Smoky Mountain Podcast

04/28/2026

The Smokies are showin’ off this weekend, and I’m tellin’ you right now, you’ve got more goin’ on than you can fit into two days. If you’re sittin’ there thinkin’ “what are we gonna do,” I’ve already got you covered. From hands-on crafts to bluegrass pickin’, quirky festivals to car shows, this is one of those weekends where you grab your people, get out the door, and just go make a day of it. Now listen here… this is the kind of lineup you don’t wanna miss 👇

🎨 Hands On Gatlinburg – Make It In May
📅 May 1–3
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, 668 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg
🌐 www.gatlinburg.com

Step inside real working studios and learn directly from local artisans. Pottery, jewelry, woodworking, soaps, and more. You don’t just watch, you actually make something. Free to attend, class fees vary.

🧀 Knoxville Cheese Fest
📅 May 1–2
⏰ Sessions start at 11:00 AM
📍 Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus, 621 Lamar St, Knoxville
🌐 www.knoxvillecheesefest.com

If you like cheese, this is your event. Tastings, pairings, classes, and live entertainment. Ticket levels range from basic access to premium experiences.

🚗 Circle Yer Wagons VW Show
📅 May 1–3
⏰ 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Sevier County Fairgrounds, 754 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville
🌐 www.seviercountyfair.org

Classic Volkswagens, custom builds, swap meets, and a strong car community vibe. Easy to walk, family-friendly, and a solid way to spend a few hours if you like cars.

🦶 Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival
📅 May 2
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Townsend Event Center, 7930 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Townsend
🌐 www.thebigfest.com

Live music, guest speakers, food trucks, and Bigfoot everything. It’s fun, a little quirky, and perfect if you want something different that still feels very East Tennessee.

📚 Knoxville Book Festival
📅 May 2–3
⏰ Starts at 10:00 AM
📍 Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley St, Knoxville
🌐 www.knoxvillebookfestival.com

Author panels, signings, workshops, and a full marketplace. Good mix of casual browsing and deeper conversations if you’re into books or writing.

🎻 Morristown Bluegrass Festival
📅 May 2
⏰ 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Downtown Green & Farmers Market, 293 S Henry St, Morristown
Completely free and easy to enjoy. Live bluegrass, local vendors, and a relaxed setup. Morristown is about an hour from Pigeon Forge, so this is a great option if you want to get out of the Rod Run traffic for a bit.

Plan it right and you could hit more than one of these. That’s the kind of weekend it is.

04/22/2026

If you’re sitting there thinking, “what are we even gonna do this weekend,” I’ve got you covered.

Hey y’all, it’s Jolene and this lineup right here hits every lane. You want crowds and energy, it’s here. You want something slower and more local, it’s here. Food, crafts, music, family time, it’s all within an easy drive of the Smokies.

Here’s what’s happening around the Smokies April 24–26 👇

🎨 Dogwood Arts Festival
📅 April 24–26
⏰ Fri–Sat 10:00 AM–7:00 PM | Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
📍 World’s Fair Park, 963 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN
🌐 dogwoodarts.com
100+ vendors, live music, food, and one of the biggest art festivals in East Tennessee. If you want energy and a lot to see, this is your stop.

🧶 Great Smoky Mountains Fiber Fair
📅 April 24–25
⏰ 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
📍 123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend, TN
🌐 gsmheritagecenter.org
Hands-on workshops, live demos, yarn, alpaca, and Appalachian craftsmanship. Slower pace, scenic setting, and something you don’t see every day.

🍜 Knox Asian Night Market
📅 April 24
⏰ 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 2020 Barber Street, Knoxville, TN
🌐 hiwirebrewing.com/knoxville
Street food, local vendors, and a strong community vibe. Show up hungry and plan to stay.

🏡 East Tennessee Home & Garden Show
📅 April 25–26
⏰ Sat 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Sun 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
📍 1145 Treadway Drive, Dandridge, TN
Home improvement vendors, remodeling ideas, landscaping inspiration, and show-only deals. Good stop if you’ve got projects on your mind.

🏴 Scottish Games Demonstrations & Family Fun Day
📅 April 26
⏰ 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
📍 7967 E Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN
🌐 smokymountaingames.org
Caber toss, bagpipes, kids games, and a laid-back outdoor setup. Easy, fun, and family-friendly.

Pick your vibe and go make a day out of it. If you hit one of these, let me know how it was.

Scotland in the Smokies is calling you! The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games is Tennessee’s oldest festival of Scottish, Irish, and Celtic culture.

04/14/2026

This weekend is packed, plain and simple. Big events, small town favorites, and everything in between are happening all across the Smokies. You’ve got cars, festivals, food, live music, and plenty of reasons to get out of the house. If you’ve been waiting for something to do, this is your weekend.

🚙 Bronco Super Celebration East
📅 April 15–18
⏰ 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 7906 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882
🌐 broncodriver.com

The largest gathering of Ford Broncos you’ll find anywhere. Hundreds of builds, vendors, and mountain views. Spectator access is free or low cost depending on the day.

🚗 Spring Rod Run
📅 April 16–18
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 LeConte Center, 2986 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
📞 (865) 687-3976
🌐 pigeonforgerodruns.com

One of the biggest car shows in the country. Thousands of classic cars, hot rods, and muscle cars. The Parkway turns into a rolling car show all weekend.

🏰 Spring Jubilee (Renaissance Faire)
📅 April 18–19
⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 722 East Dumplin Valley Road, Kodak, TN 37764
🌐 appalachianrenaissancefaire.com

Live shows, costumes, vendors, and food across multiple stages. Great for families and anyone looking for something different.

🌸 Spring Festival – Morristown
📅 April 18
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 100 W 1st North Street, Morristown, TN 37814
📞 (423) 586-0260
Local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and kids activities. Easy to walk and a solid Saturday option.

🎆 Dandridge 250th Founding Celebration
📅 April 18
⏰ 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 131 E Main Street, Dandridge, TN 37725
📞 (865) 397-7420
🌐 dandridgetn.gov
Parade, live music, food vendors, and fireworks over Douglas Lake. Expect crowds and plan ahead.

🛍️ April Showers Craft & Vendor Show
📅 April 18
⏰ 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
📍 2550 E Morris Boulevard, Morristown, TN 37813
🌐 collegesquaremall.com
Indoor shopping with local vendors, crafts, and seasonal goods. Easy parking and a relaxed setup.

🥒 Oak Ridge Pickle Festival
📅 April 18
⏰ 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 201 Tuskegee Drive, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
🌐 oakridgetn.gov
Pickle themed food, contests, vendors, and live entertainment. Fun, casual, and something different.

Now listen here, you’ve got options in every direction this weekend. Pick one, grab your people, and go make a day out of it. The Smokies are showing off, and there’s no reason to miss it.

04/08/2026

Stop scrolling. Your weekend in the Smokies just planned itself.

From cave movies to street art to local food you’ll be thinking about all week, this lineup hits every lane. If you stay home, that’s on you.

Here’s what’s happening around East Tennessee, plus exactly where to go and how to get in:

🍴 The Taste of Morristown
📅 Thursday, April 9
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Walters State Community College, Z. Buda Gym
500 South Davy Crockett Parkway, Morristown, TN 37813
🎟️ Ticket required
🔗 givebutter.com/2026taste

Community tasting event featuring local restaurants and desserts, all supporting Girls Inc. of Hamblen County.

🎨 Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk
📅 Saturday, April 11
⏰ 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍 Market Square (Downtown Knoxville)
18 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
🎟️ Free event

Hundreds of artists fill Market Square with chalk art. Parking garages and street parking available nearby.

🎬 Movies in the Cave
📅 Saturday, April 11
⏰ Showtimes throughout the day
📍 Cherokee Caverns
8524 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville, TN 37931
🎟️ $15 per person, advance tickets recommended
📞 (865) 275-5196
🔗 historiccherokeecaverns.com

Watch The Goonies inside a real cave. Free on-site parking available.

🌸 Spring Fling
📅 Saturday, April 11
⏰ 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Morristown Farmers Market
130 West Morris Boulevard, Morristown, TN 37813
🎟️ Free event
Local vendors, food trucks, and seasonal activities. Open layout with nearby parking.

🚂 Railroad & Heritage Festival
📅 Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12
⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 City of Townsend Visitor Center Festival Grounds
7747 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882
🎟️ Free event

🔗 townsendrailroadheritagefestival.com

Train exhibits, live music, vendors, and food trucks. Large open area with on-site parking.

🥾 Smokies Life Lessons From the Appalachian Trail
📅 Saturday, April 11
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Great Smokies Welcome Center
7929 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882
🎟️ Registration required, pricing varies

🔗 smokieslife.org/branch-out-events
Educational talk from a thru-hiker with practical insight into trail life.

Plenty of options this week. Food, art, music, and the outdoors all in one weekend. The Smokies ain’t just scenery, they’re a way of life.

04/01/2026

Now listen here… Easter in the Smokies is stacked this year. If you’ve got family in town or just want a good reason to get out, here’s your full game plan, with all the details you need. 🐰🌸

🥚 Ancient Lore Village Easter Egg Hunts & Activities
📅 Early April 2026, multiple sessions
📍 7107 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville
📞 (865) 200-2434
🌐 ancientlorevillage.com
A full-on storybook Easter with themed characters, games, and even glow egg hunts at night. Reservations required.

🐰 Easter Bunny Photos at Bass Pro Shops
📅 March 28–April 5
📍 3629 Outdoor Sportsman's Place, Kodak
📞 (865) 932-5600
🌐 basspro.com/easter
Free Easter Bunny photos. Quick, easy, and perfect for families.

🍳 Brunch with the Easter Bunny + Egg Hunt
📅 Friday, April 3 | 9:30 AM
📍 The Old Mill Pottery House Café, Pigeon Forge
📞 (865) 428-0771
🌐 old-mill.com
Start with brunch, then head to Patriot Park for an egg hunt. Solid morning plan.

📸 Easter Bunny Photo Experience
📅 Through early April
📍 West Town Mall, Knoxville
📞 (865) 693-0292
🌐 simon.com/mall/west-town-mall
Classic Easter photos in a clean indoor setup.

🥚 Downtown Sevierville Easter Egg Hunt
📅 Saturday, April 4 | 10:00 AM
📍 Bruce Street Gazebo, Sevierville
🌐 seviervilletn.org
Free and right in the heart of downtown. Great for younger kids.

🛍️ Easter Event on Teaster Lane
📅 Saturday, April 4 | 9:00 AM
📍 2720 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge
🌐 Check local Facebook event listings
Local vendors, Easter Bunny photos, and a relaxed community vibe.

🎡 Jefferson County Fair Easter Egg Hunt
📅 Saturday, April 4 | 11:00 AM
📍 1503 Universal Road, Jefferson City
📞 (865) 680-4456
🌐 Check page “Jefferson County Fair Easter Egg Hunt”
Large setup with games, food trucks, and thousands of eggs.

🐣 Pigeon Forge Easter Egg Hunt & Bunny Pics
📅 Saturday, April 4 | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Wear Farm City Park, Pigeon Forge
📞 (865) 429-7373
🌐 pigeonforge.com
Inflatables, raffles, and age-based egg hunts starting at 11:00 AM.

🐐 Springtime Exotic Petting Farm Easter Event
📅 Through April 5 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
📍 7426 Old Knoxville Highway, Sevierville
📞 (239) 309-0630
🌐 springtimepettingfarm.com
Over 50,000 eggs, exotic animals, and all-day activities for the kids.

That’s your Easter weekend, laid out and ready. Pick your spots, plan your route, and get after it.

Bless it, I love this place.

03/31/2026

03/30/2026

Spring is showing off in the Smokies this week… and your calendar is about to fill up fast.

Here’s what’s happening around the area:

🐣 City of Morristown Parks and Recreation Department Easter Eggsellent Adventure
📅 Tuesday, March 31
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Fulton-Hill Park, Morristown
A full evening built for families. Expect an Easter Village, local vendors, age-based egg hunts, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Free admission. Show up early to register on-site and get the kids ready to run.

🌸 Spring Festival
📅 Friday, April 3 – Saturday, April 4
⏰ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 RiverView Family Farm, Knoxville
This is your classic spring farm experience. Vendors, food, activities, and plenty to keep kids busy. Expect a relaxed, outdoor setup with a mix of shopping and play.

🥚 Express Eggstravaganza Family Fun Event
📅 Friday, April 3
⏰ 2:00 PM
📍 Express Employment Professionals - Morristown, TN
Simple, local, and easy to attend. Egg hunts, games, and giveaways. A solid option if you want something quick, free, and close to home.

🚁 Dig'n Zone Theme Park EGGS-Treme Egg Drop
📅 Saturday, April 4
⏰ Egg drop at 11:00 AM
📍 Dig’N Zone Theme Park, Sevierville
This one stands out. Thousands of eggs dropped from a helicopter. Add in heavy equipment rides and you’ve got one of the most unique Easter events in the region. Admission required with park entry.

Plan ahead. These events will draw crowds, especially with good weather.

Pick your spots. Get there early. Let the kids enjoy it.

03/23/2026

Now listen here, this is one of those weeks where you don’t sit at home, you get out and soak up everything the Smokies and beyond have goin’ on. I’ve rounded up a few spots you’re gonna want on your radar.

🚗 Ponies In The Smokies
📅 Monday–Saturday, March 23–28
📍 Sevierville Convention Center, 202 Gists Creek Rd, Sevierville
This is one of the biggest car events in the region. Expect Mustangs, Corvettes, vendors, swap meets, and scenic cruises all week long. Indoor and outdoor shows run daily.
🎟️ Admission around $15, with add-ons for special events
📱 Follow “Ponies in the Smokies” for updates

⚽ One Knox SC vs Corpus Christi
📅 Tuesday, March 24
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 Covenant Health Park, Knoxville
If you’ve been lookin’ for a reason to check out the new stadium, this is it. One Knox SC is at home, and the atmosphere should be solid. Weeknight game under the lights, and a great way to mix up your routine.
🎟️ Tickets: oneknoxsc.com

🎨 Blue Ridge Events Artisan Days
📅 Friday–Saturday, March 27–28
📍 MeadowView Convention Center, 1901 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport
If you’re into handmade goods and Appalachian craftsmanship, this one’s worth the drive. You’ll find local artisans, home décor, woodworking, jewelry, and specialty foods all under one roof. It’s a solid mix of shopping and supporting small makers.

🎮 Fanboy Expo ATG (Anime, Toy & Gaming)
📅 Saturday–Sunday, March 28–29
⏰ 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
📍 Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley St, Knoxville
If you’re into anime, gaming, or pop culture, this is your weekend. Celebrity guests, cosplay, panels, vendors, and live entertainment packed into one event.
🎟️ Ticketed event with multiple pass options

🛍️ Spring Outdoor Market
📅 Saturday, March 28
⏰ 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 5400 Homberg Dr SW, Knoxville
Kick off spring with local vendors, handmade goods, food trucks, and live music. Easy, relaxed atmosphere and a great way to support small businesses.
🎟️ Free admission

🍓 Sourberry Vibes Easter Market
📅 Saturday, March 28
⏰ 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
📍 Sunflower Barn, 1686 Highway 139, Dandridge
This one’s got that small-town spring feel all over it. Local vendors, sweets, crafts, and Easter-themed goodies. Good spot to walk around, grab a treat, and support local folks right here in the community.
🎟️ Free admission

⚾ Annual Vintage Base Ball Game
📅 Saturday, March 28
⏰ 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
📍 Field of Dreams Park, 1145 Treadway Dr, Dandridge
Step back to 1864 rules baseball. Period uniforms, historic gameplay, and a laid-back community feel. Great for families and something different from the usual weekend plans.
🎟️ Free event

I don’t know about you, but I’m already plannin’ my week around at least one of these. The Smokies ain’t just scenery, they’re a way of life, and this lineup right here proves it.

03/11/2026

Spring events are popping up all across East Tennessee this weekend. If you are looking for something fun to do around Knoxville, Morristown, or Gatlinburg, here are some great options happening this week..

🛍️ Knoxville Flea Market at Knoxville Expo Center
📅 Friday, March 13 | 2 PM to 6 PM
📅 Saturday, March 14 | 10 AM to 6 PM
📅 Sunday, March 15 | 10 AM to 4 PM
📍 Knoxville Expo Center
5441 Clinton Highway, Knoxville, TN

One of the region’s biggest treasure hunts returns with more than 250 vendor booths packed with antiques, collectibles, crafts, jewelry, clothing, tools, bath and body items, and unique finds from vendors across several states. Admission and parking are free, so it is a perfect outing for bargain hunters and families.

🍃 1409 Events March Into Spring Vendor Market
📅 Saturday, March 14 | 10 AM to 8 PM
📍 College Square Mall
2550 East Morris Boulevard, Morristown, TN

Kick off the spring season with a full day of shopping at this indoor vendor market featuring handmade crafts, boutique clothing, baked goods, artwork, books, home décor, and specialty items from local and regional vendors. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

🍀 East Tennessee Kidney Foundation Knox Shamrock Fest
📅 Saturday, March 14 | 10 AM to 5 PM
📍 World’s Fair Park
525 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live Irish music, traditional dancing, food trucks, craft vendors, inflatables, and a kids zone. The festival also raises awareness for kidney disease through the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation. Admission is free and the atmosphere is festive all day long.

More info: etkidney.org

🥚 Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt
📅 Saturday, March 14 | 11 AM
📍 Family Fun Zone
2550 E Morris Blvd., Morristown, TN

This fun Easter themed event is designed for kids ages 7 and under. Children hunt glowing eggs while enjoying festive music and the attractions at the Fun Zone. Admission is free and it is a great family activity for younger kids.

🍷 Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest
📅 Saturday, March 14 | 12 PM to 5 PM
📍 Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
556 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

Wine lovers can sample regional wines paired with bites from local restaurants while enjoying live music and artisan demonstrations. This event is for guests 21 and over and takes place in one of Gatlinburg’s most scenic venues.

Tickets start around $36.80 with VIP options available.

📞 (865) 436-0523
More info: gatlinburg.com/events

☘️ Knox St. Patrick's Parade TM
📅 Saturday, March 14 | 1 PM
📍 Downtown Knoxville
Gay Street to Main Street to Magnolia Avenue

This lively downtown parade features more than 50 units including marching bands, dancers, floats, and festive community groups celebrating Irish culture. It is free to attend and one of Knoxville’s most spirited spring traditions.

There is a little bit of everything happening this weekend across East Tennessee. Shopping, festivals, wine tastings, and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Grab some friends or family and get out and enjoy it.

03/03/2026

Your weekend plans just filled up fast… and there’s something for every age, every interest, and every corner of East Tennessee.

Here’s what’s happening around the Smokies this week:

🎨 Family Craft & Movie Time
📅 Tuesday, March 3
⏰ 3:30p–5:30p
📍 Sevier County Public Library System – Kodak Branch, 454 Kodak Rd., Kodak

Bring the kids for an afternoon of creativity and a screening of Sleeping Beauty. Crafts and movie are free. Space for crafts may be limited, so call (865) 933-0078.

🦖 Jurassic Adventure Launch Party
📅 Friday, March 6
⏰ 5:30p kickoff, 6:30p Design-A-Saurus debut
📍 The Island in Pigeon Forge, 131 The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge

High-energy music. A brand-new custom dinosaur reveal. A reimagined Jurassic fountain show to close the night. Free admission and fun for all ages.

🏡 Knoxville Home and Garden Show
📅 Saturday & Sunday, March 7–8
⏰ 10a–4p both days
📍 Knoxville Expo Center, 5441 Clinton Highway, Knoxville

Planning a renovation. Dreaming about landscaping. Ready to refresh your space. This free show brings home improvement pros, designers, and vendors together under one roof. Admission and parking are free.

🚗 Vendor and Car Show
📅 Saturday, March 7
⏰ 10a–3p
📍 Maury Middle School, 965 Maury Circle, Dandridge

Classic and custom cars meet local vendors on the football field. Free admission and a great spring outing for the whole family.

🏁 City of Morristown Parks and Recreation Department Hot Wheels Derby
📅 Saturday, March 7
⏰ Racing starts at 10am
📍 Talley Ward Recreation Center, 324 S. James Street, Morristown

Watch fast-paced Hot Wheels racing on both a classic gutter track and a precision-timed track. Youth and adult divisions compete for top spots, and the energy inside the gym is always high. Admission to watch is free.

Get out. Support local. Make some memories.