Gatlinburg Fall Events
Fall is a special season in the Smoky Mountains with the incredible weather, beautiful scenery of fall foliage, talented craftsmen, delicious treats, mountain music, and everything else that makes fall one of the favorite times of year for locals and visitors alike. The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival in Gatlinburg, TN features some fantastic events such as the popular Taste of Autumn, Oktoberfest, Fall Craftsmen’s Fair, and much more. Whether you choose to attend one of the Gatlinburg fall events listed below or if you simply jump on the craft route and enjoy the scenery and fall colors, you’ll quickly discover why the Gatlinburg Fall Harvest Festival is arguably the best time of year to visit Gatlinburg, TN!
2023 Gatlinburg Fall Events
Events in Gatlinburg TN may change dates or locations, so be sure to check with the official website, phone number, etc to confirm event details before making your plans. The following fall events in Gatlinburg are just a sample of some of the most popular events that take place during the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival.
Gatlinburg Events in September 2023
Description: During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival which runs from September. 9 – October. 31, visitors can enjoy Halloween themed décor throughout the park. For an additional add-on, sample drink specials, from several local and regional craft breweries. Make your way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, our lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at Night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor.
Location: Anakeesta
Phone: 865-325-2400
Website: https://anakeesta.com/seasonal-events/bearvarian-fall-festival/
During fall, the Smoky Mountains transform into a beautiful palette of colors as leaves begin to change. While the timing can never be predicted precisely to a specific day, we provide a fall color forecast for the Gatlinburg area to provide tips on the best time to visit to see the best possible colors!
Location: Gatlinburg
Location: Ober Gatlinburg
Phone: 1-800- MUCH FUN
Website: https://obergatlinburg.com/event/fall-festival/
Gatlinburg Events in October 2023
Location: Ober Gatlinburg
Phone: 1-800- MUCH FUN
Website: https://obergatlinburg.com/event/fall-festival/
Description: The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair features over 180 booths of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States. Watch as they demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale indoors at the Gatlinburg Convention Center – located at Traffic Light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg.
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Phone: 865-436-7479
More info: click here
Gatlinburg Events in November 2023
Location: Shade Tree Parking Lot 120 Historic Nature Trail Gatlinburg, TN
Description: Celebrate the kickoff of Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic! Gatlinburg hosts this annual event on Thursday, November 9 from 4 to 8 PM at the Shade Tree Parking at 120 Historic Nature Trail. Festivalgoers will enjoy free, live entertainment offered throughout the event.
Website: https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburg-winter-magic-kickoff-and-chili-cookoff/16/
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Website: https://greatsmokyartsandcrafts.com
Gatlinburg Events in December 2023
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg along the Parkway
Description: Beginning at 7:30 p.m. from Baskins Creek Bypass and East Parkway, a spectacular parade line-up of balloons, floats decorated by local businesses and community groups, and high school marching bands, spans through downtown before ending at traffic light #10. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early on parade day.
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle
Description: Gatlinburg will ring in the new year under the cover of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle for its Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show on Saturday, December 31.
Time: Late Evening
More info: click here
Final Thoughts about the Gatlinburg Fall Festival Events
During the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival, also be sure to visit the Arts and Crafts Loop, which is an 8 mile stretch of road on the north end of Gatlinburg featuring numerous artist, craftsmen, and sometimes musicians showcasing their talents in small shops along the route. Whether you like pottery, handmade candles, musical instruments, etc there are all sorts of things to see, do, and buy along the ever-popular Gatlinburg craft loop!
We want to hear from you! In the comments section below, tell us what your favorite part of fall in Gatlinburg is. Is it the colorful leaves, cool air, delicious food, handmade crafts, mountain music, all of the above, or something else? Let us know!