What if back-to-school shopping felt more like a family getaway?
During Tennessee’s Tax-Free Weekend, Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to save on everything from school supplies to kids’ wardrobes while spending the day exploring attractions, restaurants, and live entertainment. You’ll head home with everything on the school list—and a few new family memories, too.
This guide explores how the holiday works, where to find the best deals, and how to maximize your savings.
When is Tax-Free Weekend in Tennessee?
Tax-Free Weekend starts at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026. During this time, you can purchase clothing, school supplies, and computers completely tax-free. The holiday is statewide and applies to online purchases, too.
What is the Sales Tax Holiday in Tennessee and How Much Can You Save?
Every dollar counts when you’re buying new clothes and supplies for the coming school year. During the holiday, you can save 7% on state sales tax and 2.75% on county sales tax, for a total savings of 9.75% on qualifying purchases.
Here’s what the holiday covers:
- Clothing and shoes under $100 each
- School and art supplies under $100 each
- Computers, laptops, and tablets under $1,500 each
Some items aren’t included:
- Anything priced above $100
- Jewelry, handbags, or sports and recreational equipment
- Storage media like flash drives and compact discs
- Individually purchased software
- Printer supplies
- Household appliances
Tennessee’s tax holiday was created with busy families in mind, helping parents save as they check off their back-to-school lists. But you don’t have to be shopping for a student to enjoy the savings—anyone can take advantage of deals all weekend long.
Where To Shop in Pigeon Forge During Tennessee’s Tax-Free Weekend
From back-to-school essentials to everyday favorites, Pigeon Forge’s best shopping destinations make it easy to take advantage of tax-free savings while enjoying a day out.
The Shops at The Square
With its charming Old West-inspired design, The Shops at the Square is a destination where families can slow down and enjoy the day.
Browse sports trading cards and memorabilia at The Dugout, find riding gear and casual wear at Rocky Top Harley Davidson, and satisfy your sweet tooth with more than 100 gourmet flavors at Smoky Mountain Popcorn Company.
When it’s time for a break, choose from three on-site restaurants, including Smoky Mountain Brewery, Five Guys, and Calhoun’s, for a meal everyone will enjoy.
The fun doesn’t have to stop when the shopping bags are full, with nearby entertainment like The Forge Cinemas and Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud offering the perfect way to end your afternoon or evening.
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Turn a shopping trip into a full family outing at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Stop for an ice cream break, take a ride on the 200-foot-tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or visit animatronic dinosaurs between shops for a shopping day like no other.
Browse tax-free children’s clothing at Growin’ Up, from formal wear and everyday apparel to Marvel and Disney-themed outfits. Shop for shoes from top brands at Natural Comfort Footwear or visit The Island Trading Post for a wide selection of specialty shops, including LazyOne, where you can find matching family pajamas and loungewear.
After the shopping trip, head to Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, where the whole family can enjoy hand-tossed, stone-baked gourmet pizzas. With a variety of menu items, from pizzas and calzones to hoagies, salads, and vegan and gluten-free options, this is a great spot for every type of traveler.
The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops
At The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops, you’ll find national brands and specialty shops alongside thrilling rides and an outdoor play area, all in an upscale, open-air environment. It makes for a casual, stress-free shopping trip, and with plenty of dining options, it’s easy to grab lunch or dinner afterward.
Visit REI or the Nike Outlet for tax-free backpacks, shoes, and activewear, then head to Bealls Outlet for even more deals on clothing. If you’re in the market for footwear, stop by Rack Room Shoes for savings on brands like Birkenstock, Crocs, New Balance, and more.
Once you’ve checked shopping off your list, keep the excitement going with the Mountain Monster: three thrill rides that launch from a 200-foot tower overlooking Pigeon Forge. Then sit down for a family meal at Downtown Flavortown, also located on site.
Local Specialty Outfitters
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to stop at sneakers and school supplies. During the tax holiday, you can also save on western wear, making it a great time to pick up a new pair of boots, a cowboy hat, or outdoor gear for the whole family.
Pigeon Forge is home to plenty of western shops where you can find boots, belts, clothing, and accessories for your little cowboy or cowgirl—or yourself. Stop by favorites like Stages West, Boot Factory Outlet and Gilley’s Western Work & Outdoor to find your perfect western look.
Outlets, Malls, and More
When you’re shopping in Pigeon Forge, the fun is in the variety—you never know what you’ll discover around the next corner. With its wide range of outlets, malls, and shopping centers, Pigeon Forge gives you more shopping options than almost any other destination in the state.
Check out the Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall to combine tax-free shopping with other savings and special offers. Shops like Osh’Kosh & Carter’s Childrenswear and Shirt World are great places to stock up on school clothing or grab an outfit of your own.
And no Pigeon Forge shopping trip would be complete without a visit to the Incredible Christmas Place, where you can shop early for holiday-themed loungewear, infinity scarves, and more, plus browse a dedicated line of Southern Couture women’s apparel great for everyday wear at Hurshel’s Outfitters.
Tips to Maximize Your Tax-Free Weekend Savings
- Plan ahead. The shops in Pigeon Forge can get crowded, especially during the tax holiday. With a limited window for shopping and try-ons, it’s best to have a list of what you need, which sizes you’re looking for, and which shops you plan to visit before setting out.
- Start early. This is the busiest shopping weekend of the season, and the early bird gets the best deals. Popular sizes and styles tend to sell out fast, so plan to arrive close to a store’s opening time.
- Know your price points. Remember that clothing and footwear are only tax-free when each item is priced under $100.
- Target big-ticket items. Tax-Free Weekend isn’t just for clothes. Since more expensive purchases come with higher tax savings, it’s also a great time to replace your laptop or upgrade to the newest tablet.
- Stock up on school supplies. School supplies will never be cheaper, so why not stock up for the whole year?
- Stack your savings. To save even more, combine mobile coupons with tax-free deals and store discounts.
More Ways to Save
The best part of Tax-Free Weekend? Every dollar you save while shopping can help you create even more memories in Pigeon Forge. Put those savings from a new laptop, shoes, or clothing toward a thrilling dinner show, an escape room challenge, or a fun-filled day at Dollywood.
Check out the Passport to Savings for even more deals on restaurants, dinner shows, and other Pigeon Forge attractions.
