40th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade at 7:30 ...

The holiday season is fast approaching, and Gatlinburg is ringing in Christmas cheer Thanksgiving weekend with Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees at the Gatlinburg Convention Center Nov. 25 – 29, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This year’s event will exhibit more than 80 elaborately decorated Christmas trees for purchasing. All proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky ...