Red and yellow tulips against blue skies
March 12, 2013

The Smoky Mountain Springfest in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville is an annual celebration of springtime, with the 2013 dates running three months from March 12 to June 2. The celebration is jam packed with many exciting events including the Mountain Quiltfest, Great Smoky Easter Arts & Craft Show, Dollywood Festival of Nations, Spring Grand Rod Run, Dolly Parade, Music of the Mountains, Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, Ribfest and Bloomin' BBQ & Bluegrass. Of course, the most anticipated event is the arrival of the gorgeous blooming flowers throughout the Great Smoky Mountains!

The Smoky Mountain Springfest kicks off with the Mountain Quiltfest from March 12 to March 16, taking place at the Smoky Mountain and Music Road Convention Centers in Pigeon Forge. This quilt show presents a variety of quilts on display from around the United States, with prizes awarded in ten different categories. The show also features over 60 quilting classes with a dozen of the most talented instructors in the country. The Great Smoky Easter Arts & Craft Show takes place from March 28 to March 30 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center and features hundreds of artists displaying unique handcrafted gifts.

The Dollywood Festival of Nations takes place from March 23 to April 22 at the Dollywood theme park and features 20 countries throughout the world in a variety of exciting entertainment and delicious food. Dolly Parton herself takes part in the Smoky Mountain Springfest as she rides on top of an incredible float as the Grand Marshal of the Dolly Parade on May 10.

The Spring Grand Rod Run is one of the largest classic car shows and competitions in the United States and takes place throughout Pigeon Forge from April 19 to 21. Thousands of cars arrive into the Great Smoky Mountains during this popular event, and spectators line the Pigeon Forge parkway to view the action. Music of the Mountains also takes place from April 19 to 21 and features a delightful variety of music performances throughout the area.

The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, running from April 23 to April 27, takes place in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The event consists of natural history and photography tours, art classes, seminars and more. The Smoky Mountain Springfest is not complete without food festivals, offering Ribfest along the Gatlinburg Parkway on April 25 and the Bloomin' BBQ and Bluegrass event from May 17 to 18 in Sevierville.

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