Spring is a beautiful and exciting time to visit the Smokies! There’s always something fun happening this time of year, from educational opportunities to musical events that celebrate the season! Keep reading to learn more about some of the best spring events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that you won’t want to miss.
1. Gatlinburg Springfest
Gatlinburg Springfest is one of the can’t-miss spring events in Gatlinburg. It spans the entire spring season and takes place all throughout downtown Gatlinburg. To celebrate the beauty of spring, local businesses decorate their storefronts with flowers and themed decor. As you stroll along the Strip, you’ll find vibrant displays everywhere you turn! There’s even a friendly competition among the local businesses! Through the Gatlinburg Springfest People’s Choice Awards, one business will win the title of Best Spring Decorations. You can vote for your favorite spring decorations online, and the business with the most votes wins!
2. Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
One of the favorite spring events in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains is the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. This four-day nonprofit event takes place in April and features guided walks, educational exhibits, and other opportunities to learn about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can discover fun facts about wildflowers, trees, medicinal plants, fungi, insects, salamanders, birds, and mammals that live in the Smoky Mountains. This is a great way to explore the region’s rich natural and cultural resources!
3. Dollywood’s I Will Always Love You Festival
A great way to welcome spring in the Smokies is Dollywood’s I Will Always Love You Festival! During this festival, the beloved Pigeon Forge theme park comes alive with music, colorful decor, and a celebration of the art of songwriting. You can watch talented live performances, pose with dazzling photo opps, and savor the flavors of the season. This festival spans from mid-March to mid-April, giving you plenty of time to experience the joy and creativity that it has to offer!
4. Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival is another one of the most popular spring events in Pigeon Forge! At this festival, spring beauty blooms around every corner, making it easy to celebrate the season! You can marvel at larger-than-life flower sculptures and half a million vibrant flowers decorating the theme park. Enjoy the taste of spring with fresh flavors and watch a variety of engaging shows. You’ll also love the colorful art installations and photo ops throughout the park, including the famous Umbrella Sky! You can experience this picture-perfect seasonal event throughout most of the spring season.
5. Great Smoky Spring Arts & Crafts Show
Another one of the can’t-miss spring events in Gatlinburg is the Great Smoky Spring Arts & Crafts Show. This is one of the biggest craft fairs in Gatlinburg, featuring some of the best local artists and craftsmen in the Smoky Mountain region! It takes place in mid-March at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. You’ll love exploring unique handcrafted gifts and products made by members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community and artisans from all across the country. This show is free to the public, so you can visit as many times as you’d like to watch craft demonstrations and purchase one-of-a-kind products!
Where to Stay This Spring in Gatlinburg
You definitely won’t want to miss your chance to experience these events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this spring! To make the most of your vacation, you’ll want to stay close to all the action. Our Gatlinburg hotel is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, just a short walk or drive from all sorts of fun things to do! We have everything you need for a relaxing stay, from balconies overlooking a mountain stream to free continental breakfast and other unbeatable amenities! Explore our selection of Gatlinburg hotel rooms and book your stay today!
