Springfest in the Smokies

Rafting in the Smokies is the Real Deal!
Spring Events in the Great Smoky Mountains
Springfest in the Smokies

Springfest, Spring Break… Spring Fever!

The Great Smoky Mountains area is in full bloom and we couldn’t be more excited.  The month of April brings with it great opportunities for families to get outside, have some fun, and make lifelong Spring Break memories.

Although the official first day of spring was March 20, our Springfest began March 9 with area businesses taking full advantage of the beautiful weather by putting away all things winter, planting flower beds, and hanging flower and plant baskets.  The city is now a lovely sight to see with a colorful array of Pansies, Daffodils, and Geraniums and the National Park has come alive with spring’s first glimpse of its rare wildflowers.

There is a full lineup of local events and things to do in Gatlinburg, so plan to pack up and head to the Smokies for an unforgettable Spring Break!

Annual Easter Arts & Crafts Show
The artists of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are already preparing to present you a fantastic crafts festival at the downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center April 5-7.  This is a free event that allows you to enjoy the history and culture of Appalachia that has been passed through the skills and talents of generations of craftsmen and women.

Spring Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
This bi-annual event brings locals and visitors together for two days of outdoor adventure!  Adults and children are invited to participate in this weekend of fishing that has grown to be the largest trout tournament in the Smokies April 7-8.  Prizes are awarded in multiple categories.  Contact Rocky Top Outfitter at 865.661.3474 for full details.

Mountain Man Memorial March
Now in its 5th year, this 26.2-mile march takes place April 20-21 as a tribute to men and women in uniform.  A Friday night ceremony at Ripley’s Aquarium will honor East Tennessee Gold Star Mother’s and the march will begin at 8:30 a.m. in front of Hard Rock Café.

Music of the Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is holding its 8th annual mountain music celebration April 20-22.  Concerts are planned for Friday at the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Townsend and on Sunday at Cosby Visitor Center.  Friday brings a full day for free music to the Sugarlands Visitor Center with six programs between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. including traditional mountain music from Boogertown Gap, Tony Thomas, Lost Mill, Brian Fain, Mountain Strings and the East Tennessee State University old-time string band.

62nd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
What would spring be without a walk in the woods?  From April 25 through 29, novices to experts can enjoy educational seminars, leisure hikes, auto tours, and photography classes throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and venues in Gatlinburg.  You’ll want to visit the Wildflower Pilgrimage website so that you don’t miss a single detail about all the things you and your family can do to enhance your relationship with Mother Nature.

Ribfest, Wings & BBQ
After your whitewater rafting trip, wrap up your April vacation in the Smokies with scrumptious barbecue wings and ribs at this evening event in downtown Gatlinburg on April 26 from 5-9 p.m.  The purchase of an armband allows sampling of ribs and wings as long as they last!  There will be hot wings and ice cream eating contests, an opportunity to cast your vote for the best BBQ vendor, and live entertainment.

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the Smokies this April for excellent events and excellent outdoor fun with Rafting in the Smokies!

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.