May 2017 - Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge Events

Synchronous Fireflies 2017

Posted May 29, 2017 by Tony Perez

The annual peak viewing of the Synchronous Fireflies at Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park begins May 30, 2017 and runs through June 6. This annual event is unique in North America and very rare in the world, matched only in southeast Asia. A species of firefly flashes its light in sync with thousands of its fellow fireflies.

People come from all over the world to see it, and viewing space is very limited, and controlled by the rangers of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which holds the premium location to view this event. This year more than 18,000 people applied for one of the 1,800 parking spaces, and on May 10 the lucky winners were notified. For 8 days, by car, van, bus and city trolley these people are allowed into this very special event.

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Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival 2017 at Dollywood

Posted May 25, 2017 by Tony Perez

It’s that time of year, again, when beautiful weather, festivals, food, and fun are on the calendar of events in Tennessee. One upcoming event has the winning combination of barbeque, bluegrass, and the excitement of Dollywood added into the mix. For non-stop fun, entertainment, and palate-pleasing barbeque, make plans to attend the food and music fest May 26 through June 4, 2017.

Image courtesy of Dollywood

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Bloomin Barbeque and Bluegrass 2017 – Sevierville Street Festival

Posted May 17, 2017 by Tony Perez

Pack your dancing boots and a healthy appetite and cruise over to Sevierville, TN for the town’s yearly Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival! This two-day fest is a great street party held on Friday and Saturday, May 19-20, 2017 in downtown Sevierville, just a few miles up the road from Pigeon Forge.

The festival is packed to the brim with family friendly activities and great tasting food. And music – as you stroll past the participating booths, you can enjoy some of the best traditional and modern bluegrass and country music the Smokies has to offer.

Images courtesy of the Festival

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Townsend Spring Festival 2017

Posted May 5, 2017 by Tony Perez

The Townsend Spring Festival fills the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” with bluegrass music for 2 days on May 5-6, 2017. The air also fills with the smell of food and the sights of arts & crafts, children’s attractions, and a super friendly and relaxed crowd of happy families and friends celebrating this beautiful area at the gateway to Cades Cove.

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Dolly’s 32nd Annual Homecoming Parade 2017

Posted May 4, 2017 by Tony Perez

May gets underway as usual this year with a grand event in Pigeon Forge, as Dolly Parton returns as grand marshal to lead the 32nd Annual Homecoming Parade, on May 5, 2017. The free parade starts at 6 pm at Traffic Light #6, and proceeds – with maximum fanfare, color and spectacle – north along Parkway to Traffic Light #3.