The Music in the Mountains Spring Parade in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a celebration of the rich musical heritage of the Smoky Mountains. Previously known as the Dolly Parade or Dolly’s Homecoming Parade, this event highlights the Pigeon Forge theaters and incredible singers, dancers and actors from all over the city that entertain visitors at the Pigeon Forge theaters nightly.
Musical History
The parade also highlights our musical heritage that has played a major role in the development of modern country and bluegrass music. The music of East Tennessee is defined by country and bluegrass artists and has roots in Appalachian folk music. This artistry will be displayed in the Music in the Mountains Spring Parade along with local high school marching bands, local celebrities, floats, majorettes, horses and more!
Grand Marshal
This popular parade draws thousands of spectators that line the Pigeon Forge parkway to Grand Marshal, Cal Ripkin Jr. Cal Ripkin is a multi-record holding American baseball player, a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and co-founder of Ripkin Baseball.
The Ripkin Experience in Pigeon Forge is a local youth baseball facility in Pigeon Forge open to 7u – 12u age groups for practice, camps and tournaments.
For 32 years, it’s been my honor and privilege to serve as the grand marshal. In that time, Pigeon Forge has grown so much and so many new businesses and attractions have come to town, everyone agrees that this is the perfect time for me to step aside and share the spotlight with some other folks. Dollywood has hogged the spotlight long enough!
Dolly Parton
When Is The Parade?
The Music in the Mountains Spring Parade takes place April 28, 2023. The parade route begins by entering the Pigeon Forge Parkway near traffic light #6 and head north towards Sevierville to traffic light #3. The parade will take up the northbound lanes of the parkway and all traffic will be diverted to the southbound lanes. This parade is free to everyone and is a family event. Plan to come early to get the best seats on the parkway.
What is the Parade Route?
The parade will enter the Pigeon Forge Parkway near traffic light #6 and head north towards Sevierville to traffic light #3. Since the parade will take up the northbound lanes of the parkway, all traffic will be diverted to the southbound lanes. Please plan your travel accordingly as the parkway will be congested during this time.
Free parking for the parade is available at the LeConte Center Municipal Lot or Patriot Park in the Old Mill Area. For the best parade viewing, book one of our Pigeon Forge hotels on the parkway and enjoy the parade from the comfort of your own balcony and take advantage of the free parking.
