Smoky Mountain stream with fall foliage on either side

3 Exciting Fall Festivals in the Smoky Mountains You Won’t Want to Miss

Dollywood's Great Pumpkin LumiNights sign
September 11, 2024

One of the best things about autumn in the Smokies is all of the great fall events taking place throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the spectacular fall weather, sample some seasonal treats, and soak in the splendors of the season with your family and friends! Here are 3 exciting fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains that you won’t want to miss:

1. Harvest Festival at Dollywood

The Harvest Festival at Dollywood has been called America’s best fall event by USA Today and features everything from colorful fall flowers to captivating live entertainment, delicious fall treats, and tons of seasonal decor! One of the highlights of the event is the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights, where thousands of creatively carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin icons light up the night! You can also catch a delightful fall breeze on your favorite Dollywood attractions, ranging from a train ride on the classic Dollywood Express to a thrilling roller coaster ride on the Bear Big Mountain!

2. Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain

fall festivals in the smoky mountains

The Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain offers a seasonal celebration for the whole family with a full month of music, food, and fun! In addition to daily live music, you’ll also find specialty food items like the schnitzel sandwich, pumpkin spice fudge, and grilled corn on the cob! After satisfying your appetite, wash it all down with a craft brew from the East Tennessee Yee-Haw Brewing Co.! While visiting Ober Mountain for the Smoky Mountain Fall Festival, be sure to take a ride on the park’s Scenic Chairlift or Aerial Tram for spectacular views of the fall foliage!

3. Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta

Another one of the exciting fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains that you won’t want to miss is the Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta! During this fun event, you can enjoy autumnal décor throughout the park, seasonal entertainment for the whole family, and delicious Bavarian-inspired eats! For an optional add-on, you can also sample beers from several local and regional craft breweries with Anakeesta’s Beer Tasting Card! While listening to spine-tingling Halloween hits with “The SkeleTones” band and enjoying your craft beer, chow down on food specialties like German chocolate funnel fries, apple strudel sundaes, and black forest cake!

Where to Stay

balcony overlooking river and mountain views at Appleview River Resort

Enjoy a wonderful fall vacation just minutes away from these fun festivals with a stay at our Sevierville resort! We offer a variety of comfortable condos and villas to meet your needs, all at affordable rates that are easy on your budget! Our accommodations feature a variety of convenient amenities designed to enhance your stay, including oversized balconies with views of the Little Pigeon River, furnished kitchens, gas fireplaces, and more! While staying with us, you can also take advantage of resort amenities such as a fabulous fitness center, a river walk with gas lamps, and a clubhouse with a game room!

Check out all of the condos and villas at our resort in Sevierville TN today to stay close to these exciting fall festivals in the Smoky Mountains! We look forward to seeing you soon!