Things really get hopping after hours in East Tennessee, where planners will find many opportunities for group bonding when the day of meetings has concluded.
From dinner in a special setting or a visit to a local winery, brewery or distillery for a nightcap, to a set of frames at a boutique bowling alley or an evening round of golf, this region of the Volunteer State offers plenty of options for group entertainment.
Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, an evening dinner or reception at the Tennessee Aquarium surrounded by sea creatures including sharks and jellyfish, plus a pre- or post-event tour, is always a big hit with groups.
As is the one-hour-long Escape Experience-Chattanooga, a fun teambuilding activity during which groups work together to escape from a locked room.
According to Ed Dolliver, vice president of sales for the Chattanooga CVB, another popular nighttime option is Southside Social, a boutique 10-lane bowling alley with three bars, an indoor gaming area including pool tables, ping pong and shuffleboard, as well as an outdoor courtyard with seating, fire pits, a bocce ball court and horseshoes.
Knoxville
There is also a boutique bowling alley in Knoxville that welcomes groups, called Maple Hall, where attendees will find 11 lanes of bowling, lounge areas, a two-lane private VIP room and a full-service bar.
“Your event can really stand out with unique cocktails, craft beer and customizable group menus,” said Sarah Rowan, senior director of sales at Visit Knoxville.
Planners can also check out the calendar of events at the historic Tennessee Theatre, the official state theater of Tennessee and a standout Knoxville attraction that stages musical performances, Broadway shows, vintage films and more.
“The experience of the breathtaking theater is almost as compelling as the show you are there to see,” Rowan said.
A more active Knoxville outing can be found at Ijams Nature Center, home to Navitat Canopy Adventures, which debuted a nighttime zipline opportunity this past summer. Attendees will get a kick out of zipping through the forest at night under the stars.
Gatlinburg
Groups can get off the ground at night in Gatlinburg, too, according to Marci Claude, public relations manager for the Gatlinburg CVB.
“Take in the Great Smoky Mountains and the lights of Gatlinburg from three vantage points high above the city,” she said, citing the rooftop bar at Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina; the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, which travels to the top of Crockett Mountain; and the 400-foot Space Needle, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Distillery and winery tours can also be arranged in the evening hours at, among others, Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, Sugarlands Distilling Co., Sugarland Cellars winery and Bootleggers Homemade Wine.
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Entertainment options in Gatlinburg include the Iris Theater’s Impossibilities, a fun magic show that encourages audience participation, and Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre’s vaudeville comedy show.
“The cast and crew will have you in stitches with their original comedy routines in a traditional English-style theater,” Claude said. “Audience participation is a big part of their shtick—they love groups!”
Pigeon Forge
A main source of entertainment in Pigeon Forge is Dollywood theme park, where according to Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, groups could have a private dinner function, see a stage show and, in the summertime, enjoy fireworks.
“Another idea is having a miniature golf tournament, something fun for all ages and skills,” he said, citing Firehouse Golf at Walden’s Landing, which is a walkable area with attractions, shops and restaurants. “The group could celebrate the tournament’s winner at the Smoky Mountain Brewery.”
One more after-hours option in Pigeon Forge is to visit the Titanic Museum Attraction for a tour and reception.
Sevierville
In downtown Sevierville, home to the world-famous Dolly Parton statue, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, planners can book Dyer’s Downtown, a special-events venue, and Courthouse Donuts—the two are connected and can arrange a dinner followed by a dance party outside on the street, according to Amanda Marr, director of marketing and communications for the Sevierville CVB.
“Another fun option at Courthouse Donuts is Painting with Tino & Vino,” she said. “Your group can enjoy a fun evening of delicious local wines and art instruction from renowned local artist Robert A. Tino.”
During the warmer months, after a day of meetings at the Sevierville Convention Center, which includes a ballroom area that accommodates up to 1,100 people and two exhibit halls totaling over 108,000 square feet, groups can walk right next door to the Sevierville Golf Club (SGC) for an evening tournament. The SGC features two 18-hole courses as well as a clubhouse and pavilion that accommodate group gatherings before or after play.
Spring and summer also allow the option of an evening group outing to see the Tennessee Smokies baseball team in action.
“The stadium has a great outdoor dining area built for groups called Calhoun’s at the Yard,” Marr said. “Get a hot catered dinner and a Tennessee Smokies souvenir for each member of your group. Plus, if you book a Friday or Saturday night game, you’ll enjoy post-game fireworks.”
Another seasonal nighttime opportunity at Smokies Stadium is Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, which takes place in November and December.
“This is one of the world’s largest drive-through, fully synchronized LED Christmas light and music shows, and something you’ve got to see to believe,” Marr said.
Johnson City
In Johnson City there are several group-friendly nighttime opportunities, including a private dining experience in the barrel room at Portico, where groups can order Italian tapas such as parmesan-crusted calamari and red wine-braised meatballs with mozzarella fondue, among many other delicious options.
“Next, check out Down Home, a fixture for live music downtown,” said Jenna Moore, director of sales for the Johnson City CVB. “Get a feel for our region’s roots in bluegrass and country music at this iconic venue.”
Groups can also head over to Yee-Haw Brewing Company for a fun atmosphere that includes arcade basketball, a huge patio and fire pit, or to Holiday Lanes for intergalactic-glow-in-the-dark bowling.
“The bright lights go down, the black lights come on and strobes flash light everywhere,” Moore said. “The pins, carpet, balls and furniture begin to glow. It’s a fun way to relieve some stress, kick back and have fun!”
