The Largest New Year’s Eve Party in the Smokies Features a Free Concert by Emily Ann Roberts, Family Fun, and a Spectacular Midnight Fireworks Display

PIGEON FORGE, TN – East Tennessee's own rising country star, Emily Ann Roberts, will headline its 12th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration and Midnight Fireworks show on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at The Island in Pigeon Forge.

Emily Ann Roberts' debut album, Can’t Hide Country, showcases her unique blend of traditional country and bluegrass roots, and was spotlighted by Billboard, MusicRow, People, and more. She released her new EP Memory Lane in October. No stranger to the stage, Emily Ann has toured with the likes of Blake Shelton, Megan Moroney, Cody Johnson, Jamey Johnson, Clint Black, and more.

Widely recognized as the LARGEST New Year's Eve celebration in the Smokies, The Island rings in 2026 with a day of fun and an unforgettable night of free entertainment. The free concert officially kicks off at 7 PM with a DJ, followed by the high-energy Stephen Goff Band at 8:30 PM. Headline artist Emily Ann Roberts will take the stage at 10:25 PM for a long set leading up to the countdown to 2026.

As the clock strikes midnight, the celebration builds to a grand finale! Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the Pigeon Forge sky, welcoming 2026! The show is synchronized to a soundtrack broadcast live on Knoxville radio station WIVK 107.7 FM, creating an immersive experience.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Emily Ann Roberts to The Island stage to headline our New Year's Eve celebration," said marketing director Amanda Webb. "Our goal has always been to offer affordable fun in the Smokies, and providing high-quality, free family-friendly entertainment on New Year's Eve—and all year long—is how we deliver on that promise. It's truly the best way to kick off the new year!"

The Island in Pigeon Forge is open from 10 AM to midnight on Wednesday, December 31, ensuring guests have a full day of family fun, dining, shopping, and thrilling attractions leading up to the main event.

Voted Best Destination in Pigeon Forge! The Island offers family-friendly entertainment with over 80 shops, restaurants, rides and attractions, including the 200-foot Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Dining options include popular favorites like Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, Margaritaville Restaurant, Timberwood Grill, and Mellow Mushroom. Visitors can browse specialty shops, enjoy the free Island Show Fountain, and stay at one of two convenient on-site hotels. Best of all, parking and admission are always free, making The Island an affordable and unforgettable family experience in the Smokies.
islandinpigeonforge.com 

About Emily Ann Roberts
They say the path to the grandest stage is paved with relentless practice, and Emily Ann Roberts embodies this mantra. From humble beginnings on small Knoxville stages to numerous performances at the Grand Ole Opry, Roberts has diligently earned her place in the spotlight. Her journey began as a standout and runner-up finisher on Blake Shelton's team on “The Voice,” a remarkable achievement even before graduating high school. Since then, Roberts has amassed a wealth of experience in performing, songwriting and recording. This dedication has translated into more than 93 million global streams, solidifying her status as a rising star in country music. Her debut album, Can’t Hide Country, showcases her unique blend of traditional country and bluegrass roots, and was spotlighted by Billboard, MusicRow, People, and more, and she released a new EP, Memory Lane, on Oct. 3. No stranger to the stage, Emily Ann has toured with the likes of Blake Shelton, Megan Moroney, Cody Johnson, Jamey Johnson, Clint Black and more. Adding to her impressive list of accomplishments, Emily Ann was a member of the CMT Next Women of Country class of 2024, Nashville Briefing Artist to Watch, and is a featured artist in Walt Disney World’s Country Bear Musical Jamboree attraction, performing “Try Everything” from “Zootopia” as Trixie St. Claire. From small-town beginnings to the national spotlight, Emily Ann Roberts continues to captivate audiences and garner countless fans with her tuneful twang, vivid songwriting and charismatic stage presence. For more information, visit emilyannroberts.com.