The Best Events In The Smokies For May
It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!
Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.
1. Dollywood Harvest Festival
If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.
2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.
3. Wears Valley Fall Festival
The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.
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Dolly Homecoming Parade
May 5th, 2017
Probably one of the biggest moments of Springfest in Pigeon Forge is the Dolly Homecoming Parade. If the name doesn't clue you in enough, it is so titled because Dolly Parton herself returns to town to act as Grand Marshal for the parade! All the action and marching takes place on the main parkway in downtown Pigeon Forge between traffic light #6 (Pine Mountain Road where Shoney's and Kinkaku are) to traffic light #3 (Wears Valley Road where Walden's Landing is). Traffic on the road shuts down to allow the parade through and visitors can see the parade from the sidewalk or along the green "islands" that separate out the parkway.
YES, you do get to see Dolly Parton in the flesh on her huge parade float but there are many, many more to see representing local businesses and others in our area. Beauty pageant queens, firemen, marching bands, high schools, middle schools, music theaters, comedy theaters, veteran soldiers and many more showcasing all the fun with music, characters, tiny little vehicles and even some scrolling performances along the way!
Parade begins at 6:00PM. See more on this event.
Gatlinburg Beans and Cornbread Festival
May 11th, 2017
Whoo-doggie, nothing says "The South" like an entire festival devoted to the Appalachian staple of beans and cornbread! This odd but highly pleasing event goes on the main downtown strip in Gatlinburg between traffic lights #6 and #8 (between Ripley's Aquarium and Ripley's Believe It or Not!). The event is sponsored by Bush's Baked Beans (the national brand is home here is nearby Newport, TN) and patrons can buy an "admission spoon" for $10.00 that gives them unlimited access to the best in baked beans and cornbread made by our finest area's restaurants. And, as always, there will be entertainment, kid's playthings and much more on hand.
The festival begins at 5:00PM and goes on to 8:00PM. See for more information.
Bloomin' BBQ & Bluegrass Festival
May 19th-20th, 2017
And speaking of food festivals this month, if you're not familiar with the Bloomin' BBQ & Bluegrass Festival in Sevierville, then we're happy to introduce you to the "piece de resistance" of the May food celebrations. This one actually takes place in downtown Sevierville around the big courthouse in the historic section of the city and it is two days of family fun, incredible BBQ and near round-the-clock music like you've never experienced before (unless, of course, you've already been to Bloomin' before!) On top of that, the alleys and sidewalks will fill with merchants selling arts, crafts, locally made foods, clothing and, of course, more that you can only see by attending the festival! Entry is free, you just pay for any food or items you want to acquire.
If that isn't a great way to celebrate the final third of Springfest in the Smokies, nothing is. Stay tuned for more articles on getting the most out of your upcoming getaway in the Smokies!
