Spring 2023: 10 Exciting Events Happening in Gatlinburg

The snow has started to melt and spring is officially just around the corner. If you like fewer crowds, cooler weather, and beautiful outdoor adventures, then consider a trip to Gatlinburg this coming spring. The months of March through May see a lot of rain and so fewer tourists travel during this time. The upside to this is that those who do come get to enjoy better housing rates and less traffic at big Smoky Mountain attractions and other beloved events.

In fact, while the tourists might not be coming to Gatlinburg in droves during the spring, there is still plenty to see and do for those who do make it up here. The following is just a quick look at some of the exciting events happening in Gatlinburg during spring 2023:

10 Exciting Gatlinburg Events Happening in Spring 2023

1. Gaither Family Fest

This three-day music festival highlights some of the best regional and national gospel singers, songwriters, and bands. The schedule right now features two morning worship services, three evening concerts, and several premier speakers.

2. Hands on Gatlinburg

Hands On Gatlinburg is a special arts and crafts event that is perfect for creative travelers, or those individuals who want to tap into their creative side. This event takes place at the artist studios located at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Trail. Here, you won’t just be looking at others’ artistic work, you will have the opportunity to create your own. This festival is all about getting people of every age to try out a new craft or hone their skills on a craft they’ve already tried and enjoyed. Come here with the whole family and have everyone take home their very own piece of art.

3. Get Lucky at Skybridge

The Skybridge is hosting a special St. Patrick’s Day event this year by adding shimmering green lights down 200 feet of the tunnel. The Skybridge is a pretty amazing experience any time of the year, but this special weekend of green will really be something else.

4. Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show

This is another great choice for arts and crafts lovers. The Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show will take place from April 5 to April 8 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. This is a beloved event that features unique handcrafted gifts and products made and created only by members of the local Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. It’s a great way to support local art and a place to go to bring home a special souvenir.

5. Blooms and Tunes at Anakeesta

Blooms and Tunes is a special spring event that will be happening throughout spring at Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park. This seasonal event will feature big and vibrant nature-themed art installations, an exciting list of local musicians, and a delicious menu of spring-themed cocktails and appetizers.

6. Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage will take place from April 26 to 29 as a celebration of the fresh blooms of the season. This is an annual event and a pretty significant one at that. People have and will travel from around the world to come and explore the rich natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. This event will include professionally-guided walks, specialized exhibits, and other unique learning environments. Such as journaling and photography sessions intended to get participants more involved, interested, and informed about the region’s animals and vegetation.

7. Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament

This popular annual event is a must for anglers. It happens every year and will happen this year on the very first weekend of April. Bring your tackle and get ready for an enjoyable weekend of fishing alongside anglers of every age. There will be children, adults, tourists, and local divisions.

8. The Grand National F-100 Show

This year’s Grand National F-100 Show will take place on May 18, 19, and 20 this year. It will feature both a large showcase of F-100s, as well as an exciting parkway cruise attendants can join in on. The Grand National F-100 Show is, in fact, just one of many fantastic car events that happen in the greater Gatlinburg area every year. Other exciting car shows happening in the spring of 2023. Such as the March Corvette Expo and the Pigeon Forge Rod Run in April.

9. Festivals of Nations

Dollywood closes every year during the winter, much for a break and to revamp the park with new exhibits and attractions. The good news is that they re-open every year in mid-March, ready to go to welcome in the warmer weather. Big spring events they have already on their calendar include the Festival of Nations throughout March and April which will highlight different traditions around the world, the three-week Spring Mix in April that will feature some really big names in the classic country, classic rock, R&B, and Christian music genres, and a Barbecue & Bluegrass May event that delivers on just that. That first event, Festivals of Nations, however, is a really fantastic one for all ages. Attendants can try new foods and explore different cultures in a variety of ways.

10. Easter Sunrise Service

For those who are traveling to Gatlinburg during the Easter weekend, there is a bit of an unforgettable experience available at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area. On Easter Sunday morning, the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area will be hosting a special Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m. It will take place at the top of Mount Harrison designed to coincide with the sun rising above the Great Smoky Mountains. This is a completely free event and there is a free aerial tramway ride that will take you from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of that mountain.

Learn More About Gatlinburg and All it Has to Offer

We hope this quick list of ten exciting spring events in Gatlinburg has inspired you. Naturally, this isn’t all the city and the greater Smoky Mountains have to offer. Make sure to visit our pages to learn more about the best restaurants to dine at, the best activities to do, and the best places to see.