Smoky Mountain Fall Festivals: Halloween, Oktoberfests, and Autumn Fun in the Smokies
Fall in the Smoky Mountains feels a little like stepping into a postcard. The air turns crisp, the ridgelines glow in every shade of red and gold, and the smell of kettle corn and wood smoke fills the valleys. If you’re visiting this fall, you’re in for more than just beautiful views. The Smokies know how to celebrate the season, with events that blend Appalachian charm, German flair, and a good dose of spooky fun.
Whether you’re after live bluegrass, pumpkin-lined streets, or bratwurst with a mountain view, here’s your guide to Smoky Mountain fall festivals in 2025.
Halloween Events in the Smoky Mountains
As October rolls in, the Smokies come alive with festive lights, trick-or-treat trails, and family-friendly frights. Here are a few can’t-miss Halloween happenings this year.
Halloween Weekends at KOA (Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA Holiday)
📅 October 17–19, 24–26, and 31–November 2, 2025
📍 3122 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN
🎃 Learn more at KOA.com
Gather your goblins and ghouls for Halloween in Pigeon Forge! The Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA Holiday turns into a festive campground for three October weekends of spooky fun. Enjoy the decorated golf cart parade, costume contests (including one for pets), and safe trick-or-treating around the park. A haunted carnival offers games, prizes, and family favorites like creepy-crawly crafts, bingo, tie-dye souvenirs, ceramic painting, movie nights, and train rides through the glowing campground.
It’s a full weekend of Halloween cheer, wrapped in that welcoming Smoky Mountain hospitality KOA is known for.
Perfect for: Families, campers, and anyone who loves a festive Halloween getaway.
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster — Coasts & Goblins
📅 October 1 – October 31, 2025
📍 2940 Veterans Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN
🎢 See event details at RockyTopCoaster.com
Get ready for thrills under the moonlight! The Rocky Top Mountain Coaster hosts its annual Coasts & Goblins celebration all October long, turning the Smokies’ longest coaster into a haunted ride through ghostly forests and glowing tunnels.
Live actors and spooky surprises appear on select nights, while eerie lighting and themed sound effects make every twist of the track feel extra chilling. Family-friendly hours run earlier in the evening, giving little ones a chance to join the fun before things get too spooky.
Perfect for: Thrill seekers, families with older kids, and anyone who loves Halloween with a side of adventure.
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure Fright Nights — Gatlinburg
📅 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights through October 2025
📍 800 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
👻 See details on MobileBrochure
Step into one of Gatlinburg’s most chilling traditions. Every October, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure hosts its famous Fright Nights, turning downtown Gatlinburg into a haunted hot spot. Inside this multi-story haunted mansion, live actors, creepy soundscapes, and Hollywood-quality effects bring your worst fears to life.
This event is family-friendly for older kids and teens but still spooky enough to keep adults on their toes. It’s the perfect after-dark stop before grabbing a hot cider or caramel apple along the Parkway.
Perfect for: Thrill seekers, couples, and fans of classic haunted houses.
Oktoberfests in the Smokies
Nothing says fall like a bratwurst and a cold beer with mountain views. Each year, the Smokies celebrate Bavarian heritage with traditional music, hearty food, and family fun.
Ober Mountain’s Oktoberfest — Gatlinburg
📅 September 20 – November 1, 2025
📍 Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area, Gatlinburg, TN
🥨 See details at OberMountain.com
Take the scenic aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg and you’ll find yourself in the heart of a mountaintop celebration filled with color, laughter, and the aroma of freshly baked pretzels. Ober’s Oktoberfest brings a touch of German tradition to Tennessee, featuring live oompah bands, folk dancing, and authentic dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and strudel.
This long-running celebration dates back to the 1970s and was inspired by Munich’s original Oktoberfest. Today, it blends Bavarian flair with Southern charm, making it one of the Smoky Mountains’ most beloved fall festivals.
Perfect for: Couples, foodies, and beer lovers who want a taste of Germany with a Smoky Mountain twist.
Best Fall Festivals in the Smoky Mountains
Fall in the Smokies isn’t just about spooky nights and beer gardens. The region’s harvest festivals celebrate art, community, and the natural beauty that makes this time of year so special.
Autumn at Gatlinburg SkyPark
📅 Throughout October 2025
📍 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN
🍁 Learn more at GatlinburgSkyPark.com
For a peaceful, scenic way to celebrate fall, head up to Gatlinburg SkyPark for their annual Autumn at the SkyPark event. The SkyDeck and SkyBridge are adorned with fall décor, colorful mums, and pumpkins, offering unbeatable panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. On weekends, visitors can enjoy live music, face painting, and family activities while sipping hot cocoa or cider from the SkyCenter Café.
It’s a calm, cozy counterpart to the area’s livelier festivals, making it a perfect stop for couples and families who love soaking in the scenery.
Perfect for: Families, couples, and anyone who loves fall color with a view.
Dollywood Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights
📅 September 12 – October 27, 2025
🎟️ Plan your visit at Dollywood.com
Dollywood takes fall to another level. The park transforms into a glowing wonderland filled with carved pumpkins, twinkling lights, and seasonal décor. During the day, enjoy live bluegrass and gospel performances, local artisans, and hearty Southern food tastings. When night falls, Great Pumpkin LumiNights lights up the park with thousands of illuminated jack-o’-lanterns.
Perfect for: Families, photographers, and anyone who loves that mix of magic and mountain charm.
Gatlinburg Harvest Festival
📅 Mid-September – Late November 2025
🌾 More info at Gatlinburg.com
Downtown Gatlinburg celebrates fall for nearly two full months. Streets are lined with handmade decorations, businesses create creative scarecrow displays, and the whole town takes on a cozy autumn glow. Visitors can join the Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt or simply wander through town, enjoying hot cider and mountain views.
Perfect for: Couples and casual explorers who love charming small-town strolls.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (Fall Edition)
📅 October 2 – 19, 2025
🎨 More info at CraftsmenFair.com
Held inside the Gatlinburg Convention Center, this fair brings together talented artisans from all over the country. Watch woodworkers, potters, and jewelers at work, then browse their handcrafted creations. With live music and a welcoming atmosphere, this event showcases the heart of Appalachian craftsmanship.
Perfect for: Shoppers, collectors, and art enthusiasts.
Wears Valley Fall Fest
📅 October 17 – 19, 2025
🍂 Visit WearsValleyFallFest.com
Tucked between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, Wears Valley Fall Fest offers the best of small-town fun. You’ll find more than 200 craft booths, food trucks serving Southern comfort favorites, and live music echoing through the valley. Hayrides, pumpkin carving, and a kids’ zone make this event a favorite for families.
Perfect for: Families and visitors seeking a genuine Smoky Mountain community festival.
Seasonal Travel Tips for Fall in the Smokies
- Peak leaf season usually hits in mid-October, though it can vary with elevation.
- Pack layers since mornings are cool and afternoons can warm up quickly.
- Best scenic drives: Try the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Newfound Gap Road, or the Foothills Parkway for some of the most stunning fall color.
If you prefer to stretch your legs, check out some of the best fall hikes in the Smoky Mountains for even more ways to enjoy the foliage.
- Where to snap a great photo: Clingmans Dome, Anakeesta’s Skywalk, and the overlooks along Little River Road are local favorites.
Whether you’re chasing the best photo, sipping a craft beer, or watching your kids collect candy, every corner of the Smokies feels alive with autumn magic.
Quick FAQ
When is Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg?
Ober Mountain’s Oktoberfest runs September 20 – November 1, 2025.
What are the best fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains?
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, Gatlinburg’s Craftsmen’s Fair, Wears Valley Fall Fest, and the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival are always top picks.
Are Smoky Mountain Halloween events family-friendly?
Absolutely. From campground trick-or-treating to Dollywood’s glowing pumpkins, there’s something for every age group.
The Magic of Fall in the Smokies
As the last leaves drift down and the mountain air turns crisp, fall in the Smokies reminds you why this corner of Tennessee feels like home, even for visitors. Whether you’re sipping cider at a craft fair, taking in the view from Ober Mountain, or wandering through pumpkin-lit streets in Pigeon Forge, every moment feels made for memory-making.
Pack a cozy sweater, grab your camera, and come see for yourself why Smoky Mountain fall festivals are the highlight of the season. And when you’re ready to plan your trip, explore MobileBrochure.com to discover local attractions, brochures, and hidden gems that help you experience the Smokies like a true insider. Then check out even more top fall activities in the Smoky Mountains to make the most of your autumn getaway.
Content on this page is subject to change. Please contact the locations mentioned to see if promotions, hours, pricing, etc. are still valid.
About Nicole Miller
Nicole Miller is a native Tennessean who currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina. She loves spending time in the great outdoors, such as camping, hiking, and mountain biking. She also enjoys exploring all that the Smoky Mountains have to offer.
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