Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg transform into a spectacular wonderland during the fall season. As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, the region becomes a haven for fall events and festivals, making it an ideal destination for autumn enthusiasts.
Known for their stunning natural beauty, family-friendly entertainment, and quintessential Southern charm, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer a wealth of seasonal activities. During the fall, there's something for everyone. In this blog, we'll guide you to 10 of the best fall events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
At Stony Brook, we're all about making your autumn vacation unforgettable. We offer an amazing selection of vacation cabins and chalets in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Cosby, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Smoky Mountains. For amazing local tips, dive into our destination blog. Whether you're looking to savor delicious local cuisine or indulge in some great shopping, we've got the scoop on all the top spots in the region.
Now, let's check out the fall events!
TLDR
Best Events in Pigeon Forge, TN
Harvest Festival at Dollywood: Fall fun with crafts, music, and Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run: Massive car show featuring classic cars and a $10,000 giveaway.
Pigeon Forge Bluegrass Festival: Soul-stirring bluegrass music and vibrant craft booths.
Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff: Holiday lights, fireworks, and festive activities begin.
Best Events in Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg Harvest Festival: Fall decorations, scarecrow hunt, and seasonal activities.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair: Handmade crafts and daily music shows at the Convention Center.
Anakeesta's Bear-Varian Fall Festival: Halloween decor, pumpkin carvings, and seasonal foods.
Ripley's Trick or Treat Kick Off Karnival: Family Halloween event with costumes, candy, and live entertainment.
Gatlinburg's Winter Magic & Chili Cook Off: Chili competition, live entertainment, and holiday kickoff.
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Thanksgiving Show: Handcrafted items, live demos, and unique holiday gifts.
Best Events in Pigeon Forge, TN
When: Beginning of September through late October
Good for: Families, Music Lovers, Craft Enthusiasts
Few places combine the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of fall like Dollywood during their Fall Harvest Festival. Throughout the park, numerous craftsmen create unique, handmade goods, filling the air with creativity and tradition. Gospel and bluegrass music resonate from various stages, blending with the vibrant display of fall foliage in shades of red, yellow, and gold.
You'll find several events to enjoy, notably the Southern Gospel Jubilee, the largest celebration of its kind worldwide, featuring live performances at no additional cost. The highlight of the festival is the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights, where thousands of creatively carved pumpkins light up the night. Family favorite Hoot Owl Hollow features a gigantic, glowing owl and its roosting friends — all made of hundreds of carved pumpkins.
Explore whimsical scenes, enjoy delicious autumn foods, and experience interactive activities. Dollywood's Harvest Festival is a perfect autumn getaway in the Smoky Mountains.
2. PIGEON FORGE FALL ROD RUN
When: Beginning of September
Good for: Car Enthusiasts, Families, Outdoor Events
The Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run is one of the biggest car shows in the country, featuring thousands of classic cars and trucks. Held at the LeConte Center, this spectacular three-day event is a car enthusiast's paradise, showcasing a massive swap meet with hundreds of show cars, a car corral, and top awards including a $10,000 cash giveaway.
The cooler weather and the possibility of witnessing early fall colors make it a prime time for this event. You'll get to greet hot rod owners, marvel at muscle cars of all makes and models, and enjoy free spectator parking. This family-friendly event is a must-visit for anyone passionate about automotive history and culture.
3. PIGEON FORGE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
When: End of September
Good for: Music Lovers, Families, Culture Enthusiasts
Get ready for an evening filled with soul-stirring bluegrass music at the Pigeon Forge Bluegrass Festival. Held at the prestigious LeConte Center, this premier event showcases an all-star lineup of bluegrass bands, including Rhonda Vincent, the Po' Ramblin Boys, Junior Sisk, Jimbo Whaley, and Greenbriar. The festival is perfect for music lovers looking to immerse themselves in the rich sounds of bluegrass.
Whether you're a die-hard bluegrass aficionado or just looking for a night of great music and fun, this festival promises an experience that resonates with the heart of Americana. In addition to the music, you'll enjoy food vendors and craft booths, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
4. Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff
When: November
Good for: Families, Holiday Enthusiasts, All Ages
The Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff marks the beginning of the holiday season, transforming the city into a winter wonderland. Held at Patriot Park, the festivities begin with a special veteran's tribute and culminate in the activation of more than 6 million holiday lights, followed by a spectacular fireworks show.
The event also includes several food trucks, holiday vendors, and free activities for the public. After the kickoff, businesses throughout the city offer special activities, and theaters add a Christmas flair to their shows for two months. Winterfest is a blend of holiday celebrations, themed events, and dazzling lights, making it a festive and enchanting time to visit Pigeon Forge.
Best Events in Gatlinburg, TN
5. GATLINBURG HARVEST FESTIVAL
When: Late September through early November
Good for: Families, All Ages, Festival Lovers
The Gatlinburg Harvest Festival is a vibrant celebration that transforms the town with beautiful fall decorations, including hay bales, scarecrows, and colorful foliage displays. The streets are lined with pumpkins, cornstalks, and seasonal decor, creating a picturesque autumn atmosphere.
This festival features various activities, such as the Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, where you can locate unique scarecrows throughout downtown Gatlinburg using the Visit Gatlinburg app. Additionally, the community competes for the Best Harvest Decorations, inviting visitors to vote for their favorite displays. The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, with its over-the-top fall displays and life-size scarecrow people, captures the essence of autumn in the Smoky Mountains, making it a must-visit event.
6. Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
When: October 5 through October 22
Good for: Art Enthusiasts, Shoppers, All Ages
Voted one of the Southeast's "Most Popular Events," the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair is a major fall event held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Featuring over 200 booths showcasing unique, handmade products crafted by artisans from across the country, you'll find a wide array of items, including pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and more.
The fair also offers daily music shows with contemporary country, bluegrass, and gospel tunes. The combination of exceptional craftsmanship and live performances makes the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair a highlight of the fall season in Gatlinburg.
7. Bear-Varian Fall Festival
When: September through October
Good for: Families, Halloween Lovers, All Ages
Experience the beauty of autumn at Anakeesta's Bear-Varian Fall Festival. Boasting an exuberant Halloween-themed decor throughout the mountaintop theme park, during the festival nature-inspired pumpkin carvings and vibrant light shows are a common sight at Anakeesta.
You can sample drink specials from local and regional craft breweries and enjoy seasonal food offerings such as pork schnitzel, soft pretzels, and bratwurst with sauerkraut. The festival creates a whimsical and festive atmosphere, perfect for celebrating the fall season amidst the stunning backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains. Anakeesta's Bear-Varian Fall Festival is a delightful way to enjoy the season's sights, sounds, and flavors.
8. RIPLEY'S TRICK OR TREAT KARNIVAL
When: October 31st
Good for: Families, Kids, Halloween Enthusiasts
Ripley's Trick or Treat Kick Off Karnival in Gatlinburg is a fun-filled family Halloween event held at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. This event features a costume contest with various categories, trick-or-treating stations, live entertainment including music and magic shows, and several games and activities for children and families.
Food vendors offer a range of treats and snacks, from traditional carnival fare to seasonal favorites. The whole event is also very photogenic, so don't forget to capture memorable photos with spooky backdrops and costumed characters.
9. WINTER MAGIC & CHILI COOK OFF
When: Early November
Good for: Foodies, Families, Holiday Enthusiasts
Gatlinburg's Winter Magic & Chili Cook Off is another annual event that signals the start of the holiday season. Held in the Shade Tree Parking Lot, the consist of a chili cookoff where local restaurants, businesses, and gourmet aficionados compete to make the best chili. The best of it all? You as a visitor can sample a variety of chili recipes and vote for your favorites.
The event also includes live entertainment, photo opportunities, and special appearances, such as Bush's Beans' "Duke the Dog." This festive celebration brings a spicy flavor to chilly autumn days in Gatlinburg and is a must-go for anyone who likes trying unique food and meeting the locals.
10. Arts & Crafts Community Thanksgiving
When: From late November 26 to early December
Good for: Art Lovers, Shoppers, Families
The Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show is held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, showcasing handcrafted items created by members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.
You'll not only find a wide variety of crafts, including pottery, paintings, jewelry, woodwork, and textiles, but also watch live demonstrations by artisans, providing insight into the creative process behind their crafts.
The show also includes food vendors offering seasonal snacks and meals. The Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show is a perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts and support local artisans while immersing yourself in the rich craft traditions of the region.
Are you wondering where to stay in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smoky Mountains?
Why not enhance your vacation with the stunning backdrop of the Smoky Mountains in a great rental property?
At Stony Brook, we offer an exceptional array of cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Cosby, ranging from one to 16 bedrooms. As a family-owned service, we guarantee you'll have the best experience in the Smokies!