Category: Events

Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass

Schedule and info for Dollywood’s BBQ & Bluegrass in Pigeon Forge, TN. If you love bluegrass, this is one event you don’t want to miss at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge!

If you love bluegrass music, then it doesn’t get much better than Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN during May and June! If you also love barbecue, then it definitely doesn’t get better than Dollywood’s BBQ & Bluegrass going on from May 29 – June 5, 2013.

The park will be filled with numerous bluegrass entertainers playing your favorite hits as well as some tunes you probably haven’t heard before! When you get hungry, you can chow down on some of the finest BBQ the Great Smoky Mountains has to offer. The BBQ action takes place at Market Square where visiting chefs will be cooking up some of the tastiest barbecue your mouth will ever taste. They’ll even be giving demonstrations on cooking BBQ so that you can be the king of the grill in your own neighborhood!

ricky_skaggs_dollywood_bbqbluegrassPark admission gets you 300 free concerts by a handful of the greatest bluegrass acts in the country, plus some great barbeque and apple pie. Musical acts this year include Grammy award-winner Ricky Skaggs (right), Kentucky Thunder, Riders in the Sky, Rhonda Vincent as well as a number of local and renowned national performers!

The list of performers for the bluegrass festival this year looks great! They have a great mix of big names as well as up-and-comers that are sure to leave the audiences beggin’ for more. If there was ever a reason to purchase a season pass at Dollywood, this is it! If you are lucky enough to make it to this bluegrass festival, be sure to share your experience in the comment area below! Also, be sure to check out our tips for visiting Dollywood.

Dollywood BBQ & Bluegrass Schedule

*Note* – Schedule is subject to change. Please visit Dollywood’s official bluegrass entertainment schedule for an updated and complete list of performers, dates, times, and locations.

Chevy Classic Round Up

36th Annual Smoky Mountain Chevy Classic Roundup, May 16-19

If you’re into vintage Chevrolets, and by that I mean classic Chevy muscle straight from Detroit, then you’re going to want to be in Pigeon Forge come mid-May. The annual Chevy Classic Roundup brings in Chevy-lovers from across the country to show off, trade, sell, and talk all things classic Chevrolet in one big weekend at the Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge.

This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than ever. In years past over 175 vintage 1955, ’56, and ’57 Chevrolets have made their way to Pigeon Forge to take part in one of the fastest growing Chevy gatherings in the South. Still searching around for that elusive part for your own project vehicle? There’s no better place to shop around for it than at the Chevy Classic Roundup in Pigeon Forge. Each year vendors row is the place to be and one of the busiest spots during the weekend, especially if you’re looking for custom Chevy parts and technical support.

Besides the Chevy roundup, the weekend features lots of other Chevy0related activities. For the kids, there will be a model car contest, as always there is plenty of food and restaurants within the vicinity of events, as well as great, live music.

For additional information and to register for the Chevy Classic Roundup, contact Vickie McMurray at 865-984-3758.

Looking for a place to stay, somewhere to eat, or some of the major attractions, while you’re in Pigeon Forge? Check some of the BEST Pigeon Forge cabins, Pigeon Forge restaurants, and shows in Pigeon Forge.

Dolly Parade in Pigeon Forge TN

Tips and information for the 2012 Dolly Parade in Pigeon Forge, TN. The annual Dolly Parton Parade kicks off the opening of Dollywood in Pigeon Forge…get the inside scoop!

The 2013 Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade in Pigeon Forge, TN will be held on May 10 starting at 6 p.m. Dolly’s Homecoming Parade, or as us locals know it – the Dolly Parade, will travel along the Pigeon Forge parkway between traffic lights 3 through 6 and will feature over 100 different units including numerous marching bands, twirlers, cheer and dance teams, performers from various Pigeon Forge theaters, car clubs, and so much more! The star of the parade is none other than the grand marshal…Dolly Parton! The Dolly Parade is considered Dolly’s homecoming back to her hometown and she often makes surprise appearances the day after the parade at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

This parade is arguably one of the most anticipated and attended family events that is safe, fun, and FREE! If you’re looking for free things to do in Pigeon Forge then this is a great option. The children will experience clowns, animals, music and more that is sure to make them smile, clap, and jump for joy. Then you’ll jump for joy at the money you’re saving while keeping them entertained! You can also find all sorts of coupons for Pigeon Forge to keep the frugal fun going. If you find your children, spouse, or curious bystanders asking, “How old is Dolly Parton?” you can inform everyone of exactly what Dolly Parton’s age is…she was born January 19, 1946, which makes Dolly 67 years old….or young…depending on who you’re trying to flatter.

Insider Tip: The parade route fills up extremely fast with chairs and people well before the Dollywood Parade starts at 6. Either bring some cheep chairs and put them in a spot you want to “hold” or just sit out there with the family…bring a picnic-style lunch, games, and anything else you use to keep your kids happy and you sane. Better yet, if you are staying in a hotel with a road-side balcony between traffic light 3 through 6, you’ll have a GREAT view of the entire parade route. You won’t get the suckers and tootsie rolls that the people on the street get, but at least you’ll be able to use the bathroom any time you feel the need.

Don’t miss the 2013 Dolly Parton Parade in Pigeon Forge and the homecoming festivities at Dollywood!

2013 Spring Grand Rod Run in Pigeon Forge

Information on the massive 2012 Spring Grand Rod Run in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee including registration info, phone numbers, dates, where to stay, etc during one of the largest car shows in Pigeon Forge…the 2012 Rod Run.

Metal and Chrome will shine on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge April 19th through 21st for the 2013 Grand Spring Rod Run. Cars, cars and more cars! From shiny, chromed-up, vintage models to the unique fixer-upper, there will be cars to look at, cars to drool over and cars to buy. Being one of the largest car shows in the southeast it should not be missed; all gearheads need to attend. With thousands of cars to look at and admire, vendors from all over the country, and a parade of cars on the strip each evening that never seems to end, this is the car show to end all cars shows.

Starting at traffic light No. 3 in Pigeon Forge and running almost all the way down the Parkway, cars are parked in every available parking space facing the road. Literally thousands of cars. My suggestion is park and walk both sides, you don’t want to miss a thing. You can see cars of every description, especially cherry, vintage, American steel: ’58 Corvettes parked next to Model Ts; a ’55 Bel-Air parked next to a ’38 Studebaker Bus. It is a car museum spread out before your eyes. But one of the nicest things is that the owners of these cars will be sitting near them. Look for the lawn chairs near the car and they can tell you everything from where they got it, to what they have done to it and with it. They love to tell the story of their car. Be prepared for humor, heartbreak and high jinks. The cars start rolling in on Tuesday and Wednesday but by Friday the ‘gallery’ is packed. After you have had at least your first fill of the cars go visit the vendors booths.

Each year the Grand Rod Run brings in vendors from all over the country. You will see vendor booths, sponsor booths and demonstrations of all sorts. If you like the mechanical end of the car industry, get ready to spend hours and hours around the vendors booths. From Hunter’s Custom Automotive to Ausley’s Chevelle, Camaro Central to ET Motorgear you will find professionals who know how to keep your car running or how to take your car from nice to fabulous. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and get the answers that may make your car pain your car passion. Once you have gotten your fill from the vendors, head back to the strip.

The parade of cars is continuous but, especially at night, you will get to experience the excitement of the car show. There is an almost constant parade of cars as the owners fire up their machines and cruise the strip. You will see the same cars that you were looking at earlier rumbling up and down the streets of Pigeon Forge. Thousands of pounds of steel, chrome and glass doing what they were meant to do… cruise. The sight is like taking a step back in time. So, journey to the past with the Grand Spring Rod Run in April. Relive those times in the past and share those memories with your family.

It just doesn’t get much bigger nor action-packed than this. The Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run is the first of the big three car shows that literally take over Pigeon Forge every year. The other two car shows are Shades of the Past and the Fall Grand Rod Run. Call it a hat-trick, tri-fecta, or three’s a charm…but these three shows are definitely the ones to see! Add in the Sevierville Spring Corvette Expo & Auction March 22 & 23 and you have classic car lover’s paradise in the Smokies. If you want to be a spectator, participant, or even a car show vendor then we have all of the information you need. Continue reading “2013 Spring Grand Rod Run in Pigeon Forge”

Welcome Home Vietnam

Ever want to say “Thank You” to the servicemen and women that live amongst us, people that include our neighbors, friends, and co-workers? Well, Pigeon Forge is providing the public with a great chance to do so April 15-18 with a slew of celebrations surrounding recognition of our veterans, and titled “Welcome Home Vietnam”.

Come celebrate the service and sacrifice of America’s Vietnam Veterans, as well as all of our veterans. The city of Pigeon Forge and the Theaters of the Smokies will be putting on this event. For those wishing to attend, a tour package featuring such events as a huge “Welcome Home Vietnam Parade,” a Tennessee Celebrity Concert, and live music shows with patriotic tributes. It’s just another great way to support to our troops and tell them “Thank You” for the sacrifices they’ve made.

Tour Features:

  • The “Welcome Home Vietnam” Parade (April 16)
  • A Patriotic Tennessee Celebrity Concert
  • Tribute to the Troops Variety Show
  • Dixie Stampede’s Salute to Vietnam Veterans
  • Gala Vietnam Veterans Charity Dinner
  • Three Nights First Class Hotel
  • Three Dinner Shows
  • Three Hotel Breakfast
  • Veterans Reunion Hall (Veterans Only)
  • Charitable Contribution to VVA, Vietnam Veterans of America
  • Local Attraction Discounts and Coupons
  • All Taxes & Tips on these services

For more information on Welcome Home Vietnam and the schedule of events, call 304 485-8687.

Pigeon Forge Welcomes Loretta Lynn!

In the Smokies, most locals could pick out Loretta Lynn in a crowd, having grown up with her music and with her roots regionally based. It should also be no surprise that an April concert at the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge featuring Lynn is drawing interest all over the South. More specifically on April 12 to what will likely be a sold out show.

Loretta Lynn is a country music icon that has been wowing audiences with her performances for over 50 years. Known the world over as the “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, her music has confronted many of the major social issues of her time, and her life story is a rags-to-riches tale familiar to pop, rock and country fans alike.

The nickname, Coal Miner’s Daughter, is a reference to Lynn’s hit single, as well as an album, a best-selling autobiography, and an Oscar-winning film. It all stems from Lynn’s upbringings in the Kentucky hills. “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)”, “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)”, and “Fist City” are just a few of the songs that made her famous and brought her millions of fans.

To say that she’s talented would be an understatement. Shes recorded over 160 songs and 60 albums, and appeared in number of films and television shows. Besides her ten No. 1 albums and sixteen No. 1 country singles, Lynn-has won a multitude of awards, including four Grammy Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music awards, eight Country Music Association and 26 fan-voted Music City News awards. She was the first woman in country music to receive a certified gold album for 1967’s “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)”.

In 1972, Lynn was the first woman named “Entertainer of the Year” by the Country Music Association, and is one of six women to have received CMA’s highest award. She was named “Artist of the Decade” for the 1970s by the Academy of Country Music. Lynn was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999. She was also the recipient of Kennedy Center Honors in 2003. Lynn was the first female country artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1977. In 2001, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” was named among NPR’s “100 Most Significant Songs of the 20th Century”.

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament

This year’s fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is set for September 29 and 30 weekend in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

With so many mountain streams and rivers converging and running through Pigeon Forge, it’s no wonder that one of the area’s most popular and growing fall events happens to be the annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. The accessibility of the streams and the fact that the town of Gatlinburg stocks the river make for good fishing for long-time anglers, as well as casual fishers. So, try your hand at it this year, wade into the river, start casting and land that big trout.

This year’s Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament – now entering its 14th year, features over $10,000 in cash and prizes for winners and others who place. For the spring tournament, April 6-7, contestants will vie for $500 for biggest trout, $500 for smallest trout (smallest trout must be 7 inches), gift certificates, trophies, fishing equipment, Dollywood passes, and much more. In all, over 20 miles of local streams have been stocked with 10,000 trout to accommodate for the tournament.

Anyone wishing to compete in the tournament will need a special permit to fish. You can pick up one of those permits at the Welcome Center on 441 South, the ‘Spur,’ before you get to Gatlinburg or City Hall on East Parkway. Streams in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are normally stocked on Thursday so fishing not permitted then, but any other day of the week is fine. The Gatlinburg Trout License has different rules and regulations depending on whether you are a Tennessee resident or not and there are a few exempt classes that do not need the Gatlinburg permit. You should ask those questions when you get your permit at the Welcome Center or City Hall.

There are some rules and regulations when fishing in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the great Smoky Mountains. Fishing is permitted from thirty minutes before sunrise to thirty minutes after sunset. There are several children-only fishing areas in Gatlinburg: no one over 12 is allowed to fish in those areas. When fishing, you can only use one hand-held rod and you can only use a single hook. No multiple hook rigs are allowed. There are, of course, creel limits to the number of fish you can catch, so make sure that you ask about creel limits, type of bait and lures that can be used when you purchase your fishing permit. All trout must be at weigh-in located at Patriot Park, Pigeon Forge, traffic light No. 7 by 4 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Winners will be determined by total weight of the 2-day tournament.

If you’re looking for a place to stay while in town then be sure to check out our list of Pigeon Forge cabins. Also be sure to check out some of the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge like Mama’s Farmhouse and Smoky Mountain Brewery as well as the full calendar of events in Pigeon Forge, TN.

For more information, or to register for the 14th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, visit smokymountaintrouttournament.com or call 865-661-FISH

Titanic Author’s Week

If you’re a Titanic  enthusiast, you’re not going to want to miss the Titanic Museum Attraction’s Authors’ Week the first week of April.

You’re asking yourself, Authors’ Week? What is that? In all, 10 celebrated authors of Titanic historical books and novels will appear together from Monday, April 1 to Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN. It’s the first time they’ve ever carried out an event like this, but it won’t be the last.

Literally hundreds of Titanic books have been written about the ship, from the perspective of the night of, the passengers, basically from every angle of the incident. Titanic fans and followers will get the opportunity of a lifetime to meet and interact with all these authors. You won’t see this many respected voices on the events of the Titanic in one place very often, if at all. On top of all that, it’s a FREE book signing.

The Authors’ Week fair will be held outside in the parking lot of the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. Authors can be found in their own tented area. Visitors can stop by and talk everything Titanic as well as take pictures with the authors. As an added bonus, any Titanic books purchased during the event entitle the buyer to a discounted ticket to the Titanic Museum Attraction. This year, other than all the Titanic artifacts on display, visitors will get to view the brand new Discover the Children of Titanic display, dedicated to the Titanic’s child passengers.

Titanic books are the biggest selling items in museum’s gift shop. Both grown-ups and children are drawn to them. Jokes aside, bookmark the date, Monday, April 1 through Sunday, April 7, and plan to make the trip to the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge during the first week of April.

Tickets are not required for the book signing fair, but are needed for tours of the attraction. The Titanic Museum Attraction opens daily at 9 a.m. in Pigeon Forge. Reservations for museum tours are strongly suggested since many days sell out entirely. Passengers may purchase tickets online at www.titanicattraction.com or by phone at 800 381-7670.

STIHL Timbersports Returns to Pigeon Forge this June!

One of the area’s most exciting and unique events is returning to Pigeon Forge in June. And if you guessed that the STIHL Timbersports series is the vent that is coming back to the area, well you’re a step ahead of all of us.

The STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series is one of the premier lumberjack sporting events in the country. Recently, officials with STIHL, as well as RAM Trucks, announced the top 40 professional lumberjack athletes – choppers/sawyers who will compete in the 2013 U.S. Series. The Great Smoky Lumberjack Feud in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. will host the event – STIHL TIMBERSPORTS U.S. Pro and Collegiate Championships, for the second consecutive year, June 7-9, 2013.

All the best lumberjacks scheduled to compete in Pigeon Forge this year including Arden Cogar Jr., the 2011 and 2012 STIHL Timbersports Series U.S. Champion. Cogar, a civil defense trial attorney from West Hamlin, W. Va., returns to the series for his 26th season. Tim Benedict will be making his series debut this season after winning the 2012 Collegiate Championship at Penn State.

If you’re local you might just recognize two familiar faces who will be participating this year – Derek Knutson and Andrew Mattison, who both work at the Lumberjack Feud.

Other noted competitors include a slew of collegians moving up into the pro ranks like David Green from Sisters, Ore., Adam LaSalle from Fairplay, Colo., Walter Page from Tollhouse, Calif., Will Roberts from Cortland, NY, Logan Scarborough from Polkton, NC and Nathan Waterfield from Cherry Valley, NY. Additionally, three sets of father-son lumberjacks will compete this season, including Paul and Matt Cogar (cousins of Arden Cogar), Mel and Jason Lentz and Mike and Matt Slingerland.

In all, six professional lumberjack disciplines make up the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series pro competition. These methods include the hot saw, single buck, springboard chop, standing block chop, stock saw and underhand chop. Held in conjunction with the Collegiate Series, the qualifying rounds pit the top eight lumberjacks in the region against each other with the top four pro athletes from each advancing to the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series Pro Championship at the Great Smoky Mountain Lumberjack Feud. These four individuals will not only compete against other competitors from around the country for the championship crown, but will also join together to represent their regions in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Relay Competition. In addition to the ultimate bragging rights in lumberjack sports and a Ram 1500 truck, the top U.S. competitor also advances to the World Championship in Stuttgart, Germany Oct. 25-26.

The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series, established in 1985, is billed as the Original Extreme Sport and attracts the world’s top lumberjack athletes in a competition based on historic logging techniques. The Series is seen by millions of viewers annually in more than 62 countries on networks such as Eurosport, Outdoor Channel and ESPNU.

Catch the Easter Bunny at The Christmas Place!

Late in the month of March, it’s not uncommon to spot the Easter Bunny out and about at numerous places around Pigeon Forge. One of those places that you’re sure to find him every year is the Christmas Place as he hops around greeting shoppers, having his picture taken with every child who comes up to him.

It’s Easter in Pigeon Forge! Spring is in the air, the sun is out, and the Easter Bunny is hopping around as if carrots were around every corner. If you hear whiskers twitching, ears flopping, and tails wiggling, then you’ll know you’re in the right place.

If you’re anywhere in the area on March 30, hop on over to The Christmas Place for a special visit with their own Easter Bunny between 11 am and 5 pm.  Everyone will want a picture with the big fuzzy guy, who’ll also have treats and surprises for the kids.

Come in early and take a peek at The Christmas Place Spring collections. If you’re looking for Easter decorations, gifts, springtime themes, and everything else else that goes with this popular season, The Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge should be your first stop. There really is something for everyone at The Christmas Place – from holiday gifts to seasonal favorites.

At The Christmas Place, you can celebrate all the holidays no matter the time of year.