January 2 - December 31
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
June 13 - August 31
Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales®
This is a new event in Gatlinburg. Imagine. It’s early evening in the Smokies. You are strolling along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg and see a gathering of people just ahead. As you draw closer, you begin to hear the distinctive sounds of a dulcimer. Curious, you stop to watch and listen. 6pm - 11 pm.
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June 7 - August 16 (daily except Sunday)
Unto These Hills . . . a retelling
Outdoor drama portraying the history of the Cherokee from the entrance of DeSoto in 1540 up to and through their removal to the West in 1838. America's most popular outdoor drama is the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee. Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, the drama is presented under the stars on three stages in the beautiful Mountainside Theater in Cherokee, NC. Since opening on July 1, 1950, "Unto These Hills" has been seen by over five million people. The compelling story opens with the arrival of the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto in 1540 and builds to a stirring climax with the cruel removal of all but a remnant of Cherokee on the infamous "Trail of Tears." This powerful drama recreates the inspiration of the great Sequoyah, the wise leadership of Junaluska, and the heartbreaking sacrifice of Tsali, who gave his life so a handful of people might remain on the land of their heritage. Cherokee descendants, whose ancestors were forcefully driven out of the mountains and marched 1,200 miles to Oklahoma, play important roles in the drama and in the many dances, highlighted by the colorful and world-famous Eagle Dance.
After 56 years of captivating performances - and over five million patrons - this spectacular show has been reinvented, now told from the Cherokee perspective. Renowned playwright Hanay Geiogamah wrote and directs the new play. A new script, cast, director, costuming, choreography, sound and lighting system provide for a completely immersive experience with more Native American performers than ever before. 2007 will mark the second year of performances of the new show.
www.untothesehills.com
June 13 - August 3
Dollywood KidFest
The South's Largest Children's Festival. You have to see it to believe it at Dollywood’s KidsFestsm as the show "Untamed Illusions" brings majestic cats and grand illusions to Dollywood. Watch as the unthinkable magically appears on stage at Dollywood's KidsFest! For summertime family fun in the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is the place to be with special shows like Clifford the Big Red Dog™ LIVE stage show, attractions like SpongeBob SquarePants™ turbo action ride and a variety of special activities just for kids—and the kid at heart.
www.dollywood.com
July 3-4
33rd Annual 4th of July Midnight Parade
Downtown Gatlinburg. Enjoy lighted floats, marching bands, and giant helium balloons. Parade begins at 12:01 a.m. on the 4th of July, which is one minute after midnight on July 3rd. For the 31st consecutive year, Gatlinburg will kick off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, which will lead off at midnight to the cheers of 70,000 to 100,000 spectators. A tribute to the five branches of military service will be one of the many highlights. As soon as the street is closed, the parade route will come alive with pre-parade entertainers that will begin the excitement of what is to follow. Giant helium balloons will soar through the skyline of downtown Gatlinburg, from red, white, and blue Stars to Alphonso the dragon, Humpty Dumpty, and a giant patriotic Eagle and All-Star Train. More than 100 volunteers will be signed on to help the balloons navigate the streets of Gatlinburg, with more than 100 entries of all types scheduled to appear. National entries such as Schwann Foods and Red Baron Pizza will bring in their Blaine Kern-designed floats.
July 4
Fourth of July Fireworks Show
Downtown Gatlinburg. Celebrate our nation's "Independence Day" with a magnificent fireworks show. The City of Gatlinburg will light up its beautiful mountain skyline downtown 1 hour after dark with this grand show. For more information call 800-568-4748.

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July 4
Annual River Raft Regatta
12:00 noon, Gatlinburg. Starts at Christus Gardens bridge and finishes at the Aquarium bridge. Enjoy a fun, unmanned, floatable object race for the whole family. Unmanned, floatable objects are launched in the river and they compete for prizes. Arrive by 11:30 to enter and be eligible for prizes. River Road. FREE event. For more information please contact Special Events at 800-568-4748.
July 3-6
Tanger Five Oaks July 4th Sidewalk Sale
Four day sidewalk sale at Tanger Five Oaks Factory Outlet Center in Sevierville
July 4-7
July Powwow
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds
Friday: Gates open 5 p.m., Grand Entry 7 p.m.
Saturday: Gates open 10 a.m., Grand Entry 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday: Gates open 10 a.m., Grand Entry 1 p.m.
Contact: Welcome Center (800) 438-1601
On America’s birthday, we celebrate with our special brand of fireworks with a three-day explosion of authentic Indian dancing, drumming, and tribal regalia. Dance competitions kick up the excitement event higher.
July 4
18th Annual Patriot Festival
Pigeon Forge celebrates America’s Independence Day on July 4, 2008, with fun, food, fireworks and entertainment in Patriot Park. Admission is free. Activities begin at 5 p.m. with a performance by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus and a salute to our veterans and active duty military personnel. Performances by special musical guests will be followed by a spectacular Smoky Mountains fireworks display.
July 4
"Stand Here" Fireworks Finale
Finish off the 4th in style with a magnificent fireworks show visible from the downtown streets of Gatlinburg!
July 4
4th of July Fireworks Display
Cherokee Indian Reservation, Cherokee, NC.
Fireworks start at 10p.m.
July 4
4th Fireworks Celebrations
Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Canton & Clyde - North Carolina.
July 4-6
19th Annual Southern Nationals Association Nationals and Open Car Show
This show has cancelled.
July 12
Dare Motorcycle Run
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds
Contact: Sharri Pheasant (828) 497-8124
July 17-19
4th Annual Festival of Native Peoples & Cherokee Art Market
Location: Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds
Contact: Welcome Center (800) 438-1601,
Vendors: John Grant (828) 497-4496
Gates open at 10 a.m., Show begin at 6 p.m.
The Festival of Native Peoples is an exposition of non-competitive dance, storytelling and song performances expressing the collected history, culture, tradition and wisdom of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Along with the Festival, the first Cherokee Art Market with all Native American artists will display and sell their handmade traditional and contemporary artworks. Juried artists and artisans will also display, show and sell their beautiful work.
*This event is a “Top 20 event” as determined by the Southeast Tourism Society (STS).
July 18-27
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
Over 200 of the finest Craftspeople gifted in woodcarving, pottery, broom making, stained glass, metal work, basket weaving, calligraphy, jewelry and much more gather at the Gatlinburg Convention Center to offer their unique art for sale. Plus Country and Bluegrass music performed daily by Keith Longbotham and band. 10 AM - 7 PM daily; 10AM - 5 PM Sundays. Adults $5.00; Children 12 & under Free
www.craftsmensfair.com

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