Mar 25, 2026
Spring Festivals on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Written by: Emily Huffstetler
Spring on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies brings Broncos, Bigfoot, bagpipes and craft beer to Townsend and Maryville. Here are four festivals to put on your calendar.
April 15-18, 2026 | Greater Smokies Event Grounds
Bronco Super Celebration welcomes Ford Bronco owners and enthusiasts to Townsend for four days of shows and drives. Vendor booths, club parking, giveaways and rows of classic and newer Broncos fill the event grounds. Hosted annually since 2006, the event has grown into the world’s largest Bronco enthusiast gathering.
Organized drives send participants into the Smokies and onto nearby scenic roads. Back at the event grounds, Battle of the Broncos, the RTI flex ramp challenge and a live Bronco auction keep the action going between time checking out builds and connecting with other owners.
Register for the event at www.broncodriver.com.
Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival
May 2, 2026 | Greater Smokies Event Grounds
The Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival returns to Townsend for its sixth year as a Bigfoot Birthday Bash. Guest speakers, live music, food trucks and vendors are all on the lineup, along with cupcakes, candles and confetti. Visitors can sign Bigfoot’s giant birthday card and take photos with Party Sasquatch.
The day starts early with the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot 5K and 1-mile fun run at Peaceful Side Social. The 1-mile begins at 8:50 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. Race participants receive festival entry, free parking and a swag bag.
Get your tickets at www.thebigfest.com.
Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games
May 16-17, 2026 | Greater Smokies Event Grounds
Recognized as Tennessee’s oldest festival of Scottish, Irish and Celtic culture, the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games is back for its 44th year. The weekend includes heavy athletics, piping and drumming, Highland dance, live music, demonstrations and traditional food and drink.
More than 50 Scottish clans take part, along with cultural heritage organizations focused on Scots-Irish history in East Tennessee. Clan hosts can help visitors discover their clan connections. Sheep herding demonstrations, whisky tastings, axe throwing, children’s activities, clan challenges and ceremonies like the Parade of Tartans and the Sunday dog parade round out the weekend.
Tickets are on sale now at www.smokymountaingames.org.
Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival
June 13, 2026 | Maryville Greenway Amphitheater
Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival closes out the spring festival season in its 11th year. The event showcases regional craft beer, with tastings, food and live music throughout the evening. Held at the Maryville Greenway Amphitheater, there’s plenty of room to play games and set up a lawn chair.
Brew Week leads up to the festival June 8-11, with stops at participating spots in Maryville and Townsend. This year’s lineup includes The Casual Pint, Two Doors Down, Peaceful Side Brewery, Swäˈrā Brewing Company, Brackins Blues Club and Tri-Hop Brewery.
Purchase tickets at www.hopsinthehills.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.