First Independence Day Parade in the Nation
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11 Great Summer Events in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains [UPDATED 2022]

Summer is the best time for getting out and enjoying the world around you. That’s especially true in the Smoky Mountains.

It’s undoubtedly the most popular time to visit, and with good reason. The warmer weather encourages a wide-ranging variety of activities that everyone can enjoy and create lasting memories

Whether you’re on a romantic weekend getaway or you’re on a family vacation, Gatlinburg and the surrounding towns around the Smokies are the perfect places for your next summer adventure.

First Independence Day Parade in the Nation - Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Summer in Gatlinburg
First Independence Day Parade in the Nation | photo via Visit Gatlinburg

11 great summer events in Gatlinburg and throughout the Smoky Mountains

See the Nation’s First Independence Day Parade

No summer adventure is complete without a fireworks show and if you visit Gatlinburg around Independence Day, you’re in for a real treat.

Now in its fourth decade, this Gatlinburg celebration gets its “first” status by beginning promptly at midnight on July 4.

Enjoy the excitement of seeing the colorful display of floats, motorcades, and bands and a salute to military servicemen and women.

Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales - Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Summer in Gatlinburg
Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales | photo via @ninariccimusic

Join the Fun of Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

Do you enjoy live music and theater? You’re in luck if you visit Gatlinburg during the summer then.

This is a great month-long event in July that takes place right on the streets of Gatlinburg.

These impressive performing arts displays provide endless entertainment as you experience fantastic street music, storytelling, and dramatic skits portraying different eras of Appalachian heritage.

Downtown Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg, Tennessee - @oksana_co
Downtown Gatlinburg | photo via @oksana_co

Enjoy the Sight and Sounds of Downtown Gatlinburg

Whether you’ve been to Gatlinburg before or it’s your first time visiting, it’s got a bustling downtown area that’s brimming with activity.

A stroll through downtown Gatlinburg is the perfect solo or family activity. You can stop in a distillery for a sample of moonshine. You can get an old-time photo taken. You can go to the Gatlinburg Space Needle for incredible views.

In downtown Gatlinburg, the possibilities are endless.

Tennesee Smokies - Kodak, Tennessee - Summer in Gatlinburg
Tennesee Smokies | photo via @ejneal32

Enjoy a Nice Night at the Ballpark with the Tennesee Smokies

What’s summer without going to a baseball game?

From April until September, you can catch a Tennessee Smokies game in at Smokies Stadium in Kodak. The team is the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and a minor league game is an affordable and fun family activity.

River Raft Regatta - Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Summer in Gatlinburg
River Raft Regatta | photo via Visit Gatlinburg

Sail Your Handmade Boat During the Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta

There’s also a fun array of things to do on the Fourth of July. But arguably one of the most fun events in Gatlinburg is the River Raft Regatta.

Anything that floats on water is allowed for this Fourth of July contest, which showcases the participants’ creativity and sense of fun.

Both non-handmade (trash) and handmade watercraft (treasure) are awarded, as well as the youngest and oldest participants.

Attend a Summer Art Show in Townsend

Throughout the summer, different local artisans will display their works at the Townsend Visitors Center for several days on a rotating basis. Some of the types of art exhibits you’ll see include paintings, woodworks, photography, and more.

Hops in the Hills
Hops in the Hills

Learn the Science of Beer-Making at Hops in the Hills

Have you ever wanted to learn how beer is made? Well, now you can!

The annual craft brew-fest is the central part of a weekend filled with celebrations in Maryville, which also include the Big BBQ Bash and a Last Friday Art Walk.

This week-long event features a Celebration of Fermentation at different area breweries over four days. It continues with a craft brew crawl, where buses run throughout the night so attendees can spend as long as they want at any of the tour’s nine stops.

The festivities continue on Saturday with a four-hour Brew Festival at the Mayville Greenway Amphitheater, where visitors can sample food and lots of craft beer.

This is a great way to discover both the art and science of making great beer and then some.

Summer Concert Series - Townsend, Tennessee - Summer in Gatlinburg
Summer Concert Series | photo via @benhowington

Enjoy Live Music during the Summer Concert Series

These frequent and intimate summer live music events happen at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.

The shows feature talented local musicians who are the area’s best-kept secret talents as well as some tributes to national artists.

Tickets are required for each concert, so don’t wait to make reservations.

Little River Trading Company - Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Summer in Gatlinburg
Little River Trading Company | photo via Little River Trading Company

Get Back to Nature With Little River Trading Company Hikes

What better way to celebrate the National Park Service’s centennial than to go on a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains?

This series of treks aims to help hikers go for 100 total miles, by offering frequent hikes for all hiking levels. It’s a great way to get outside, see the beauty of the Smokies up close, and get a little exercise in along the way.

Go For a Refreshing Swim in a Mountain Stream

After you’ve explored downtown Gatlinburg or you’ve gone for a Smoky Mountain hike, a swim in a mountain stream is a great way to cool off.

The many waterfalls and creeks in the Smokies are the perfect natural air conditioners, so don’t be afraid to jump in and splash away.

With many pull-offs in the National Park, it’s pretty easy to find a mountain stream. If you can find your own spot, you’ll have plenty of privacy while you cool off.

Cocke County Fair - Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Summer in Gatlinburg
Cocke County Fair | photo via Cocke County A&I Fair

Cap the Summer at the Cocke County Fair

After the busy summer you’ve had exploring Gatlinburg and attending so many fun events, what better way to cap things off than with a good old-fashioned county fair?

The fair in Cocke County offers one of the best you’ll find in the state. In fact, this event won awards twice in the past four years, so you know it’s packed with fun activities.

You’ll experience everything you love about a fair, including rides, carnival food, and plenty of livestock, agriculture, and arts and crafts. There are even rodeo events and plenty of fun carnival rides.

Start Planning to Enjoy Your Summer in the Smokies

Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains are the perfect places to visit this summer. Not only will you be impressed by the natural beauty of the Smokies, but there’s so much to see and do that you may not know where to begin. These fun summer events can help you make the most of your trip to Gatlinburg and you may just find a few more that will have you wanting to come back.

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