Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration
June 18, 2026
Yessir, the fireworks have gone off, the grill’s been chilled and our red, white and blue clothing go back to being once-a-week wardrobe, but the Summer continues on and offers some great events throughout the Tennessee Smokies. We have a few of our recommendations below.
Enjoy!
Free Summer Movie Series at The Forge Cinemas
Now – August 6th, 2026
The Forge Cinemas in Pigeon Forge is bringing back its popular Free Summer Movie Series for Summer 2026! Families and visitors can enjoy FREE select movie showings every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday throughout the summer.
Doors open daily at 9:00 AM, with movies beginning at 10:00 AM. Two family-friendly movies will play each day in separate auditoriums. Seating is first-come, first-served and limited to auditorium capacity.
Guests of all ages are welcome, and kid-friendly snack packs will be available for purchase.
See more on this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/free-summer-movie-series-at-the-forge-cinemas/.
The Smoky Mountain Big Rig Showdown
July 30th to August 1st, 2026
The iconic Big Rig Showdown is hitting the road and making its way to one of America’s favorite family vacation destinations. Mark your calendars for July 31 and August 1, 2026, as the Smoky Mountain Big Rig Showdown rolls into the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Event Highlights for 2026:
Big Rigs – Shiny, custom, and powerful trucks on display
Great Food – Food trucks and vendors from across the region
Truck Parade – A rolling showcase through Pigeon Forge
Light Show – Evening glow featuring some of the brightest rigs around
Live Music & Entertainment – Fun for the whole family
See more on this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/the-smoky-mountain-big-rig-showdown/.
Celebrate Freedom
August 1st to August 31st, 2026
Celebrate Freedom is Pigeon Forge’s way of saying thank you and to honor all the brave men and women who have fought and are still fighting for our freedom. Pigeon Forge will be celebrating our freedom the entire month of August with discounts for veterans, current military personnel, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians at many of our local businesses and attractions.
These men and women have devoted their lives to protecting the citizens of America, and their bravery deserves to be recognized. Each and every one has made a difference in someone’s life and honoring these servicemen and women shows appreciation for the sacrifices they have made.
See more on this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/celebrate-freedom/.
Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede
August 14th to August 15th, 2026
The Great Smoky Mountain Bronco® Stampede is a vendor-based Expo for Bronco® and 4 X 4 enthusiasts from across the nation!
The indoor and outdoor event is located at the LeConte Event Center in the heart of Pigeon Forge, TN. The Expo will have a wide range of vendors showcasing the latest Bronco® and off-road products, custom vehicle builds, and a “Show and Shine” competition where Bronco® builds compete for awards across multiple categories.
The event is a chance to connect with fellow Bronco® fans and clubs from all over the country. Whether you’re a seasonal off-roader or just beginning your Bronco® journey, this event offers something for everyone.
See more on this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/great-smoky-mountain-bronco-stampede/.
Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion
August 20th to August 22nd, 2026
We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Jeep® Invasion™, an annual event proudly hosted by the Smoky Mountain Jeep® Club of Maryville, TN!
This year’s Jeep® Show is bigger than ever, featuring both indoor and outdoor exhibits with over 300 national, regional, and local Jeep® accessory vendors. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your Jeep®, connect with fellow enthusiasts, or just enjoy the vibrant Jeep® community, this event has something for everyone.
See more on this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/great-smoky-mountain-jeep-invasion/.
Tennessee Tax Free Weekend
July 31st to August 2nd, 2026
The state’s traditional sales-tax holiday ahead of the start of the 2026-27 school year will be July 31-Aug. 2, according to the Tennessee Department of Revenue website.
Here’s what you can (or can’t) buy tax-free that weekend, either from a physical store on online:
General clothing such as shirts, pants, dresses, socks and shoes that cost $100 or less per item (or pair). The offer doesn’t apply to jewelry, handbags or sports equipment.
School and art supplies that cost $100 or less per item or set of items, such as binders, backpacks, crayons, paper, pens, pencils and rulers, and art supplies such as glazes, clay, paints, drawing pads and artist paintbrushes.
Computers, laptops or tablets for personal use priced at $1,500 or less. The tax-free offer doesn’t apply to storage media (flash drives, compact discs), separate software, printer supplies or household appliances.
See more on this event at https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/education/2026/04/21/when-is-tennessees-tax-free-back-to-school-shopping-weekend-in-july-2026/89556168007/.
8th Annual Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival
August 15, 2026
Join us for a spectacular evening of hot air balloons and family fun! This annual fundraiser supports local community initiatives, with proceeds benefiting the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and Townsend Elementary School, ensuring vital services and education thrive in our area.
See more on this event at https://exploretownsend.com/great-smoky-mountains-hot-air-balloon-festival/.
