Things to Do in the Smokies in the Fall

The Smokies is packed with things to do in any season, but fall offers up events and festivals for everyone. We’ve collected some of our favorite events from Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Asheville.

Knoxville

Tennessee Valley Fair (September 8–17, 2017)

Chilhowee Park becomes the focal point to the 98th annual fair. Have your kids participate in a scavenger hunt, watch circus and magic acts, listen to musicians, and check out the petting zoo! The list of additional attractions, rides, and music is too extensive to include here, so make sure you check out the website for information on those, plus tickets and hours.

Tennessee Fall Homecoming (October 6–8, 2017)

Held about 20 minutes north of Knoxville at the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, TN, the Tennessee Fall Homecoming offers music, history, and fun for the whole family. Learn about the culture of the area, the way of life for pioneers, and experience authentic music from over 40 folk, early country, and bluegrass musicians. While you’re there, check out the scenery and get a sense the for the Appalachian way of life in the recreated community. There are log cabins, barns, farm animals, churches, schools, and gardens on the 65-acre property. Check out the website for more information on this and the property.

Pigeon Forge

60th Annual National Quartet Convention (September 24–30, 2017)

If you love gospel music, then be sure to stop by while the National Quartet Convention is in town. Featuring special performances by the Gaither Vocal Band and The Homecoming Friends, you won’t want to miss this event. Dollywood’s own Kingdom Heirs is also in the lineup. Tickets are available on their website. If you can’t make the event, they offer a live Internet webcast (or you can watch on the NQC TV Roku channel) at a fixed rate for all seven days and nights.

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival (September 29–October 28, 2017)

The park is decked out for fall and features the largest addition to the park yet in the Timber Canyon area—the Great Pumpkin LumiNights. You’ll find pumpkin themes everywhere including food options and lighted displays. Entertainment, including free concerts, and interactive elements will keep the experience fresh every time you visit! While you’re there, check out the artisans who come in from across the country to show off their wares. Check out the event website for more details.

Gatlinburg

Taste of Autumn (September 14, 2017

Enjoy delicious food and laugh your way through the comedians on stage at this annual event. In its 20th year, Gatlinburg’s Annual Taste of Autumn will be held in the Tennessee Ballroom at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Cannon Creek & Jimmy Travis are the entertainers. Expect the unexpected, as no two shows are the same! Tickets start at $30 each and are available through Gatlinburg’s official website.

Sugarlands MountainFest (September 28–October 1, 2017)

Kick it up a notch with this music and outdoor festival. Started by Sugarlands Distilling Company, the four-day festival has plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Come to enjoy over 30 live performances, competitions for fishing Smoky Mountain trout, a fun run and bike ride, distillery tours, and whiskey and cocktail tastings from Tennessee distillers. If you’re into food, there will be plenty of food (and moonshine pairings) available, including visits from food trucks that make the Smokies their home. Grab a handmade MountainFest souvenir at the craft area, where local artisans will demonstrate how they make their wares as well as offer them for sale. Check out the website for more details.

Sevierville

Bruce Street Brewfest (October 14, 2017)

Over 30 home and professional brewers will cover the streets of Historic Downtown Sevierville from 1–6 p.m. Enjoy great food and live music and help support local charities, as all proceeds will be donated. You can get tickets, starting at $15, from their ticketing website. Homebrewers are also welcome to join in the people’s choice competition (registration for the competition is open through October 10th).

Asheville

Asheville Greek Festival (September 22–24, 2017)

Enjoy traditional Greek food like Lamb Shank, Gyros, and Pastichio, plus tasty Greek pastries at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Asheville. Admission to the festival is free. While you’re there, immerse yourself in the live dance performances and Greek music, take a tour of the church and browse through the marketplace.

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We hope you enjoyed our list! Make sure you come back to our blog when we list all the things you can do in winter. We also plan to highlight harvest festivals and Halloween events.

Content on this page is subject to change. Please contact the locations mentioned to see if promotions, hours, pricing, etc. are still valid.