February 05, 2025
6 Can’t Miss Events in Spring in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Springtime is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited! As the last traces of winter melt away in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, a dazzling display of wildflowers and greenery burst forth to delight the senses. In addition to the spectacular scenery, spring also brings a number of popular festivities to the Smokies. To help you make the most of spring in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, we’ve put together a guide to six of the season’s best events.
1. Pigeon Forge Car Shows
If you’re a classic car owner or enthusiast, you’ll love Pigeon Forge’s annual car shows. Throughout the spring, this Smoky Mountain city hosts a number of hugely popular events that bring thousands of hot rods, trucks, and vintage automobiles to town. Even if you don’t attend a show, it’s fun to sit along the Parkway and watch the beautiful cars drive by! Here are the car shows on tap that you’ll want to attend this spring:
2. Dollywood Flower & Food Festival
Dollywood opens its doors at the beginning of the spring season! The theme park opens with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, which celebrates the art of songwriting through live performances, special dining features, and one-of-a-kind merchandise. Then, from the middle of April to June, Dollywood celebrates springtime with the Flower & Food Festival. The park is decked out with brightly colored flowers, breathtaking plant sculptures, an umbrella sky, and much more. Alongside the incredible landscape, you’ll find fun food and drinks throughout the park, and you can even purchase a food pass that allows you to taste several of them for an excellent price!
3. Easter in Gatlinburg
Easter is definitely a highlight of spring in Gatlinburg. At the end of March, the city hosts the annual Easter Arts & Craft Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. During this free event, you can browse the beautiful work created by the artisans in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community in one convenient location. You can purchase unique handcrafted gifts and products to bring back home with you. The talented artists will also be on hand to answer questions about their work.
On Easter Sunday, Ober Mountain will host a special Sunrise Service. Guests can take a free aerial tramway ride from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of Ober Mountain, where an Easter service will coincide with the sun rising over the Smoky Mountains. A free Easter Sunrise Service will also take place at the Gatlinburg SkyPark. Guests can watch the sunrise from the top of Crocket Mountain, hear a brief gospel presentation, and enjoy the SkyPark at no cost.
4. Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage has been a Gatlinburg tradition for over 70 years! Held in late April when the area’s wildflowers are at their peak, this wonderful event features professionally guided walks through the most scenic areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Pilgrimage also offers a number of evening talks that are presented at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Be sure to register ASAP, because this event is extremely popular.
5. Gatlinburg Springfest
To celebrate spring in Gatlinburg, local businesses come alive with bright decor throughout downtown during Gatlinburg Springfest. This spring event takes place mid-March to mid-May, with vibrant displays lining the Gatlinburg streets. You’ll see colorful flowers and spring-themed decorations everywhere you turn. There’s even a friendly competition among participating businesses! During your time in Gatlinburg, take note of your favorite spring decorations. Then, you’re invited to vote for your favorite Springfest display online. The business that receives the most votes wins the Gatlinburg Springfest People’s Choice Award for the Best Spring Decorations!
6. Music in the Mountains Spring Parade
Every year in the spring, Pigeon Forge hosts the Music in the Mountains Spring Parade. Filled with colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, baton twirlers, and entertainers from local shows, this parade down the Parkway is expected to draw thousands of spectators. The grand marshall for the parade for the last few years has been legendary baseball player Cal Ripken, Jr., and he is returning again this year!
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
When you stay with Hearthside Cabin Rentals, you will have the perfect home base for enjoying spring in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 18 bedroom lodges, we are sure to have the ideal accommodations for your escape. To start planning your getaway, browse our selection of cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
