Exciting Gatlinburg Events for Spring 2014

With winter transitioning into spring and summer, most people are changing out their wardrobes, uncovering their dormant flowers, and planning vacations. Several states and cities offer unique vacation opportunities, but Gatlinburg, Tennessee tops the list. From music to mountain biking, festivals and food to hiking and heritage, Gatlinburg covers a plethora of tourists' interests. Set deep in the Great Smoky Mountains where Scottish, Irish, German, and Cherokee roots combine, the city is also host to a rich array of world cultures. Below are listed some of the most popular spring events for Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas, as well as enjoyable year-round activities.

Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

Tunes and Tales will enter its ninth season in 2014. Beginning on weekends in April and May, and continuing through the summer months until August 9 (including weeknight performances during summer months), this event features everything from single acts to quartets. Vocalists and instrumentalists mix as they spread out through Gatlinburg, allowing visitors to walk through the community to view each act (5-10 PM on weekends and 6-11 PM during the full season). Shows especially for children are included. Musical styles include gospel, folk, country and bluegrass.

Earth Day 5K

On April 25, 2014, Gatlinburg will host its annual Earth Day 5K at 10:00 PM in downtown Gatlinburg. Students and youth get a reduced entry fee of $15, while advanced pay (before April 1) is $20 and payments from April 1-25 are $25-$30. You can also purchase an Earth Day 5K T-shirt. Official registration takes place at the Nantahala Outdoor Center at 8:00 PM.

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

This event dates back to 1951 and takes place both outdoors and in a classroom setting, as several classes are offered from April 15-19, 2014. Several guest lecturers, including Appalachian botany and wildlife experts, are always in attendance. Guided walks and hiking tours take place in abundance, and no need to worry if you're a senior, have small children, have difficulty walking, or have other needs. Each guided tour is tailored to specific groups and skill levels. Classes, tours, and demonstrations include: fauna identification, bird-watching, and flora identification, as well as arts and crafts.

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament

If you have a fisherman, or woman, in the family, he or she will love this spring contest. The fifteenth annual trout tournament is open to adults and kids and has several categories for judging. Read up on Gatlinburg and Tennessee fishing regulations before entering.

Wine, Dine, and Art Crawl/Smoky Mountain Wine Fest

The Wine, Dine, and Art Crawl, which includes a walking tour of Gatlinburg's art galleries, food sampling, and wine-tasting, occurs on April 11. The Wine Fest is on April 12, 2014, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Ripley's Aquarium Plaza. Lectures include Wine Making, Cigar Appreciation, Pairing Wine with Food, and many more. Of course, the Wine Fest also includes more wine-tasting. Seating is limited, so call ahead, and valid identification is required. Patrons must be 21 or older. If you wish, you may purchase a combo ticket for both events.

World Storytelling Day

On March 22, 2014, the Fanny Adams Theatre will host World Storytelling Day as a fundraiser. The event runs from 2-4 PM, and this year's topic is Dragons and Monsters. Children must have adults with them, and both seniors and children get a reduced ticket rate ($5 for seniors, $3 for children, students, or groups). All others pay $7 at the door. Call ahead or email for more information, including info on signing up to tell a story.

Easter Sunrise Service at Ober

On April 20, 2014, the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association will host its seventeenth Annual Easter Sunrise Service beginning at 6:30 AM at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Tram rides to the top of the mountain will begin at 5:45 AM and continue at fifteen-minute intervals until 6:30, at no charge to worshippers. The ski resort's restaurant will serve a breakfast buffet from 7:30 AM-10:30 AM. An offering will be taken for the community's needy.

20th Annual Mountain Quiltfest

From March 19 to March 22, 2014, quilters from all over the country will enter their masterpieces for prizes upward of $20,000. The show includes ten categories for judging, and for a nominal fee, quilters can have their work personally and professionally critiqued. Vendors will also be at the event, offering threads, fabrics, and other quilting materials. More than sixty quilting classes are also offered, to quilters of all skill levels. Sponsored by the City of Pigeon Forge and Sevier Valley Quilters Guilds.

Dolly's Parade

This gorgeous parade, starring none other than grand marshal Dolly Parton, takes place on May 2, 2014. The parade features floats, marching bands, and all sorts of other entertainment. Its route stretches from traffic light #6 in Pigeon Forge to traffic light #3 on the Great Smoky Mountain Parkway.

Dixie Stampede

Open most of the year, but popular in the spring and summer months, Dixie Stampede is known for its dinner theater events. Diners choose from two options per night for their meal (call ahead and ask for vegetarian options if needed). The show features a comedic version of the Civil War, with actors on the North and South sides competing in silly contests with the audience's encouragement. The grand finale includes horseback riding and music.

Pigeon Forge Car Shows

These events take place throughout the year, but again, are popular during the spring and summer. Tourists visit from all over the United States to view cars, both new and classic. The shows also include vendors and swap meets.