Summer comes alive at Ober Gatlinburg during the Black Bear & Berry Jam Festival, held each Friday through Sunday each weekend beginning July 10 running through July 26, with live music, local artisans, berry-inspired foods and drinks, and up-close opportunities to learn about one of the Smokies' most iconic native animals — the black bear.

Throughout the park, guests can sample seasonal berry specialties, refreshing berry beverages and sweet treats while enjoying live entertainment on the Pepsi Soundstage, browsing local arts and crafts vendors and experiencing Ober Gatlinburg's family-friendly attractions.

On Saturday, July 18, the festival highlights the Smokies' famous black bears with presentations by wildlife biologists and conservation experts. Guests will learn about bear habitat, behavior, diet and practical tips for safely sharing the mountains with these native animals.

Each festival weekend spotlights Ober's Wildlife Habitat, where guests can encounter rescued black bears, bobcats, playful river otters, birds of prey, reptiles and other wildlife native to the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors looking for a more in-depth experience can book VIP Wildlife Discovery Tours at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the festival. Tours are limited to six guests and are available on a first-come, first-served basis with advance online reservations.

Live Music: The outdoor green space will come alive with live music as Club 80's Rewind performs favorite hits from the 1980s. Full concert schedule:

• Saturday, July 11: Rock Bottom Band from 3pm - 6pm.

• Friday, July 17: Shaun Abbott from 1pm - 4pm.

• Saturday, Jul 18: Club 80s Rewind from 1pm - 4pm.

• Saturday, July 25: The Band Waleska from 4pm - 7pm.

• Chocolate Lava Cake (Smoky's Grill): a decadent warm chocolate cake with a rich, molten center - served with fresh raspberries, a silky raspberry glaze, and a generous cloud of whipped cream.

• Churro Bites (Ober Cantina): Golden, pillowy churro bites dusted with powdered sugar and served alongside vibrant fresh strawberries, finished with luscious homemade strawberry glaze for dipping.

• Fresh Berry Parfait (Fudge Shop): A beautiful layered parfait built with creamy Greek yogurt and a hand-packed trio of fresh berries - plump raspberries, sweet blueberries, and juicy blackberries - crowned with crunchy granola.

• Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs (Fiddle & Pick): Slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone baby back pork ribs glazed with our signature house made blackberry BBQ sauce - smoky, sweet, and bold. Served with two sides: a warm golden square of fresh-baked cornbread and a classic crisp pickle spear.