Whether it is your first or tenth time to Gatlinburg, TN, you will not want to miss out on the upcoming Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales event.
This year Smoky Mountain Tunes and Takes will start on June 10th, 2016 and run until July 30th, 2016. Each year the event is attended by thousands of people, both local and visiting, to enjoy the music of the Smoky Mountains. All year long there are events held in downtown Gatlinburg which encourage people to walk around the main drag of the city and take in the shops, restaurants and bars that make Gatlinburg unique.
To take part in the festival, make sure that you are downtown each night at 6 PM to see which performers are taking the “stage”, which is actually the Parkway. You can enjoy the sounds of local musicians, artists that have come from around the country to perform, and other live acts. Not all towns are as walkable as downtown Gatlinburg, which is why the local government creates events like the Smoky Mountains Tunes and Tales to get people out of their homes and enjoying the downtown atmosphere with their neighbors and travelers from around the country. According to Marci Claude, PR manager for the city, “Gatlinburg is a walking town. Tunes & Tales enhances our visitors’ experience as they stroll the Parkway in the evenings.”
To stay updated about who will be performing this year at the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales event, you can find the event on Facebook and like the page. Not all of the artists have been announced yet, but a few favorites like Joan and Jerry of the Lost Mill String Band. The duo have been playing together since 1994 at festivals and concerts across the region. They are a beloved act that you will not want to miss to get a true taste of mountain music.
Since this event does draw a crowd, particularly on the weekend, it is best to arrive early to find a parking spot. Grab some dinner and a few drinks and then wait for the fun to begin at 6 PM! The event is free to all and is perfect for romantic getaways and family vacations alike. Keep an eye out for costumed characters who will be strolling the streets telling tales about old Gatlinburg and how it became the small yet thriving mountain town it is today.