Community Calendar

Learn all about how this Smoky Mountain staple was grown, harvested, and preserved with these live demonstrations. Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranger-led program. Cable Mill Historic Area at Cades Cove, Tenn. Free. Info: nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/calendar.htm or 865-436-1200.

Learn all about how this Smoky Mountain staple was grown, harvested, and preserved with these live demonstrations. Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranger-led program. Cable Mill Historic Area at Cades Cove, Tenn. Free. Info: nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/calendar.htm or 865-436-1200.

Learn all about how this Smoky Mountain staple was grown, harvested, and preserved with these live demonstrations. Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranger-led program. Cable Mill Historic Area at Cades Cove, Tenn. Free. Info: nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/calendar.htm or 865-436-1200.

Get inspired by the natural beauty of the Smokies while watching talented artists bring landscapes to life, brushstroke by brushstroke. As part of Plein Air Smokies, all Featured Artists will be demonstrating their craft outdoors over the course of three public sessions:

Monday Morning (Sept. 22, 9am-noon) with Olena Babak, John Lasater, Susan Lynn, Kathie Odom, Jeremy Sams, and Richard Sneary
Monday Afternoon (Sept. 22, noon-3pm) with Krystal Brown, John Caggiano, Bill Farnsworth, John Guernsey, Shelby Keefe and Kimberly Kennard
Tuesday Morning (Sept. 23, 9am-noon) with Carla Bosch, Henry Coe, Vlad Duchev, Chuck Marshall, Charles Newman, Richie Vios, and Dawn Whitelaw

Each session will feature different artists painting in and around Tremont’s scenic campus. This is a unique opportunity to observe a range of artistic styles, engage with the artists, and learn more about plein air techniques, all while immersed in one of the most picturesque locations in the Smokies.

This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Bring your curiosity and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

Learn more at PleinAirSmokies.com.

Work as a team to identify, count, and report raptors and other bird species that fly by on their way south for the winter. Smokies Life Branch Out event. Foothills Parkway West Overlook 6, Tallassee, Tenn. Cost: Park Keeper members $45; Join and attend $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40 + event registration $45). Info – smokieslife.org/branch-out-events/ or email: membership@smokieslife.org.

Get inspired by the natural beauty of the Smokies while watching talented artists bring landscapes to life, brushstroke by brushstroke. As part of Plein Air Smokies, all Featured Artists will be demonstrating their craft outdoors over the course of three public sessions:

Monday Morning (Sept. 22, 9am-noon) with Olena Babak, John Lasater, Susan Lynn, Kathie Odom, Jeremy Sams, and Richard Sneary
Monday Afternoon (Sept. 22, noon-3pm) with Krystal Brown, John Caggiano, Bill Farnsworth, John Guernsey, Shelby Keefe and Kimberly Kennard
Tuesday Morning (Sept. 23, 9am-noon) with Carla Bosch, Henry Coe, Vlad Duchev, Chuck Marshall, Charles Newman, Richie Vios, and Dawn Whitelaw

Each session will feature different artists painting in and around Tremont’s scenic campus. This is a unique opportunity to observe a range of artistic styles, engage with the artists, and learn more about plein air techniques, all while immersed in one of the most picturesque locations in the Smokies.

This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Bring your curiosity and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

Learn more at PleinAirSmokies.com.

Experience the charm of Townsend like never before during the “Hey Townsend” Paintout — an evening of live outdoor painting with all of the Plein Air Smokies Featured Artists gathered in one extraordinary location.

Set against the rustic backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, this event presents a rare opportunity to witness artists interpret historic Appalachian buildings, barns, and workshops in a vibrant and beautiful setting. Wander the grounds, watch paintings come to life in real time, and chat with artists about their techniques, inspirations, and creative process.

Artists will be painting all around the Heritage Center — from outdoor spaces that anyone can enjoy to special locations within the museum grounds. Stroll through the public areas at no cost, or step inside with a ticket to experience the full range of artists and the complete Heritage Center experience.

Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply enjoy a beautiful evening in the mountains, this is an unforgettable way to experience the intersection of culture, creativity, and community.

Learn more at PleinAirSmokies.com.

Explore the newest section of Foothills Parkway during peak fall migration, and catch a glimpse of birds as they head back to the tropics. Smokies Life Branch Out event. Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Townsend, Tenn. Cost: Park Keeper members $45; Join and attend $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40 + event registration $45). Info – smokieslife.org/branch-out-events/ or email: membership@smokieslife.org.

The third annual Smart Yards and Festival showcases fun and easy ways for you to care for yourself, your garden and the environment.

Learn about the most commonly found insects in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover the essential connection between insect herbivores and pollinators, native plants, and bird diversity. Smokies Life Branch Out event. Oconaluftee Administration Building, Cherokee, N.C. Cost: Park Keeper members $45; Join and attend $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40 + event registration $45). Info – smokieslife.org/branch-out-events or email: membership@smokieslife.org.