Townsend in the Smokies Spring Festival and Old Timers Day

Celebrate the natural beauty of the Smokies in springtime at the 21th Annual Townsend in the Smokies Spring Festival and Old Timers Day, where visitors can learn about the enduring heritage of Townsend, Blount County and the Great Smoky Mountains. The festival celebrates Appalachian history, culture, and traditions through a variety of activities and events. Appalachian music is featured through Bluegrass concerts and jam sessions as well as clogging performances and the highly-anticipated annual Young Pickers Talent Contest. To give festival-goers an authentic feel of traditional Appalachian life, the festival offers guided wildflower walks, storytelling, arts and craft demonstrations such as cast iron cooking, and a taste of savory Southern barbeque.

The Townsend festival was created to celebrate the heritage of the Smoky Mountains, and to keep Appalachian culture alive while giving visitors a hands-on look into the unique traditions. The

festival began with bluegrass bands and musicians jammin’ and has since grown into a family event,

with many activities attracting thousands of people from across the country.