Summer Events in Pigeon Forge
The weather is heating up, and it’s almost everyone’s favorite time of year – summer! Soon, crowds will be flocking to the Smokies for memorable mountain magic on vacation. While there’s plenty of events in Pigeon Forge, we’ve found some of the best summer events in Pigeon Forge taking place in 2019.
From events that highlight the natural splendor of the mountains to fun-filled family events at Dollywood, there is something for everyone to enjoy on their vacation all throughout the summer in and around Pigeon Forge.
Wilderness Wildlife Week: May 7, 2019 to May 11, 2019
This annual free event offers guests a late spring/early summer opportunity to explore the flora and fauna as well as the history and culture of the area. Hosted at the LeConte Center, there are public seminars held on a variety of topics at this event. Some interesting offers include:
- Ballads of the Appalachians
- Wildflowers of the Southern Highlands
- Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring True Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail
- Waterfalls of the Great Smoky Mountains
- Some Good Days, Some Bad: Section Hiking the 2,175 Miles of the Appalachian Trail
- And many others
There will also be local craftsman selling their wares and offering hands-on demonstration as well as guided tours that leave from the LeConte Center that provide guests with first-hand knowledge of this exciting area. The event lasts from
Dollywood is an epicenter of summertime fun in the Smokies and offers several special events, festivals, and shows during the summer. In addition to the new section of the park, Wildwood Grove, opening May 11th, Dollywood is one of the most fun places to go in the summer in the Smokies.
During the summer, guests can enjoy 50 consecutive nights of fireworks from June 22 to August 4 as well as a special insider look at the thrilling rides during the Thrills of the Hills weekend (July 12-13).
The park also features fantastic live entertainment throughout the park in the summer as well as extended hours so you can enjoy even more summer fun in the Smokies.
The Thrills of the Hills event offers behind the scenes access for roller coaster enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy exclusive ride times, experience great food, event swag, and more!
Visitors can also experience a time of worship unlike any other during Dollywood’s annual Rock the Smokies. This Christian rock music festival features a number of the genre’s biggest acts and a powerful worship experience. In addition to a great worship concert, guests can enjoy access to the Dollywood with purchase of their Rock the Smokies ticket.
The lush, rolling green hills of the Smokies in the summer are truly a sight to behold. This is the time of year when the mountains come alive with plenty of plants and ample animals. While it might hot and humid in the summer. That doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of great ways to enjoy the natural splendor of the Smokies.
There are many ways to enjoy scenic beauty in the park. Take a hike in one of the cooler, high elevation regions of the park on a trail like The Alum Cave Trail, The Chimney Tops Trail, Andrews Bald Trail, and Clingmans Dome Trail.
The summer is the perfect time to enjoy cooling off in one of the Smokies swimming holes (https://www.cabinsusa.com/smoky-mountains-blog/post/215/top-swimming-holes-in-the-smokies.php). Visitors to the park can enjoy taking a cooling dip in The Sinks, The Wye, or the Midnight Hole.
Waterfalls also offer a chance to enjoy beautiful mountain scenery as well. Standing next to the cool mist of the waterfall on a warm summer day is an incomparable feeling. Some of the best waterfalls in the park are:
- Abrams Falls Trail
- The Middle Prong Trail
- Ramsey Cascades Trail
- Spruce Flats Falls
- Laurel Falls Trail
There are plenty of other ways to explore the park. Enjoy a drive through the Cades Cove Loop where you can see bears, cabins, and stunning views of the Smokies. The best way to enjoy the scenic beauty is to get out and explore the park and all it has to offer, and a cabin with a view is the perfect place to start.
Independence Day Parade – July 4th
For 44 years now, nearby Gatlinburg has been kicking of 4th of July activities with the first parade in the Nation. Starting at 12:01 am. This parade stretches from the Baskin’s Creek Bypass to the Parkway. This fantastic parade has even gotten attention from the National Geographic Traveler Magazine as a “Top Ten Parade to see in the US” and won multiple awards.
Be sure to arrive early to this great way to celebrate America in the Smokies.
Car Shows – All Summer
Pigeon Forge is known across the country as the place to go for car shows. With such variety, it’s no surprise that there is a car show for everyone to enjoy during a Smokies summer.
Grand National F-100 – May 16-17
The ultimate parkway cruise through the Smokies from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg! Visitors will be able to shop the greatest selection of new and original F-100 parts with vendors from all over the US. The even showcases older trucks from 1979 and older.
Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge – May 30- June 2, 2019
A feature of the Pigeon Forge car show for almost two decades, this car show features some of the most gorgeous Pontiacs on the planet. An event the whole family is sure to enjoy!
Jeep Invasion – Friday, August 23 – Saturday, August 24
Jeep enthusiasts will flock to the LeConte Center for the Annual Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion in Pigeon Forge! Here, you’ll find dozens of vendors for all your Jeep needs and a car show in the parking lot.
Shades of the Past—Fri, Sep 6- Sun, Sep. 8
In its 37th year, Shade of the Past Hot Rod Roundup will be held at Dollywood’s Splash Country With hundreds of hot rods expected to compete and a grand prize of $10,000 and a 1932 Ford Hi-Boy Roadster, this fun-family event is sure to have something for everyone with nice cars, venders, and more. Admission is only $10 a day with free admittance for kids under 12.
Another fun way to enjoy the summer in the Smokies is to enjoy lounging by the resort pool enjoying cool summer breezes and a glass of sweet tea. We have many cabins with resort pool access as well as several with indoor pools. Book online and enjoy a 15% discount on your nightly rate and enjoy a summer vacation in our Pigeon Forge cabins to remember!
Written by Brittany Tipton