Pigeon Forge, TN, is one of the hottest destinations for summertime family vacations, and we’re not just talking about the scorching temps! High temperatures and heavy humidity don’t deter the millions of guests who visit Pigeon Forge in the summer. It’s the never-ending FUN that keeps families coming back for more!
Here’s a look at the best things to do in Pigeon Forge this summer:
Plan an Epic Pigeon Forge Summer Vacation
Summer Special Events
Planning a Pigeon Forge vacation around parades, festivals, concerts, and other special events is an exciting way to maximize the fun! With so many attractions, shops, and restaurants, incorporating a special event into your vacation is icing on the cake. Here are some of our favorite Pigeon Forge summer events:
Celebrate Freedom
Pigeon Forge designates the entire month of August to celebrate veterans and current military personnel. Also, the celebration includes first responders such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians. To honor these brave men and women, many local businesses offer month-long discounts. Take advantage of these discounts by presenting a current ID. Learn more about Celebrate Freedom here.
Patriot Festival
Speaking of freedom, the annual Patriot Festival in Pigeon Forge attracts thousands of attendees to Patriot Park. Enjoy food, fireworks, activities, and a big-name headliner at the evening concert. Past performers include Charlie Daniels, Joe Diffie, Sara Evans, Clint Black, Josh Turner, and other country stars.
Independence Day is a popular time to visit Pigeon Forge, so prepare for congested traffic and crowds. However, spending July 4 in the Smoky Mountains is an exciting and patriotic way to celebrate with your family.
Car Shows and Other Auto Events
Automotive-themed events and car shows in the Smoky Mountains are popular because enthusiasts can drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and hundreds of backroads. Plus, attendees have access to the area’s many hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Depending on what type of vehicle you drive or what your interests are, there’s a good chance there is an event in Pigeon Forge for you!
In addition to the Spring Rod Run and Fall Rod Run, the town holds numerous auto events in the summer. The following events occur annually, but this list is subject to change:
Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Car Show & Swap Meet
Great Smoky Mountain Bronco® Stampede
Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion™
Coast Through Summer
Dollywood Theme Park is a top attraction, especially in summer. The roller coasters are refreshing in the midday heat, and the park has plenty of shade and air-conditioned spaces. Along with the theme park’s fantastic array of rides, the team treats guests to world-class entertainment and new features like the Dolly Parton Experience.
As part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, guests can stay past dusk to see the nightly fireworks and drone show. Before the show, the entire family can join the energetic dance party in Wildwood Grove.
Along with the award-winning theme park, the adjacent Dollywood’s Splash Country has even more thrills! Spend the day soaking up the sun at this waterpark in Pigeon Forge. Then, spend the evening at Dollywood to enjoy cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and evening activities.
Dolly Parton’s theme parks aren’t the only place for adventures in Pigeon Forge. Get your adrenaline rushing at the many local mountain coasters and go-cart tracks. For a milder experience, try indoor and outdoor mini-golf.
Indoor Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
In the peak of summer, the heat and humidity can be overwhelming. Also, rainy days have us running for cover. Here are some of the best things to do indoors in Pigeon Forge:
Laugh Out Loud
The Red Skelton Tribute Theater in Pigeon Forge has three different shows, and each one is family friendly. If you’re looking for clean comedy or talented singers, then Red Skelton Tribute Theater has a show for you! Do you know who Red Skelton is? Don’t miss this nostalgic theater in Pigeon Forge.
Indulge on a Culinary Adventure
The best restaurants in Pigeon Forge get packed on rainy days, so it’s best to plan ahead and arrive early. Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin serves Southern-style breakfasts in hearty portions, and the cozy log-cabin restaurants are the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal with your family. Flapjack’s is owned and operated by the local company Collier Restaurant Group. The group is also behind Smoky’s Pancake Cabin and Smoky Mountain Pancake House. All three breakfast restaurants in Pigeon Forge offer scratch-made meals and piping hot coffee, but each has its own twist.
Wine a Little
Mountain Valley Winery in Pigeon Forge is a great choice for rainy-day entertainment. Tour the winery, enjoy a free tasting with an expert guide, and then shop for your favorite flavors. Enjoy wine purchases back at your hotel or cabin and relax to the soothing sounds of the Smoky Mountain rain.
For a different experience, visit Mill Bridge Hard Cider Company in the Old Mill Historic District. The cider house also offers free tastings and a selection of cheese, meats, and other snacks to pair with its hard ciders.
Take a Hike
Pigeon Forge is just minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and a day in the mountains is a must-do for families this summer. The shady and lush landscape provides a break from the summer heat, and the fresh mountain air reinvigorates the soul. Stop at Sugarlands Visitors Center and speak with a park ranger to plan the perfect day for your family! While you’re there, grab a trail map and anything else you might need for hiking in the Smoky Mountains.
Don’t forget to pack a picnic! Swing through the drive-thru at Corky’s Ribs & BBQ in Pigeon Forge to get a family pack of BBQ and yummy sides. Additionally, Corky’s offers gallons of tea and lemonade.
Summer Vacation in Pigeon Forge
There are unlimited options for planning your best vacation this summer in Pigeon Forge. The key is building your trip with the right attractions and activities to suit your family’s desire and budget. To help, we have plenty of suggestions for free things to do in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains too!
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Authored in Appalachia || Amy Morton
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