7 Incredibly Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN in July
Summer is the most popular time for visitors to vacation in Gatlinburg, and July is a very busy month for fun. Many events happen annually in July that add excitement to the already fun attractions, restaurants, and shopping. If you are looking for more fun things to do in Gatlinburg TN in July, check out some of these events that are sure to have all guests of Gatlinburg smiling.
1. First Independence Day Parade in the Nation
Each year Gatlinburg hosts the First Independence Day Parade in the Nation, which is an event to celebrate the 4th of July. What makes this event so special is its time. The parade starts at midnight on the 4th of July in the streets of downtown Gatlinburg. Thousands of people flock to this event each year to celebrate our nation’s independence and the people who have helped us achieve and keep it.
2. Gatlinburg Fireworks Finale
On the night of July 4th, Gatlinburg ends the day of celebrating our nation’s independence by putting on a spectacular fireworks and drone show that can be viewed from almost anywhere in downtown Gatlinburg. This Gatlinburg event has been featured as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, and it is one of the most popular events in Gatlinburg every year. Watch as a drone display featuring patriotic themes launches from the top of the Gatlinburg Convention Center, and fireworks shoot off gom the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
3. Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
This Smoky Mountain tradition runs throughout the summer and is found around every corner in the streets of downtown Gatlinburg, which makes it one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN in July. This is a summer street festival that showcases the talent of many musicians, dancers, singers, storytellers, and artists in the area. Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales is fun as well as educational. You can find history from time periods as early as the 1800s. It is known to be one of the best things offered in the summer to enhance a stroll along the Gatlinburg Parkway.
4. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
The amazing skill of Gatlinburg’s finest artists and craftsmen is displayed during this festival of nearly 200 booths. Even if you’re not into purchasing some of the unique creations at this event, you can bring a chair and a listening ear for some live music and entertainment. This is another Gatlinburg event ranked among the Top 20 Events in the Southern United States by the Southeast Tourism Society. What makes the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair so great is that all of the craftsmen demonstrate their skills as you browse by creating masterpieces right in front of you.
5. Visit the Gatlinburg Farmers Market
The Gatlinburg Farmers Market opens every year just before the summer begins. It is the best place in town to get the ripest and tastiest plants for your picking. Vendors at the farmers market offer fruits and veggies as well as home-baked goods. You can even find the sweetest honey and the freshest eggs and meat in town. You can head downtown each Saturday in the summer to get these delightful treats, or you can hang around for the different events held by the farmers market, such as the Berry Festival. For more information, visit the official Gatlinburg Farmers Market Facebook page.
6. Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta
The River Raft Regatta is an event held each year on July 4th where you race floatable objects in downtown Gatlinburg’s Little Pigeon River. They race all kinds of unmanned floatables, including those that are handmade, and non-handmade. The race begins at the Christ in the Smokies bridge and ends at the Gatlinburg aquarium. Registration starts two hours before the event. During your stay in Gatlinburg, you can create or buy your own floatable object for a chance to win some awesome prizes handed out in many categories. This one-of-a-kind event makes it one of the best things to do in Gatlinburg TN in July, especially if you enjoy creating, building, or racing.
7. Annual Patriot Festival
This annual event is held on the 4th of July and is the perfect festival for any family looking for fun activities to celebrate our nation’s birthday. This celebration held at Patriot Park, just a short drive from downtown Gatlinburg, has live musical entertainment from well-known artists, as well as talented local artists from the area. You will find a large selection of food, games, and other activities for everyone in your family to enjoy. After the sun sets, the event will end by lighting up the sky with a spectacular fireworks show.
To learn about everything going on in the area this summer, check out our Gatlinburg Events Calendar!
