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Your Guide to the Spring Festivals and Events in the Smoky Mountains

wildflowers in Cades Cove during spring in the Smoky Mountains
March 22, 2026

If you are planning to visit the Smoky Mountains during spring, you are in luck! There are several spring festivals and events that take place in the Smokies each year, giving you the opportunity to celebrate the season and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the mountains. From a popular Dollywood festival to Pigeon Forge car shows, there's all sorts of fun stuff to check out. If you want to learn more about the various spring festivals and events in the Smoky Mountains, simply read on!

1. Flower & Food Festival

Dollywood sign at Flower & Food Festival

One of the most popular spring festivals in the Smoky Mountains is the Flower & Food Festival at Dollywood. This exciting event has it all, from vibrant plantings, to garden-fresh foods, live music, and more. With over one million blooms throughout the park, you will not only encounter stunning plant beds, but you will also come across larger-than-life sculptures made out of thousands of plants! And of course, it all takes place under the Umbrella Sky, a colorful collection of umbrellas above the walkways at the park. This is a truly magical springtime experience that you won’t want to miss, which is why it is among the most popular spring festivals in the Smoky Mountains!

2. Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

Another of the events taking place during spring in the Smokies, the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is a fantastic opportunity for nature-lovers to learn more about the diverse plant life in the Smoky Mountains and see some of the gorgeous wildflowers that bloom during the springtime. This event takes place throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park and features guided walks, exhibits, and lots of learning opportunities!

3. Pigeon Forge Car Shows

The Pigeon Forge Rod Run is a must during spring in the Smoky Mountains

Spring is the start of car show season in the Smoky Mountains! The most popular of these is the Spring Rod Run held at the LeConte Center each April. You'll see all sorts of fascinating automobiles parading down the Parkway during this 3-day, family-friendly event. Be sure to check out the full Pigeon Forge car shows schedule to see what's going on when you're in town. Some additional popular car shows include the Spring Corvette Expo and Ponies in the Smokies. These events are popular for all ages, from the young to the young at heart!

4. Music on the Mountain

The Gatlinburg SkyPark offers yet another exciting event in the springtime with Music on the Mountain! This festival runs from March through May and features live music on top of the mountain! Enjoy panoramic views as you listen to both local and regional artists as part of this unforgettable concert series. Genres range from Nashville country to indie rock and bluegrass so there's something for every music taste. When you aren't enjoying the music, take a walk across the record-setting Gatlinburg SkyBridge or the SkyTrail for even more stunning views.

When you check out some of these spring festivals and events in the Smoky Mountains, you will be able to make the most out of visiting during this beautiful time of year. Whether you decide to see the gorgeous spring wildflowers at Smoky Mountains National Park, or enjoy live music at the Gatlinburg SkyPark, you will form lasting memories when you experience this time of year in the Smokies. And if you want to find out even more about coming for a vacation in the Smoky Mountains during spring, just check out this helpful spring getaway itinerary!