Gatlinburg St. Patrick's Week
Mid-March, annually
A week-long tribute to Irish culture that turns the whole Parkway green — Celtic music, bagpipers and dancers, food and drink specials across town, and attractions lit green for the entire month of March. All of it without the crowds.
Gatlinburg St. Patrick's Week is a week-long celebration of Irish culture each March, organized by the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Parkway fills with shamrocks and green lights, bagpipers and Irish dancers perform around town, and restaurants and bars serve Irish food and drink specials. Because it falls in a quieter stretch of the year, you get the celebration without the summer crowds.
When: usually the week leading up to St. Patrick's Day, March 17
Where: across downtown Gatlinburg
Celtic music, bagpipers, Irish dancers, and food and drink specials
Green lights and décor all month long
When it happens
St. Patrick's Week usually runs the week leading up to and including St. Patrick's Day on March 17. The green lighting and shamrock décor around town stay up for the whole month, so even if you miss the main week, you'll still see Gatlinburg dressed in green. Check gatlinburg.com for this year's dates and events.
What to expect
The town goes green
Shamrocks, Irish flags, and green lights go up along the Parkway, and restaurants, shops, and attractions join in with decorations and specials. Attractions like the Space Needle, the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, and Anakeesta have taken part with green lights and themed décor.
Celtic music and Irish performances
Live music is the heart of the week. Bagpipers, Irish dancers, and Celtic bands perform at venues around the Parkway. The lineup changes every year, so check the Visit Gatlinburg events calendar for the current schedule.
Irish food and drink
Restaurants serve Irish favorites like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, and Irish stew, plus playful green treats. Bars pour green beer, Irish stouts, and whiskey drinks.
Where to celebrate
Live music
Ole Red is a lively stop, with live music, drink specials, a two-story bar, and an outdoor terrace. Shamrock Pub, Gatlinburg's Irish-themed bar, has live music and karaoke every night.
Beer, whiskey, and cocktails
Gatlinburg Brewing Company pours house-brewed beer and stays open until 1 AM. For whiskey, visit Ole Smoky's The Holler and The Barrelhouse, or the back porch at Sugarlands Distilling Company. End the night at Alibi Speakeasy, with its bourbon list and craft cocktails.
Food
For dinner, try No Way Jose's on the riverside patio or Best Italian, and start the morning at Pancake Pantry or Crockett's Breakfast Camp. See all Gatlinburg restaurants.
Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge
The Titanic was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge has marked March with a celebration of the ship's Irish roots.
Tips for visiting
Wear green — locals and visitors alike dress for it.
Check the calendar — performance times and venues change every year. See gatlinburg.com or the Visit Gatlinburg app.
Go out in the evening — the green lights look best after dark, and the music venues are livelier.
Make a tasting night — Ole Smoky, Sugarlands, Tennessee Cider Company, and Alibi make a fun evening circuit.
Enjoy the quiet season — mid-March means shorter lines and more cabins to choose from.
More to do in March
Spend a rainy afternoon at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, catch the end of ski season at Ober Gatlinburg, or browse the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community while it's quiet. Early wildflowers start appearing on lower trails in the national park. See all Gatlinburg events and things to do in Gatlinburg.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gatlinburg St. Patrick's Week?
A week-long celebration around St. Patrick's Day, organized by the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, with Irish décor, Celtic music, bagpipes, Irish dancers, and food and drink specials.
When is it?
Usually the week leading up to March 17. Green lights and décor stay up all month. Check gatlinburg.com for this year's dates.
Is there live music?
Yes. Celtic bands, bagpipers, and Irish dancers perform at venues around town.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. The music, decorations, and atmosphere work for all ages. The drink specials are for adults.
Is mid-March a good time to visit?
Yes. Lines are shorter than in summer or fall, cabins are easier to book, and early wildflowers are starting in the park.
Will the cabin fireplace work?
No. Our fireplaces run from October 1 through late February, so they're off by mid-March. A hot tub is the better pick for a cool March evening.
Plan your March trip with our Gatlinburg cabins, and warm up after an evening out in our hot tub cabins. Book direct and the Stay & Play Pass includes free attraction tickets for every paid night.