Special Events
JANUARY
Wilderness Week™
What better way to start off a new year than enjoying the great outdoors, taking in the beauty and history of the Smoky Mountains. More than 100 guest speakers offer an up-close look at the incredible flora and fauna found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in addition to sharing the park’s history, mysteries and majesty. Other activities include a photography contest, a series of specialty hikes and AppalachiaFest, where we celebrate the diversity of Smoky Mountain music.
FEBRUARY
Smoky Mountains
Storytelling Festival™
Gather around for tales of suspense, laughter, intrigue and more during
Pigeon Forge’s annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival. This is the place to catch the nation’s greatest performers on stage, spinning yarns of every sort. Don't miss other festival activities including the National Youth Storytelling Showcase or the Haunts ‘n’ Haints Old Mill Tales for a late night of spine-tingling, hair-raising adventure.
Saddle Up!
Boot-stompin’ good times await your groups as the Old West rides into town for one of the only events of its kind east of the Mississippi River. Western style meets Southern charm for three days of music, poetry and cowboy culture. Group fun hits a high note as Western enthusiasts enjoy toe-tapping tunes from authentic Western bands and write lyrics to their own cowboy tunes during our songwriting workshops.
MARCH
Springfest
Celebrate with us as we welcome spring back to the Smoky Mountains. Springfest kicks off three months of festivities including A Mountain Quiltfest, the Dolly Parade and Dollywood’s Festival of Nations. It’s an event as colorful as the wildflowers that blanket the Smokies each spring.
A Mountain Quiltfest™
Quilters of all ages and skill levels come together to learn more about one of our most cherished crafts. Renowned instructors from around the country share their secrets in classes and lectures. Quilt shows add color and magic to the early spring days along with supplies, materials and new techniques. Groups of all sizes and ages are always encouraged, but remember, classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis through registration at www.mountainquiltfest.com.
MAY
Dolly Parade
Our town officially welcomes returning and first-time guests each year with a special hello from the one-and-only Dolly Parton as she serves as grand marshal of her namesake parade. Colorful floats, marching bands and springtime flowers set the stage for a new season of fun from one end of the Parkway to the other.
JULY
Patriot Festival
Celebrate in all-American style with an afternoon of food, fun and entertainment in Patriot Park. Special guests perform in concerts topped off by a spectacular fireworks display after dark.
AUGUST
StringTime in the Smokies®
Some of the country’s finest bluegrass musicians pay tribute to the music of the Smoky Mountains with free concerts in Patriot Park.
Celebrate Freedom!TM
Join us as we honor America’s heroes. Participating businesses offer exclusive discounts to veterans, all branches of active duty, reserve and retired military personnel and other service personnel.
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
Smoky Mountains Harvest Festival
The splendid colors of fall in the mountains set the stage for our autumn celebration. Stroll through craft shows and sidewalk sales before stopping to enjoy the live music and beautiful fall displays set up all over town by store and restaurant owners.
NOVEMBER
Winterfest Kick-Off
Kick off the holiday season with a magical night in Patriot Park as we flip the switch for our spectacular light displays that have become the hallmark of Pigeon Forge Winterfest.
Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights
Come aboard the Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolleys and experience the merriment of five million lights from the comfort of a temperature-controlled trolley. Local residents serve as guides to our city’s landmarks and light displays. So be sure and tell your groups that if they have a question, just ask. Most trolleys are equipped with lifts to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs. Reservations are required for all riders. To save space for your groups, call 865-453-6444.
Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood
For further information on all special events, please contact our Special Events Department at 865-429-7350.
