There's Lots Of Summer Left In Gatlinburg
By Leif Palmer
Posted on August 18, 2022
The kids may be back in school, but that doesn't mean it's time to close the door on family fun for the year. Warm summer days (and nights) and the abundance of vacation opportunities awaiting in the Smokies mean there are still plenty of chances left to head to the mountains and live it up. Whether it's mom and dad enjoying a mid-week break while the kids are in the classroom or it's the whole family heading to the Great Smoky Mountains to play on the weekend, we'd like to point out some of the places to go and things to do that are still in play for summer 2022.
By the way, if you decide to head to Gatlinburg in the next month or so, you'll probably find more parking available in the downtown area than usual, mainly because schools are back in session. And when you do park your car in Gatlinburg, we have seven different parking lot properties located on or near the Parkway. This ensures that you can pay one competitive rate for an entire day's worth of parking and be within easy access of attractions, restaurants, shops and special events.
Speaking of which, here are a few dates to keep in mind during the next few weeks:
Summer In The Smokies At Anakeesta
This summer festival started in June and is scheduled to run through September 4. Taking place at the Anakeesta adventure park overlooking downtown Gatlinburg, this event features seasonal fun for the whole family, from fanciful LEGO sculptures installed throughout the park to summertime menus and live music at the Black Bear Village section of the park. It's a great place for the grown-ups to hang out and chill while the kids cool off in the Splash Pad. While you're at Anakeesta, be sure to stay long enough to catch a Smoky Mountain sunset from Anavista tower or stroll the Treetop Skywalk at night.
Gatlinburg Songwriter's Festival
This special event takes place August 18 through 21 at various venues in downtown Gatlinburg. The three-day conference will see songwriters of all professional levels gathering to improve their craft, but it will also feature nightly shows (both free and ticketed) by hit songwriters and artists. Venues include Ole Red, SkyLift Park, Park Vista Hotel, Gatlinburg Inn, The Listening Room and more.
Throughout the festival, you can catch some island vibes at the Trop Rockin' in the Smokies Tropical Rock Extravaganza. This show will showcase tropical-rock musicans playing from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily in association with the Songwriter's Festival.
Monsters On The Mountain
Here's another musical festival, this one taking place August 19 through 21 in downtown Gatlinburg. This event focuses more on hard rock and heavy metal music and will be an immersive experience for fans and musicians alike. Participating acts include Extreme, Quiet Riot, Kip Winger, Yngwie Malmsteen and many others.
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in Gatlinburg. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.