As the days are getting brighter and longer with the onset of spring, travelers can look to the Greater Smokies Region of Blount County–the gateway to the nation’s most-visited national park–for events and adventures to experience Appalachian traditions, food, music, celebrations and more.
From the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival, the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games, to outdoor races, music events and local food gatherings in Townsend and Maryville, the spring calendar provides plenty of reasons to plan a day trip or overnight visit to the Greater Smokies Region.
The weather in the Smokies can vary in the springtime, but most festivals take place rain or shine. Below is a list of upcoming spring events.
MARCH
Lucky Duck Poker Run
- Details: This exciting event offers Jeep enthusiasts the chance to explore beautiful Townsend at their own pace, while supporting the Little River Watershed Association.When: March 14
- Where: Cades Cove Outpost in Townsend, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/lucky-duck-poker-run/
The Pistol Ultra Run
- Details: A spring kickoff for endurance athletes, featuring race distances from 10 miles to 100 miles and drawing ultrarunners from across the country.
- When: March 14-15Where: Alcoa-Maryville, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/pistol-ultra-run/
Don McMillan Comedy
- Details: Engineer-turned-comedian Don McMillian delivers a unique stand-up performance blending charts, graphs and observational humor.
- When: March 20
- Where: Clayton Performing Center for the Arts, Maryville, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/don-mcmillan-comedy/
APRIL
Picnic in the Park
- Details: The City of Alcoa is hosting a new community gathering with free food, activities and family-friendly fun.
- When: April 11
- Where: Springbrook Park, Alcoa, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/picnic-in-the-park/
Spring Little River Railroad & Heritage Event
- Details: Celebrate regional history and view exhibits preserving the legacy of the Little River Lumber Company and Railroad.
- When: April 11-12
- Where: Little River Railroad Museum, Townsend, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/little-river-railroad-days/
Bronco Super Celebration
- Details: Since 2006, Townsend has been the running grounds for the world’s largest gathering of Bronco enthusiasts, featuring daily drives, awards, giveaways and four days of on-site activities.
- When: April 15-18
- Where: Townsend Event Center, Townsend, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/bronco-super-celebration-13287/
Spring Sprint 5K Road Race & 1-mile Fun Run
- Details: Kicking off the Healthy Blount Triple Crown of Running, this road race in Alcoa offers 5K and 1-mile options, awards for top finishers and supports Special Olympics as well as youth recreation programs.
- When: April 18
- Where: Springbrook Park, Alcoa, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/spring-sprint-5k-road-race-1-mile-fun-run/
Sam Bush Returns to the Lawn
- Details: Grammy-winning “Father of Newgrass” Sam Bush brings his legendary energy back to Dancing Bear Lodge for an evening of live music under the starts, with optional pre-show bistro dining.
- When: April 23
- Where: Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro, Townsend, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/sam-bush-returns-to-the-lawn/
Maryville Uncorked
- Details: Downtown Maryville’s signature fundraising event features wine tastings from local and regional wineries, live music, VIP and general admission experiences, plus live and digital auctions supporting historic downtown preservation efforts.
- When: April 23
- Where: The Landmark and Downtown Maryville, Maryville, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/maryville-uncorked/
Watercolor in the Woods Retreat
- Details: A serene spring art retreat at RT Lodge where guests of all skill levels create watercolor paintings during a guided class with local artist Chuck Finley amid the lodge’s woodland gardens.
- When: April 24-25
- Where: RT Lodge in Maryville, TN
- Learn more: Watercolor in the Woods Retreat with C. Finley Art — RT LODGE
Smoky Mountain Fiber Fair
- Details: Experience Appalachian craftsmanship with two days of fiber arts vendors, demonstrations, workshops and hands-on experiences; celebrating spinning, weaving and traditional textile skills.
- When: April 24-25
- Where: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Townsend, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/smoky-mountain-fiber-fair-13391/
Drift Boat Cowboys
- Details: Blount County’s own Drift Boat Cowboys perform authentic country and western swing classics at Camp Little Arrow.
- When: April 25
- Where: Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, Townsend, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/drift-boat-cowboys/
MAY
Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival
- Details: The 6th annual full-day celebration of Bigfoot folklore features live music, guest speakers, food trucks, vendors, and family-friendly fun with a Bigfoot-themed twist. This year’s event will be birthday-bash themed.
- When: May 2
- Where: Townsend Event Center, Townsend, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/smoky-mountain-bigfoot-festival-13477/
Maryville Maker’s Market Spring Event
- Details: A seasonal open-air market featuring local artisans, crafters and makers with handmade goods, food and community atmosphere for visitors to browse and shop.
- When: May 2
- Where: Maryville College, Maryville, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/maryville-makers-market/
Kids Take Over the Museum
- Details: A day of hands-on Appalachian-history-inspired activities for young explorers featuring traditional crafts, demonstrations and interactive fun for all ages.
- When: May 9
- Where: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Townsend, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/kids-take-over-the-museum/
Go Topless in the Smokies
- Details: A scenic Jeep and 4-wheel-drive convoy through the Smokies inviting drivers to “go topless” with their Jeeps for a fun, community-oriented ride and views of the mountains.
- When: May 16
- Where: Cades Cove Outpost, Townsend, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/go-topless-in-the-smokies/
Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games
- Details: A lively celebration of Scots-Irish heritage in Townsend featuring bagpipes, Highland games, dancing, clan traditions, vendors and cultural fun for all ages.
- When: May 16-17
- Where: Greater Smokies Event Grounds
- Learn More: smokymountaingames.org/
Vietnam 1st & 8th Infantry Reunion
- Details: Vietnam veterans from the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry and associated recon companies gather in mid-May for a week of remembrance and public services honoring those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.
- When: May 17-21
- Where: The Parkman, Townsend, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/vietnam-1st-8th-infantry-13395/
Smoky Mountain Nationals
- Details: A large classic car and truck show bringing together automotive enthusiasts for vehicle displays, contests, live music and family-friendly activities celebrating vintage and custom rides.
- When: May 28-30
- Where: The Parkman, Townsend, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/smoky-mountain-nationals-13396/
JUNE
Duck Pond Fishing Derby For Kids
- Details: A family-friendly fishing event where children (ages 3-15) cast lines, compete for prizes and enjoy outdoor fun at the community duck pond. Registration is required prior to the event.
- When: June 6
- Where: Alcoa Duck Pond, Alcoa, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/duck-pond-fishing-derby-for-kids/
Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival
- Details: A late-spring (one week prior to the summer solstice) craft beer festival where attendees sample regional beers, enjoy live music, games and food.
- When: June 13
- Where: Maryville Greenway Amphitheater, Maryville, TN
- Learn More: smokymountains.org/events/hops-in-the-hills/