America’s birthday is right around the corner, and Pigeon Forge is bringing you the ultimate Independence Day celebration with its annual Patriot Festival, happening Monday, July 4th. This extremely popular annual festival combines all your favorite 4th festivities into one huge all-day event.
To help you get the most out of this awesome event, we’ve broken down the top 7 reasons you and your family will love the annual Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival.
1. It’s Free to Attend!
Coming out to Patriot Park to enjoy the Festival won’t cost you a dime, unless you opt to check out some of the on-site food vendors. That means you and your family won’t have to stress about additional costs while you’re out enjoying this event. Although you won’t be able to park at Patriot Park during the event, the city is offering free event parking at the LeConte Center Municipal Lot, coupled with a free shuttle from the lot to the park. The shuttle will run approximately every 15 to 20 minutes, starting at noon and running until the end of the event. If you’re handicapped, don’t worry about parking at LeConte, as there will be limited free handicapped parking available at Patriot Park.
2. The Venue – Patriot Park
If you’ve never been to Patriot Park, you will love this hidden gem, located adjacent to the Old Mill District. This beautiful city park is especially dedicated to veterans from Sevier County that served during wartime. Definitely an appropriate spot for an Independence Day celebration! Taking a stroll around the walking track that surrounds the park will give you a chance to see the flags from the 50 states and the branches of the armed forces. Also, don’t miss out on checking out the centerpiece of the park, a Patriot Missile, which was made famous during the first Gulf War. The park is also the central hub to the Fun Time Trolley, which brings visitors to all of their favorite attractions around town.
When you’re heading down to the festival to enjoy the park, feel free to bring blankets or lawn chairs to relax. But, be sure to leave the coolers, umbrellas, and pop-up tents at home, as they’re prohibited at the event.
3. Salute and Celebrate Veterans
Pigeon Forge is well known for celebrating and honoring the men and women that defend our country, and this event is no different. Patriot Festival is kicked off with a special Veteran’s Salute, in which we will honor all the men and women who bravely defend our country.
4. Delicious Food for a Good Cause
You can’t have an Independence Day celebration without delicious food, and the Patriot Festival will not disappoint. Food vendors will open for business in the park starting at 12:00 pm. Once they’re up and running, you’ll be able to enjoy all kids of yummy food, from BBQ to ice cream and more. Best of all, the food vendors for the event are all local nonprofits, so buying food at the event goes directly to supporting the people of Sevier County!
5. Free Kid’s Karnival
The Patriot Festival is perfect for all ages, but the totally free Kid’s Karnival is definitely a perk for parents. Starting at 12:00 pm, kids will be able to enjoy the carnival, featuring plenty of games and activities, along with inflatables! Your kids will have a blast enjoying the carnival as they celebrate our nation’s independence and listen to the next item on our list.
6. Free Music All Day – Featuring Emily Ann Roberts and Joe Diffie
Attendants of the 2016 Patriot Festival in Pigeon Forge will enjoy a full day of musical talent, starting at 1:30 pm. Entertainment will run throughout the festival, culminating with headliner and Grammy-award winning artist Joe Diffie at 8:00 pm. Also in the lineup is Knoxville-native and finalist of last year’s The Voice, Emily Ann Roberts! You’ll be sure to hear some good music at this event, and be sure to check out the entire line-up of musicians below.
Cruisin’ Memories
Just Bcuz Music
Veterans Tribute
Pigeon Forge Community Chorus
Tribute: A Celebration of the Allman Brothers Band
Emily Ann Roberts
Event Headliner: Joe Diffie
7. Free Fireworks Spectacular
Following Joe Diffie’s headline act, attendants can settle in for the for the star of the show: the fantastic, free fireworks spectacular. With front row seats at Patriot Park, you’ll be able to relish one of the largest fireworks shows in Tennessee on the Fourth of July. The fireworks show is so spectacular, in fact, that it can be seen nearly anywhere in Pigeon Forge. There’s nothing like seeing the Great Smoky Mountains reflected in the light of fireworks on Independence Day, so don’t miss out on this awesome event!
