Your Guide to Fall Festivals in Gatlinburg, TN

Fall decorations in Gatlinburg
September 14, 2023

Gatlinburg is a popular vacation destination in the fall. Not only is the Smoky Mountains area covered in beautiful fall foliage this season, but there are also so many fun things to do! One of the best things to do is visit fall festivals!. Here’s what you need to know about the various fall festivals in Gatlinburg, TN, so you can start planning your fall vacation itinerary!

Boo Bash at the Gatlinburg SkyPark

Throughout the month of October, your family can enjoy Boo Bash at the Gatlinburg SkyPark. This family-friendly fall festival in Gatlinburg, TN, is a great way to experience the Smoky Mountains in the fall. The Gatlinburg SkyPark will be decorated in fall decor to complement the surrounding natural fall scenery. You can also join in on the fun of Fall Fest at the SkyPark on October 27 and 28. Your family can participate in all sorts of fall activities and games on top of the mountain, including face painting, balloon artists, live music, prize giveaways, and more!

Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival

Anakeesta in fall at night

One of the best fall festivals in Gatlinburg, TN, is Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival. This fall event runs through most of September and all of October, so visitors can enjoy the festivities throughout the fall season. You’ll get to see Halloween-themed decorations throughout the park, and at night the whole village comes to life with lights to paint the mountain orange, purple, and mystical green! During this whimsical fall festival, you’ll also get the chance to sample drink specials from various local and regional craft breweries as well as taste seasonal food offerings to enjoy all the flavors of fall.

Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain

If you’re looking for family fun this fall, stop by the Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain . This fall event runs for about a month from the end of September through the last Saturday of October. This is one of the most family-friendly fall festivals in Gatlinburg, TN, with events for all ages. Enjoy activities like a hay maze, Skate Party, Friday Movie Nights, concerts, and more! You can also taste specialty fall and German foods like pumpkin spice fudge, schnitzel, brats, pumpkin juice, and pretzels with beer cheese. You can pair these foods with a variety of German beers, too!

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival

gatlinburg sign in the fall

The entire city of Gatlinburg participates in the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival . This year, you can enjoy the Harvest Festival from mid-September through late November, so no matter when you visit Gatlinburg this fall you’ll be able to enjoy all the seasonal decorations at their peak. This is the widest-spread of all the fall festivals in Gatlinburg, TN. You’ll love seeing all the fall displays, including life-size, three-dimensional scarecrow people! Each year, the community competes for Best Harvest Decorations, and visitors have the chance to vote for their favorite to take part in the festivities!

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

Though not technically one of the fall festivals in Gatlinburg, TN, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is a legendary fall event that you can’t miss! This giant craft fair is one of the most popular events in Gatlinburg each year and takes place in the 150,000 square-foot Gatlinburg Convention Center. You can explore more than 200 booths that feature unique handmade products. You’ll find items such as pottery pieces, copper art, molded leather, handmade candy, and much more! Make sure you check out one or more of the daily music shows that showcase your favorite country, bluegrass, and gospel music. The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair will take place October 5 through October 22 this year.

More Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN

Now you know about the best fall festivals in Gatlinburg, TN, that you should experience while you’re here. If you’re looking for more things to do in Gatlinburg, check out these fun Gatlinburg attractions that you won’t want to miss!