Whether you’re planning a trip down for Independence Day or looking for a way to get into the American spirit, the Smokies are filled with plenty of activities that are patriotic. The land itself is a beautiful “mountain majesty.” We’ve collected a list of both events and attractions that you can save for when you want to have an adventure filled with patriotism.
Patriot Festival
Held on July 4th, the Patriot Festival in Pigeon Forge is an annual event with live music, plenty of food, and games for kids. This annual festival is free to the public. There is plenty to do from noon until the sky lights up with their fireworks display. If you want to stay for the fireworks, you are encouraged to take blankets and lawn chairs. If you’re looking for parking, the best place to park is the Pigeon Forge Municipal Parking Lot on Teaster Lane. You can catch a free shuttle ride between the lot and the festival starting at noon. Patriot Park offers handicapped parking on-site.
The 2019 headliner is Marty Stuart, a multi-Grammy Award-winning country music singer-songwriter. Before the performance and fireworks, treat your family to a Kid’s Karnival and food with additional free entertainment provided by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus and Tom Petty tribute band, Free Fallin.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
This dinner show features music, spectacular trick-riding horsemanship, and even a dash of comedy! Dolly Parton wrote “Color Me America,” performed during the show with a patriotic display of red, white, and blue. The grand finale includes fireworks and a salute to the United States of America. They offer multiple show times on the Fourth of July, but you can enjoy this show any time of the year! Learn more about the show from the website.
First Independence Day Parade in Gatlinburg, TN
This parade is held at 12:01 a.m. on July 4th and has been stunning crowds for over four decades. The parade route is more than a mile long, starting at Baskins Creek Bypass and then ending down through traffic light #10 at Ski Mountain Road. Arrive early on the 3rd to get a spot for viewing the parade. This year’s parade will be grand marshaled by Tennessee native Kellie Jolly Harper, current head coach of the Lady Volunteers. This award-winning parade has been named as a “Top Ten Parade to see in the US” by National Geographic Traveler Magazine and has gathered multiple Grand Pinnacle Awards by the International Festivals and Events Association.
Gatlinburg Fireworks Display
Pick up one of the free trolleys servicing the area (through August 11) and grab a spot between traffic lights #3 and #5 to view the 20-minute fireworks display at 10 p.m. on the Fourth of July. If you need a little entertainment before the fireworks begin, the area will be active with Appalachian music from the Tunes & Tales festival in downtown Gatlinburg.
Are you still looking for something to do? You can always appreciate the beauty of America through a whitewater rafting, a family float trip, zipline canopy tour, or high elements ropes course. You can also have a picnic on our Family Adventure Island, right next to our rock climbing wall.
