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 to October 31st every night! 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! NEW this year is the fun decor through Wildwood Grove!
3. Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
The 10th annual Oktoberfest is just around the corner starting September 25th- November 1st. 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!
For more information visit: https://obergatlinburg.com/oktoberfest/
4. Ripley’s Fright Nights
Come out for the 22nd annual Fright Nights event all October long. Every Friday and Saturday night you can enjoy the frightening good time at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure. This year the theme is Grimsby and Streaper: Back From the Dead! You can pay regular admission price for new themes and ghouls hidden inside the haunted house! Shows start at 6 pm. 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. Trick or Treating at The Island in Pigeon Forge
The Island is the Perfect place to spend Halloween in the Smokies this year. Your family can look forward to trick or treating at the Island rides and select participating stores. Trick or treating will be from 4 pm to 6 pm on October 31st. All participating store locations will be marked with a special themed sticker. In addition to trick or treating, guests can enjoy a Halloween themed fountain show with spooky music! Put on your best costume for a “buy one get one FREE” special on the Island’s unlimited rides pass for the whole day!
6. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Plan to head to the Gatlinburg Convention Center from October 8th- 25th for the 45th 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- 5 pm. Adult admission is $10 and children 12 and under are FREE!
7. CAM Cabin Crafts Annual Fall Craft Fair
CAM Cabin Crafts Fall Festival will be October 9th & 10th this year. Each day you can visit the fair from 10am – 5pm at 1329 Wears Valley Rd in Townsend. Everyone is welcome at this annual outdoor Fall Festival Craft Fair filled with local crafts and crafter’s, food, music, fun and much more. Admission and asking are both FREE!
