This July is shaping up to be one of the most exciting summers in Pigeon Forge, with the city hosting Patriot Festival, an official 250th Anniversary of America celebration, a packed lineup of summer events, and countless new ways to beat the heat. Whether you’re planning a long 4th of July weekend or a full week-long Smoky Mountain vacation, this guide covers the best things to do in Pigeon Forge in July.
From thrilling roller coasters to live entertainment, family-friendly water parks, and spectacular fireworks shows, Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to be this July.
Celebrate America This 4th of July in Pigeon Forge
Celebrate the 4th of July in Pigeon Forge on July 3-4 at Patriot Festival, recognized as an official event for the 250th Anniversary of America. This free, two-day celebration is packed with family-friendly fun, live entertainment, and patriotic festivities, including:
- Food trucks and local vendors
- Kid-friendly activities
- Live music throughout the weekend
- Performances by country music stars Carly Pearce and Craig Morgan, and additional entertainment by LANCO and Parmalee
To wrap up the holiday weekend, a patriotic fireworks extravaganza will light up the sky in Patriot Park on Saturday evening. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy one of the most anticipated July events in Pigeon Forge!
Note: No coolers, no umbrellas, and only clear bags will be allowed park
Make it a Full July 4th Weekend Celebration
Spend the holiday weekend exploring some of Pigeon Forge’s top attractions and family-friendly activities.
July 3
- Morning: Kick off the day with thrilling rides and family fun at Dollywood
- Evening: Shop, dine, and explore attractions at The Island in Pigeon Forge
July 4
- Morning: Visit the Titanic Museum Attraction, then stop by the annual American flag display on your way out
- Afternoon: Grab lunch and browse the local artisans at Old Mill Square
- Evening: End the July 4th celebration at Patriot Festival with live entertainment and a patriotic fireworks finale
Cool Off with Fun Water Adventures & Summer Activities
Discover lots of great ways to beat the heat this summer in Pigeon Forge. From family-friendly water park resorts to one-of-a-kind summer experiences, there are plenty of ways the family can cool off during a July vacation in the Smokies.
Pigeon Forge Water Parks and Resorts
- Splash into summer fun at Dollywood’s Splash Country– even experience nighttime water fun during Neon Nights
- Relax and enjoy endless water park fun at Country Cascades Waterpark Resort
- Celebrate Christmas in July at the Inn at Christmas Place‘s Winter Wonder Lagoon, featuring candy cane showers and an outdoor hot tub
One-of-a-Kind Summer Activities
- Roll down a 1,000-foot hill at Outdoor Gravity Park
- Go indoor snow tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow
- Get ready for big drops and big speed at Slick City Action Park
Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with a Sweet Treat Tour
One of the sweetest things to do in Pigeon Forge in July is celebrating National Ice Cream Month with a visit to some of the town’s best ice cream shops and local creameries. From classic flavors to over-the-top specialty cones, these sweet treats offer the perfect midday cooldown during your summer vacation.
Stop by local sweet shop favorites:
Experience Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration
One of the most unforgettable summer experiences in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. From the new hybrid coaster and whitewater river ride, NightFlight (opening soon), to world-class roller coasters to Sweet Summer Nights, fireworks after sunset, and the only drone show in Pigeon Forge, there’s nonstop fun for the whole family at Dollywood!
Enjoy an Evening of Live Entertainment
After a fun-filled summer day, take a moment to relax at one of the many attractions offering live entertainment in Pigeon Forge. From comedy skits to live country performances and action-packed dinner shows, there is live entertainment in Pigeon Forge that everyone will enjoy.
Popular shows include:
- Comedy Barn Theater for family-friendly comedy
- Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show for thrilling lumberjack competitions and stunts
- Illusionation – The Magic of Jason Hudy for a sensational, family-friendly show that will leave you and your loved ones absolutely amazed
Make the Most of Summer Nights in Pigeon Forge
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down in Pigeon Forge. Summer nights offer fun experiences for all ages. From family-friendly attractions to laid-back evenings, summer nights in Pigeon Forge offer something for everyone.
Nighttime favorites include:
- Watch the Island Show Fountains after dark
- Play a round of mini golf after sunset
- Explore the lively atmosphere and rooftop dining options at The Mountain Mile
- Plan a backyard BBQ under the stars at your Smoky Mountain Cabin
Chase Thrills on Pigeon Forge’s Coasters
If you’re looking for high-speed thrills, heart-pounding drops, and unforgettable views, roller coasters are one of the most exciting attractions in Pigeon Forge in July.
Start your adrenaline rush on Lightning Rod at Dollywood, the world’s first wooden launch coaster, blasting up to 73 mph through twists and turns. Head to Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Fun Park for the Ski Lift Shootout Coaster, where you’ll aim at targets as you soar above the Pigeon Forge adventure park. Or take in scenic mountain views as you zip along one of Pigeon Forge’s mountain coasters.
From mountain coasters to high-speed thrill rides, there’s an extreme adventure for everyone in the family to experience during your July vacation in Pigeon Forge.
Plan Your Summer Getaway This July in Pigeon Forge
Don’t miss out on these exciting events and things to do in July in Pigeon Forge! From epic fireworks and 4th of July celebrations to family-friendly water adventures and one-of-a-kind summer experiences, July is packed with something fun for everyone.
Start planning your Smoky Mountain summer vacation today.
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