If you need an excuse to escape home for an exciting summer getaway, look no further than the 4th of July holiday. This summer holiday is celebrated best when you plan a vacation to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains! Our community features various 4th of July that help bring in the holiday with style. In addition to the festivities, you will also have all of the fun summer activities around the mountains. Take a look at how you can celebrate the Gatlinburg 4th of July 2021 here:
Gatlinburg 4th of July 2021 Fireworks Finale
There is no better way to celebrate the 4th of July each year than with a dazzling fireworks display. Gatlinburg will not disappoint with our stunning July 4th Fireworks Finale that takes place right here in downtown Gatlinburg. Each year the Southeast Tourism Society ranks this fireworks finale as a top 20 event. This year’s festivities will start at 10:00 PM for a spectacular show like no other. Fireworks will be shot off from the Space Needle, making them viewable from anywhere downtown; the city recommends hanging out around traffic lights #3 and #5 for the absolute best views downtown. The event is absolutely free to attend; it is recommended to head to downtown Gatlinburg early as the event is a popular draw for both locals and visitors alike.
Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade
Here in Gatlinburg, we do not start and end our 4th of July celebration with the fireworks display. Instead, we begin the festivities the night before at midnight for the annual 4th of July Midnight Parade. Each year the city sees over 80,000 spectators for this incredible display. Local businesses and volunteers created giant floats that honor the country’s veterans and military heroes. Everyone in Gatlinburg is looking forward to the Midnight Parade’s return as it was cancelled for 2020. The parade is scheduled to start at Baskins Creek Bypass over on East Parkway before turning south; the parade will continue on throughout downtown before ending at traffic light #10 near Ski Mountain Road. Prepare for a full day of fun and excitement here in Gatlinburg.
Pigeon Forge Patriot Fest 2021
Another event that is often sought out is the Patriot Fest taking place in Pigeon Forge. This patriotic event takes place on July 3rd and features a full day of exciting activities. The Patriot Fest is returning for 2021 and is pulling out all the stops. This year’s events are scheduled to start at 4:00 PM and are completely free to the public to attend. Local food vendors will be on hand at the start of the event cooking up some delicious food such as burgers and hot dogs. This year’s activities include a night full of live music from the Brad Hudson Band, Rumors (a Fleetwood Mac tribute band), and Clint Black, the event headliner. Live music starts at 5:30 and will continue up until the fireworks display starts at 9:45 PM. Guests are encouraged to bring any blankets or lawn chairs to remain comfortable throughout the event however coolers and umbrellas are not permitted. The Patriot Fest 2021 will take place at Patriot Park located at 186 Old Mill Ave in Pigeon Forge. Make sure to walk around the park to see flags from all of the 50 states along with the branches of our armed forces. The Patriot Missile, which was used during the Gulf War, is on display at the center of the park. Don’t miss out on this patriotic event just down the road in Pigeon Forge.
Summer Activities
Since you are visiting Gatlinburg during the summer season, you might as well hang around for some incredible activities. You will be right at the gate of the Smoky Mountains National Park that is full of beautiful forest scenery. There are plenty of hiking trails that will take you to popular places such as Tremont and Cades Cove. Hiking up the mountain is a great way to beat the heat too on the rare hot days of summer. You can always splash off with some white water rafting in the park as well. Dam releases occur multiple times throughout the week, allowing you plenty of opportunities to try out this popular activity. Relax in downtown Gatlinburg with the many local shops and restaurants. Head up the Space Needle for a panoramic view of the area. All of these activities and many more are available all summer long.
Gatlinburg Is the Place to Be
As you can see, the 4th of July is a great time in the summer to make your way to Gatlinburg. Reserve one of our exclusive vacation cabins in the area to keep you close to all of the exciting activities in the area and enjoy luxury amenities.
One of our favorite times to invite visitors to see Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains is the early summer season. The kids will have just gone on summer break, allowing the whole family to make the journey. The temperature will still be nice and cool, and all outdoor activities will be open. The late summer crowds will not have arrived just yet, letting you explore Gatlinburg with as much space around you as possible. Take a look at some of our early Gatlinburg summer activities:
Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
You will find all kinds of underwater thrills and critters when you stop by Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This local aquarium features a variety of sea creatures such as turtles, sharks, barracudas, and much more. Their habitats are completely viewable from large glass walls. Watch as many of the animals are fed during opening hours of the day. Come see the over 10,000 sea creatures that are housed here. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Visit SkyLift Park
One of the area’s most popular attractions is SkyLift Park. This local park features a variety of entertaining features that must be seen to be believed. North America’s longest pedestrian bridge can be found here; it even features glass paneling in the middle so you can look down underneath you. The SkyLift itself is a huge gondola ride that will take you up the mountains for unbelievable views at the overlook. The entrance can be found right in the heart of Gatlinburg, making it easy to get to and enjoy.
Visit Ober Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg is a local attraction that features tons of winter activities during the colder parts of the year. Even after the snow has melted, Ober Gatlinburg has plenty of fun for you to experience. Enjoy summer tubing down the hills or jump in the many different water rides and chutes. Synthetic snow is used to slide down their 250-foot hill for a real tubing experience but in the summer! Indoor ice skating lets you hit the ice and practice your spins or runs from the comfort of being inside. Last but not least is the ice bumper cars that slip around on the ice for a unique spin on this amusement park ride.
Go White Water Rafting or Tubing
While the water might be a little chill at the start of summer you will find river activities more than enticing. Head over to Little River for tubing down the river. This nearby river offers more relaxed rapids that are perfect for beginners. Local companies such as River Rat Tubing will take you on a guided tour for scenic views and thrilling tubing. White water rafting is another exciting activity and is perfect for all ages. Smoky Mountain Outdoors is your go-to rafting company for guided tours that let you cool off with speeding rapids. Some of their tours also give you plenty of quieter moments where you can hop in the river yourself for a quick swim!
Visit Outdoor Gravity Park
Come experience a unique attraction that is one of its kind here in the United States. The Outdoor Gravity Park is a unique theme park that features incredible outdoor activities. Jump into a huge inflatable sphere so you can race on downhill tracks. These courses can be straight downhill or feature zig-zags, making for some exciting races with family and friends. No other park in the country features this type of entertainment, so don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Go Horseback Riding
Another way to experience Gatlinburg in a unique way is by booking a horseback ride experience. Local stables such as Sugarlands Riding Stables and Smoky Mountains Stables offer guided tours of the backcountry. Beginners will be able to learn the ropes while experienced riders can start off on their trail right away. The early summer season is a great time to ride with these majestic creatures!
Hit Up the Distilleries
Gatlinburg has plenty of local spots where you can enjoy an adult beverage in the beautiful weather. Tennessee is especially known for the creation of moonshine that has become a national hit. Visit one of the local distilleries to try out handcrafted spirits made into a delicious cocktail. Local spots such as Sugarlands Distilling Company and Ole Smoky are some of the most favorite locations. Some of the distilleries even allow children to accompany you.
More Fun in Gatlinburg This Summer
You will find Gatlinburg is open and ready for all visitors this summer season. Come visit early so you can beat the late summer crowd. Reserve one of our vacation rentals today and see how much fun you can have in Gatlinburg!