Fall is all about fun in the Smoky Mountains! Among all the great things to do around town, one you don’t want to miss is attending a seasonal festival! These events are a celebration of this special time of year, featuring fall-themed activities, tasty food and drinks, and memories you and your family will cherish. Enjoy crisp autumn temperatures and gorgeous mountain scenes full of color when you attend these 4 festivals and events during fall in the Smokies:
1. Harvest Festival at Dollywood
Celebrate the changing of the seasons with excitement for all ages at the Harvest Festival at Dollywood! The Pigeon Forge theme park comes to life with vivid color, the smells of apple and pumpkin treats, and thrills that echo throughout the park as guests enjoy adventures of all kinds. At night, the sky becomes illuminated with the warm glow of 12,000 pumpkins as part of the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Complete with live music, fall flavors and family-friendly activities, there’s no shortage of excitement to check out.
2. Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain
Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain is a celebration of the world's most famous beer festival! This event during fall in the Smokies features Bavarian-style food, entertainment, and, of course, several different German beers. Live bands dressed in traditional Bavarian garb perform music, folk dances, schuhplattler, sing-a-longs, yodels, and more. Food options include bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pretzels, strudel, and additional German cuisine. This is a favorite seasonal event for families in particular!
3. Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta
Speaking of brats and brews, if you’re a fan, you’re going to love the Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta! Enjoy autumn decor throughout the Gatlinburg adventure park, seasonal entertainment, and Bavarian inspired food and drinks. You can even choose to sample various local and regional craft beers when you purchase a beer tasting card. Live entertainment at this festival during fall in the Smokies include music, family-friendly skits, dance and more. Anakeesta’s Treetop Skywalk allows you to walk among the orange, red and yellow hues of the fall forest.
4. Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind handmade items you’ll find them at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair at the Gatlinburg Convention Center! More than 200 booths of handcrafted products are available for you to explore. It’s a great place to search for souvenirs or unique items to commemorate your trip during fall in the Smokies. Artisans from all over the nation converge on Gatlinburg to display and sell their unique creations that come with a personal touch you’ll love. Goods include pottery, leather, copper art, candy, and much more. Stock up on Christmas gifts for family and friends and enjoy live music performances every day.
Have a uniquely Smoky Mountain experience when you attend one of these festivals during fall in the Smokies! Do you know where you will stay on your autumn trip to the Smokies? Check out several reasons cabins make the best option!
