Gatlinburg is a popular vacation destination in the fall. Not only is the Smoky Mountains area covered in beautiful fall foliage this season, but there are also so many fun things to do! One of the best things to do is visit fall festivals. Here’s what you need to know about the various fall festivals in Gatlinburg, TN, so you can start planning your fall vacation itinerary!
Fall Fun at Gatlinburg SkyPark
Throughout the autumn season, your family can enjoy several fun events at Gatlinburg SkyPark. This family-friendly attraction is a great way to experience the Smoky Mountains in the fall with its beautiful autumn decor, seating areas to observe the fall foliage, live music, balloon artists, face painting, and so much more! During the month of October, Gatlinburg SkyPark puts on Smoky Mountain Sunrise, a special early admission so you can take in the views without the crowds! There's even a special Broo Fest on October 31st, featuring a special lineup of local craft beer.
Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival
One of the best fall festivals in Gatlinburg, TN, is Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival. This fall event runs through most of September and all of October, so visitors can enjoy the festivities throughout the fall season. You’ll get to see fall and Halloween-themed decorations throughout the park, and at night, the whole village comes to life with lights to paint the mountain orange, purple, and mystical green! During this whimsical fall festival, you’ll also get the chance to sample drink specials from various local and regional craft breweries, as well as taste seasonal food offerings to enjoy all the flavors of fall, plus live entertainment from steampunk zombies, 60s vampire vixens, rollicking polka trios, and acoustic duos!
Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain
If you’re looking for great Bavarian-style food and brews, stop by Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg at Ober Mountain! This fall festival begins in mid-September and runs through the beginning of November, and you can expect lots of delicious German cuisine to try, as well as seasonal treats like pumpkin fudge, pumpkin spice hot chocolate, apple strudel, frozen apple cider, and more. Yee-Haw Brewing will be serving up 5 special German beers for you to sample as well! Beer stein holding competitions, a craft vendor market, highland game demonstrations, kids' crafts, live music and storytellers, and an Oktoberfest live cam from Munich round out the special activities during fall at Ober Mountain.
Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
The entire city of Gatlinburg participates in the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. This year, you can enjoy the Harvest Festival from mid-September through late November, so no matter when you visit Gatlinburg this fall, you’ll be able to enjoy all the seasonal decorations at their peak. This is the widest-spread of all the fall festivals in Gatlinburg, TN. You’ll love seeing all the fall displays, including life-size, three-dimensional scarecrow people! Each year, the community competes for Best Harvest Decorations, and visitors have the chance to vote for their favorite to take part in the festivities!
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Though not technically one of the fall festivals in Gatlinburg, TN, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is a legendary fall event that you can’t miss! This giant craft fair is one of the most popular events in Gatlinburg each year and takes place in the 150,000 square-foot Gatlinburg Convention Center. You can explore more than 200 booths that feature unique handmade products. You’ll find items such as pottery pieces, copper art, molded leather, handmade candy, and much more! Make sure you check out one or more of the daily music shows that showcase your favorite country, bluegrass, and gospel music.
More Things to Do During Fall in Gatlinburg, TN
Now you know about the best fall festivals in Gatlinburg, TN, that you should experience while you’re here. If you’re looking for more things to do in Gatlinburg, check out these fun Gatlinburg attractions that you won’t want to miss!
