The season of summer fun has arrived in Gatlinburg, and it comes with no shortage of activities for the whole family. This summer, visitors will have the chance to spend their evenings enjoying live entertainment, attending award-winning Independence Day festivities or getting a firsthand look at unique items hand-crafted in Gatlinburg for generations.
Gatlinburg’s award-winning 4th of July Midnight Parade is the First Independence Day parade held in the country and has garnered much national attention and award recognition for excellence in entertainment. For 40 years, the Parade has honored our nation’s Military Veterans and other U.S. Military Heroes with this classic, small town American parade. The parade steps off at the stroke ofmidnight on July 4th. The Army Band from the 129th Army National Guard Unit in Nashville will performFriday night leading up to the parade. The following night, Saturday, July 4th, a 20-minute fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m. near traffic lights #3 and #5.
Back for its 10th season, Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is a one of a kind experience for Gatlinburg visitors. Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying characters from time periods as far back as 1800. Tunes & Tales runs from June 12 to Aug. 1 every night beginning at 6 p.m.
Arts, crafts and music lovers can explore more than 150 booths filled with work from America’s largest group of independent artisans at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair held July 17 to 26 daily at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Artists and craftsmen will be on-hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and sell their fine works of art. Live country and bluegrass music will also be on site for entertainment.
Best of all, navigating the summer festivities are made easy for visitors with the availability of free trolley service throughout the summer. From June 13 to Aug. 15, the open-air trolleys will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The shuttle service will extend from traffic light #1 at the north end of town to light #10 at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
For more information about the events in Gatlinburg this summer, call 1 800 588-1817 or visit Gatlinburg.com.