Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer vacation season, and we can’t think of a better place to spend it than Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! Our Smoky Mountain city really comes alive at the end of May, with gorgeous weather and a number of special events that your family is sure to love. To help you make the most of your getaway, Acorn Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to five awesome Memorial Day events in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smokies.

1. Family Fest in the Smokies

If you’re a fan of gospel music, you definitely don’t want to miss Family Fest in the Smokies! This three-day event at the Gatlinburg Convention Center features some of the biggest names in gospel, including organizers Bill and Gloria Gaither. The uplifting concerts and worship services will take place from Friday evening through Sunday over Memorial Day weekend.

2. Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival

Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival is one of the most popular Memorial Day events in Pigeon Forge TN. Beginning in April, this festival celebrates two of Tennessee’s best traditions: beautiful wildflowers and delicious food. The theme park will offer all of your favorite foods and plenty of seasonal treats that are great for summer and spring.  In addition to the mouthwatering food, guests will enjoy an array of bright flower sculptures throughout the park and a special umbrella tunnel!

3.  Start of the Season at Dollywood’s Splash Country

Located next door to Dollywood, the Splash Country water park is another can’t-miss destination for any Memorial Day weekend vacation in Pigeon Forge. Ranked among TripAdvisor’s top 10 water parks, Dollywood’s Splash Country is the perfect place to cool off when the weather gets hot. Guests will find a variety of wet and wild rides, including a water coaster, a 100 + yard racing slide, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

4. Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride

The Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride honors the brave men and women in our armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice with a special motorcycle procession through five counties in East Tennessee. The ride begins on Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Sevier County Courthouse. Spectators will have the chance to see hundreds of motorcycles, a bald eagle, and a moving wreath-laying ceremony at the Veteran’s Monument.

5. White Water Rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors

Memorial Day weekend is a great time to go white water rafting with Smoky Mountain Outdoors! The end of May marks the start of prime rafting season because the dam that regulates the Pigeon River begins making guaranteed water releases on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Whether you’re looking for a mild ride on the lower section of the river or a wild ride on the upper section of the river, you’ll have a blast when you take a white water rafting adventure with Smoky Mountain Outdoors.

When you stay with Acorn Cabin Rentals, you will be just a short drive away from all of these wonderful Memorial Day events in Pigeon Forge TN. Our cabins come with your choice of luxurious amenities, including hot tubs, mountain views, game rooms, theater rooms, and swimming pool access. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 8 bedroom cabins, we are sure to have the perfect property for your escape. To start planning your vacation, browse our selection of Pigeon Forge cabin rentals!