Adventure Side of the Smokies

08/13/2026

🎡🤠 The Countdown to the Fair is ON!
Back to Boots and Roots kicks off THIS Saturday as we celebrate the 2026 Cocke County A&I Fair!
Join us August 18–22 for rides, food, livestock shows, exhibits, music, and family fun all week long.
We can’t wait to see everyone at the fairgrounds!

🎡🤠 The Countdown to the Fair is On! 🤠🎡

Get ready for an unforgettable week of family fun at the 2026 Cocke County A&I Fair as we celebrate "Back to Boots and Roots!"

📅 August 18–22, 2026

🎟 Admission Information:

⭐ Saturday, August 15
👑 Fairest of the Fair Pageant
🕗 Begins at 8:00 PM
🎫 Admission: $8.00

🎡 Tuesday, August 18
🕓 Gates Open: 4:00 PM
🎫 Admission: $8.00 per person
👶 Children 3 & under are FREE

🎡 Wednesday, August 19
🕓 Gates Open: 4:00 PM
🎫 Admission: $8.00 per person
👶 Children 3 & under are FREE

🐶 Thursday, August 20
🕓 Gates Open: 4:00 PM
🎫 Admission: $8.00 per person
👶 Children 3 & under are FREE
🐾 All dogs entering the grounds are $5.00. Proceeds benefit the Paw Palooza Dog Show!

🎢 Friday, August 21 – ONE PRICE NIGHT
🕓 Gates Open: 4:00 PM
🎟 $20.00 Admission
🎡 Includes ALL rides and events!
👶 Children 3 & under are FREE

🎢 Saturday, August 22 – ONE PRICE NIGHT
🕑 Gates Open: 2:00 PM
🎟 $20.00 Admission
🎡 Includes ALL rides and events!
👶 Children 3 & under are FREE

Bring the whole family and enjoy thrilling rides, exciting entertainment, livestock shows, exhibits, delicious fair food, live music, and so much more. There's something for everyone at the Cocke County A&I Fair!

🎠 We can't wait to welcome you back to your roots!

08/05/2026

📚National Book Lovers Day is August 9th!!
Celebrate by supporting two of our own local favorites right here in the Smokies.

✨ Cosby’s Own Our Place
A cozy, small‑town gem where books, coffee, and community come together. With friendly faces, new and used titles—including guides and stories about the Smokies—it’s the perfect stop before or after your mountain adventure.

✨ White Pine’s White Pine Books
Just up the road, White Pine Books offers a spacious, peaceful escape for rainy days, lake days, or anytime you want to slow down and discover your next great read. Their welcoming atmosphere and book trade program make it a favorite for readers of all ages.

📖 Want to explore even more Tennessee bookstores?
Check out the statewide roundup from Tennessee Tourism:
https://press.tnvacation.com/press-releases/explore-shelves-these-cozy-tennessee-bookstores-during-book-lovers-day-aug-9

Celebrate Book Lovers Day by exploring, supporting, and sharing the love of reading—starting right here at home in Cocke County.

Explore the Shelves at these Cozy Tennessee Bookstores During Book Lovers Day on Aug. 9 The Reading Room in Chattanooga courtesy Maeteu Reiter. Photos for media use with appropriate credit provided.  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 5, 2026) – Explore independent bookstores across Tennessee, browse...

07/30/2026

We had a great turnout at our first two Smokies Service Days of the year!

These volunteer events, held throughout the summer and into the fall, offer opportunities to give back to the national park and its surrounding community. We are still seeking additional volunteers for our next service day at Cosby on August 1.

Join us as we clean up the Cosby Campground! Opportunities are available for all ages and abilities, with tasks ranging from picking up natural debris like sticks to leaf blowing. We would love to have you join us.

Pre‑registration is required. Please email [email protected] to sign up and help protect the Smokies and the places people come to enjoy.



NPS Photo

07/28/2026

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is still seeking volunteers for this Saturday's 'Smokies Service Day' at Cosby Campground! Give back to our public lands by helping maintain them for the enjoyment of all! 🏕️

Explore all the 'Smokies Service Days' opportunities at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/getinvolved/smokies-service-days.htm.

07/23/2026

Anyone getting excited? We sure are.

3:30 Pipe Major Tracy Wilson
3:45 City of Newport Mayor and mural unveiling Tessfx Production & Design
4:00 Adeem the Artist
5:15 Dale Ann Bradley
6:30 Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers
8:00 Pickety Split
10:00 Fireworks

https://facebook.com/events/s/red-white-newport-tennessee-am/1326828866301252/

07/22/2026

We’re proud to share that the Pigeon River has been featured in EarthCam’s America 250 Celebration, showcasing the natural beauty of our community during the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Seeing our river highlighted in this historic moment is a reminder of the incredible landscapes, hardworking people, and vibrant spirit that make Cocke County shine. What an honor to be part of a nationwide celebration of America’s past, present, and future.

Here’s to 250 years of our country—and to the stunning Pigeon River that continues to inspire us every day. 🇺🇸💙🌿

https://www.earthcam.com/usa/tennessee/hartford/?cam=hartford_tn

07/18/2026

We want to give a shout out to every crew that has come down the river with us. You guys are what makes this adventure incredibly special! Sharing our passion for whitewater with you has been such a blessing. Thank you for visiting us. We hope to see you again in the future. 🌊🤙

07/16/2026

This summer, Newport is turning up the volume.

East Tennessee bluegrass comes home on July 31 as Bluegrass legend Larry Sparks & the Lonesome Ramblers take the Black Market Stage for a FREE evening of unforgettable music. Bring a lawn chair, gather with friends, and enjoy the authentic sounds that have echoed through these Appalachian hills for generations.

It's another reason to follow the East Tennessee Crossing Byway—where history, music, and mountain hospitality meet.

07/11/2026