Springtime Fun Stuff To Do in the Smoky Mountains
How could May in the Smokies get any better? Join us this month to celebrate two big holidays, catch a game at Smokies Stadium, scoop up shopping deals, and savor flavors of south. Big fun and beautiful days will be waiting for you!
“Reserve Your Cabin Early” Deals
Valid through March 30
Pay for 3 Nights, Get a 4th Night Free OR Free Tuesdays In May
Synchronous Fireflies: May 30-June 6
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to the annual end of May – early June synchronous firefly gathering that offers a splendid light show in the Elkmont area of the park. Advance ticket purchases required for traveling to Elkmont.
1-31: Teacher & Nurse Appreciation Month – In appreciation of educators and nurses, we’re celebrating Teacher Appreciation Month AND Nurse’s Appreciation Week for the entire month of May. Present your work ID at Tanger Shopper Services for a FREE coupon book. Tanger Outlets, Sevierville.
1-June 2: Smoky Mountain Springfest & Gatlinburg It’s a Spring Thing! – As part of Smoky Mountain Springfest, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have packed May with special events and activities for the whole family!
3-7: Tennessee Smokies Baseball – TN Smokies vs Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at Smokies Stadium in Kodak TN. Fireworks Friday AND Saturday! See the full 2017 season schedule at smokiesbaseball.com
4-7: Yellow Mustang Registry “Sweet Sixteen in the Smokies” – Do you own or love yellow Ford Mustangs? Come meet other owners and fans near at Inn at Christmas Place near LeConte Center / Island in Pigeon Forge to view over 70 mustangs dating back to the 1960’s. Includes cruises and socializing. Friday cruise will be crossing the Smoky Mountains to Cherokee, going thru Bryson City to the Nantahala gorge, drive thru Nantahala to Robbinsville, from Robbinsville we will drive The Dragon, cross the Foothills Parkway to Townsend, and back to Pigeon Forge.
5: 32nd Annual Dolly’s Homecoming Parade – Gather on the Pigeon Forge Parkway prior to 6 p.m. on Friday evening for the much anticipated parade with Grand Marshall Dolly Parton herself.
6: Annual Yellow Mustang Registry Cruise In – Cruise in for fun & games at The Diner with 50-50, drawings for prizes and appreciation for fantastic collectible cars from Noon-4 p.m. Sevierville TN. thediner.biz
6-7: Circle Yer Wagons # 45 – The Appalachian Volkswagen Association celebrates 22 years with their annual all VW show, swap meet and riverbank camping to the Sevier County Fairgrounds. Includes show, Miss Circle Yer Wagens, and other surprise concerts. Noon-6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
9-13: Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week – Free event bringing outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers together for 5 days of programs, productions and outdoor adventures from 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily. Pigeon Forge Events Center. Visit online for list of experts, classes & seminars, excursions and exhibitors.
11: Annual Gatlinburg Beans ‘n Cornbread Blast – The Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg will be filled with kettles of soup beans and skillets of cornbread for all to taste and tout the South’s famous, favorite meal. Vendors will be competing for your vote so purchase a spoon and get to eatin’! Enjoy fun & games and live mountain music in a festive atmosphere from 4-8 p.m. between lights #6 & #8. Visit Gatlinburg.com for tickets.
11-13: 2017 Smoky Mountain Antique Toy & Pedal Car Show – Show and auction includes prior to 1960 antique toys, vintage pedal cars, wagons, petrolia items and parts. Auction takes place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, so bring your treasures. No charge to buy or sell at this auction! View or download this Pedal Car Show flyer.
13: Shrine FunFest Parade – It is fun with a purpose – supporting the important mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children®! Nothing is more entertaining than watching the antics of grown men riding teeny-tiny vehicles down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Come out for a great time and lots of smiles! Parade begins at 9 a.m.
13-17: Tennessee Smokies Baseball – TN Smokies vs Montgomery Biscuits at Smokies Stadium in Kodak TN. Fireworks Saturday! See the full 2017 season schedule at smokiesbaseball.com.
13, 20, 27: Gatlinburg Farmers Market – Shop our local farmer’s market for locally grown fruit and veggies, and locally made good stuff in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community at the Covered Bridge on Glades Road. Open every Saturday 8:30 a.m. – Noon through (anticipated) October 7. Visit online at www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com for vendor and product information.
14: Happy Mother’s Day! Bring Mom to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee for a beautiful getaway with Heartland Rentals. See May cabin deals and book your stay!
19: Arrowmont’s 7th Annual Shine, Wine & Dine – This annual event benefits Arrowmont’s educational programs with an evening of fun and fine art with artwork generously donated by regional and national artists, great wines and unique event packages. Reception and silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and live auction to follow at 7 p.m. Comfortable spring attire encouraged. Contact Fran Day at (865) 436-5860 x32 or via email at fday @ arrowmont.org for tickets.
19-20: 13th Annual Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival – No one wants to miss this free event in Sevierville that brings scrumptious BBQ and an amazing lineup of entertainment to downtown. This 2-day festival has Bluegrass music, Bush’s Best TN State Championship Cookoff with Kansas City Barbecue Society certified judges, a fun Kid’s Zone and plenty of good eats.
24-28: Tennessee Smokies Baseball – TN Smokies vs Biloxi Shuckers at Smokies Stadium in Kodak TN. See the full 2017 season schedule at smokiesbaseball.com
26-29: Memorial Day Weekend Sale – Enjoy extra savings at Tanger Five Oaks Factory Outlet Center name brand outlet stores during this 4-day sale-abration! Visit Tanger Coupons for the latest deals and saving offers.
26-June 4: Dollywood Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival – Ten-day Bluegrass music festival at Dollywood TN featuring hundreds of free concerts performed by top names in Bluegrass and smokin’ southern BBQ! Visit Market Square for delicious BBQ favorites. Park your vehicle at Patriot Park or right here in the Convention Center parking lot and ride the trolley!
27: Annual Memorial Weekend Cruise In – Visit The Diner in Sevierville for a fun event with a focus on The Womens Care Center. Music by Gary’s Sound Machine. $10 puts you in drawings for $25 (2) & $50 (2), free beverage with meal purchase, merchandise discounts, Trophies for Best of Show, The Diner Pick, The Diner Rats Big Cheese and Most Patriotic. Event takes place Noon-5 p.m.
27: Gene Watson & Jeannie Seely in Concert – 8 p.m. Celebrity Concert presented by First Class Concerts at Country Tonite Theatre. Purchase your tickets online at firstclassconcerts.com. Click to visit the official Gene Watson and Jeannie Seely web sites.
29: Happy Memorial Day! Celebrate this day with your family and friends and remember those who’ve died in service of the USA.
Synchronous Fireflies: May 30-June 6
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to the annual end of May – early June synchronous firefly gathering that offers a splendid light show in the Elkmont area of the park. Advance ticket purchases required for traveling to Elkmont.
“Reserve Your Cabin Early” Deals
Valid through March 30
Pay for 3 Nights, Get a 4th Night Free OR Free Tuesdays In May