Smoky Mountains fall activities range from super spooky Halloween events, to beautiful scenic fall drives, and of course a slew of events in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg as the colors begin to change. Here are some of our top picks for events and things to do in the Smoky Mountains fall this October.
Bear-Varian Fall Festival
August 28 through November 1, 2026
Anakeesta is celebrating fall with their usual festive traditions. The park will be decked out with seasonal decor (including plenty of pumpkins) and the beautiful changing leaves. Anakeesta will also have haunted rides on the Rail Runner, nighttime zip line rides and movie nights on the weekends in October.
Anakeesta Fall Festival
Fall Feudin’ Fiasco at Hatfield & McCoy
September 11 through November 5, 2026
The feudin’ gets a fall twist at Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show! Enjoy a hearty Southern feast, plenty of laughs, singing and dancing, and all the family-friendly fun of the show with a little extra fall flair. Plus, we hear there’s a new flavor of banana pudding to try…
Fall Feudin’ Fiasco
Dollywood Harvest Festival
September 14 through October 31, 2026
Carve out time for fall’s biggest event! The Dollywood Harvest Festival presented by Humana is happening September 9 through October 28. This celebration will include events like the Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Southern Gospel Jubilee.
Harvest Festival
Ober Gatlinburg’s Oktoberfest
September 25 through November 1, 2026
OktOBERfest at Ober Gatlinburg is back with Bavarian food, beer, music, and fall fun in the Smokies! 🎉 Enjoy bratwursts, pretzels, and schnitzel while the Bavarian Fun Makers Band brings the party with live oompah music, dancing, and yodeling. It’s the perfect way to celebrate cooler temps and mountain views
Ober’s Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest at Peaceful Side Social
Sat, Sep 19, 2026 • 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Guten tag! Dust off your lederhosen and break out your best dirndl, Oktoberfest is coming back to Peaceful Side Social Saturday, September 16th from 11am-7pm – and this year, they’re going bigger. Guests can enjoy an array of entertainment, delicious food and live music!
Oktoberfest
Jack-tober Fest
September 19 through October 31, 2026
Join Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show in Pigeon Forge, TN as they celebrate Oktoberfest Lumberjack style! Feast at the all you can eat Bavarian buffet loaded with all your Oktoberfest favorites, enjoy the brand new Jack-toberfest beer, and test your skills in a pre show stein-holding contest.
Jack-tober Fest
Townsend Fall Heritage Festival
Sep 25 through 26, 2026 • 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy genuine bluegrass music, arts and crafts, food, and Fall festivities for the entire family at the Townsend Visitors Center. The Townsend Fall Heritage Festival provides an atmosphere where family and friends of all ages can partake in time-honored Appalachian traditions at a free community event!
Heritage Festival
Annual Rotary Club Craft Fair
Sep 25 through Oct 24, 2026 • 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Head on over to Patriot Park this October and you’ll spot a giant red and white striped tent that houses 75 different artisan booths featuring unique handmade items. The Rotary Club Crafts Festival offers visitors a chance to shop for some fall décor or even purchase some early holiday gifts. Parking is free and 100% of donated admission goes to local charities.
Craft Festival
Fall At Kyker Farms
September 26 through October 31, 2026
Kyker Farms has tons of fun for families during the fall months. Beginning in September, head to the farm for corn mazes, hayrides, a petting zoo, bonfires, pumpkin patch and more. Admission to the corn maze is just $9.00 for ages 3-5 and $19.50 for ages 6 and up.
Kyker Farms
Apple Festival
Select Dates from October 2 through 11, 2026
Celebrate fall at The Apple Barn during the first two weekends in October! Enjoy live entertainment, demonstrations, traditional fall activities, and plenty of seasonal food and drinks from the kitchens and cider house during this family-friendly festival.
Apple Festival
Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Oct 8 through 28, 2026 • 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair will return to the Gatlinburg Convention Center this October. Stop by daily to see demonstrations from talented artisans, view their creations and even shop and take some home with you. The crafts you’ll find here make great gifts for the upcoming holiday season!
Craftsmen’s Fair
Wears Valley Fall Fest
October 16 through 18, 2026
This one of a kind fall festival sponsored by Keep Sevierville Beautiful offers three days of family fun. Don’t miss out on the crafters, entertainers, and variety of interactive activities for all ages. Call (865) 774-6677 for any questions about the event.
Wears Valley Fall Fest
Grains & Grits Festival
Sat, Nov 7, 2026 • 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Come out and enjoy a festival of southern spirits and gourmet grub on the peaceful side of the Smokies. This 21+ event brings together a community of craft spirit lovers and connoisseurs with some live music that’s guaranteed to get you moving in the crisp autumn air. Purchase your ticket for the Grains & Grits Festival at the Townsend Visitor’s Center today.
Grains & Grits
