Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit the Smoky Mountains! The area comes alive with colorful changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and exciting fall events all around! While you’re in town, you’re not going to want to miss these fantastic fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Autumn at the SkyPark
One of the newest fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains is Autumn at the SkyPark. Make your way up to the Gatlinburg SkyPark during the month of October for family-friendly fall fun! Enjoy stunning views of the Smoky Mountains covered in fall leaves and take photos with the beautiful fall decor all around the SkyPark. Throughout this fall festival you can experience pop-up events where you and your family can play games, win prizes, listen to live music, and more!
2. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
One of the most popular fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains is Dollywood’s Harvest Festival. This seasonal event features fall decor, festive foods, live music performances, craft demonstrations, and thrilling rides! A highlight of this festival is Great Pumpkin LumiNights. When the sun sets, the theme park comes to life with thousands of glowing pumpkins, colorful lights, and themed music. Artfully carved pumpkins are arranged in creative scenes and larger-than-life structures, such as the Pumpkin Tree, Dolly’s Guitar, and more!
3. Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain
Bring the whole family for a fun time at Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain! This fall event offers a month-long celebration with food, music, and fall-themed fun! Enjoy live music daily, outdoor family movies, and specialty food offerings such as Ober Dunkel Brats, Pumpkin Spice Fudge, and German Beers. On select days, you can even participate in the Classic Country Hoe Down and Giant Pumpkin Festival!
4. Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival
Another one of the mountaintop fall festivals in Gatlinburg is Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival. This festival takes place at the top of Anakeesta and includes seasonal entertainment and fall-themed decor throughout the park! You’ll have the chance to sample drink specials from regional and local breweries and taste Bavarian-inspired foods. Some notable items to try include the Pan Fried Pork Schnitzel, German Style Meatballs, Black Forest Cake, and German Chocolate Funnel Fries.
5. Wears Valley Fall Fest
The annual Wears Valley Fall Fest celebrates the season with a variety of activities and entertainment. This event takes place across 16 acres in picturesque Wears Valley where you’ll be surrounded by fall scenery and mountain views! You can browse more than 240 craft booths, watch live entertainment, and try various food options. There are also children’s events, antique tractors, and interactive activities for the whole family!
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains This Fall
You won’t want to miss these spectacular Smoky Mountain fall festivals! Now that you know what you’ll want to do while you’re in town, it’s time to start planning your Smoky Mountain stay. Take a look at our selection of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cabins to find the perfect place to stay this fall!
