Top Five Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day Near the Great Smoky Mountains

Memorial Day weekend is about celebrating those who serve and the sacrifices they make. But it’s also about enjoying time with family and getting a chance to kick back and relax. What better way to spend your Memorial Day weekend than in Pigeon Forge, amidst the beauty of the Smokies? Here are five of the best ways to spend Memorial Day near the Great Smoky Mountains.

Dollywood’s Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival

Beginning on Friday, Dollywood’s Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival is easily one of the most popular events in Pigeon Forge come Memorial Day weekend. This 10-day celebration of all-things Tennessee is your chance to enjoy two of the region’s most popular traditions: delectable, slow-cooked barbeque and traditional bluegrass music!

Make sure to come hungry, as the park will offer all of your favorite barbeque dishes, served up Southern style! After, enjoy free daily concerts from some of the biggest names in bluegrass music. This yearly event marks the unofficial start of summer here in the Smoky Mountains, so make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun!

Family Fest in the Smokies

If you love gospel music, Gatlinburg has a Memorial Day celebration you can’t miss! Family Fest in the Smokies brings together some of the biggest names in gospel music and worship to the Gatlinburg Convention Center for a series of uplifting concerts and worship. Perfect for everyone in the family, Family Fest brings the soul to the Smokies.

Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride

For those who love to hit the open road, the Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride is the perfect chance to see the fantastic scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains as you honor those who protect the freedoms that we hold so dear. This annual ride is in honor of those who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, as well as those currently serving in our armed forces. The trip begins on Sunday at 10 a.m. and ends with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veteran’s Monument.

Splash Country Opening Weekend

Splash Country, the water park next to the historic Dollywood, is a can’t miss destination each Memorial Day weekend. Why? It’s the start of the season! The perfect place to cool off, Splash Country is consistently ranked in the top-10 water parks by TripAdvisor.

This fantastic water park features an impressive 35 acres of attractions – perfect for the entire family! And when you’re done splashing around, the park also offers dining options and breathtaking views over the gorgeous and unforgettable Smokies!

White Water Rafting

Visiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is all about the natural beauty of the area. What better way to explore the Smokies with your family than with an amazing white-water rafting experience? Spring is the perfect time to raft in Pigeon Forge, as the dam on the Pigeon River begins releasing water regularly Tuesdays through Thursdays, and Saturdays. These guaranteed water releases mean different parts of the river offer different levels of difficulty – meaning there’s a wild ride for every adventure seeker!

Experience All the Smoky Mountains Have to Offer with a Scenic Cabin Rental

The Smokies genuinely have something for everyone, and there’s no better time to experience their majesty than Memorial Day weekend! If you are looking for an unforgettable way to spend a memorable weekend in Pigeon Forge, look no further than Parkside Resort. Our family-oriented resort, nestled amid mother nature, can accommodate families or groups of any size, with cabins available for up to 50 guests.

We’re far more than just beautiful and luxurious cabins. We also provide barbeque pits, putt-putt, waterslides, an indoor pool, and many great family-oriented activities. So, if you’re looking for the ultimate family getaway this Memorial Day, Parkside Resort offers unrivaled amenities and breathtaking vistas. Call today at (888) 908-6066 to learn more or to make a reservation.