Beyond great outdoor activities like hiking, zip-lining, and scenic drives through the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and around are also brimming with city fun, especially when it comes to nightlife spots for you to wrap up your day in the best way possible.
After sundown, both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge come alive thanks to their amazing restaurants, pubs, breweries, and music venues. And there are even some spooky activities for you to enjoy (keep reading for more).
With so many diverse options of things to do after dark, it can be tough to pick. We're here to help. In this blog, we will bring our picks of the best nightlife places and activities in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and around.
Let's dive into the lively nightlife in the Smokies!
Smoky Mountain Brewery, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Wondering what's the best way to wrap up a day of outdoor exploration? We highly recommend doing so by grabbing a delicious craft beer at Smoky Mountain Brewery.
That's the place to indulge in well-rounded craft beers, all meticulously micro-brewed to perfection. With six flagship beers on tap at each location and a variety of seasonal brews throughout the year, this place has something for every beer enthusiast. Not too keen on beer? No problem! The extensive cocktail menu caters to diverse tastes. So no one is left out of the fun.
Also, what truly sets the experience apart is the unique atmosphere. It blends the cozy ambiance of a mountain lodge with Bavarian Alps vibes – in other words: the ideal setting for a night out or a well-deserved break from the activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge (with locations in both cities).
In Gatlinburg, the enclosed deck offering breathtaking views of Calhoun's Village with the Smokies in the background is a highly popular spot. Moreover, the brewery hosts nightly entertainment, including live music on weekends, as well as trivia and karaoke nights.
Shamrock Pub, Gatlinburg
Nestled in downtown Gatlinburg, Shamrock Pub is an Irish-themed bar that exudes a lively atmosphere. With live music every evening, spanning from traditional Irish tunes to modern hits, and a menu with great drinks and food, the pub creates a warm and inviting experience that's very well enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Everything gets more vibrant on karaoke nights, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a fun evening. Shamrock Pub also caters to sports enthusiasts with live game screenings, as well as to the public at large with other events like themed parties and trivia nights. Whether you're there for the music, sports, or socializing, this is a fantastic place to engage with locals and make new friends, no matter the occasion.
To accompany all the fun, the best picks are a cold pint of Guinness or a glass of Irish whiskey. Besides that, they also have a menu of refreshing cocktails. For those craving a bite, don't miss out on their must-try dishes: fish and chips and shepherd's pie.
Ole Red, Gatlinburg
Co-owned by country music legend Blake Shelton, Ole Red offers the quintessential experience for lovers of traditional country music. Hosting live performances nearly every day by both upcoming and well-established talent — including some of the hottest names in country music today — Ole Red's stage and dance floor promises a one-of-a-kind night out. To make the experience even better, you can pick from a wide variety of crafted cocktails and delicious food.
It's always a good idea to check their calendar on their website for the dates of concerts and events if you're planning a trip to Gatlinburg. Even if you're not a concert enthusiast and prefer a quieter atmosphere, the stage and sound system are designed to allow you to enjoy great music comfortably from your barstool, ensuring a perfect balance for conversation without competing with excessive noise. Overall, it's a place for everyone!
Hard Rock Cafe, Pigeon Forge
No matter which Hard Rock Cafe you choose to visit worldwide, you're guaranteed to have a blast, and this Tennessee branch is another musical wonderland. Hard Rock Cafe Pigeon Forge offers a lot of nighttime fun featuring live music and great signature drinks.
The fantastic interior, adorned with rock and country memorabilia from music icons, captivates every visitor. The place is lively every day of the week, with its stylish 12,000 square feet space, including a pet-friendly outdoor patio and a stunning stage — just a super welcoming atmosphere filled with friendly people and good vibes. When in town, check their website for their events calendar and rock on!
Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, Pigeon Forge
Here's another themed experience in the Smokies. A visit to Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud is the perfect way to kickstart a fun-filled evening outing. This is an entertaining dinner show featuring side-splitting comedy and captivating musical acts filled with singing, dancing, and even explosive (literally) stunts.
A swimming pool is part of the show setting, featuring thrilling stunts. If you prefer to stay dry, be sure to grab a table away from the pool. Everything becomes more fun when the audience is invited to participate in some acts.
To enhance the experience, you can indulge in an all-you-can-eat buffet offering mouth-watering Southern food options, including fried chicken, barbecue, mashed potatoes, beans, and more.
Country Tonite, Pigeon Forge
Country Tonite is an excellent choice for a perfect late-night outing in Pigeon Forge, with live shows starting at 8 pm. The two-hour performance showcases fantastic dancers, singers, and musicians.
The live performance includes not only country music but also a diverse range of styles, including some old favorites, patriotic songs, and even gospel. The already highly entertaining experience is further enhanced by comedy acts.
The show earns the title of the best show in the city year after year, commonly praised for its flawless costumes, choreography, and vocals. We totally think it's a not-to-miss experience!
The Roaming Gnome Pub & Eatery, Sevierville
Affectionately known as "The Gnome," The Roaming Gnome Pub & Eatery is a lively and budget-friendly spot in Sevierville. With an extensive menu boasting 70+ beers, an array of cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, it's a must-visit. The food is top-notch, and known for generous portions at affordable prices — don't skip the cheeseburger. The kitchen stays open until 2 am, perfect for those post-drink cravings.
A hotspot for sports fans, the pub features large TVs throughout and individual ones in each booth. The laid-back ambiance is great for hangouts and dates. The friendly staff, including bartenders, adds to the welcoming atmosphere. Plus, you can enjoy extra fun with pool tables and arcade games.
Go on a Ghost Tour, Gatlinburg
What about a different night with a bit more of a spooky vibe? With a variety of tours available, Ghost & Haunt Tours uses captivating (and pretty spooky) storytelling to give insights into historical accounts while delving into chilling paranormal occurrences.
Led by a knowledgeable and friendly guide, you'll get to explore legends and real stories about the city's former residents, visiting locations where spine-chilling events unfolded. Whether you're a true believer or a skeptic when it comes to eerie events and ghosts, you'll find their tours thrilling and hair-raising!
Some of their tours will involve hands-on investigation from participants. They even provide you with ghost-hunting tools, making it more fun for you to explore different sides of the area. It's an evening filled with plenty of spooky fun!
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Around, Tennessee: Top Nightlife Activities
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the surrounding areas shine both day and night, throughout the year. When planning a visit to this stunning region, it's always a great idea to consult an updated guide to the best nightlife activities in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Around. New venues continually emerge, offering exciting activities and loads of fun for both locals and visitors.
Where to stay when visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smoky Mountains?
While in town, why not enhance your stay with the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains in a great rental property? At Stony Brook, we offer an exceptional array of cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby, ranging from one to 20 bedrooms. As a family-owned service, we guarantee you'll have the best experience in the Smokies!