The town of Townsend – “on the quiet side of the Smokies” – offers its annual winter festival, Smoky Mountain Snowdown, January 26-29, 2017. The festival features live music, lots of food including a Chili Cook off, expert history of the area presented in tales and tunes, as well as arts & crafts from the local artisan community as it shows some of its best moves.
Townsend for many people is the gateway to Cades Cove, and this festival is a celebration of the heritage and natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and especially of Cades Cove, rich in history and lore. Music and art will demonstrate East Tennessee culture, deep and old and yet completely modern and present.