Events & Festivals

Why August is the Best Time to Visit Pigeon Forge

It’s hard to believe that summer will be coming to an end soon. If you haven’t already visited, it’s time to head to Pigeon Forge and make some fun summer memories with your family and loved ones. As always, the month of August is filled with fun activities that are sure to make your visit unforgettable!

Here is a list of things to do during August in Pigeon Forge that you won’t want to miss!

A time to recognize and honor past and present heroes

When: August 1-31
Where: Businesses throughout Pigeon Forge

August is Celebrate Freedom month in Pigeon Forge. The city takes this opportunity to show its fine Southern hospitality by recognizing and honoring all the brave men and women who have fought and are still fighting for our freedom. Throughout the entire month of August, many of the local businesses and attractions in Pigeon Forge will be offering discounts for both active military personnel and veterans, and first responders, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians. It is a small way of saying “Thank You” for their service and sacrifices, but a great big way to welcome these heroes to the Smokies!

A variety of businesses are showing their appreciation including lodging options, restaurants, attractions, entertainment shows, as well as many stores. The discounts are valid for the month of August only and eligible individuals must show a valid ID/proof of service.

Pigeon Forge Foodees Food and Culture Festival

When: August 9-11
Where: The Mountain Mile

Foodees Fest is coming to Pigeon Forge! Get ready for 60+ food trucks featuring a diverse array of gourmet dishes, sweet treats, and international flavors. Join us for a fantastic weekend of food, crafts, and family fun all weekend long! Admission is FREE for everyone, and we encourage you to register for free tickets now to help food trucks better prepare for your visit.

Rock the Smokies at Dollywood

Photo credit: Dollywood

When: August 17
Where: Dollywood

Rock the Smokies, a popular contemporary Christian event, takes place at Dollywood’s Celebrity Theater and features headline performances by Casting Crowns and CAIN. Other contemporary Christian artists that will be performing on stages throughout the park include Chris Ekiss, Lizzie Morgan, Riley Clemmons, and Ryan Ellis.

Rev up your engines for a Bronco® Stampede and a Jeep® Invasion

Photo credit: Great Smoky Mountain Bronco® Stampede

Great Smoky Mountain Bronco® Stampede

When: August 16-17
Where: LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge

The Great Smoky Mountain Bronco® Stampede returns to the LeConte Center this August for its second annual event. Whether you own a Bronco or are thinking about getting one, this is the place to be for all things Ford Bronco®.  The Expo features all the leading Bronco® parts and accessory vendors, and the smaller vendors who deal in Bronco® and off-road-related products.

Great Smoky Mountain Jeep® Club Invasion

When: August 22-24
Where: LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge

The annual Great Smoky Mountain Jeep® Club Invasion will also be held at the LeConte Center during August. Attendees will find many of their favorite merchandisers for Jeeps with products available for purchase, including Wrangler, JT, JL, JK, TJ, and YJ, as well as XJs and WJs.  One of the highlights of the event is the Show and Shine Competition which patrons can participate in.

Last chance for summer fun in the Smokies

Take advantage of nature’s beauty with a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains before the summer comes to an end. Summertime in the Smokies is a time for exploration and adventure with miles of hiking trails to explore and countless scenic overlooks that offer some of the most amazing mountain views that extend for miles. There’s something for everyone!

Waterfall hikes, such as those to Rainbow Falls or Grotto Falls, are relatively easy hikes that offer some of the most amazing photo opportunities. Make sure to bring your camera to take pictures of the family standing behind one of them. Fishing is another fun activity within the national park. If you love to fish, grab your pole and cast a line in one of the many miles of fishable streams. Just make sure to purchase a fishing license before heading out on your adventure. Check out our guide for more fun things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Fun ways to cool off and take a break from the heat

While the temperatures are moderate most of the time, it’s easy to work up a sweat after spending some time hiking through the Smokies. But Pigeon Forge has you covered! You’ll find a nearly endless number of fun ways to cool off and beat the heat.

Race down slides, plunge down falls, ride a wave or just float down a lazy river at Dollywood’s Splash Country. Or head to the river for a rafting trip. Whether you prefer to float down the river enjoying the scenery and taking dips in the swimming holes or racing through whitewater rapids, there’s a trip to accommodate all skill levels and preferences. Plan your stay in one of our Pigeon Forge hotels with pools or water parks, where you can splash and play in the water any time of the day.

Cool off as you zip and soar through the trees on an alpine coaster or on a heart-pumping roller coaster ride at Dollywood. Have fun and get wet while zorbing down a 1,000-foot hill at Outdoor Gravity Park. Go play in the snow at Pigeon Forge Snow. From snow tubing to snowball fights, there’s no better way to bring the temperatures down than with a visit to this winter wonderland!

There are plenty of other cool attractions throughout Pigeon Forge that you can duck into and soak up the air conditioning for a few hours. Or spend a few hours taking in one of our kid-friendly shows!

 

Make plans to visit Pigeon Forge before this summer comes to an end!!

 

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Explore August Events in Pigeon Forge