From Dollywood's award-winning festivals to free holiday light shows, there's always something happening in the Smokies.
See the full 2026 dated calendar →✨ Fireworks from your deck →
Last updated: October 1, 2026
Blooming wildflowers and perfect hiking weather.
$$$Dollywood Theme Park
Stunning floral sculptures and garden-fresh flavors celebrate the arrival of spring.
Host tip: Don't miss the Umbrella Sky installation - it's a great photo spot.
FreeLeConte Center
One of the largest automotive events in the country, with thousands of hot rods and custom cars.
Host tip: Traffic on the strip will be heavy. Use the back roads we've marked in the welcome book.
Explore stays for Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run“The cabin and location was perfect. Very clean and comfortable. The view of the mountains was beautiful and sitting out on the balcony was peaceful. Even our dogs were starting to feel at home.”
Cooler hiking weather, harvest celebrations, and two timely trip-planning updates for fall 2026.
No festival admission ticketPhoto: Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau
Downtown Gatlinburg
Explore downtown's fall displays, find 30 three-dimensional scarecrows with the Visit Gatlinburg app, and vote for your favorite participating business display.
Host tip: An easy fall outing separate from Dollywood's festival. Download the app before heading downtown and check the official page for current hunt and voting details. Parking and purchases may cost extra.
Explore stays for Gatlinburg Harvest Festival“My family and I had a great time staying here. The views are incredible, the house is very cozy, secluded at the top of a mountain-- all while being in a prime location.”
$$$Dollywood Theme Park
Huge pumpkins, great music, and the famous Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
Host tip: Stay after dark for LumiNights - the thousands of carved pumpkins are incredible.
Explore stays for Dollywood Harvest Festival“My family and I had a great time staying here. The views are incredible, the house is very cozy, secluded at the top of a mountain-- all while being in a prime location.”
Included with admissionWildwood Grove at Dollywood
Dollywood's new indoor adventure debuted August 19, 2026 in Wildwood Grove. Riders join an expedition through the Smokies by jeep, river raft, and aircraft.
Host tip: Check the official Dollywood app or daily schedule before leaving. Opening status does not guarantee day-of operation.
Free, parking tag requiredGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Abrams Falls Trail is closed Mondays through Thursdays for bridge work. It remains open Fridays through Sundays and on Labor Day, September 7.
Host tip: Check current NPS closures before your hike. The announced closure window ends September 30, not October 1.
$12 adults; ages 17 and under free with a paid adultGatlinburg Convention Center
More than 200 booths of handmade arts and crafts, live demonstrations, and daily music. Open daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern, with music at noon and 3:00 PM.
Host tip: Tickets at the door only. Ask the fair office for a free multi-day pass with ID. An indoor option for a rainy fall day. Details verified October 1, 2026; check https://craftsmenfair.com/ before visiting.
Explore stays for Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair“Wonderful stay, the grill is not Charcoal it is gas if you are going by the photos. Looks like a new grill though. So many amenities will be coming back for sure.”
Everything you need to know about visiting the Smokies in winter.
$$$Dollywood Theme Park
Voted America's best Christmas event, featuring over 6 million lights, holiday shows, and fireworks.
Host tip: The drone show is best viewed from our cabin deck if you want to skip the crowds.
Explore stays for Dollywood Smoky Mountain Christmas“My family and I had a great time staying here. The views are incredible, the house is very cozy, secluded at the top of a mountain-- all while being in a prime location.”
FreePigeon Forge Strip
The entire region is transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of lights and holiday displays.
Host tip: Download the driving tour map to see the best light displays from your car.
Thistle Britches sits at the highest point on Parrot Mountain with panoramic views, a private hot tub, and Dollywood at the bottom of the driveway.
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Thistle Britches