With the kids out of school and another summer ahead, now is a great time to take the family and get away for a few days. And there’s no better excuse for a short vacation than Independence Day. Pigeon Forge Tennessee offers a spectacular starting point for a holiday celebration that includes festivals, a kid-friendly theme park, and enough stunning scenery to excite the nature lover in you. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a week, there’s plenty for the whole family to see and do around Pigeon Forge.

Outdoor entertainment for the whole family

Nothing says “Independence Day” more enthusiastically than the Patriot Festival in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The 21st annual event, held – where else? – at Patriot Park promises to be a real crowd pleaser. The festival offers something for everyone, from young to old, with a Kid’s Karnival to keep the little ones entertained, a delicious range of food and a variety of musical acts on stage throughout the day.

Witness the British Invasion all over again as Beatles tribute band The Return revives favorites from their youth. For country fans, rising star Randy Montana is a sure winner, while lovers of more traditional bluegrass sounds will also enjoy the local musicians. Topping off the festival is the award-winning group, Restless Heart. Bring your blanket and get ready for a day of outdoor fun and live entertainment sure to please his entire family.

No patriotic event is complete without a spectacular fireworks display, and Pigeon Forge is happy to accommodate you. Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, the brilliant colors of this earth-shattering display will remind everyone why we’re celebrating this important occasion.

Family fun in Dollywood

For youngsters, Dollywood offers a vacation they will never forget. From mid-June to early August, Pigeon Forge’s most famous attraction welcomes the Gazillion Bubble Show, featuring incredible bubble magic to thrill kids of all ages. You’ll be mesmerized by the stunning masterpieces these artists create with little more than soap and water, and kids will be mesmerized by the dazzling special effects.

Dollywood provides entertainment for everyone in your family, so plan to spend at least one day enjoying everything the park has to offer. For the more daring in your group, a ride on the Tennessee Tornado is sure to get the heart racing, and the Sky Zip offers a bird’s-eye view of the park for more adventurous visitors. Or spend some time reliving the days of yore at The Village, where an old-fashioned country fair brings back memories of a time before cell phones and video games. Finally, beat the afternoon heat at Splash Country, where you can hurtle down the twisty slides of Wild River Falls, or challenge the kids to a run on the Slick Rock Racer.

The picturesque mountain paradise that surrounds Pigeon Forge has much to offer travelers this and every Fourth of July. You and your family will find plenty of festivals, concerts, food and fun to keep you entertained. From theme park fantasy to traditional music, everyone in your group will find something to love about Pigeon Forge.

By Jon Hoffman