East TN spring events include festivals, food and fun in the Smokies

Spring has sprung in East Tennessee, which means warmer weather and seasonal celebrations.

Although the spread of COVID-19 caused many organizers to cancel events in 2020, vaccinations and safety guidelines are allowing familiar favorites to return and new festivals to begin.

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If your family is searching for something to do, check out these East Tennessee events happening this spring.

March

Ponies in the Smokies 2021 (March 24-27)

Each spring, a stampede of Mustangs storms Pigeon Forge. But it’s not wild horses; it’s classic Ford Mustangs at the Ponies In The Smokies car show. This year’s show will be held at the Sevierville Event Center March 24 -27.

Visit poniesinthesmokies.com to buy tickets and learn more.

Pigeon Forge Chuck Wagon Cookoff (March 26-28)

Before fancy food trucks served hungry hipsters, chuck wagons fed cowboys on the open prairies during cattle drives. The Pigeon Forge Chuck Wagon Cookoff celebrates the original kitchen on wheels the weekend of March 26.

The cookoff starts Saturday at Clabough’s Campground & RV Park. Learn more and buy tickets at mypigeonforge.com/event/cookoff.

April

The Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show (April 1-3)

Shop unique handmade gifts and see one-of-a-kind craft demonstrations at the Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show happening April 1-3 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

Members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will be at the event to show off their skills, answer questions and sell their art at this free-to-attend event.

Learn more at gatlinburgcrafts.com.

Anakeesta’s Blooms and Tunes (April 2-May 23)

Celebrate spring at Anakeesta’s Blooms and Tunes, running April 2 to May 23 at the outdoor theme park.

Visitors will get to see Anakeesta’s nature-inspired art installations, hear live music from local bands and taste spring-themed menu items at the park’s four restaurants.

Anakeesta’s hours and tickets are available at anakeesta.com.

Zoo Knoxville’s Big Egg Hunt (April 3)

Zoo Knoxville is inviting kids to an epic egg hunt in the park. The Easter Bunny will hide 10,000 eggs throughout Zoo Knoxville, including special golden eggs participants can trade for prizes.

After the hunt, each child will get a souvenir. While families are in the park, they can meet some of Zoo Knoxville’s animals and take photos with the animal of the hour: the Easter Bunny.

Tickets will be available soon at zooknoxville.org.

Bunny Hopper Express (April 3-4)

Passengers on The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will have to keep their eyes out for train-hopping bunnies sneaking aboard for a free ride during the Bunny Hopper Express tour April 2-3.

The train will depart from Bryson City Depot at 10:30 a.m. for the four-and-a-half-hour special event. Riders will travel along the Nantahala Gorge River to a picturesque layover destination for Easter-themed activities and an egg hunt.

Find out more and buy tickets on The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad website.

Spring Rod Run 2021 (April 15-17)

Car enthusiasts can’t miss the Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run, the area’s largest automotive event happening April 15-17 at the LeConte Center.

The weekend-long event features more show cars, vendors and entertainment than ever before. Learn more at pigeonforgerodruns.com.

Dogwood Arts Festival (April 23-25)

The Dogwood Arts Festival is growing in 2021 and will feature a fine art market, live music, artist demonstrations and hands-on activities for kids and adults.

The free event will be held April 23-25 at World’s Fair Park. Learn more and reserve a ticket at dogwoodarts.com/dogwoodartsfestival.

Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (April 23-June 7)

One of Dollywood’s instant fan favorites is returning for a second year. The Flower & Food Festival celebrates spring with storytelling plant sculptures, interactive entertainment and seasonal flavors.

Plan your trip at dollywood.com.

Running with the Bears 5K Run/Walk (April 23)

Lace up your sneakers for Gatlinburg’s Running with the Bears 5K Run/Walk, a nighttime road race benefiting local students with educational scholarships.

Learn more and sign up at runsignup.com/Race/TN/Gatlinburg/earthday5kgatlinburg.

The Great Smoky Mountain Food Truck Festival (April 30-May 1)

Nearly 40 food tracks are traveling to Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend for The Great Smoky Mountain Food Truck Festival on April 30 and May 1.

Park at Smoky Mountain River Rat and be shuttled to the resort for a day by the river, complete with food, campfires, drinks and more. Follow the festival for updates and buy tickets at facebook.com/gsmFoodTruckFestival.

May

Circle Yer Wagens (May 1-2)

Enter stereo contests, engine sound-offs and many more contests for cash prizes at Circle Yer Wagens on May 1-2.

The 2021 Circle Yer Wagen VW Show will be held at the Sevier County Fairgrounds rain or shine. Find out more at pigeonforge.com/event/circle-yer-wagens.

Hands on Gatlinburg (May 1-3)

Studios in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community offer do-it-yourself classes for all craft lovers during Hands on Gatlinburg.

Whether you’re interested in woodworking, basket weaving or anything in between, workshops are available. Register with artists in advance to secure your spot.

Participating members are listed at gatlinburg.com.

A Mountain Quiltfest (May 5-8)

A Mountain Quiltfest honors the art and heritage of quilting each year. Quilters can attend classes based on skill level and technique, and a quilt show will display a diverse array of quilts.

See the schedule and sign up for classes on the event website.

Craft and Food Truck Fair (May 7-8)

The Sevier County Fair will host the Craft and Food Truck Fair, where attendees can buy handmade crafts, take free crafting classes and taste fresh food from local trucks May 7-8.

The fair will happen rain or shine and is free for everyone. Learn more at seviercountyfair.org.

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage 2021 (May 8-16)

The 71st Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is going virtual in 2021. Participate from home and nearby parks using an app linked to the event.

Find out more at wildflowerpilgrimage.org.

Grand National F-100 Ford Show (May 13-15)

Cruise down the parkway from Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg during the Grand National F-100 Ford Show scheduled May 13-15.

Show off and shop all things F-100 at the LeConte Center during the three-day event.

Information, a schedule and registration is available on the event’s website.

Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games (May 15-16)

COVID-19 caused organizers to cancel last year’s Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games, but the event is expected to be bigger than ever in 2021.

Visit the Maryville College campus May 15-16 to experience authentic Scottish music, competitions, vendors and food. The festival is one of the largest in Blount County and ranks as one of the top Scottish festivals in the nation.

Learn more and buy tickets at smokymountaingames.org.

Ober’s MayFest (May 21-31)

Ober Gatlinburg is celebrating spring Bavarian style during MayFest, an event running May 21-31.

As part of the festival, the attraction is hosting The Ober Uphill 5K on May 22. The 3.2-mile race up Ski Mountain Road has an elevation gain of 1,500 feet and isn’t for the faint of heart.

Information and tickets are available at obergatlinburg.com.

Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival (May 22)

Stomp over to the Townsend Visitor Center for the first Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival from noon to 6 p.m. May 22.

Evidence of Bigfoot will be on display, and the event will include a chainsaw competition, hot air balloon rides with Bigfoot, live music, food and more.

Follow festival updates at facebook.com/thebigfest.

June

Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge (June 3-6)

Mainstay Suites is Pigeon Forge is hosting the 21st Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge car show. Compete in contests and see classic cars for a good cause; all proceeds from the show will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Information is available at pontiacsinpigeonforge.com.

Smallmouth King Bass Tournament (June 5-6)

The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce will present the Smallmouth King Bass Tournament on June 5-6.

The tournament allows anglers to fish Sevierville’s world-class smallmouth bass waters during the area’s first catch-photograph-release event.

Learn more and register at visitsevierville.com/SmallmouthBassKing.aspx.

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