Gatlinburg’s Annual 4th of July Midnight Parade

It’s that time again! Gatlinburg is preparing to have the first 4th of July parade in the country once again with the 2024 4th of July Midnight Parade along the main downtown parkway at 11:59PM of July 3rd.

Here’s what the city of Gatlinburg has released about its upcoming parade plans this year:

“Celebrating a nearly half-century tradition, the 49th Annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade will line up July 3 at 11:59 PM and kick off at 12:01 AM on July 4th, ringing in the “First Independence Day Celebration in the Nation.” ACM Awards New Male Artist of the Year Nominee and GOLD-selling Country music hitmaker Conner Smith will headline the award-winning parade as Grand Marshal, ushering in the patriotic holiday in a procession of red, white, and blue.

This parade named as one of the “Top 10 Parades to see in the US” by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, will march through downtown Gatlinburg, beginning at the Baskins Creek Bypass located on East Parkway. Festive floats decorated in sparkling fashion will line the Parkway featuring patriotic marching bands, larger-than-life balloons, and more.

The First Independence Day Parade in the Nation has garnered national attention and award recognition for excellence in entertainment. The parade has been named by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as a “Top Ten Parade to see in the US” and recognized by Livability.com as one of the “Five Best Fourth of July Celebrations in Smaller Cities.” Additionally, the event has earned multiple Grand Pinnacle Awards by the International Festivals and Events Association.

Meet & Greet

Smith will be pregaming the holiday early on July 3, offering a meet and greet at Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler on July 3 at 2 p.m. With exclusive photos and autographs, Smith will be welcoming eventgoers and the community for an hour, kick starting the festivities. The meet-and-greet will be first come, first serve. Those attending the event are encouraged to arrive early. Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler is located at 903 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg.

Event Shirts for Sale

Purchase your one-of-a-kind Gatlinburg 4th of July t-shirt at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center for $25. Supplies limited. Get one while they last!

ABOUT CONNER SMITH: Just 23 years old and already a seasoned veteran of Nashville’s elite songwriting community, Conner Smith has emerged as one of Country’s most hotly-anticipated artists – one knows the past can still inspire the present, and good things come to those who wait. An uncommon talent mixing prime-of-life passion with old-soul perspective, the rising singer/songwriter has spent 15 years matching a honeyed vocal to propulsive hints of bluegrass and the warmth of ‘90s Country, an instant-classic sound infused with riveting modern appeal.”

See the full release on this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburgs-annual-fourth-of-july-midnight-parade/35/.