2010 Gatlinburg Area Calendar of Events

JULY 2010

July 1 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smoky Mountains on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this fifth annual event! Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

July 3 – 4th of July Midnight Parade – Saluting the valiant men and women of our military services, this 35th annual showcase is the “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!” Parade starts at the stroke of midnight to begin Independence Day. Floats, balloons, and marching bands pay tribute to our country during this Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

July 4 – River Raft Regatta – Visitors can enjoy a fun, unmanned, floatable object race for the whole family. Free registration begins at 10 a.m. at bridge beneath chair lift. Race begins at noon and ends at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies bridge where prizes will be awarded in several different categories. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

July 4 – 4th of July Fireworks Show – Join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg to mark our nation’s “Independence Day” with a magnificent fireworks show. The City of Gatlinburg lights up the mountain skyline downtown at 10 p.m. with this grand display. Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

July 16 to 24 – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair at Gatlinburg Convention Center – Art, crafts and music lovers will discover over 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. (865) 436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com ($)

AUGUST 2010

August 1 to 7 – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales – Through early August, visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this five annual event! (GSE) (800) 568-4748

SEPTEMBER 2010

September 17 to 30 – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season in Gatlinburg features festivals, special events and autumn-themed displays. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

September TBA – Library Luau – Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies hosts its fifth annual fall fundraiser benefiting the Anna Porter Public Library at 5:30 p.m. Entertainment and refreshments included. (865) 436-5588 ($)

September TBA – Great Gatlinburg Shark Race – Festivities start at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza with live entertainment, food & fun and opportunity to win fantastic grand prizes. Rubber sharks are released into the Little Pigeon River at the Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens bridge to race downstream, first one to cross the finish line wins! Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. (865) 453-4261 ($)

September 23 – 13th Annual Taste of Autumn – Sample signature dishes from the area’s finest restaurants. Enjoy live entertainment, live auction with a cash bar. Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. Doors of the Gatlinburg Convention Center open at 5 p.m. (GSE) (800) 568-4748 ($)

September TBA – Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament – The 11th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. All Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed. For information, call 865-661-3474, visit www.rockytopoutfitter.com, or email rockytopoutfit@aol.com

OCTOBER 2010

October 1 to 31 – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival – A countywide celebration of harvest season featuring special events, festivals, craft shows, autumn-themed displays and more. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

TBA October 2? – “Vintage Views” Film Premiere – Featuring classic film clips gleaned from family home movie collections, this nostalgic film produced by the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound (TAMIS), debuts at 7 p.m. at the historic Riverside Motor Lodge. The montage will be Bradley Reeves and Louisa Trott. A reception featuring artists and authors of the Smoky Mountain region is part of the festivities. For more information, call (865) 436-0500 (GSE) ($)

October 7 to 23 – Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair – Art, crafts and music lovers will find over 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday until 5 p.m. at Gatlinburg Convention Center. Call (865) 436-7479 or visit www.craftsmenfair.com ($)

NOVEMBER 2010

November 10 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff – The City of Gatlinburg kicks off Gatlinburg Winter Magic from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Downtown Parkway by turning on over three million lights. Enjoy live entertainment, sample chili recipes from local restaurants and businesses and vote for your favorite. (GSE) (800) 568-4748 ($)

November 10 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

November 10 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) Tickets on sale October 15. (865) 436-0535 ($)

November 11 – Veterans Day Celebration – Join the City of Gatlinburg in saluting the men and women of America who have served in our Armed Forces in this special ceremony on Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza. This eighth annual program begins at 11 a.m. and includes stirring musical tributes, ceremonial words and recognition of Veterans in attendance. Named a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

November 23 to 27 – Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees – Dozens upon dozens of ornately decorated Christmas trees await visitors in this winter wonderland at Gatlinburg Convention Center’s W.L. Mills Conference Center. Event benefits Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

November 23 to 30 – Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show – Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748.

November 26 & 27 – Winter Magic Tunes & Tales – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this fourth annual event! (GSE) (800) 568-4748

November 26 & 27 – The Nutcracker “Sweet” – Presented by the Smoky Mountain Dance Theater Company, enjoy this holiday classic presented in Gatlinburg, with performances at 7 p.m. in the W.L. Mills Auditorium. (GSE) Call (865) 680-7369 for information and reservations.

DECEMBER 2010

December 1 to 19 – Winter Magic Tunes & Tales – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling and entertainment along the Parkway Friday and Saturday evenings during this fourth annual event! (GSE) (800) 568-4748

December 1 to 31 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with dozens of spectacular light displays, featuring all LED bulbs. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

December 1 to 30 – Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30. (GSE) Tickets on sale October 15. (865) 436-0535 ($)

December 1 to 5 – Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show – Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual holiday show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748.

December 3 – Gatlinburg’s 35th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade – This popular Christmas parade in downtown Gatlinburg is recognized as one of the very best by the International Festival and Events Association. Parade features lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units and helium balloons. Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. at Traffic Light #1A and continues through downtown to Light #10. Designated a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society. (GSE) (800) 568-4748

December TBA – Christmas on Ice – Enjoy the spirit of the season as local skaters display their talents on ice to the sounds of holiday music in a two-day performance at Ober Gatlinburg’s ice arena. Visit www.obergatlinburg.com or call (800) 251-9202

December 31 – New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show & Ball Drop on Historic Nature Trail at the Parkway – For the 23rd straight year, the Space Needle area at traffic light #8 comes alive at the stroke of midnight with a fabulous fireworks show. Features free party favors and live entertainment. “Best New Year’s Eve Show in the South.” (GSE) (800) 568-4748