Visiting a national park anytime is an excellent experience. However, visiting during a festival or event at a gateway town often adds a unique dimension to that experience. I was surprised to discover that Blount County, Tennessee, affectionately called the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” holds many year-round Smoky Mountain festivals and events.
While savoring the breathtaking scenery at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can learn more about the local communities and their history. And, of course, sampling local food and beverages is also a lot of fun.
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What Is the Peaceful Side of the Smokies?
Many travelers envision the bustling communities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge upon mention of the Smoky Mountains. Nature takes center stage in Blount County, thus earning its reputation as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
The charming national park gateway communities within Blount County offer fantastic Smoky Mountain festivals throughout the year. Despite the county’s many celebrations, crowd levels are well below those in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas. Honoring nature and regional traditions is always at the forefront of the festivals.
So, what types of events can you find in Blount County? There is a little bit of something for everyone. While all the events are fun, some are traditional, and others are quirky. Let’s explore the most popular Smoky Mountain festivals and find the perfect event for you.
Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games
Each year in May, the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games is Tennessee’s oldest celebration of Scottish, Irish, and Celtic culture. The fun event allows you to watch athletes compete in feats of strength, enjoy Highland dancing performances, and witness bagpiping and drumming competitions. You can even watch border collies herd sheep and learn about the Scottish clans.
The festival also offers a diverse musical experience, from traditional Gaelic folk music to high-energy Celtic rock. For those interested in culinary delights, there’s a whisky tasting and a chance to sample Scottish, Irish, and British beer and food. Not only is it entertaining, but you will return home enlightened about the rich history of these cultures.
Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival
Believers, skeptics, and curious minds unite each May in Townsend, Tennessee, to honor the legend of Bigfoot. Against the alluring Smoky Mountains backdrop, see captivating exhibits, listen to expert discussions, enjoy unique entertainment, and browse local crafts. The event even includes a 5K and 1-mile fun run. With larger-than-life Bigfoot wood carvings and people donning Bigfoot costumes, the quirky festival will make you a believer.
Summer on Broadway
Downtown Maryville, Tennessee, hosts a June weekend event to celebrate the summer season in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Outdoor events include music, a classic car show, and the fan-favorite silent disco. You can browse local crafts and enjoy regional cuisine from various food trucks.
For many visitors, this festival is about the dogs. People come from far and wide to watch dogs compete in speed retrieval contests and the famous “big air” high jump competition.
Hops in the Hills
How would you like to enjoy tasty local craft beer and good music on a warm summer night in the Smokies? That is what this June festival is all about. However, unlike most regional beer festivals, this is adjacent to a national park. The event yields engaging discussions with the regional brewers, where you can learn more about their products and brewing processes.
Your ticket gives you access to tastings, food, great live music, and an official event t-shirt. Pair that with fresh mountain air and hometown hospitality, and you will have a memorable national park experience.
Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival
August offers a unique opportunity to witness the evening sky filled with bright, colorful balloons over one of America’s most beautiful settings. It is a sight to behold. The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival offers food trucks, a beer tent, crafts, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
An “elevated V.I.P. experience” is available, which includes a catered meal, adult beverages, swag, parking, and a tethered balloon ride. Regardless of your chosen experience, seeing the sky over the Smokies aglow with hot air balloons brings a sense of wonder. Plus, you are supporting a great cause. The event proceeds will benefit the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and the Townsend Elementary School.
Taste of Blount
If you enjoy experiencing regional food scenes, the Taste of Blount is the festival for you. Each September, local restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and gourmet grocers proudly serve dishes as part of a friendly competition. You can vote for your favorites after sampling various appetizers, sandwiches, main courses, desserts, and beverages.
Although a competition, the Taste of Blount is a relaxing, fun-spirited event. The attendees of the culinary showcase are the real winners, getting to savor the region’s tasty food and stunning views.
Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
If you like vacation races or want to experience a unique running event, the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon is calling. Do not let the word “mountains” scare you. The paved course is slightly uphill, taking you through tranquil forests outside the national park.
Runners and walkers are welcome. A 5K event is available for those who prefer shorter distances. Regardless of your chosen event, the September race occurs in one of the world’s most beautiful settings. Plan to stay another day or two to explore the park and experience the charm of Blount County.
Dancing Bear Bike Bash
September provides another active festival and the experience of a lifetime in the Smokies. Imagine riding a bicycle around curves with stunning views of forested ridges along the edges of America’s most popular national park.
The Dancing Bear Bike Bash offers rides of 28, 40, and 55+ miles so that you can customize your experience. After your ride, enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by Chef Jeff Carter and his team at the Appalachian Bistro. The event also features live music and complimentary beer from Peaceful Side Brewery. It is essential to note that advance registration is required, and spots are limited.
Townsend Fall Festival
Appalachian cooking, Bluegrass music, and arts and crafts take center stage in the foothills of the Smokies in late September. The Townsend Fall Festival celebrates autumn’s arrival and regional traditions in a family-friendly atmosphere that provides something for all ages.
Autumn is one of the best times to visit the Smokies, and the fun celebration gives guests a unique way to experience the national park’s gateway communities. Enjoy Bluegrass and mountain music, square dancing, clogging, craft booths, Appalachian demonstrations, kids’ games, and mouthwatering Southern food.
Grains and Grits
Townsend invites you to enjoy southern spirits and gourmet grub in early November. It is a convenient and fun way to sample various craft spirits from the region’s legendary distillers and blenders.
One of the festival’s highlights is the “Ring of Fire,” a fire pit surrounded by five chefs. Each chef is provided with a unique craft spirit and must incorporate it into their dish. So, what’s cooking in the fire pit? A whole pig, chicken, lamb, and sausage. You can experience exceptional cuisine, spirits, and scenery all in one venue at Grains and Grits.
Plan Your Visit
Many travelers visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park to admire the alluring Smokies. However, you can elevate your national park experience by visiting during one of Blount County’s Smoky Mountain festivals. Learn about the region’s history and traditions. And savor the food, drinks, and view in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.
Featured image credit: Blount Partnership
