June - August 29 (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 (Date TBA)
Gatinburg Old Timer's Day - The Park was our Home
Residents gather to reminisce about the days before the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They’ll congregate at the historic Gatlinburg Inn to share photographs and memories of the time some 75 years ago they lived in communities like Sugarlands, Greenbrier and Cades Cove, and recount stories of their lives in the Park and their move to new homes. Reservations are required by calling (800) 343-1475 and asking for the Special Events Office.

June 5-7
Norton's Apparel, Jewelry & Gift Market
Sevierville Events Center (Event Info 865-436-6151)

June 10-12
19th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival™
Tellers scheduled to appear in 2010 include Willy Claflin, Mary Hamilton and Mountain Man Bob Phillips. Day passes for storytelling activities are $10 for ages 18 and older; free to ages 17 and younger. Weekend passes are $25. Specially themed late-night concerts are $5 per person. Ticketing information is available at 865-429-7350. For more information call (865) 429-7350

June 11-13
All Chevy Supernationals
Pigeon Forge


June 10-13 and June 16-19
Summerfest Carnival
Venue: Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds
Gates open daily at 5 p.m.
Contact: (800) 438-1601

June 10-12
Parker's Greatest Knife Show
Sevierville Events Center – The premiere antique pocket knife show. Open to the public. $5 per day or $10 for a 3 day pass; parking $5 per day. (Event info 423-892-0448) www.bulldogknives.com

June 10-12
Dumplin Valley JuneFest
Experience great bluegrass music at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Workshops, Arts & Crafts, and plenty of food vendors on site. Camping hook-ups are available. For tickets call toll free 1-888-377-9888 or 865-397-7942 or go to www.dumplinvalleybluegrass.com

June 11 - August 7
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 5th annual run of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ begins in downtown Gatlinburg. Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800.

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 17-19
36th Annual North Carolina State Bluegrass Festival
Happy Holiday Campground. 828-497-7250

June 11 - August 1
Dollywood KidFest
The South's Largest Children's Festival. You have to see it to believe it at Dollywood’s KidsFest^sm. A new spin on a familiar favorite is in store for KidsFest as the headlining act changes from week to week throughout the festival. Plan now to enjoy them all! See The Paper World Show by Mimirichi rip it up as they tear down the giant paper screen. What's up with comedic juggler Mark Nizer? There's magic, then there's extreme magic, which is what Curtis Adams brings to the stage. Bubbles aren't just for the bathtub anymore as The Gazillion Bubble Show takes the stage in an interactive bubble world. With this incredible KidsFest lineup, there's no doubt you have to see each and every show to believe it!
www.dollywood.com

June 5-14 and June 22-27
TN Smokies Baseball
Smokies Stadium - The Tennessee Smokies, Sevierville's very own AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and managed by Ryne Sandberg, plays at TN Smokies Stadium. – 865-286-2300 www.smokiesbaseball.com

June 24-27
Great Smoky F-100 Run
Smoky Mountain Convention Center; 1-800-251-4444