From mountain crafts to music, the arts scene in Gatlinburg is hopping!

Gatlinburg is justly proud of being home to the largest group of independent artisans and craftspeople in North America. They produce everything from fine art and photography to handcrafted clothing, jewelry, ceramics, leather goods and authentic mountain crafts. More than 100 of these talented folks display and sell their handiwork in shops and studios along the Arts and Crafts Loop. No Gatlinburg trip is complete without a visit to the arts district, which is dotted with restaurants and cafes so you can make a day of it. The arts district is easily accessible via the Trolley or a short drive.

The centerpiece of the arts community is the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, where artists from around the world come to polish their techniques and learn from others. Arrowmont has provided arts education and preserved the mountain craft heritage of the Smoky Mountain region for more than 100 years. You can view the work of students, instructors, artists in residence and internationally prominent artists and craftspeople at three galleries. The galleries and grounds are open year-round.

In downtown Gatlinburg, you’ll also find galleries, studios and shops where talented hands create beautiful mountain quilts, authentic straw brooms, pottery, paintings, clothing and leather goods and other Appalachian art. Explore the Parkway on foot, or jump on the Trolley to cruise the downtown area.

The convention center also is the site for the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Holiday Shows, an annual event featuring members of the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community on November 26 - December 8. Admission is free, and this is a great opportunity to find unique, handcrafted gifts from hand-dipped candles to dulcimers for everyone on your list!

Gatlinburg’s also home to some of the best musicians in East Tennessee, from bluegrass wizards to singer-songwriters. Live-music venues like Ole Red Gatlinburg, Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler, Smoky Mountain Brewery, Sugarlands Distilling Company, Three Jimmys and Crystelle Creek showcase live entertainment along with dinner, drinks and dancing.

Want to sing your own song? Step up to the mic at Three Jimmys, Crystelle Creek Grille or Puckers Sports Bar and Grill on karaoke nights, and let your talent shine!

For a different kind of musical fun, visit Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre & Music Hall, which is celebrating its 36th season this year with a 1890s-style melodrama and a Vaudeville musical comedy review that’s fun for the whole family. If you like magic and mind-reading then Impossibilities is the show for you.

For lots more options to explore the Gatlinburg arts scene, download the official Gatlinburg app.