Hosted annually since 2006 in the quiet Smoky Mountain Town of Townsend Tennessee

The single most important event of the 2022 calendar year. Don’t stop BELIEVIN’! This 2nd Annual event will feature Bigfoot competitions, guest speakers, live music, vendors, food trucks and other great surprises. You won't wanna miss this!

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL Welcome to East Tennessee's premier celebration of Scottish culture and history, the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games. In 2022, the event moves to a new location at the Townsend Visitor Center (7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy.) in Townsend, Tenn. Originally founded in 1981 as the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games, the Games are one of the oldest Scottish Festivals in the country. In 2010, a new home was established in the city of Maryville on the grounds of historic Maryville College, home of "The Scots." Now in 2022, we have moved the event to a larger venue just down road in Townsend. You don't have to be Scottish in order to enjoy this unique Festival! Our location in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains is the perfect backdrop for you and your family to get a wee glimpse of Scotland -and to discover and appreciate the rich traditions and history of the Scottish and Scots-Irish settlers of our area. East Tennessee’s celebration of Scottish culture returns May 21-22, 2022, and features the beloved clans, games and athletes from years past. The event feature clans, vendors and local and national performers. The property at the visitor […]

Join us for these Friday night concerts which are Free to our GSMHC Members Learn More

Dancing Bear Lodge is excited to welcome the Grammy Award-Winning group The Infamous Stringdusters to our second Live on the Lawn of 2022! Join us on July 7th for an unforgettable evening of BBQ and Bluegrass LIVE on the Dancing Bear Lawn! Purchase Concert Tickets Here

Join us this August for a summertime spectacle, when professional balloonist light up the evening sky with a beautiful balloon glow and spectacular tethered rides. The sky will be filled with a spectrum of color like never before, against a backdrop of a breathtaking Tennessee Smoky Mountain sunset, in beautiful Townsend, Tennessee! Learn More at GSMBalloonFest.com

Join us for our 11th annual craft fair in the beautiful Smoky Mountain Valley! This two day Makers Market features more than 60 talented local crafters and artisans. It is a wonderful way to kick off fall and get a head start on your Christmas shopping. There will be great food and kids activities too, be sure to mark it on your calendars! Friday September 30th from 10am - 5pm Saturday October 1st from 9am - 4pm Location: 642 Wears Valley Rd. Townsend TN

A Peaceful Side Christmas Experience in Townsend, TN November 25 - January 2 5pm - 10pm Daily At the Townsend Visitor Center https://youtu.be/Zl9TYMru9ck

Experience Smoky Mountain traditions and demonstrations while enjoying warm refreshments!!   Duration Opens up at 5:30pm, and new admissions stop at 7:30pm. Village closes at 9:00pm. Fridays and Saturdays in November & December. About Guests can celebrate the holiday season with family at the Heritage Center’s “Christmas in the Village” by stepping back in time to a pioneer celebration. Living history interpreters will act as guides through the holiday-adorned historic Appalachian village full of handcrafting demonstrations allowing visitors to connect with the spirit and history of Townsend, Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains. Kettle corn and hot cider will also be available for guests to enjoy.   What's Included Appalachian Christmas Village Living History Interpreters Hand-Crafting Demonstrations Craft Stations for Families and Kids Hot Cider and Kettle Corn

Annual Townsend Christmas parade, the best in Blount County! Townsend Christmas parade starts at the IGA/post office and ends at Wolfe Creek Motor Sports/old Nawger Nob.

Join us for a bonfire and ride in the MIDDLE of January! Are we NUTS? Maybe. Tops are down or freedom panels off!