July Midnight Parade
Date: July 3rd- 4th, 2019
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg
Cost: FREE
For the past 44 years, Gatlinburg has gone all out to celebrate Independence Day. To kick off the holiday they begin at 12:01 am on July 4th with The Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade. This parade stretches more than a mile along the Parkway. The route will begin at Baskins Creek Bypass, turning south on the Parkway at traffic light #3, and ending at traffic light #10. For the best chances of seating and viewing, arriving early on July 3rd is encouraged.
This parade has gained much national attention and has been named by national Geographic Traveler Magazine as a “Top Ten Parade To See in The US.”
Patriot Festival
Date: July 4th, 2019
Location: Patriot Park, Pigeon Forge
Cost: FREE
Patriot Park will be the most festive July 4th event in town! Enjoy free event parking and shuttle from the LeConte Center to Patriot Park for an evening full of games, fun, and all things America! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a free concert with headliner Marty Stuart. Additionally, you can see a special guest performance by Free Fallin, A Tom Petty Tribute Band!
Patriot Festival Daily Schedule
2:00 pm– Free Kid’s Carnival and all food vendors will being serving
4:00 pm- Entertainment by Veterans Tribute, Pigeon Forge Community Chorus, along with Free Fallin will begin.
8:30 pm– Headliner Marty Stuart begins
9:45 pm– Fireworks Extravaganza!
Don’t forget to bring chairs and blankets! No large umbrellas, pop up tents, or coolers will allowed in Patriot Park.
All events and concerts will be free and family friendly. A portion of all food purchased will support local charities. So come out and enjoy a perfect summer night at Patriot Park’s Patriot Festival!
Gatlinburg 4th of July Fireworks Finale
Date: July 4th, 2019
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg
Cost: FREE
No July 4th celebration is complete without a fantastic fireworks display to light up the sky! Take any seat along the streets of Gatlinburg for a perfect view. This 20 minute display will begin at 10:00 pm around traffic lights #3 and #5.
This fantastic event is a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society.
Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta
Date: July 4th, 2019
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg
Cost: FREE
The race is on for the annual River Raft Regatta! Set amongst the July 4th celebrations this competitive race is a fan favorite in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. In this race, contestants will send their unmanned floats down the Little Pigeon River in hopes being the first to cross the finish line.
10:00 am: The race will begin at Christ in the Smokies bridge. This is also where all floats will register for the race.
12:00 pm: Race begins and all contestants will send their floats down the river to the finish line at Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies!
At this year’s River Raft Regatta, they have added a new feature to the race. Contestants can rent a rubber duck to participate in the race for just $2 or enter 3 rubber ducks for $5. All proceeds will benefit the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation. Trophies will be given out to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for 3 categories. These categories consist of Treasure, Rubber Duck, and Most Creative Float.
Dollywood’s Summer Celebration
Date: June 22nd- August 4th, 2019
Location: Dollywood
Park Admission Required
One of the best summertime events is Dollywood’s Summer Celebration! With great food, extended park hours and fireworks every night, who wouldn’t get excited? You heard right! Dollywood will have extended hours all summer long from 10 am through 10 pm. Experience all the best and award winning rides after dark like The Eagle, Lightning Rod, Thunder Head, and so much more! Be sure to stay and watch the nightly fireworks display after your fun filled day!
