The Great Smoky Mountains come alive as winter gives way to spring and there is no better way to celebrate than attending Smoky Mountain Springfest! Gatlinburg, TN has an abundance of events where you can catch your spring fever this year Appalachian style during your Easter or early spring vacation.
What Is Smoky Mountain Springfest?
With the sound of birdsong again echoing through the valleys and wildflowers blooming on the slopes, it’s time to get out and celebrate. Smoky Mountain Springfest is a 3-month festival from March until June that encompasses the towns of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. Springfest packs the days with a wide range of events that celebrate the area’s unique culture and showcases the natural beauty of the land. There is no shortage of events to go to, and Gatlinburg TN is the best place to start your Springfest tour.
Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show
Several craftsmen and artisans call the Smoky Mountains home. Their contribution to Springfest is the Easter Arts and Crafts Show where they will display their creations for sale and offer demonstrations of their craft. From baskets to pottery to paintings this is the place to find that unique item that glows with Appalachian heritage. Art has always been a part of living in the Smokies, and you can meet the latest generation of artists who have been bringing their art and craft across time from pioneer days to the present.
Easter Sunrise Service at Ober Mountain
If you’re spending Easter weekend in Gatlinburg, then there is no better way to spend Easter morning than by attending the sunrise service held top Mount Harrison at Ober Mountain. Starting at 5 am, the service welcomes locals and visitors alike and is hosted by the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association. As the service commences nature will treat you to its own celebration as it lights up the sky and the mountainsides. Tram service to the top of the mountain is available. After the service, you and your family can enjoy the Easter buffet at Ober Gatlinburg’s Restaurant.
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 2,900 miles of flowing streams, which makes it a great place to cast a line and hook some trout. The Spring Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is a great way to spend a spring weekend doing something you love with the chance to win cash and other great prizes. Streams in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are stocked with trout before the event, and Gatlinburg TN boasts some great fishing areas downtown. The tournament is open to children as well, and registration is required.
Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest
The mountains are home to several local wineries, and some of them will be offering free samples of their products at the Smoky Mountain Wine Fest. Patrons aged 21 and older can purchase a wristband that allows them to sample the different wines and buy a bottle of their favorite to take home. Food vendors will also be available from some of the best restaurants in the Smokies. For those who like to tour wineries, there is a Gatlinburg Wine Trail with a VIP option that provides transportation to 3 local wineries on the trail.
Earth Week and Earth Day 5K
Celebrate Earth Day this year in the Great Smoky Mountains and the Earth Week festival held in Gatlinburg TN. Music, food, and free activities for kids are a great way to learn about earth stewardship in this natural environment. Here you will find information on adopting green living activities as well as meet local green companies and organizations. You can also participate in the Earth Day 5K, which benefits the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a local non-profit organization that donates funds to local education, scholarships, and educational community events.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
It is no secret that the Great Smoky Mountains are home to some spectacular wildlife, animal and plant included. The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimmage gives you a chance to see some of the flowers and creatures that call these mountains home as they come out of their winter slumber. Featuring both indoor and outdoor programs, there is something here for naturalists of all stripes. For bird watchers, there are plenty of birding programs and photographers can attend workshops on taking their best photos while on tour. Van service is available to trails with limited parking space.
Mountain Man Memorial March
The first Mountain Man Memorial March (MMMM) began as a personal tribute to a local fallen soldier when a group of cadets from the Rocky Top Battalion marched 26.2 miles while carrying a 35-pound rucksack and in full military uniform to honor his sacrifice for freedom. Over the last decade, it has grown into one of the biggest events in the United States that honors the service and sacrifice of military heroes. Open to ROTC groups, veterans, Cub Scout packs, family, and friends of fallen heroes, the MMMM is not an event to miss. Remember that Smoky Mountain Springfest is a county-wide celebration that lasts all through the season. The events in Gatlinburg TN are but a small sampling of what you can find here! Wherever you find yourself during Springfest this year you and your family are sure to find something for everyone during your vacation.
