Springfest marks the beginning of springtime in the beautiful city of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It is a celebration packed full of nearly three months of home-spun fun. Some of the events included are: A Mountain Quiltfest, the annual StringTime in the Smokies, The Dolly Parade, The Spring Grand Rod Run, and Dollywood's Festival of Nations. This years Springfest will be held from March 15, 2010 - June 5, 2010.

Springfest Blog: Hallmark Channel to Celebrate Dolly Hallmark Channel Original Special is televised on Friday, July 3 at 8:00 p.m. ET.  The special's theme is, "Celebrate the Dreamer in You!";  Dollywood has played host to more than 62 million people since the opening 25 years ago.  The one hour special will feature Dolly Parton's musical tribute taped at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN and will feature some of the brightest stars in Counrty Music.  Dolly's guests will include Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus and Kenny Rogers. [ read entire blog ]

 

March is a time when two Saints (St. Nicholas and St. Patrick) meet and march together in the one and only Holly & Shamrock Parade, which takes place in downtown Gatlinburg on the Parkway from Traffic Light #10 to Traffic Light #6. This event is becoming a wildly popular Spring activity for families.

 

The Pigeon Forge area offers the best family-oriented shows. Check out all of the Theaters in the Smoky Mountains. You will find everything from Country to Rock n' Roll, Magic and Comedy to Musical theater, Gospel, small intimate shows, and major world-class productions.

Come and take your fill of tales at the 2010 Smoky Mountain Storytelling Festival. Hear everything from classic folklore to haunting ghost stories to wild western accounts. The line-up this year offers the most entertaining, most exquisite storytelling festival yet! National Youth Storytelling Showcase: Young storytellers will share the stage with seasoned professionals at the Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival, June 10 - 12, 2010, in Pigeon Forge. The June date is a departure for this event, which traditionally has taken place in February. Event organizers are holding this youth event in June 2010 AND ALSO again in February 2011.

 

WEEKEND OF MAY 22 - 23 | Dolly Helps Nashville Weekend Fundraiser--The net proceeds from your admission to Dollywood and Dixie Stampede will go to a special fund to assist Nashville flood victims. "I want all my fans worldwide to come to Dollywood the weekend of May 22 and 23," Parton said. "If you can't be there in person, then I hop you'll donate to flood victims through the Dolly Foundation." [ read blog>> ]

"Ethereal!" That is the word used to describe the synchronous firefly showing. Although relatively unknown until 1994, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to the rare Synchronous Fireflies. These spectacular little creatures emit their flash synchronously or at the same time. It is truly a sight to behold. Learn more about the Synchronous Fireflies in Elkmont and plan your trip to the Smokies.

 

On June 4 - 5, The Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival is a only short drive to nearby Townsend, TN. This event brings together potters from around the region in a juried event. Visitors enjoy over 35 booths, educational pottery information, and a children's tent. The 2010 featured potter is Cynthia Bringle.

 

June 5th is National Trails Day. This is a signature event of the American Hiking Society. It is your chance to embrace the local spirit and become a true "Tennessee Volunteer" ---if only for one day. The Smoky Mountain Hiking Club has set aside this special day as a trail repair and construction event. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is currently recruiting volunteers for two of the projects that are supported through the National Park Foundation and the Trails Forever Program. Pre-registration is required for certain activities, so plan ahead!   [ more details>> ]

 

Springtime in the Smokies also makes us think of "StringTime!" Make plans now to attend a very special bluegrass event entitled "StringTime in the Smokies." StringTime is August 13 - 14, 2010 and takes place in the area surrounding Pigeon Forge's Old Mill and Patriot Park. The 2-day event features some of the area's finest Appalachian musicians, pickers, crafters, and artisans who demonstrate their skills and share their knowledge with Pigeon Forge visitors. Mountain Music fills the air from performers on stage to breakout jam sessions where everyone gets into the act. A variety of old-fashioned games can be enjoyed by all ages, and antique farm equipment brings another taste of nostalgia to the event. Don’t forget the stick-to-your-ribs great food that can be enjoyed at outdoor picnic tables making StringTime in the Smokies the perfect way to spend a couple of days in the Smoky Mountains.

 

Enjoy the area's best ribs and wings as well as live entertainment during Gatlinburg's annual event entitled "Ribfest & Wings." One admission price allows sampling until the ribs and wings run out. The Gatlinburg Parkway transforms into a Street Fair.  [ read blog>> ]

 

May 14 - 15, 2010 is Sevierville's Bloomin' BBQ and Bluegrass! Last year, this event drew approx. 26,000 people. Many local residents as well as tourists rush to Sevierville, Tennessee for BBQ-related fun and frolicking. This is the largest event in Sevierville! Bloomin' BBQ & Bluegrass includes: The Tennessee State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off, FREE bluegrass concerts, kids games, great food and authentic mountain crafts.   [ view scenes>> ]

Springfest is also host to the very popular Dolly Parade. The one and only Dolly Parton rides atop a spectacular float as the Grand Marshal of her annual namesake parade. Join the merriment on the Parkway as festive floats, marching bands, and local celebrities pass by. Colorful flowers along the Parkway add to the jubilant parade atmosphere. Also, plan more activities for your family by reading our comprehensive Calendar of Events.

 

Springfest reunites classic cars from around the country for show and competition. The Spring Grand Rod Run kicks off the car show season with classic Fords, Chevy/GMCs and Gold Wings. These cars and trucks are exciting to see drive by but are even better to sit in or take a look under the hood, which is what some of the thousands of visitors do as they walk the Parkway. [ view scenes from Spring Grand Rod Run 2010>> ]

 

Springfest begins the second week of March and continues through the first two weeks of June. Make a Springfest event part of your vacation for this season. Log onto www.PigeonForge.com for all your lodging needs.

 

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June 2010
4- 5	Classic Car Show Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge | Music Road Convention Center
4- 5	Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival - in Townsend, TN. The festival brings together potters from around the region in a juried event.  It will have 35 pottery booths, and education and children's tent, and Cynthia Bringle as featured potter.
5- 7	The Norton Shows- "The Jewel of the Smokies" Wholesale Market in the 95th production of Gatlinburg Apparel and Jewelry Market, LLC and Norton's Gatlinburg Gift and Variety Show, LLC. Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. website | e-mail: nortonshows@gmail.com
1- 5	Springfest - Springfest marks the beginning of springtime in the beautiful city of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It is a celebration packed full of nearly three months of home-spun fun.
5	Antique Fishing Equipment Show  - The 2010 Old Reel Collector’s Association’s (ORCA) National Conference will be held June 3 – 5 at The Lodge at Buckberry Creek in Gatlinburg. The public portion of the weekend is Saturday, June 5, with an exhibit and show that is free. The public is invited on June 5 to bring their own antique tackle and receive free appraisals. For convention information, visit www.orcaonline.org
5	National Trails Day - National Trails Day is the American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness program and the date this year is set for June 5th. RSVP by May 28 to the Trails & Facilities Volunteer Coordinator, Christine Hoyer, at 828-497-1949, Christine_Hoyer@nps.gov. [ read blog >>]
5 thru July 11	FREE Summer Activities at Bass Pro Shops  - The free workshops will be from NOON to 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays starting June 5th where the family can learn the basics of hiking, camping and fishing. Other workshops will include bird watching, archery, animal identification, plants and insects and families can learn travel tips for their pets. [ read blog >>]
5 - 13	Synchronous Fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park    - These spectacular little creatures emit their flash synchronously or at the same time. It is truly a wonder of nature. [ full details >>]
10- 12	Dumplin Valley June Fest  - Top Bluegrass artists in a 3 day festival. (865) 397-7942
10- 12	Parker's Greatest Knife Show  - Large-scale collectible knife show at Sevierville Events Center (423) 892-0448
10- 12	19th Annual Smoky Mountain Storytelling Festival [ more details >> ]
11	Biltmore Concert Series – in Asheville, North Carolina – This summer, the Biltmore Estate is presenting the Biltmore Concert Series.  The series will run from June 4 – October 1 and performances will be held on the South Terrace and The Diana at Biltmore. June 11 performance is The Original Drifters at Diana. [ read blog >>]
11- 13	All Chevy Supernationals – Pigeon Forge Municipal Parking Facility. For more information call (423) 623-4644, (423) 623-1871, (423) 465-5855 or visit www.autoshows.cc or the host hotel, Grand Resort Hotel at 1-800-251-4444.
June 11 thru August 7	Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales - All summer long hear tales, mountain music, and learn the lore of the Smoky Mountains on the sidewalks of downtown Gatlinburg. Fourteen acts nightly. 5 - 10 p.m.
15 - 20	Music City Gospel Showcase – Grand Resort Hotel Convention Center. For more information call 1-800-251-4444.
16 - 20	Christy Fest - The annual event celebrates the character of "Christy," the TV series, movies and classic novel by Catherine Marshall.  The television series was filmed in Townsend.  Visit www.christyfest.org
18	Roy Clark in concert with special guest Lulu Roman at Country Tonite Theatre.  For more information call 1-800-792-4308 or visit the website: www.firstclassconcerts.com
26	The Diner's "Jam" Cruise-In – Open car show and cruise in (865) 908-1904 www.thediner.biz
24 - 27	Great Smoky F-100 Run – Smoky Shadows Convention Center. For more information call 1-800-251-4444.
July 2010
1 - 11	FREE Summer Activities at Bass Pro Shops  - The free workshops will be from NOON to 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays starting June 5th where the family can learn the basics of hiking, camping and fishing. Other workshops will include bird watching, archery, animal identification, plants and insects and families can learn travel tips for their pets. [ read blog >>]
2	Tanya Tucker in concert at Country Tonite Theatre.  For more information call 1-800-792-4308 or visit the website: www.firstclassconcerts.com
2	Music on the Square – Old Mill Square. For more information call (865) 428-0771 or visit www.oldmillsquare.com
2-4	Battle of Gatlinburg --The "Southern Guard Brigade" hosts the annual "Battle of Burg Hill" in Gatlinburg.
3	Hallmark Channel Presents "Dolly Celebrates 25 Years of Dollywood," – The Hallmark Channel will be honoring a musical icon and celebrate the anniversary of one of our favorite theme parks when the Hallmark Channel Original Special is televised on Friday, July 3 at 8:00 p.m. [ read blog >>]
3	20th Annual Patriot Festival at Pigeon Forge Park in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Old Mill Street at traffic light number 7 behind the historic Old Mill. Festivities get started at 1:00 p.m. The City of Pigeon Forge offers many musical performances, food from local non-profit organizations, several inflatables and activities for children; THEN the night sky will come to life with a fantastic fireworks display! The fireworks usually start at 9:30-9:45 p.m. [ more details >>]
3-4	Midnight Independence Day Parade - For the 35th consecutive year, Gatlinburg kicks off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, which leads off at midnight (12:00 a.m.) on Saturday.
4	Independence Day Sidewalk Sale at Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall in Pigeon Forge, TN.  Enjoy great savings at dozens of brand name stores during the Independence Day Sidewalk Sale at Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall.
4	River Raft Regatta in Gatlinburg: Beginning at the Christus Gardens bridge, a wild unmanned river raft race with everything from rubber ducks, floating rocks, and other unique boats will float along River Road ending at the Aquarium Bridge in Gatlinburg.
4	"Stand Here" Fireworks Finale in Gatlinburg Stand Here: Fireworks Finale in Gatlinburg: Finish off the 4th in style with a magnificent fireworks show visible from the downtown streets of Gatlinburg!
8 - 11	Girls Slowpitch Softball World Series at Pigeon Forge City Park and Sevierville Park
16 - 18	Biltmore Concert Series– in Asheville, North Carolina – This summer, the Biltmore Estate is presenting the Biltmore Concert Series.  The series will run from June 4 – October 1 and performances will be held on the South Terrace and The Diana at Biltmore. The July 16 - 18 performance is entitled "Faith Renewed Celebration: Christian Concert Weekend." [ read blog >>]
16 - 24	Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair - Art, crafts and music lovers can find almost 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 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
19	Girls Fastpitch Softball World Series Opening Ceremony - the event will be held at the Pigeon Forge High School Gym
20 - 25	Girls Fastpitch Softball World Series at Pigeon Forge City Park and Sevierville Park
22	Biltmore Concert Series – in Asheville, North Carolina – This summer, the Biltmore Estate is presenting the Biltmore Concert Series.  The series will run from June 4 – October 1 and performances will be held on the South Terrace and The Diana at Biltmore. The July 22 performance is entitled "An Evening with Mary Chapin Carpenter" on the South Terrace [ read blog >>]
23	Biltmore Concert Series – in Asheville, North Carolina – The July 23 performance is Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard on the South Terrace [ read blog >>]
23 - 24	George Jones in concert at Country Tonite Theatre.  For more information call 1-800-792-4308 or visit the website: www.firstclassconcerts.com
24	The Diner's "Hot Nights Cool Cars" Cruise-In - Open car show and cruise in - 865-908-1904 www.thediner.biz