MountainFest on Gatlinburg Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg Mountainfest is an annual two-day celebration of Appalachian mountain tradition and culture that occurs every summer in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg, which is nestled next to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is well-known as a historical gateway to the Appalachian mountain area. The purpose of Mountainfest is to preserve the traditional Appalachian ways of doing things and to educate future generations about these ways. To this end, there are many workshops held in Appalachian music performance, handcrafting wood and leather goods, and cooking authentic Southern food like cornbread, beans, fried green tomatoes, and barbeque.

The Mountain String Competition is an annual bluegrass music competition during Mountainfest. Talented fiddle, banjo, guitar and dulcimer players from the area square off to determine who is the best Appalachian string player. Mountainfest also features an Old Timers' Day, where the older members of the Appalachian community present stories and teach the younger generations about how things were done traditionally in the area mountain communities. If you are interested in learning about Appalachian heritage, music, food, and history, this two-day festival is a must during your vacation.

Points of Interest

Gatlinburg Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN

Incredible shops, dining options, and area attractions fill the famous Gatlinburg Parkway as it leads into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.