Celebrate Autumn with These Smoky Mountain Fall Festivals
Fall is one of the best times of the year to visit the Smokies! This season brings vibrant changing leaves, crisp mountain air, fun outdoor activities, and seasonal events that all ages can enjoy! Keep reading to learn more about some of the best Smoky Mountain fall festivals that you won’t want to miss this year.
1. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
If you’re visiting the Smoky Mountains in September or October, you’ll definitely want to experience Dollywood’s Harvest Festival. This is one of the most popular Smoky Mountain fall festivals, featuring fun ways to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the season! During the festival, the Pigeon Forge theme park features themed decor, colorful photo ops, live music, craft demonstrations, and festive foods with seasonal flavors like pumpkin, apple, and sweet potato. One of the biggest highlights of this festival is Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Stay after dark to see Dollywood come alive with the glow of thousands of carved pumpkins set in scenes with colorful lights and themed music!
2. Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival
Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival is another one of the can’t-miss Smoky Mountain fall festivals. At this festival, you can enjoy stunning views of Smoky Mountain fall colors as well as autumn decor throughout the mountaintop amusement park. Anakeesta also offers seasonal entertainment, including live music performed by unforgettable characters! A favorite part of the festival is the one-of-a-kind beer sampling experience with specialties from local breweries. Pair your beverages with Bavarian-inspired foods such as giant pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel, and strudel for the ultimate fall feast in the Smokies!
3. Gatlinburg Harvest Festival
One of the most widespread Smoky Mountain fall festivals is the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival. This festival spans throughout downtown Gatlinburg with fall decorations lining the streets and storefronts! You’ll see plenty of festive displays, including life-size scarecrow people set in various scenes. Many of the businesses in town participate, and there’s even a competition for Best Harvest Decorations! Visitors get to cast their votes in the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival People’s Choice Award, so make sure you take note of your favorite decorations so you can vote for a winner!
4. Wears Valley Fall Fest
Another one of the best Smoky Mountain fall festivals is the annual Wears Valley Fall Fest. You can celebrate the autumn season with a variety of crafts, activities, and entertainment in the heart of picturesque Wears Valley! The festival takes place across 16 acres surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and fall scenery. Browse more than 240 craft booths to find one-of-a-kind handmade products crafted by talented artisans. This is a great place to find a unique souvenir or the perfect holiday gift for that special someone! This event also features food trucks, children’s events, and other interactive activities for families.
More Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains This Fall
You’ll definitely want to experience these Smoky Mountain fall festivals this year! Are you looking for more things to do this season? Fall is the final call for white water rafting in the Smoky Mountains, and you won’t want to miss your chance to raft with us before the season ends! Find out why you should join our Pigeon River rafting trips this fall and start planning your outdoor adventure today!
