It can be tough to plan for an exciting vacation rental if you are worried about your travel funds. The cost of traveling can be high without the right amount of planning to go in beforehand. Luckily, a location such as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge has a variety of events throughout the year that are completely wallet-friendly. This lets you and your family enjoy delightful events while having plenty of cash for everything else in the city. Take a look at some family-friendly events here in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge that won’t break your bank:
GatlinBURGER Week
Whenever you go on vacation you probably expect to enjoy some meals dining out at the local restaurants. Gatlinburg does offer a variety of incredible restaurants that features cuisines of all types. If you want to stick to a staple you can never go wrong with a nice juicy burger. Seriously, burgers are a staple among American cuisine and are so hard to say no to. Each year Gatlinburg hosts GatlinBURGER Week where local restaurants strive to have the best burger in town. Each restaurant comes up with a unique offering that you can try out and give your own impression. This event takes place at the many restaurants in the city and is not a central hosting ground. What makes this event so special is that each of the burger creations is only $9 each so you can have a relatively cheap dinner while enjoying a delicious burger. This year’s GatlinBURGER Week is taking place from September 18th through the 24th. Please keep in mind that all restaurants have a limited amount of burgers each day and may run out later in the evening.
Oktoberfest at Ober
Each fall season millions of people worldwide get excited because they know Oktoberfest is just around the corner. Oktoberfest is a celebration held all around the world celebrating autumn and all things Bavarian. Oktoberfest is held in Ober Gatlinburg each year for several weeks of fun and excitement. This event brings in thousands of visitors to try out authentic German ales and food. Oktoberfest at Ober also showcases live music from The Smoky Mountain Oompah Band who also perform traditional folk dances. Live entertainment will be on hand every day of the festival. Adults will have a blast inside the Bier Garten where authentic German bier will be on draft. But Oktoberfest at Ober is a family-friendly event so everyone can join in the festivities. This includes having access to all of the activities at Ober such as their mini golf, alpine slide, ski mountain coaster, scenic chair lift, rock climbing walls, and many more. Don’t forget to enjoy some of the delicious food such as schnitzel, pretzels, and brats. Oktoberfest at Ober will be taking place September 24th through October 30th for a festive season.
Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff
There is nothing better than something free during your visit to Gatlinburg. If you plan on visiting later in the fall season make sure to be around for our annual Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff. Starting the winter season in a festive way has always been the way we do things here. The Winter Magic Kickoff will be held at Anakeesta Plaza which features plenty of live entertainment. One popular portion of the event is the Chili Cookoff which sees local chefs try to make the best chili in town. You get to try as much as you would like to satisfy your hunger and help you stay warm. Live music will also be on hand to help rock the night away. Holiday lights will be going up for the first time of the season so expect to see a dazzling display across the buildings. Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff will take place on November 10th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and will be absolutely free to attend.
New Years Eve Celebration and Fireworks Show
Another great free event is held later in the winter season with our annual New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks Show. Visitors will be able to bring in the new year with loved ones at the Space Needle in downtown Gatlinburg. Many of the surrounding restaurants in the area will be hosting New Year’s specials to take advantage of. Live music will start right at 10:00 PM at the base of the Space Needle. Come see the iconic ball drop here in Gatlinburg which is then followed up by a dazzling display of fireworks in the sky. This is an event you do not want to miss!
More Events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
The whole family is sure to have a blast with these budget-friendly events in the area. Make sure to reserve one of our Gatlinburg vacation rentals today!
Vacations are all about finding some time to relax and enjoy yourself with loved ones. Gatlinburg is the ideal vacation destination as you have plenty of ways to enjoy some outdoor activities and other thrilling options but then have ways to unwind. One of the best ways to relax during a vacation is to go to the movies. Going to the movie theatre has been a family tradition for generations and continues to be a popular family activity. You too can enjoy a movie or two in Gatlinburg by stopping by one of the theatres in the area. Take a look at the best places you can catch a movie around the Gatlinburg area:
The Forge Cinemas
Movie theatres are a great place to beat the heat of summer or to enjoy a film that you have been looking forward to. The Forge Cinemas is located in Pigeon Forge and plays all of the brand new movies. You will find stadium seating in this popular attraction with leather reclining seats that can put you to sleep if you are not careful. The Forge Cinemas is located on The Parkway where you can find other local attractions making it easy to find. Locals recommend purchasing your ticket in person at the concession stand; tickets are always a steal at $5 per person but if you buy online you will have to pay a hefty convenience fee. The concessions are also incredibly priced so make sure to bring your sweet tooth. The Forge Cinemas is a great place to catch a movie near Gatlinburg!
Governor’s Crossing Stadium 14
Another great cinema to visit for all of the new movies out is Governor’s Crossing Stadium 14. This local favorite is comparable to The Forge Cinemas in that it also offers $5 movie tickets for any time of the day. That’s right, you can see the newest movies on the big screen for a fraction of the cost found back home. Governor’s Cross Stadium 14 is located in Sevierville making it an easy drive to get to. This movie theatre is truly unique with its bright colors and unique design inside. This movie theatre will be a favorite with the kids as it has a serve-your-own drink station; this means you can get unlimited free refills on all soda and Icee beverages. The leather recliner seats are comfy and let you lay back. The sound quality is top-notch and will have you feeling like the movie is taking place right in front of you. Don’t miss out on the Governor’s Cross Stadium 14 in Sevierville.
Shoot Em Up Cinema 5D
For something, a little different come to try out Shoot Em Up Cinema 5D located in Gatlinburg. This is not your typical movie theatre but instead a 5D experience. Visitors will be treated to short 10-minute films where you can shoot the bad guys on the screen in a cowboy-themed movie. Guests will be given 3D glasses for items on the screen will “come out” into your face. Wind will be blowing in your hair and water will spray out giving you the true 5D experience. Expect an incredibly cheesy experience that kids of all ages will love. This is the perfect “cinema” experience for those wanting to engage with the big screen.
Cherokee Cinemas
If you are looking for a movie in the evening and on the weekends Cherokee Cinemas has you covered. This local movie theatre is only open Thursday through Sunday and offers all of the newest movies to hit the screen. While the theatre only has 3 different screens they take their cleanliness seriously. Each theater will be fogged and sanitized to ensure customer health and safety. Movies play at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM making Cherokee Cinemas the perfect spot to grab an evening movie.
Parkway Drive-In
Drive-in movie theatres are becoming rarer and rarer as time goes on. This classic way to see a movie allows you to pull up in your vehicle and enjoy a movie at the fraction of typical movie theatre prices. Parkway Drive-In is our closet drive-in theatre and is worth the short drive. You will be able to catch a double feature on Friday and Saturday nights. The first film typically begins around 9:00 PM while the second is around 11:30 PM. This is perfect for adults and teenagers who do not mind being up late for an enjoyable movie or two. Come see how cinema first started at Parkway Drive-In!
Gatlinburg is Waiting
Unwind during your stay in Gatlinburg and enjoy a movie at one of these many different cinemas here in the area. Make the most of your trip by reserving one of our Gatlinburg vacation cabins to keep you comfortable for every day of your stay.