Fall is one of the very best times to visit Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! Millions of vacationers come to the Smokies to see the breathtaking red, yellow, and orange leaves that make up the Smoky Mountain fall foliage. In addition to the spectacular leaves, the fall months also bring a number of special seasonal events to the area. To help you make the most of your next getaway, Timber Tops Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to five amazing fall festivals in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains.
1. Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
Every year, the Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park hosts a wonderful Oktoberfest celebration! Running from late September through the end of October, this popular festival brings German culture to the Smokies with authentic Bavarian food, beer, and music.
Guests at Ober Gatlinburg’s Oktoberfest will have the chance to sample a variety of German delicacies, such as bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels, sauerkraut, and turkey legs. Of course, nothing compliments a hearty German meal like a glass of beer! The festival will include an outdoor Bier Garten where visitors can sample a variety of seasonal brews. During each weekend of Oktoberfest, there will be a different featured brewery on tap.
Fans of German music will love the daily performances from the Bavarian Fun Makers Oompah Band. Dressed in traditional lederhosen, this band will delight the crowds with polka, yodeling, folk dancing, and sing-a-longs.
2. Harvest Festival at Dollywood
The Harvest Celebration at Dollywood is one of the most beloved fall festivals in Pigeon Forge TN. Throughout the month of October, the Dollywood theme park celebrates the season with special decorations, amazing musical performances, and remarkable arts and crafts.
During the evening, the Timber Canyon section of the park will be illuminated with thousands of jack-o-lanterns. Carved with whimsical designs, these glowing pumpkins are sure to be a hit with your family. Other nighttime activities at Dollywood include a glow-in-the-dark maze, a meet and greet with Harvey the Pumpkin and additional Halloween characters, pumpkin carving demonstrations, special autumn foods, and glow-in-the-dark face painting.
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival also features a Southern Gospel Jubilee with over 300 free concerts and craft demonstrations from visiting artisans.
3. Sugarlands Mountainfest
The Sugarlands Mountainfest is a music and outdoor festival in Gatlinburg that will run for four days in late September and early October. Attendees will have the chance to see over 30 live bands including Hard Working Americans, The Travelin’ McCourys, and the Jeff Austin Band.
In addition to the wonderful music, the Sugarlands Mountainfest will feature a number of special activities. Here is a quick look at some of the fun scheduled for the festival:
- Tennessee whiskey tasting experience
- A variety of running events, including two 5K races
- The “Tour de Smokies DreamRide” cycling event through The Spur
- The “Battle of Gatlinburg” fishing tournament
- Meet and greet with distillers from the Discovery Channel show Moonshiners
- Square dancing fundraiser for the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
4. Bruce Street Brewfest
The Bruce Street Brewfest is a beer tasting event held in downtown Sevierville in mid-October. This excellent festival will feature beer from more than 40 local breweries and homebrewers, including Studio Brewing Company, Gatlinburg Brewing Company, Cold Fusion Brewing, and South Cider. A section of Bruce Street will be blocked off and converted into a beer garden where attendees can sample all of the wonderful brews.
Guests at the Brewfest will receive a souvenir glass and have the chance to vote for their favorite beer in the People’s Choice Competition. The festival will also feature live music and food trucks with plenty of tasty dishes.
5. Wears Valley Fall Fest
Located just 7 miles from Pigeon Forge, the scenic community of Wears Valley is the perfect place for some autumn festivities. Scheduled for three days in the second half of October, the Wears Valley Fall Fest will feature crafts, food, entertainment, kids activities, and gorgeous views of the fall colors in the mountains.
Here is a quick look at what you can expect at the Wears Valley Fall Fest:
- Craft booths with paintings, wood carvings, photography, jewelry, and other wares for sale
- Steak-on-a-stick, Southern BBQ, corn dogs, hamburgers, kettle corn, candy apples, and many other delicious meals and treats
- Country music, Southern gospel music, Native American dancing, and an Elvis impersonator
- Storytelling, tractor rides, an obstacle course, pumpkin painting, and face painting
- Even more fun things to see and do!
Where to Stay in Pigeon Forge
When you stay with Timber Tops Cabin Rentals, you will be near all of these incredible fall festivals in Pigeon Forge TN and the Smoky Mountains. With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 15 bedroom lodges, we are sure to have the perfect property for your escape. To start planning your fall vacation, browse our selection of cabins in Pigeon Forge!
