Gatlinburg, nestled at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, is a destination filled with festivals, parades, live music, and unique cultural experiences all year long. From enjoying Southern comfort food to exploring cryptid legends or admiring holiday lights, there’s something for every traveler; whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or a quick getaway. Below are 20 must-see events for 2025, complete with dates, highlights, and links to plan your visit. Let’s dive into Gatlinburg’s event scene!
20 Events Still to Come in Gatlinburg 2025
1. Festival of Flags, Now-July 6, 2025
Held at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, this month-long event honors international and military flags with daily performances, cultural booths, and food vendors serving global-inspired dishes. It’s a blend of patriotic pride and worldwide unity, set against the Smoky Mountain backdrop..
2. United Tastes of America at Anakeesta, Now-August 10, 2025
A culinary event at Anakeesta’s mountaintop park, this festival features a rotating menu of regional American dishes, craft cocktails, and guest chefs from across the country. Live music and scenic views complement flavors like Cajun gumbo or New England lobster rolls, making it a foodie’s delight.
3. Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, June 14-Aug 3, 2025
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration is a kid-friendly blast, bursting with fun. Rides thrill little adventurers, lively parades spark giggles, and splash zones keep things cool. Live music, yummy treats, and dazzling fireworks light up the night, making it a perfect summer family day in the Smokies. This one will be going on all summer long, so no matter when you can fit a visit in, you’ll be sure to enjoy the summer fun!
4. Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival, June 21
Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival brings together craft beer lovers from across the region. Held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Maryville Greenway Amphitheater, this 10th-annual celebration of fermentation allows attendees to sample a variety of regional beers from local breweries, while relaxing on the lush festival grounds your ticket gets you tasting cups, food, a commemorative t-shirt, and access to live music.
5. Gatlinburg Beans & Cornbread Festival, June 19, 2025
This one-day, family-friendly event celebrates Southern comfort food. Local chefs compete to create the best beans-and-cornbread combos, from spicy jalapeño-infused cornbread to sweet cane syrup-drizzled beans. Live bluegrass music plays, and cooking contests add a playful, competitive spirit.
6. Smoky Mountain Artisan Market, Fridays through October, 2025
Hosted at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, this free event showcases local artisans’ pottery, paintings, jewelry, and textiles. Ideal for finding unique gifts or summer decor in a welcoming atmosphere.
7. Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales, June 27–July 26, 2025
This summer-long street festival brings downtown Gatlinburg to life with costumed musicians, storytellers, and folk dancers. From bluegrass banjo players to Appalachian tale-spinners, performances appear on street corners, patios, and plaza stages nearly every evening, creating an immersive experience.
8. 4th of July Midnight Parade & Fireworks, July 3-4, 2025
Gatlinburg hosts the nation’s only “first Independence Day parade,” starting just after midnight on July 4. Floats, marching bands, and patriotic displays light up the Parkway, followed by a fireworks show near the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Grab a spot downtown or along the Parkway for a memorable celebration.
9. Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta, July 4, 2025
Join the free race down the Little Pigeon River with your tube or inflatable raft. Prizes are awarded for the most creative floats, such as pirate ships or giant rubber ducks. It’s a fun, splashy way to cool off on a hot summer day.
10. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, July 11-20, 2025
A popular event, this fair fills the Convention Center with over 180 craft booths. Watch skilled woodworkers, glassmakers, and jewelers demonstrate their crafts, and shop for one-of-a-kind keepsakes. From hand-carved furniture to stained glass, you’ll find treasures that capture the spirit of the Smokies.
11. Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference, July 26, 2025
Cryptid fans gather at the Convention Center for this unique convention. Expert speakers share tales of Bigfoot sightings, tracks, and mysteries. Whether you’re a believer or just enjoy a good story, it’s an engaging day in the Smokies.
12. Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival, August 15-16, 2025
Held at the historic Gatlinburg Inn, this intimate festival showcases roots, folk, and singer-songwriter talent. Expect heartfelt, story-driven performances that resonate with music lovers. It’s one of Tennessee’s top events for fans of authentic songs.
13. The Mountain Music Festival, August 23-25, 2025
Enjoy a weekend of live music featuring bluegrass, country, and folk performances by regional artists. Held downtown, this family-friendly event includes food vendors and craft booths, perfect for music lovers.
14. Gatlinburg Harvest Festival, September 1-November 1, 2025
Celebrate fall with light displays, craft booths, seasonal treats like pumpkin-spiced desserts, and live music along the Parkway. Stroll under twinkling lights and enjoy the crisp autumn air in this two-month-long seasonal event.
15. Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, October 2-9, 2025
Browse handmade goods from regional artisans at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Find pottery, woodwork, and seasonal decor, with live demonstrations and local food vendors, ideal for fall shoppers and craft enthusiasts.
16. Oktoberfest, September 24-October 31, 2025
Bavarian-style fun comes to the Smokies with German beer, bratwurst, and polka music at Gatlinburg. Enjoy alpine views, traditional dances, and festive food in this lively fall event.
17. Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage Jeep Rally, October 10-12, 2025
Jeep enthusiasts gather for off-road adventures, guided tours through the Smokies’ colorful fall landscapes, and a show-and-shine competition. Ideal for gearheads and nature lovers looking to combine rugged fun with scenic beauty.
18. Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff, November 6, 2025
The town glows with millions of twinkling lights to launch the holiday season. Enjoy a chili cookoff, live music, and the iconic lighting ceremony, marking the start of Gatlinburg’s winter festivities.
19. Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, December 5, 2025
A holiday highlight, this parade features illuminated floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus winding through downtown. Bundle up for a night of festive cheer and sparkling displays.
20. New Year’s Eve Ball Drop & Fireworks, December 31, 2025
Ring in 2026 at the Gatlinburg Space Needle with a ball drop, fireworks, and live entertainment. Bundle up and join the festive crowd downtown for a memorable night.
What’s New in Gatlinburg for 2025
No matter when you visit, Gatlinburg always has something going on, whether it’s festivals, food, music, mountain views, or just some good old-fashioned fun. From spring wildflowers to winter lights, the town’s calendar is packed with reasons to come back again and again. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifteenth, these events add that extra something to every Smoky Mountain getaway.
Ready to start planning? Be sure to check out our other pages to learn more about all there is to see, do, and dine at in Gatlinburg throughout the year.
