What better place to spend the Fourth of July than in the Great Smoky Mountains?!

Independence Day is a time to celebrate our heroes and veterans. We spend the day enjoying our freedom with family, friends, the sun shining and cook outs. We love to end the Fourth of July watching beautiful fireworks and going back to a cabin to relax and watch the sun set behind the mountains. When you’re in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this 4th of July, make sure to check out the following events!

Gatlinburg Events

Gatlinburg Independence Day Events

Gatlinburg is known for having the first Independence Day Parade in the nation. This year will be the 46th 4th of July parade that starts one minute past midnight and stretches over a mile. Get there early to find a place at Baskins Creek Bypass on Easy Parkway for the best view. The floats, balloons and marching bands go all the way down to light #10 at Ski Mountain Rd.

Be on the look out around town all day for the 100th Army Band from Fort Knox. They will be performing for free all weekend across Gatlinburg with pop-up concerts in the afternoons. They will also have a full concert band performing patriotic music leading up to the 9PM fireworks at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza.

The Gatlinburg’s Firework Finale can be seen from the downtown streets and lasts for 15 minutes. This spectacular display is from the 40-foot tall Space Needle that can be seen anywhere in Gatlinburg. The best viewing areas are around traffic lights #3 and #5 and the show starts at 11PM. Find a place around Ripley’s Aquarium and the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts with your free admission and enjoy Fourth of July in the Great Smoky Mountains. This firework show has been voted in the top 20 events by the Southeast Tourism Society, you don’t want to miss this.

Pigeon Forge Events

Pigeon Forge Patriot Fest

If you are looking to spend the 4th of July weekend in Pigeon Forge, make sure to stop by the 30th Annual Patriot Festival. Bring the whole family to this free event and don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs! Coolers and umbrellas are not permitted in the park, but you won’t need them with all the food vendors and fireworks.

Parking is located at the LeConte Center on Teaster Lane, and there are free shuttles from the LeConte Center to the event. Patriot Park is located on 186 Old Mill Avenue, which is the perfect place to celebrate the 4th of July in the Smokies! Country singer Clint Black is headlining the festival, along with the Brand Hudson Band and The Rumors, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band. The Patriot Festival will be taking place Saturday, July 3rd and the itinerary for the entire event is below:

  • 4:00 PM: Free Kid’s carnival and food vendors open
  • 4:00 PM: Free Entertainment (Brad Hudson Band and The Rumors (a Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band)
  • 8:30 PM: Event Headliner- Clint Black
  • 9:45 PM: Fireworks

Smoky Mountain Cabins

Condo World Cabins

The Great Smoky Mountains is the best place to enjoy the Fourth of July celebration. Between paradise, fireworks and events, you can honor our heroes in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this 4th of July.