Here’s what’s happening in the Smoky Mountains area around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in the months of June and July, 2019.
May 30 – June 5. The famous Synchronous Fireflies occurrence takes place around this time. it’s a magical and rare sight of fireflies all lighting up in unison, creating almost unbelievable displays. The national park has limited parking at selected areas, given away by lottery, to view this event.
May 7 – October 4. Ole Smoky Distillery offers a summer of free concerts ranging from bluegrass to country to rock. The venues alternate weekly between The Holler in Gatlinburg and The Barn in Pigeon Forge. See the season lineup here.
June. Ober Gatlinburg promises a new attraction coming in June, which is Summer Tubing. The ski resort will cover its Snow Tubing slope with special materials that allow the same kind of downhill ride – should be fun! No further details at the time of posting. UPDATE – open now, June 14 – and a celebration party on the mountain June 22!
June 15 – August 10. The Gatlinburg Trolley system once again offers Free Trolleys up and down Parkway, with 40 stops accessible from the specially painted, open-air trolleys. It’s a fun way to hop on and hop off along the main shopping and attraction street in Gatlinburg.
June 21-22. Over at the western end of the national park foothills, in the historic town of Maryville, on the Quiet Side of the Smoky Mountains, the areal holds its annual twin festivals of Summer on Broadway, with a series of outdoor events, and the week-long (starting June 17) regional craft-beer festival, Hops in the Hills. Live music, food, kid’s fun and lots more will be happening.
June 21 – August 3. The hugely popular Tunes and Tales performers take to the streets of Gatlinburg offering impromptu music, dance and theater sessions around any corner. This is an engaging experience that delights the whole family.
June 22 – August 4. Dollywood opens its Summer Celebration and extends its operating hours to 9:30 at night, which offers a night-time experience on some of the best rides. Each evening closes with a dance party and a great fireworks display.
July 3-4. Gatlinburg holds the First Independence Day Parade in the Nation every year, welcoming the Fourth of July with a parade extravaganza that starts moments after midnight of the 3rd. Many thousands will line Parkway to watch the festivities. The day itself offers the more relaxed River Raft Regatta in Gatlinburg, with Pigeon Forge’s own Patriot Festival happening later in the day and evening.
July 12-21. The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is one of the Southeast’s “Most Popular Events” and always offers a wealth of unique and handmade items in a whole range of media, from one of the country’s largest communities of independent artisans.
Be sure to check our feature pages for the year-round scoop on things to do in the Smoky Mountains, as well as our favorite outdoor Smoky Mountain activities, festivals and events throughout the area and the year in our Gatlinburg Events page, and finally, not forgetting all the family-friendly attractions in our Things to Do in Gatlinburg with Kids section.
Check our Gatlinburg cabins, Pigeon Forge cabins and our Wears Valley cabins for your best place to stay in the Smokies.
