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 Timber Canyon for the beloved 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!
3. Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
The 9th annual Oktoberfest is just around the corner starting September 21st- October 28. 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.
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?! Different breweries will be featuring 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!
4. Ripley’s Fright Nights
Come out for the 20th annual Fright Nights event all October long. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday you can enjoy the frightening good time at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure. 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. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair every fall is a month full of arts and crafts made by local craftsmen as well as talented artists from around the country! Many of the artists make holiday-themed items and unique gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Enjoy seasonal items including holiday wreaths, a variety of Christmas ornaments, and holiday themed treats. You’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list this year! The Dennis Lee Band entertains with free shows of pop country hits, nostalgic favorites, bluegrass foot-stompers and off-the-wall humor. All music show tickets are included in fair admission prices.
This years festivities will be October 4 – 21, 2018
Daily, 10 am to 6 pm – Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm
6. TopJump: Ninja Warrior Saturdays
TopJump Trampoline & Extreme Arena in Pigeon Forge is perfect for all kids who want to spend their day jumping on the highest quality trampolines, climb around on 20 different climbing lines, or become a ninja and complete the Fire & Ice course.
Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? For you ninja warriors out there, compete in The Fire & Ice Course Challenge! Every Saturday kids get the chance to compete in the course and race for the fastest time of the day! The winner of each Saturday is will go home with a year long pass to TopJump AND the opportunity to compete in the Ultimate Ninja Course Challenge on May 11th 2019! Of course there are some pretty sweet prizes up for grabs:
Each winner will get a lifetime pass to TopJump!
First Place: $1000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $300
