Gatlinburg Pancake Week Returns This February!
If there is one thing Gatlinburg knows how to do better than anyone else, it is breakfast. From February 20–28, 2026, the “Pancake Capital of the South” will lean into its reputation with the return of Gatlinburg Pancake Week. This week-long celebration, held in conjunction with National Pancake Week, transforms the downtown Parkway into a haven for syrup lovers and flapjack aficionados alike.
Compiled By Chris Murphy
Unique Creations and Local Favorites
During this extravaganza, Gatlinburg’s most iconic breakfast houses and hidden gems go beyond their standard menus. Participating businesses showcase unique pancake creations, ranging from decadent chocolate-infused stacks to savory, mountain-inspired flavors. Whether you prefer the classic buttermilk tradition of the Pancake Pantry or the rustic charm of Crockett’s Breakfast Camp, there is a specialty plate waiting for every palate.
Take the Pancake Week Challenge
For those who take their breakfast seriously, the Visit Gatlinburg app offers an interactive way to join the festivities. By participating in the Pancake Week Challenge, visitors can turn their morning meal into a scavenger hunt for prizes.
- How to Play: Download the app and “check-in” at seven or more participating locations.
- The Reward: Every person who completes the challenge wins a Pancake Week Prize Pack, featuring:
- A custom “Gatlinburg Breakfast Club” t-shirt.
- A pancake-themed stress ball (perfect for that post-syrup sugar rush).
- A collectible scratch-n-sniff pancake sticker.
- The Grand Prize: Completing the challenge also enters you into a giveaway for a two-night cabin stay in Gatlinburg and a $25 gift card to a local pancake house.
New for 2026: Pop-Up Eating Contests
This year, the celebration adds a competitive edge with the Pop-up Pancake Eating Contests. Held at various downtown landmarks—including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler—these events invite contestants of all ages to see who can clear their plate the fastest. With age divisions starting at under-five all the way up to adults, it is a hilarious and high-energy spectacle for the whole family.
Whether you are a local regular or a visitor looking for the ultimate Smoky Mountain experience, Gatlinburg Pancake Week is the perfect excuse to loosen your belt and indulge.
Click for more information about the Gatlinburg Pancake Week.
