Summer is the perfect time to take a family vacation to the Smoky Mountains! The area is bursting with lively music, tasty food, fun activities, and beautiful scenery this time of year. To help you celebrate the season and plan the ultimate getaway, we’ve put together this list of festivals in Pigeon Forge and the surrounding area that you won’t want to miss this summer!
1. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration
One of the most popular summer festivals in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. This summertime event takes place from mid-June to early August, giving you plenty of time to make your way to the theme park to participate in the festivities! You can experience the sights and sounds of summer all around. Vibrant decor, themed photo ops, and water features can be found throughout the park, and upbeat tunes allow you to dance and groove all day long! Stay after dark to be dazzled by a drone show and fireworks against the starry night sky.
2. Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival
If you find yourself in the Smokies on Independence Day, you won’t want to miss the annual Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival! This is one of only a few summer festivals in Pigeon Forge that’s free to attend and open to the public. Plus, it’s gotten bigger than ever with two days of fun, taking place on both July 3rd and 4th! Make sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair so you can all comfortably watch the fireworks grand finale at the end of the evening on the 4th!
3. Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is returning again this summer to Gatlinburg! Throughout the month of July, you can see nightly street performances from talented artists along the streets of Gatlinburg. You’ll be entertained by musical performers, dancers, and storytellers who portray characters from various time periods. Daily performances will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Depending on when you visit, you might get to see one or more performers strolling the street!
4. Anakeesta’s United Tastes of America
Anakeesta is bringing a food and drink festival to Gatlinburg this summer called United Tastes of America! This event showcases the spirit of America in the heart of the Smokies from the end of May to mid-August. From the top of Anakeesta, you can “travel” across the country to visit 12 states and taste their distinct culinary flavors. These options range from savory entrees to sweet desserts to tangy drinks. During your visit, you’ll see red, white, and blue decorations and famous American landmarks as well as hear live music and regional entertainment offerings across the mountaintop.
Where to Stay During Summer Festivals in Pigeon Forge
Now that you know more about some of the top summer festivals in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains, it’s time to decide where to stay! Fortunately, The Inn on the River offers quiet and comfortable accommodations that are just a short distance from many of the area’s top summer festivities. From private balconies to in-room spa tubs to outdoor and indoor pools, our hotel has everything you need for a peaceful yet fun stay. Reserve one of our Pigeon Forge hotel rooms today and get ready for a great summer getaway!
