Tag: things to do in spring Smokies

Local Attractions August 5, 2026

Dollywood's I Will Always Love You Festival 2027: A Spring Guide

Dollywood's I Will Always Love You Festival runs mid-March through mid-April each year, celebrating Dolly Parton's music and legacy through live shows, seasonal food, and the kind of storytelling that makes this the most personal seasonal event in the park's calendar. The 2024 Golden Ticket Award-winning show From The Heart: The Life & Music of Dolly Parton anchors the entertainment lineup alongside the Dolly Parton Sing-Along and exclusive festival food and merchandise. Here's everything you need to plan your spring visit.

Smoky Mountains July 24, 2026

Elkmont Fireflies 2027: The Complete Guide to the Smoky Mountains Lottery Event

Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosts one of the rarest natural events in North America each late May — a synchronous firefly display at Elkmont where thousands of fireflies flash in coordinated waves simultaneously. Access requires winning a lottery on Recreation.gov: 960 total reservations, worse than 5% odds, a four-day entry window that opens in late April. Here's how the lottery works, what the experience is like, and what to do if you don't win a spot.