by Things to do this Summer in Gatlinburg
Events and Activities
Gatlinburg Farmers Market (Every Saturday through September 28, 2018)
Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Gatlinburg Farmers Market is open each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 849 Glades Road.
Smokey Mountain Tunes & Tales (June 22 – August 11, 2018)
Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying characters from time periods as far back as the 1800s.
Free Parkway Trolley (June 16 – August 15, 2018)
Visitors to Gatlinburg have an additional means to explore the Parkway via this shuttle route which is free for the summer.
Photo Courtesy of www.gatlinburg.com
First Independence Day Parade in the Nation (July 3 and 4, 2018)
Saluting the valiant men and women of our military services, this 43rd annual showcase of the First July 4thParade in the Nation starts at the stroke of midnight to begin Independence Day.
Gatlinburg’s Fireworks Finale (July 4, 2018)
Finish off the 4th in style with a magnificent fireworks show visible from the downtown streets of Gatlinburg!
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (July 13- 22, 2018)
Art, crafts and music lovers can find 180-plus booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work.
Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival (August 13 – 22, 2018)
Celebrating the area’s Appalachian musical roots, the annual Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival will entertain visitors at a variety of venues throughout Gatlinburg.
Taste of Mountain (September 13, 2018)
Gatlinburg celebrates the beginning of the fall season with an evening filled with delicious signature dishes from area restaurants and top-notch entertainment at the Annual Taste of Autumn on Thursday, September 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament (September 28-29, 2018)
The Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament challenges anglers to cast their rods in multiple competitive categories during this popular fishing tournament in the Smokies.
Places to Visit
Mountain Mall
Not your average mall. This indoor, climate controlled shopping center features 36 shops each with a unique theme. In the heart of Gatlinburg at Traffic Light #6 across from the Aquarium.
Ober Gatlinburg
Ski Mountain Coaster, Snow tubing park & year-round fun for everyone! Ski and snowboard rental equipment and lessons available, year round ice skating, shopping, full service restaurant & lounge and much more!
Space Needle
Ride glass elevators over 400′ to observation deck for the only 360 degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the resort city of Gatlinburg. When atop enjoy Higher Learning, an educational experience from the Space Needle’s perspective including Free View Finders! Visit Arcadia, a 25,000′ two story playground with latest video and redemption games including the area’s largest redemption center. Enjoy Lazer Runner Extreme Laser Tag, Shooting Gallery, Hurricane Simulator, “The Mentalist” and comedy shows, Slice Pizza Bakery, Souvenir Gift Store, and More!
Clingman’s Dome Tower
Enjoy this free attraction that lets you observe the Smokies from its highest point; 6,643 ft.
To get to the observation tower all you need to do is drive 7 miles on the Newfound Gap Road and park in the lot, and hike the half mile to the tower. Some visitors have said that the hike was a bit rigorous, but there are benches on the path to the tower, so it is possible to rest along the way. The walk up to the tower is very beautiful in itself and offers some great photo opportunities.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Experience the aquatic world of Ripley’s Aquarium from the moment you enter the doors. See a 15 foot long shark, touch jelly fish, and marvel at the manatees. Make sure to check out the penguin exhibit, engage in the hands on exhibits, and pick up a souvenir in the gift shop.
Ripley’s Family Attractions
Enjoy more family fun with other Ripley’s attractions. Choose from multiple miniature golf courses, a haunted house, mirror maze, and other fun exhibits. Purchase a pass for one or all of the attractions.
Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Show
Enjoy dinner and a show Smoky Mountain style. They have several show themes to choose from and all are ran by a talented cast and crew. The food is delicious and is a perfect lunch or dinner date for groups of all sizes.
Wilderness at the Smokies
A place to stay with an indoor and outdoor water park, you will please all the guests in your party. Enjoy the city by day and relax poolside in the evenings. 
SReading this gave me so many memories back. It has been about 6 years since I have made this trip to TN. We used to go a couple times and year and meet mom there for a couple of days. We always had so much fun.
this looks like a great list that has something for everyone in the family
Nice place never been here.. Looks like many calming views
I haven’t been to Gatlinburg in a long time. Every visit was always fun.