Autumn in the Smoky Mountains is a season all its own bringing out a special time of year. The summer crowds begin to fade and the forests ignite with red, orange, and gold. the air turns crisp making it a perfect time of year for the calendar to fill up with harvest festivals and other fall themed events. There’s something for everyone around the Smoky Mountains; here are some upcoming events found around the Smokies here in the fall:
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
Fall is the harvest season and there is no better to celebrate the start of fall than Dollywood’s Harvest Festival. If you have been to Dollywood before you know about the incredible park that awaits you. The Harvest Festival has the park come alive with autumn colors including beautiful hues of red, yellow, and orange as the leave begin to turn. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival kicks off on September 12th and continues up until October 27th for over a fun of harvest fun. The event features several attractions and activities that will dazzle the whole family. The Great Pumpkin LumiNights features tons of glowing carved pumpkins and pumpkin icons to add some fall flair. Check out Hoot Owl Hollow that is a whimsical peek-a-boo setting where you can find giant owl statues in the trees. Festive sounds will be playing around the park with fall favorites of bluegrass, country, and more. Fall treats are a popular option as always with apple pies, pumpkin treats, and all other kinds of dessert offerings. The ride selection will continue on as normal where you can find all kinds of thrilling rides for all ages in the family. Don’t miss out on this fall staple right here in Pigeon Forge.
Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta
From the moment you step foot in Downtown Gatlinburg and look up you will see the mountaintop attraction of Anakeesta. It is decorated for the fall where pumpkins dot the paths, scarecrows stand guard, and photo-ops are all around the park. The Bear-Varian Fall Festival brings out a harvest aesthetic with warm tones, cozy textures, and twinkling lights as evening comes. One major highlight is the AnaVista Observation Tower and Treetop Skywalk that gives you panoramic views of the changing foliage. There are plenty of seasonal bite-sized pleasures such as giant pretzels, Black Forest crêpes, pork schnitzel, bratwurst with kraut, and dumplings of flavor paired with regional craft beers or cider. Anakeesta offers a “Beer Tasting Card” option so you can sample multiple beers across the park with six 8-oz pours offered for one pass. Stages come alive with varied programming including acoustic duos, polka trios, and Halloween themed shows that are often playful and family friendly. There’s even a bit of a spooky-but-fun edge as Halloween approaches. The Bear-Varian Fall Festival is already taking place and runs into early November so you get a long stretch of changing scenery.
Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest
Another community in the Great Smoky Mountains is Sevierville. Here you will find the Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest making a return once again from September 19th through October 31st. This is a whole town celebration that features plenty of pumpkin displays and local eateries embracing seasonal fall menus. All of the local shops around Downtown Sevierville are decorating for the fall. It may be a smaller event than the others listed so far but makes for a quiet day in a charming town that is taking fall to a whole new level.
Wears Valley Fall Fest
Sevierville also hosts more individual events during their harvest fest bringing out even more seasonal fun. The Wears Valley Fall Fest will take place October 17th through 19th for a weekend of a community driven festival. This quaint event is held at a large outdoor space where you will find over 240 different craft vendors offering their homemade goods. All three days brings out a variety of live music and children activities including hayrides and games. The food vendors are ready to serve the hungry with delicious southern comfort classics along with seasonal treats available for purchase. The Wears Valley Fall Fest is the perfect spot for a relaxed fall weekend with family and friends. Admission for the event is just $5 per person with children ages 4 and younger being free to get in.
Find Your Vacation Rental Properties Here in the Smokies
These fall events will be waiting for your near trip to the Smokies this fall season. Make the most of your seasonal stay by reserving one of our vacation rentals here in the area. Our properties feature lavish amenities and spacious living areas to ensure a comfortable stay from arrival to departure. Find your favorite rental home with us today and see how the Great Smoky Mountains is your top fall destination this year.