Fall is a great time to explore Pigeon Forge, and Alcatraz East Crime Museum has several special events and savings opportunities planned for the coming weeks. From discounted admission for East Tennessee residents and Scouts to Homeschool Days and a special September 11 program, there are plenty of reasons to add the museum to your fall plans.
Save During Local Appreciation Days
Alcatraz East Crime Museum is bringing back its popular Local Appreciation Days from September 18 through October 30, 2026.
During this special offer, residents and employees in Sevier, Knox, Jefferson, Cocke and Blount counties can receive admission for just $15 plus tax per person.
To receive the discounted rate, guests will need to show a valid ID or proof of employment from one of the participating counties.
“Our local guests love when we hold Local Appreciation Days and we love to offer it to them,” said Xander Parker, sales manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “It’s a great way for the whole family to check out the museum and explore at a discounted rate. We have so many great opportunities coming up!”
Scout Appreciation Days
Scouts and their families can also save during upcoming Scout Appreciation Days on August 22-23 and September 12-13, 2026.
During these special dates, Scouts, chaperones and tag-alongs can receive admission for $12 plus tax per person.
Proof of Scout membership is required, or Scouts can attend in uniform to receive the special admission rate.
Homeschool Days Return This Fall
Families looking for an educational activity can take advantage of Homeschool Days throughout September and October 2026.
Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., homeschool guests can receive discounted admission for just $12 plus tax per person. Homeschool groups of 10 or more can receive an even lower rate of $10 plus tax per person when booked in advance.
Guests will need to show homeschool identification or proof of homeschooling intent at the admission desk to receive the special rate.
With interactive exhibits covering crime, crime-solving and the justice system, Alcatraz East offers a unique way for students to learn while exploring more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences.
Hear a Firsthand 9/11 Experience
On September 12, 2026, Alcatraz East will welcome back popular guest speaker Arthur M. Bohanan for a special program focused on his firsthand experience following the September 11 attacks.
Bohanan will speak from 12-12:30 p.m. and again from 1:30-2 p.m. His presentations are included with regular museum admission.
An internationally award-winning patented inventor, researcher, lecturer and author, Bohanan was a forensic examiner who assisted at Ground Zero following the September 11 tragedy. A sixth-generation Sevier County native, he was one of the first six responders from Tennessee to travel to Ground Zero.
As a Certified Latent Print Examiner and Senior Forensic Examiner, Bohanan and his team worked to recover and identify victims of the World Trade Center attacks. During his career, he also worked with the Knoxville Police Department while developing additional forensic techniques that continue to be used by researchers today.
“Guests always enjoy getting a chance to hear Art’s first-hand experience with 9/11 and being at Ground Zero and being at Ground Zero,” said Ally Mills, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “It’s an honor to have him share his experience and give guests a chance to ask questions. We look forward to his visit each year, just as our guests do.”
Explore Crime History at Alcatraz East
Located at the entrance to The Island in Pigeon Forge, Alcatraz East Crime Museum features more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences, along with four temporary exhibit spaces.
Guests can see original artifacts and items connected to some of the most infamous names and cases in American history, including Al Capone’s rosary, Ted Bundy’s dental molds and Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar.
The museum offers an entertaining and educational look at the history of American crime, crime-solving and the justice system, making it an experience for visitors of all ages.
The museum is open daily at 10 a.m., with the last tickets sold 60 minutes before closing.
Groups of 15 or more can also receive discounted admission by completing the museum’s online group form. Allow up to 72 hours for confirmation.
Whether you’re a local looking for a discounted day out, a homeschool family searching for an educational experience, or a visitor interested in the fascinating stories behind American crime history, fall is a great time to visit Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge.
