9 Things to Do After Sunset on the Peaceful Side 

Written by: Emily Huffstetler 

On the Peaceful Side, there’s still plenty to do after sunset. These nine outings range from synchronous fireflies in Elkmont to live music in Townsend, sunset hayrides in Cades Cove and movies at the drive-in in Maryville. 

See Synchronous Fireflies 

Synchronous fireflies are one of the Smokies’ most unusual natural events. For a brief window each year, thousands flash in near-unison. Scientists believe the coordinated pattern is tied to mating behavior. 

The official viewing takes place in Elkmont, where access is managed through a lottery that usually opens in late April. During the eight-night viewing period, nighttime access is limited to reservation holders and registered campers. 

If you miss the lottery, guided outings offer another way to see them. Smoky Mountain Guides and Just Get Outdoors both run seasonal after-dark trips focused on synchronous fireflies and other nocturnal wildlife. 

Join an Adaptive Night Hike

Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s adaptive night hike takes place June 5, 2026, on Little River Trail. The route is an easy half-mile roundtrip. 

Adaptive equipment is welcome, and a limited number of GRIT Freedom Chairs are available to borrow. Volunteers will help with navigation. 

The night hike is part of the park’s 2026 adaptive program series with Catalyst Sports. Registration is required. 

Go to an Astronomy Night 

Astronomy Nights offer an all-ages introduction to telescopes and stargazing in Maryville. The Blount County Public Library hosts the program with the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society year-round. 

Upcoming dates are April 23, May 26, June 22, July 22 and Aug. 20. Each session starts in the Sharon Lawson Room at 6 p.m. and continues outside until 8 p.m. 

See the Hot Air Balloon Festival Glow 

The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Townsend on Aug. 15, 2026, from 3 to 9 p.m. A highlight of the event is the evening balloon glow, when the balloons inflate and light up against the Smokies. 

Weather permitting, tethered balloon ride ticket holders can meet the balloon captain, learn how the balloon works and rise above the festival grounds. The festival also includes family activities, crafters, food trucks and a beer tent. 

Tickets are on sale now at www.eventeny.com. Some proceeds benefit the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department and Townsend Elementary School.  

Take a Sunset Hayride in Cades Cove 

Cades Cove Riding Stables gives hayrides along the Cades Cove Loop Road, with a 6 p.m. departure from June 1 through Aug. 15. The ride lasts about 1.5 to three hours, depending on traffic, and gives passengers an open-air view of the cove in the evening. 

As the light fades, wildlife activity picks up in Cades Cove. White-tailed deer and turkey sightings are common, while coyotes, woodchucks and black bears are also possible. 

Group reservations are accepted for parties of 15 or more at www.CadesCoveStables.com. 

Spend an Evening on the Farm 

Country Manor Acres in Townsend offers a cozy evening on the farm for individuals, couples and groups. The experience begins with s’mores by the fire pit, followed by a horse-drawn wagon tour of the farm, wedding venue and stables.  

After the wagon ride, guests watch the horses’ nightly stampede back to the barn for dinner. There is also a chance to feed the horses and learn more about their care. 

Appointments are available at www.CountryManorAcres.com. 

Catch a Levitt AMP Concert in Maryville 

The Levitt AMP Maryville Music Series brings free outdoor concerts to downtown Maryville this summer. The series takes place every Thursday from June 4 through July 30 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Maryville Greenbelt Amphitheater in Jack Greene Park. 

Concerts are free and open to the public. Preview upcoming performances at www.maryvillemusic.com. 

Listen to Live Music Around Townsend

On weekends, live music is easy to find in Townsend. Peaceful Side Social hosts sets on Thursdays and Fridays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., while The Abbey regularly schedules live music on Friday and Saturday nights. 

For a bigger night out, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center has evening concerts on the calendar, including Chicken Wire Empire on May 15, Sugaree String Society on May 22 and The Barefoot Movement on June 5. Dancing Bear Lodge also has a Live on the Lawn concert with Sam Bush scheduled for April 23. 

Drive the Foothills Parkway at Sunset 

The Walland-to-Wears Valley section of the Foothills Parkway runs 14.75 miles and includes 10 waysides and overlooks. Near milepost 25, Townsend Overlook looks out over town and the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. 

For another short evening stop, Look Rock Tower on Foothills Parkway West has a paved 0.8-mile roundtrip trail and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Blount County. 

Catch a Movie at the Drive-In 

Parkway Drive-In in Maryville shows movies on Friday and Saturday nights during the season. Gates open at 7 p.m., and films start at dusk, or about 40 minutes after sunset. Concessions include the classics, ranging from burgers, grilled cheese and hot dogs to candy, ice cream and popcorn.

Check what’s playing before you go at www.parkwaydrivein.com. 

Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.