Are you planning a Smoky Mountain getaway this summer? Then you want to know about all the fun activities you won’t want to miss while you’re visiting Gatlinburg! From annual events the whole family will love to classic attractions that provide gorgeous views, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do when you stay with us. Check out these top 5 things to do in Gatlinburg this summer!
1. Sunset in the Smokies at Anakeesta
From June to September, guests of Anakeesta can enjoy their summer Sunset in the Smokies event! Families from all over the world will have a blast at this mountaintop attraction. The chefs have worked tirelessly to create fresh menus, and mixologists have created delicious mixed drinks for those over 21. As you sit back to cool off from the summer heat, you’ll love listening to live music, and the kids will love playing in the splash pad! At night when the humidity dies down, guests will love walking through the park to see twinkling lights. Your whole crew will love spending time at Anakeesta this summer!
2. Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
A fun thing to do in Gatlinburg this summer is enjoy Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales! This street performance festival features costumed performers that dance, sing, and tell stories of days gone by. The summer season starts at the end of June and runs through July. You’ll find these entertainers on the streets of downtown Gatlinburg from 6 to 10 pm. We promise this is an exciting time in the Smokies you don’t want to miss!
3. 4th of July Celebrations
Will you be taking in the mountain views on Independence Day? Then you’ll want to learn about all the ways you can celebrate while you’re visiting Gatlinburg! This city is home to the first 4th of July parade in the country because it starts at exactly 12:01 am! During the day, visitors can enjoy the Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta, where bystanders purchase a “raft” (aka: a rubber ducky) and send it floating down the river to try to win first prize! Then, to send off the holiday with a bang, you can enjoy an incredible fireworks display with a homebase at Gatlinburg Space Needle.
4. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Another thing to do in Gatlinburg this summer that’s pretty unique is visiting the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. Gatlinburg is home to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, the biggest collection of artists and craftsmen in the country. During this fair, you can purchase their wares, from handmade jewelry, baskets, quilts, pottery, candles, paintings, photographs, and more. In 2023, the fair runs from July 7 to 16, so mark it down on your calendar!
5. Gatlinburg SkyPark
When summer comes to the Smokies, you can enjoy warm temperatures, mostly clear skies, and some of the greenest foliage you’ve ever seen. As you look out at the sweeping mountains, your breath will be taken away, and there’s no better place to go for fun and views than Gatlinburg SkyPark. Get your thrills in as you climb to the mountaintop on the chair lift and then walk across the SkyBridge. Take in the gorgeous mountain views from the SkyDeck and Tulip Tower before you head back down!
Now you know about some of the best things to do in Gatlinburg this summer! Have you started planning your summer vacation yet? If you haven’t, start by finding out why our Gatlinburg hotel is the perfect place to stay for a summer getaway!
