October is always an exciting month in the smokies with festivals, gorgeous mountain views, some spooky surprises, and so many other things to do! The cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg take part in many fall and Halloween inspired events throughout the month and we can’t wait to share them with you! Get started planning your fall vacation.
1. Fall Foliage
October is the best month to see the colors, however it varies due to rainfall, temperature, and other natural elements. The process for the mountains changing colors takes several weeks between September and October. Colors also vary on elevation, that being said, you’ll see fall colors beginning at higher elevations. This usually begins towards the middle of September, and creeps down the mountains towards the middle of October. To see the mountains complete with color we recommend visiting during mid October to mid November!
For more information and updates during the season, be sure to follow the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at:
Website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainsNPS
2. Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Witness thousands of pumpkins fill the park for Dollywood’s popular event, The Great Pumpkin LumiNights! Meet friendly characters, learn how to carve the perfect pumpkin, and enjoy glow in the dark face painting from the friendly faces at Dollywood. Family friendly pumpkins and scenes will fill the Timber Canyon area for the annual festival. The Great Pumpkin LumiNights will go from September 28th through November 3rd every night! Fall inspired treats, photo opportunities, and characters will fill the park during the seasonal festivities. Experience the fall decorations, pumpkins, delicious foods, and of course, the thrilling rides all at Dollywood! It’s the most un-spooky Halloween event in the Smokies! The family love all the fun family photo opportunities! Try some new Pumpkin inspired food, entertainment, and so much more during this event!
3. Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
The 10th annual Oktoberfest is just around the corner starting September 27th- November 2nd. This German inspired festival will be full of food, games, music, and of course, beer! Ober Gatlinburg’s own Seasons of Ober restaurant will be switching to their Oktoberfest menu for the month long celebration as well.
Traditional foods like schnitzel, bratwurst, and strudel, and pretzels will be available along with so many other options! What would Oktoberfest be without a Bier Garten?! Explore different breweries along with popular beers each weekend accompanied by representatives on Saturdays.
Along with scrumptious food and beer, you can enjoy the Bavarian Fun Makers Oompah Band for music, dancing, yodels, and more. You can’t leave without exploring all the festive souvenirs offered at Oktoberfest! Be sure to check out the “Beer Necessities” stand for all beer related gifts and accessories to take home!
For more information visit: https://obergatlinburg.com/oktoberfest/
4. Ripley’s Fright Nights
Come out for the 21st annual Fright Nights event all October long. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday you can enjoy the frightening good time at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure. This year the theme is Nostalgic Nightmare and will take place from October 4th- 27th. You can pay regular admission price for new themes and ghouls hidden inside the haunted house! Shows start at 6 pm with a character parade to kick off the night. Children must be at least 6 years of age to enter the haunted house. During Fright Nights the house is geared towards ages 12 and up.
5. Anakeesta’s Hallow Mountain
Each weekend, September 13th – November 2nd, Anakeesta will host Gatlinburg’s Premier Halloween Event, The Legend of Hallow Mountain. The undead souls of Hallow Mountain rise, bringing frights, lights, scares and dares. Even better, guests visiting Anakeesta can experience Hallow Mountain at no additional charge.
Anakeesta takes Halloween scare to the next level! Dare to stay after dark when the undead rise, seeking their way off of Hallow Mountain. Additionally, you can find your level of fear in one of the scare zones or take in a black and white classic movie on the outdoor screen at the Overlook Beer Garden! Be sure to also add on a ticket for Zombie Ziplining and immerse yourself in the forest nightlife!
6. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Plan to head to the Gatlinburg Convention Center from October 10th- 27th for the 44th year of the Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair hosts artists and craftsmen from all over the nation. Hundreds of booths with unique and one-of-a-kind handmade products, are beautifully displayed, as these skilled craftspeople demonstrate their talents. Look for exceptional pottery pieces, molded leather, copper art, local candy makers, and many more unique items. The fair is open daily from 10 am- 6 pm and on Sundays from 10 am- 5 pm. Adult admission is $7 and children 12 and under are FREE!
7. Rotary Club Craft Fair
Celebrate the Fall season at one of the most popular events in Patriot Park beside the Old Mill! Beginning September 28th through October 26th, shop local crafts at the Rotary Club Crafts Festival. Whether you want to find the perfect gift, home decor, or an early start to Christmas shopping, this is a can’t miss event! Not only is this a good event, but it does good for the community! Donations benefit charities including: The Boy and Girls Club, Christmas for Kids, Youth Athletics, Dictionary Project, Scholarship Programs and so much more! Admission into the festival is completely free, however they ask for a charitable donation instead.
