Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, this year, and the Smokies towns have a nice mix of ways to say thank you, from a free downtown ceremony in Gatlinburg to student tributes at the local high schools and a free museum visit in Pigeon Forge. If you’re a veteran visiting this month, or you’re traveling with one, here’s what’s on the calendar.
Gatlinburg’s Veterans Day Ceremony, November 11
Gatlinburg holds its annual Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. in Mills Auditorium inside the Gatlinburg Convention Center, according to the city event listing. It’s free and open to everyone, and organizers suggest getting there a little early.
- When: Wednesday, November 11, 11 a.m. to noon
- Where: Mills Auditorium, Gatlinburg Convention Center, 234 Historic Nature Trail (on the Parkway downtown)
- Parking: Free parking is offered at 309 Reagan Drive
- Cost: Free
Last year’s program gives a good idea of what to expect: a keynote from a retired Army command sergeant major, the national anthem sung a cappella, presentations from American Legion Post 202 and a local Girl Scout troop, recognition of Gold Star and Blue Star families, and the POW/MIA Table tribute. Longtime WATE journalist and veteran Don Dare hosted. The 2026 lineup hasn’t been posted yet, so check the listing closer to the day.
High school veterans programs, November 5 to 10
Sevier County’s high schools put on some of the most heartfelt tributes of the season, and every one of them welcomes veterans and their families. Admission is free. Here’s the schedule as reported by The Mountain Press:
- Sevier County High School, Sevierville: The 34th annual Smoky Salutes program, “The Red, White, and Blue,” on Thursday, November 5, at 6:30 p.m. and Friday, November 6, at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the Lon C. Burchfield Gymnasium. Veterans get a reception in the library at 5:30 p.m. before the evening show and at 9 a.m. before the morning show.
- Seymour High School: The 33rd annual “Veterans, We Salute You” on Thursday, November 5, at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Pigeon Forge High School: The 29th annual Veterans Program on Tuesday, November 10, at 9:30 a.m. in the gym, with patriotic music, student presentations and a reception afterward.
- Gatlinburg-Pittman High School: “250 Years of Freedom: Honoring those who defended our Nation” on Tuesday, November 10, at 9:30 a.m. Veterans and families meet in the auditorium lobby at 9:15 a.m. to be walked to reserved seats in the gym, and lunch is served after the program.
Free admission at the Titanic Museum, November 10 to 16
The Titanic Museum Attraction on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge gives veterans a complimentary admission ticket during its Veterans Week, Tuesday, November 10, through Monday, November 16, according to Pigeon Forge tourism. Bring a valid military ID. Family members traveling with you still need regular tickets, so it’s worth booking those ahead.
More to do that week
- Gatlinburg Winter Festival & Chili Cook-Off, Thursday, November 12: The Parkway fills with chili booths and live music the day after Veterans Day. Our chili cook-off post has the details.
- Pigeon Forge Winterfest Celebration, Friday, November 13: The city’s free kickoff runs 4 to 8 p.m. at Patriot Park, with The Sound headlining at 6:30 p.m., free restaurant samples, ice skating and Santa with his reindeer, per the city announcement.
- Holiday lights: Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic and Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest lights will already be glowing, so plan an evening drive. Our November guide rounds up the rest of the month.
Many attractions, restaurants and hotels around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville offer military discounts year-round, but the details vary, so ask when you book and keep your ID handy. And to every veteran reading this: thank you for your service. We hope you get a great week in the mountains.