Lovin Life in the Smokies Events Calendar

Festival of Flags
2024-05-20 - 2024-06-17 | Gatlinburg Sky Park, 765 Parkway,, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738, United States
Get Ready for the Festival of Flags at SkyPark!
Attention, everyone! Lovin’ Life in the Smokies is thrilled to announce a brand-new event at SkyPark—it’s the Festival of Flags celebration! Happening this May and June, this spectacular display is something you won’t want to miss!
Event Details:

Time: 9am – 9pm daily
Included with Ticket: Yes, this event is included with your SkyPark ticket!

That’s right, folks! From Memorial Day to Flag Day, guests at SkyPark will be treated to a unique and patriotic display featuring the American Flag, our Military Flags, and all 50 State Flags. This stunning sight will be visible from the SkyBridge, creating a breathtaking view above the city that honors our great nation.
Highlights:

Photo Opportunities: Don’t forget to snap a picture with your home state flag! Capture the moment and share your pride. Make sure to tag us in all your social media posts and stories for a chance to be featured on our social media pages!

This amazing event is included with your SkyPark ticket, and the flags will be on display each day during normal operating hours from 9am to 9pm.
Become a Member: Want to stay informed about all the exciting events happening in the Smoky Mountains? Join our community at Lovin’ Life in the Smokies. As a member, you’ll receive updates, event invitations, and all the latest news about our beautiful region.
So, come on down and experience the magic of the Festival of Flags at SkyPark! This is Lovin’ Life in the Smokies, bringing you the best of the Smoky Mountains. See you at SkyPark!
Warm regards,
Lovin’ Life in the Smokies

United Tastes of America
2024-05-24 - 2024-08-11 | Anakeesta, 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738
Join Us for Anakeesta’s Brand New Food and Drink Festival: United Tastes of America!
Hey there, food lovers! Lovin’ Life in the Smokies is excited to announce Anakeesta’s newest event, the United Tastes of America Food and Drink Festival! This summer, come and celebrate the spirit of America with us as we take you on a culinary journey through the Smokies.
Event Highlights:

Date: This Summer
Location: Anakeesta

Pick up your tasting pass and “travel” across the country by visiting 12 different states, each offering distinct and delicious culinary creations from their respective regions. It’s a food lover’s dream come true!
Entertainment:

Live Music: Enjoy daily regional entertainment and live music by The Tennessee Line, our in-house bluegrass and country music band.
Pixie Belles: Snap a photo with the Pixie Belles, dressed in red, white, and blue, as they bring the park to life with their songs and dance.

As you wander through Anakeesta, you’ll see famous Americana landmarks, immersing yourself in the rich culinary culture of the United States and savoring the unique flavors each region has to offer.
Become a Member: Stay updated on all the fantastic events happening in the Smoky Mountains by joining our community at Lovin’ Life in the Smokies. As a member, you’ll receive updates, event invitations, and all the latest news about our beautiful region.
So, pack your appetite and join us for Anakeesta’s United Tastes of America Food and Drink Festival! This is Lovin’ Life in the Smokies, bringing you the best of the Smoky Mountains. We can’t wait to see you there!
Warm regards,
Lovin’ Life in the Smokies

49th Annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade
2024-07-03 23:59 - 2024-07-04 01:30 (America/Halifax) | Down Town Gatlinburg
🎙️ Celebrating a nearly half-century tradition, it’s the 49th Annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade!
Get ready, folks! The parade lines up on July 3rd at 11:59 PM and kicks off at 12:01 AM on July 4th, marking the “First Independence Day Celebration in the Nation.” That’s right, we’re ringing in Independence Day with a spectacular show you won’t want to miss!
And headlining the parade as Grand Marshal is none other than ACM Awards New Male Artist of the Year Nominee and GOLD-selling Country music hitmaker, Conner Smith! He’s here to lead the procession of red, white, and blue in true patriotic style.
Named as one of the “Top 10 Parades to see in the US” by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, this award-winning parade will march through downtown Gatlinburg. It all begins at the Baskins Creek Bypass located on East Parkway. Picture it now: festive floats, dazzling lights, patriotic marching bands, and larger-than-life balloons parading down the Parkway!
The First Independence Day Parade in the Nation has garnered national attention and award recognition for excellence in entertainment. It’s been named by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as a “Top Ten Parade to see in the US” and recognized by Livability.com as one of the “Five Best Fourth of July Celebrations in Smaller Cities.” Plus, it’s earned multiple Grand Pinnacle Awards by the International Festivals and Events Association.
Meet & Greet Alert! Conner Smith will be warming up for the holiday early on July 3rd with a meet and greet at Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler at 2 p.m. Grab your exclusive photos and autographs! This meet-and-greet is first come, first serve, so get there early! Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler is located at 903 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg.
But wait, there’s more! Visit Gatlinburg is calling all lovers of summertime fun to start their July 4th plans now by entering the official Smoky Mountains Giveaway with Conner Smith! Imagine winning a 2-night cabin stay with Mountain Laurel Chalets, a VIP meet-and-greet with Conner Smith, VIP parade seating, exclusive merchandise, a Gatlinburg Attractions Pass, and a dinner certificate to The Peddler Steakhouse! The giveaway is open until June 7, with the lucky winner announced on Visit Gatlinburg’s social media channels on June 10.
ENTER TO WIN and make your Fourth of July unforgettable!
About Conner Smith: At just 23 years old, Conner Smith is already a seasoned veteran of Nashville’s elite songwriting community and one of Country’s most hotly-anticipated artists. Mixing prime-of-life passion with an old-soul perspective, Conner has crafted an instant-classic sound that’s as timeless as it is modern. His debut album, SMOKY MOUNTAINS, features hits like the GOLD-certified “Take It Slow,” the viral “I Hate Alabama,” and the multi-week UK chart-topper “Creek Will Rise.” With a voice that resonates deeply and storytelling that touches the heart, Conner has earned accolades and fans alike, touring with some of Country’s biggest names and headlining his own shows.
So, don’t miss out! Join us in Gatlinburg for the 49th Annual Fourth of July Midnight Parade and let’s celebrate America in style with Conner Smith leading the way. For more info and to catch Conner on tour, visit ConnerSmithMusic.com.
🎆 Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

Joe Nichols Headlines Pigeon Forge’s July 4 Patriot Festival Concert
2024-07-04 14:00 - 22:30
Veterans tribute and fireworks display round out the free celebration at the city’s Patriot Park.
PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (June 5, 2024) – Joe Nichols, three-time Grammy-nominated country music star, will headline Pigeon Forge’s 33rd annual Patriot Festival on July 4 in the city’s Patriot Park. An afternoon of entertainment and activities begin at 4 p.m. with a veterans tribute before Joe Nichols takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. A patriotic fireworks display follows the free concert.
As one of country music’s most praised traditional artists, Nichols was the winner of the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist award, the CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year award, as well as the prestigious Horizon Award from the Country Music Association. Nichols’ hit musical catalogue includes two multi-week No. 1 singles, the RIAA Gold-certified hits “Yeah” and “Sunny and 75,” both from his critically acclaimed album Crickets.
Joe Nichols performs July 4 at the Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival. Image courtesy of Joe Nichols.
Patriot Festival activities begin at 2 p.m. with various food vendors for guests to explore in the park. From the main stage, the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus will begin the night’s entertainment with a veterans tribute at 4 p.m.
The events entertainment continues with 70s, 80s, and 90s cover band Whiskey Icarus at 5:15 p.m., then Country trio Runaway June will perform just prior to Nichols at 7 p.m. The fireworks display starts at the conclusion of Nichols’ concert.
“Patriot Festival is one of our most anticipated events and is a highlight for so many of our residents and visitors,” said David Wear, Pigeon Forge Mayor. “We’re honored to begin the program with a tribute to our veterans before welcoming Joe Nichols to the stage to headline our Independence Day celebration.”
Patriot Festival guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Umbrellas, tents, and coolers are not permitted. Food vendors will be available. Free parking is provided at the Teaster Lane Municipal parking lot, and a free shuttle operates every 20 minutes between the lot and festival site.
Additional information regarding Patriot Festival and Pigeon Forge can be found at MyPigeonForge.com or by calling 800-251-9100.
Joe Nichols photos (courtesy of Joe Nichols) available for download here.

Gatlinburg Fourth of July Fireworks Finale
2024-07-04 21:00 - 21:30
Happy Birthday, America! Our famous Fourth of July Fireworks and Drone Show is back and better than ever!
Mark your calendars, folks! Tickets go on sale approximately one month prior to the event date, and they’re sure to sell out fast!
The excitement kicks off at 10 pm on July 4th, 2024. Get ready to witness the City of Gatlinburg shooting off fireworks from the Space Needle right in the heart of downtown! And new this year, the City will also be putting on a spectacular Drone Show to accompany the fireworks!
But wait, there’s more! The SkyPark will be hosting a private VIP fireworks and drone show viewing at the top of our mountain. VIP guests will enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the SkyBridge, SkyTrail, SkyDeck, and SkyCenter! Plus, VIP ticket holders will get all-day access to the SkyPark on July 5th. Come experience the show with the best view in all of Gatlinburg. This fireworks event is designated as a Top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society, so you don’t want to miss out!
Limited tickets available! To ensure a great experience for everyone, tickets are limited. Guests are asked to arrive between 9:00 – 9:30 pm to redeem their tickets and load the SkyLift.
Remember, tickets go on sale approximately one month prior to the event date. These tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, so make sure to secure yours early!
Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration! Join us for the best Fourth of July fireworks and drone show in Gatlinburg. It’s going to be a night to remember!
🎆 Happy Fourth of July, everyone! 🎆

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
2024-07-12 - 2024-07-21 | Gatlinburg Convention Center, 234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg,, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738
Well, howdy, friends! It’s time to start makin’ plans for our 2024 Craftsmen’s Fairs right here in Gatlinburg! You won’t want to miss this, so click right here to check out our Holiday & Gift Shop, too!
Picture this: over 200 booths filled with the finest handmade products you ever did see, all snug in the 150,000 square feet of the downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center. We’ve got artisans and craftsmen travelin’ from all over this great nation to show off their unique and one-of-a-kind creations. Each one of ’em goes through a tough jury process to make sure their products are top-notch and like no other. You’ll find exceptional pottery pieces, leather goods, copper art, local candy makers, and a heap more!
There’s somethin’ for everyone at the fair! Bring the young’uns to the Kid’s Corner, free during our July fair, courtesy of the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair and Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. They’ll have a blast makin’ their own DIY crafts to take home. And don’t forget to stop by one of our daily music shows included with your admission. You can enjoy contemporary country, bluegrass, and gospel tunes at 12 and 3 o’clock every day.
If you get hungry, don’t worry – we’ve got concessions for sale right there at the Gatlinburg Convention Center to keep you fueled up while you browse.
Now, I gotta tell ya, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is a sight to see and usually takes most of the day to get through. But if you can’t see it all in one go, don’t fret! We’ve got multi-day passes available at the Craftsmen’s Fair office located at the end of aisle 500.
Mark your calendars for our Summer Craft Fair, runnin’ from July 12-21, 2024. We’ll be open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. So, come on down and join us – it’s a tradition you won’t want to miss!
See ya there, friends!

Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference
2024-07-27 09:00 - 18:00 | Gatlinburg Convention Center, 234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg,, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738
Alright, listen up, truth seekers and believers! The countdown to the 6th annual Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Conference is on, and it’s time to mark your calendars for July 27, 2024.
Now, you might be wondering, why all the hype? Well, let me tell you, this isn’t just any ordinary conference. This is where we dig deep into the mysteries the powers that be don’t want us to uncover. Bigfoot isn’t just a myth, my friends—it’s a living, breathing enigma, and we’re here to uncover the truth!
Doors to the Gatlinburg Convention Center open at 9 am sharp, and we’ll keep the revelations rolling until 6 pm. You’ll want to get your tickets now, because this event is going to sell out faster than you can say “Sasquatch!” Remember, advance tickets are the way to go if you want to secure your spot in this epic gathering of truth seekers.
We’ve got an incredible lineup of speakers ready to blow your mind with evidence and theories that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew. Plus, our amazing sponsors and vendors will be there, offering all kinds of Bigfoot and cryptozoology gear—perfect for those who are serious about their search for the truth.
So, gear up, get ready, and join us on July 27, 2024, at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. This is your chance to be a part of a one-of-a-kind event that will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality. Don’t miss out—Bigfoot is waiting!
Tickets are on sale now. Reserve your seats and get ready to uncover the truth they don’t want you to know!
