Gatlinburg SkyPark is finishing October with its busiest run of fall events. There are two sunrise mornings left on the SkyLift, a pair of highline shows above downtown and the second BrOO Fest on Halloween afternoon. If you’re in town over the next two weekends, here’s what’s happening and how to plan around it.
Smoky Mountain Sunrise: two mornings left
The sunrise mornings let a limited number of guests ride the SkyLift up before the park opens and watch the sun come up over the Smokies and Gatlinburg. According to SkyPark’s Smoky Mountain Sunrise page, the last two dates are Saturday, October 24, and Saturday, October 31.
- The SkyLift starts loading 45 minutes before sunrise. SkyPark lists sunrise at 7:48 a.m. on October 24, so plan to be in line by about 7 a.m.
- Breakfast is included: sausage and bacon breakfast burritos, danishes, hash browns, coffee, water and juice. Breakfast ends at 8:30 a.m.
- You also get a souvenir mug to take home, and specialty coffee is for sale at the new SkyBrew.
- SkyPark says the October 31 morning will have live music.
- Your ticket is good for the whole day with re-entry, and it covers the SkyLift, SkyBridge, SkyDeck, SkyTrail, Tulip Tower and Clayton’s Landing.
- Tickets are sold online only, and capacity is limited.
One thing to double-check: the SkyPark page lists a 6:55 a.m. sunrise for October 31. Clocks don’t fall back until Sunday, November 1, though, and the sun actually comes up a little before 8 a.m. that Saturday. Confirm the loading time with SkyPark when you book so you don’t end up waiting in the dark for an hour.
The event depends on the weather, and SkyPark says all sales are final. The October 10 sunrise was canceled because of the hurricane, and ticket holders were contacted about refunds or a new date.
Highline shows: October 30 and 31
On Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, the Rucksack Circus highline crew will walk, bounce and spin on a thin line high above downtown Gatlinburg. Per SkyPark’s Highline Shows page, shows run in several sets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, so you can drop in any time in that window.
SkyPark suggests the SkyDeck and Clayton’s Landing for roomy, wide views, the SkyTrail and lookouts for photos of the athletes with the mountains behind them, and the SkyBridge entrances to watch the crew get ready up close. Wind or storms can shift the set times.
BrOO Fest on Halloween afternoon
The second annual BrOO Fest runs Saturday, October 31, from 2 to 5 p.m. It’s a small celebration of Smoky Mountain craft beer with vendor tents and those big mountain views. SkyPark’s BrOO Fest page lists Iron Forge Brewery and Gatlinburg Brewing Company so far, with more breweries to be announced.
- Tastings are bought at Smoky Mountain Sips on the day of your visit. SkyPark lists $20 for 8 tastings. Prices can change, so check SkyPark’s website for the latest before you go.
- Full pours of your favorites are available at the bar.
- You must be 21 or older with a valid ID to sample or buy alcohol.
A full Halloween at the top
October 31 is the day to stack everything together. Since a sunrise ticket is good all day with re-entry, you could catch the sunrise and breakfast, head down for lunch, come back for the highline shows before 3 p.m. and finish with BrOO Fest. Kids can get their faces painted that morning too (see below).
More at SkyPark this week
- Face painting and balloon art: every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 31, according to the face painting page. That leaves October 24 and October 31.
- Music on the Mountain, 5 to 8 p.m.: per the Music on the Mountain schedule, Nashville songwriters Taylor Teasley and Tori Hughes play Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23. Local musician Dennis Wilds plays Sunday, October 25, and Sunday, November 1. The bluegrass duo Richard Bennett and Fiddling Leona usually plays Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but this week they’re on Monday through Wednesday, October 19 to 21.
- Coming next: Lights Over Gatlinburg starts November 6 and runs through January 31, 2027, with lights along the full length of the SkyBridge. SkyPark’s Lights Over Gatlinburg page says it’s included with regular admission.
What to wear
The National Weather Service forecast for Gatlinburg calls for sunny days all week, with a high near 71 on Saturday. Friday night drops to around 44, and it can feel colder on an open chairlift before sunrise. Bring a warm layer, gloves for the little ones and a hat for the ride up.
Getting there
Gatlinburg SkyPark is at 765 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, and the SkyLift leaves right from the Parkway. For more on the park itself, see our guides to the Gatlinburg SkyBridge and Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. You can find every event on the SkyPark events calendar.
Sources: Gatlinburg SkyPark’s Smoky Mountain Sunrise page, Highline Shows page, BrOO Fest page, Music on the Mountain schedule, face painting page and Lights Over Gatlinburg page; the National Weather Service forecast for Gatlinburg; and an October 19 report in the Citizen Tribune.