sunrise over Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Where are the Top Places to Hear Live Music in Gatlinburg?

live music in gatlinburg
April 25, 2025

Music lovers won’t have to look far for some toe-tapping tunes when visiting the Smokies! Gatlinburg is home to many talented musicians and bands who perform regular concerts all around town. This area of the Smoky Mountains is famous for its country and bluegrass music, but you’re likely to hear a bit of every genre at the local attractions, restaurants, and live entertainment venues. Keep reading to find out the best places to hear live music in Gatlinburg!

Downtown Gatlinburg Moonshine Distilleries

ole smoky moonshine holler

Moonshine and music go together like peanut butter and jelly! Whether you’re sampling some local flavors or just wanting to listen to some Gatlinburg bluegrass music, the Smoky Mountain moonshine distilleries are definitely worth a visit. The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, also known as “The Holler,” is a great place to catch some country and bluegrass music in Gatlinburg while strolling along the downtown strip. Sugarlands Distilling Company also hosts excellent concerts that feature touring Americana musicians from all over the country. Who knows, you might even discover your new favorite band! The great thing about listening to music at one of the downtown distilleries is that the concerts are completely free, even if you don’t buy any moonshine.

Read more about free things to do in Gatlinburg!

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales

During summer and fall, Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales, hosted by the city of Gatlinburg, puts on free concerts in downtown Gatlinburg for everyone to enjoy! In June and July, local musicians and bluegrass bands take to the streets every night beginning at 6 p.m. to perform some of the area’s signature mountain music. In September and October, you’ll be able to enjoy performances on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as between Thanksgiving and Christmas for a holiday-themed Winter Magic Tunes & Tales!

Restaurants & Bars with Live Music in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg has got you covered if you enjoy listening to live music while you eat! You’ll find a number of Gatlinburg restaurants with live music as well as a couple of popular spots for karaoke. Here are some of our favorite places to eat, drink, and enjoy the music:

outside of Three Jimmys restaurant in Gatlinburg

  • Ole Red– probably the most famous celebrity restaurant in the area and one of the top places for live music in Gatlinburg! Don’t miss out on these singer-songwriters, because they might just turn out to be the next big thing!
  • Smoky Mountain Brewery enjoy locally-made microbrewed beer, bar food, and stellar music; they also have select karaoke nights, SINGO, and other fun events!
  • Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar– another of the best Gatlinburg bars with live music, you’ll find the Nashville party right here in the Smokies!
  • Pucker’s Sports Grill games, darts, and live music on the weekends; it’s your ideal sports bar environment and some of the best bar food in town!
  • Three Jimmy’s– one of the most popular restaurants in the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, which has great food and live music on the weekends!
  • The Shamrock Pub if you’re wanting to participate in the entertainment yourself, karaoke at this Irish bar is always a blast!

Gatlinburg Attractions with Live Music

Many of the biggest attractions in Gatlinburg Tennessee also have live music and entertainment. Seasonal events like Music on the Mountain at Gatlinburg SkyPark showcase small up-and-coming artists, and Anakeesta has special guest performers throughout the year, such as the Sweet Tea Sisters and the Celtic Crossjacks.

Now you know about some of the best places for live music in Gatlinburg! You won’t have to worry about getting to all of these places, because when you stay with us, you’ll just be a short walk away from them all! If you’re ready to start planning your next getaway, look through our Gatlinburg hotel rooms and book one today!