Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg
"Ghostwalk of Gatlinburg" is a walking night-time tour of Gatlinburg's most historic and "haunted" places which takes about one hour, and is approximately one mile in length. The walk is lantern-led and guided by a local storyteller dressed in costume. "Ghostwalk" is not a haunted-house tour. It is a storytelling experience with a twist of murder and mayhem. We get your attention, but we don't chase you around with chainsaws. The stories feature a combination of local legends, history, superstition, folk tales and fiction. The tour's purpose is to revisit many historic and forgotten stories of murder and chaos that took place during the past 100 years in Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tours leave nightly at 9, 10:30 and midnight. Reservations required. 865-556-0674
www.ghostwalkofgatlinburg.com
August 1-31
9th Annual Celebrate Freedom!™
With a history of American pride that Pigeon Forge has cherished for generations, the town has made it a priority to welcome veterans year round. To honor our nation's heroes Pigeon Forge has created Celebrate Freedom!™. This year's Celebrate Freedom! will be especially meaningful as we will be honoring many of our country's newest veterans and heroes. The event includes speaker forums, canteen dances, musicals and more. A Pigeon Forge event.
August 6-7
Wounded Knee Memorial Motorcycle Run
Trail of Chief Big Foot from Fort Yates, North Dakota to Eagle Butte, South Dakota, ending at Wounded Knee.
www.cherokee-nc.com
August 7
9th Annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby
Oconaluftee Islands Park, Cherokee, NC. This trout derby entertains an average of 1,000 children annually. Featuring fly-tying exhibitions, fish-cleaning stations, food, music, door prizes and trophies, the derby is free for children ages 11 and under.
6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact: Janice Wildcatt (828) 497-8122
www.cherokeetroutderby.com
August 11-14
TN Smokies Baseball vs. Jacksonville
Smokies Stadium - TN Smokies vs. Carolina @ Smokies Stadium - The Tennessee Smokies, Sevierville's very own AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and managed by Ryne Sandberg, plays Jacksonville at TN Smokies Stadium. – 865-286-2300 www.smokiesbaseball.com
June 12 - August 8
Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales®
All summer long hear tales, mountain music, and learn the lore of the Smoky Mountains on the sidewalks of downtown Gatlinburg. Fourteen acts nightly. 5 - 10 p.m.
Back by popular demand, Gatlinburg's 4th annual run of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ begins in downtown Gatlinburg on June 12 and will run Friday and Saturday nights until June 26, when it begins nightly performances through August 8. Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800. During 2009 numerous characters will embellish upon the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
A collection of personalities and performers arrive nightly at 5 p.m. via horse-drawn wagon in the center of town. Visitors witness a magical transformation of sidewalk to stage as the characters disperse along the downtown Parkway for an evening of entertainment and storytelling until 10 p.m. As many as 14 nightly acts perform throughout the evening. This popular eight-week event truly highlights one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provides guests with an interactive, educational and entertaining experience the whole family can enjoy.
“Each night at 5 p.m., a horse-drawn wagon carries the performers down the Parkway to their designated locations for the evening,” said George Hawkins, Gatlinburg Department of Tourism Special Events Manager. “The rotating cast of twenty acts including storytellers, musicians and crafters will share their stories and skills during the eight-week event.”
As part of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™, visitors can stroll along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg and catch a toe-tappin’ performance by "The Back Porch Cloggers," a group showcasing the original dance of the Appalachians.
In addition, guests can meet Whittlin’ Joe as he demonstrates his craft and shares his stories of living in the Smokies, and Miss Nan the school marm shares her experiences and fun stories as a pioneer teacher.
Zeno the Gatlinburg BearTM also makes nightly appearances during this popular summer special event, dishing out hugs and waving to his new friends.
Other popular returning Appalachian characters include Hammer and Strings, the dulcimer duo, and Animal Mac, who sings about his four-legged friends from the Great Smoky Mountains.
“Our intent is to take what we feel is one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provide something that is fun and somewhat different than what most places are doing,” Tourism Director David Perella added.
Visitors also get a chance to hear traditional mountain music by the Spring Lizards, a musical husband and wife team, who plays the music of the 1800’s. The pure and rustic music and folk-like lyrics tell stories of the joys and tribulations of life of the early pioneer families.
Folks will enjoy hearing from Annie the Quilter as she shows off her family’s quilt noting that each square has its own story. She even gives tips and show how quilts are made to any would-be seamsters.
Tune &Tales features traditional bluegrass bands each night such as the Tennessee Mountain Boys, Mountain Mike & the River Road Ramblers and White Oak Flats playing favorite bluegrass standards. All performances are free and happen all along the Parkway, seven nights a week until August 8 making every evening a special event in Gatlinburg.
June 12 - August 2
Dollywood KidFest
The South's Largest Children's Festival.
You have to see it to believe it at Dollywood’s KidsFestsm. Go wild this summer at Dollywood’s KidsFest with Creature Adventures starring the Kratt Brothers, the original creature adventurers, and all of their amazing animal friends! See Chris and Martin Kratt, stars of PBS’ popular Zoboomafoo series, as they introduce a fascinating cast of creatures.
www.dollywood.com
August 13-14
5th Annual StringTime in the Smokies™
Patriot Park;
For more information call (865) 428-0771
August 13-15
Volkswagen Car Show
Cherokee Events Center. Volkswagen devotees make their way to Cherokee for the 2nd annual VS Show at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds where Volkswagens of all makes and models will be on display.
August 19-21
August Cherokee Bluegrass Festival
Happy Holiday Campground. On site vendors include CDs, food, entertainers, canned goods and many others.
August 17-21
TN Smokies Baseball vs. Chattanooga
Smokies Stadium
The Tennessee Smokies, Sevierville's very own AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and managed by Ryne Sandberg, plays Chattanooga at TN Smokies Stadium. – 865-286-2300
www.smokiesbaseball.com
August 23-25
14th Annual World Premiere Gospel Concert
Grand Hotel Convention Center; For more information call 1-800-251-4444
August 28 - September 1
TN Smokies Baseball vs. Mobile
Smokies Stadium
The Tennessee Smokies, Sevierville's very own AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and managed by Ryne Sandberg, plays Chattanooga at TN Smokies Stadium. – 865-286-2300
www.smokiesbaseball.com
