June 2011 Events in Gatlinburg

1-6

Smoky Mountain Springfest - A countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.  Sevier County.

17-August 13

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales - All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life long ago in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers performing along the Parkway every evening during this sixth annual event! Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society.

July 2011 Special Gatlinburg Events

1-August 13

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales - All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life long ago in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers performing along the Parkway every evening during this sixth annual event! Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society.

3

4th of July Midnight Parade - Saluting the valiant men and women of our military services, this 36th annual showcase is the "First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!" Parade starts at the stroke of midnight to begin Independence Day. Floats, balloons, and marching bands pay tribute to our country during this Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event.

4

River Raft Regatta - Visitors can enjoy a fun, unmanned, floatable object race for the whole family. Free registration begins at 10 a.m. at bridge beneath chair lift. Race begins at noon at Christ of the Smokies bridge and ends at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies bridge where prizes will be awarded in several different categories.

4th of July Fireworks Show - Join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg to mark our nation's "Independence Day" with a magnificent fireworks show. The City of Gatlinburg lights up the mountain skyline downtown at 10 p.m. with this grand display. Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society.

15-24

Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair at Gatlinburg Convention Center - Art, crafts and music lovers will discover over 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 am - 7 pm daily, Sunday 10 am - 5 pm. (865) 436-7479. www.craftsmenfair.com

August 2011 Calendar of Special Events

1-13

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales - All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life long ago in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers performing along the Parkway every evening during this sixth annual event! Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society.

September 2011 Gatlinburg Special Events

15

14th Annual Taste of Autumn - Sample signature dishes from the area's finest restaurants. Enjoy live entertainment, live auction with a cash bar. Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. Doors of the Gatlinburg Convention Center open at 5 p.m.

15-October 31

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival - A countywide celebration of harvest season in Gatlinburg features festivals, special events and autumn-themed displays.  Sevier County.

24-25

12th Annual Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament - Open to adults or children - and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed. For information, call 865-661-3474, visit www.rockytopoutfitter.com

TBD

Great Gatlinburg Shark Race - Festivities start at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza with live entertainment, food & fun and opportunity to win fantastic grand prizes. Rubber sharks are released into the Little Pigeon River at the Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens bridge to race downstream, first one to cross the finish line wins! Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. (865) 453-4261

TBD

Vintage Views Film Premiere -  Featuring classic film clips of the Smokies gleaned from family home movie collections. A reception featuring local artists and authors is part of the festivities. For information, call (865) 436-0500

October 2011 Events in Gatlinburg

1-31

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival - A countywide celebration of harvest season in Gatlinburg features festivals, special events and autumn-themed displays.  Sevier County.

6-23

Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair - Art, crafts and music lovers will find over 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday until 5 p.m. at Gatlinburg Convention Center. Call (865) 436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com

November 2011 Special Gatlinburg Events

9

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff - The City of Gatlinburg kicks off Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Downtown Parkway by turning on over three million lights. Enjoy live entertainment, sample chili recipes from local restaurants and businesses and vote for your favorite.

9-December 30

Gatlinburg Winter Magic - The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs.

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights - Enjoy a guided trolley tour of spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley's Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) Tickets on sale October 15. (865) 436-0535

11

Veterans Day Celebration - Join the City of Gatlinburg in saluting the men and women of America who have served in our Armed Forces in this special ceremony on Ripley's Aquarium Plaza. This ninth annual program begins at 11 a.m. and includes stirring musical tributes, ceremonial words and recognition of Veterans in attendance. This event is designated an official Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day by the Veterans Day National Committee, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  Gatlinburg.

21-25

Gatlinburg's Festival of Trees - Dozens upon dozens of ornately decorated Christmas trees await visitors in this winter wonderland at Gatlinburg Convention Center's W.L. Mills Conference Center. Event benefits Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries. 800) 568-4748

22-December 4

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show - Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com

25-26

Winter Magic Tunes & Tales - Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this fourth annual event!

The Nutcracker "Sweet" - Presented by the Smoky Mountain Dance Theater Company, enjoy this holiday classic presented in Gatlinburg, with performances at 7 p.m. in the W.L. Mills Auditorium. Call (865) 680-7369 for ticket information.

December 2011 Special Events Calendar

1-4

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show - Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com

1-17

Winter Magic Tunes & Tales - Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling and entertainment along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this fourth annual event!

1-30

Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights - Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley's Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) Tickets on sale October 15. (865) 436-0535.

1-31

Gatlinburg Winter Magic - The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs.

2

Gatlinburg's 36th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade - This popular Christmas parade in downtown Gatlinburg is recognized as one of the very best by the International Festival and Events Association. Parade features lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units and helium balloons. Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. at Traffic Light #1A and continues through downtown to Light #10. Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society.

TBD

Christmas on Ice - Enjoy the spirit of the season as local skaters display their talents on ice to the sounds of holiday music in a two-day performance at Ober Gatlinburg's ice arena. Visit www.obergatlinburg.com

31

New Year's Eve Fireworks Show & Ball Drop - For the 24th straight year, the Space Needle area at traffic light #8 comes alive at the stroke of midnight with a fabulous fireworks show. Features free party favors and live entertainment. "Best New Year's Eve Show in the South."