Fall has arrived in the Smoky Mountains, and Anakeesta is celebrating the season with the return of its Bear-Varian Fall Festival. Taking place now through November 1, 2026, the family-friendly festival combines Bavarian-inspired food and beverages, live entertainment, seasonal décor and the mountain views that make a fall visit to Gatlinburg special.
Located above downtown Gatlinburg, Anakeesta transforms into a festive mountaintop escape during Bear-Varian, inviting guests to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of autumn throughout the park.
Bavarian-Inspired Food with a Smoky Mountain Twist
One of the highlights of the Bear-Varian Fall Festival is the seasonal menu created by Anakeesta’s in-house culinary team. Guests can enjoy hearty Bavarian-inspired dishes alongside classic fall treats.
Featured food options include:
- Smoked Pork Shank – Braised and smoked with an ale demi-glace and served with warm German potato salad, green beans and toasted rye bread.
- Pork Schnitzel Plate – A crispy breaded pork cutlet with caper butter sauce, baked potato and braised red cabbage.
- Bavarian Spiral Potato – Topped with gouda cream sauce, sauerkraut and pork belly.
- Loaded Pretzel Bites – Served with beer cheese, crispy pork belly and scallions.
- Jumbo Pretzel – A warm Bavarian-style pretzel served with beer cheese.
Those with a sweet tooth can also enjoy seasonal treats including an Apple Cinnamon Roll, Warm Apple Plait, Bavarian Crepe filled with cinnamon apples and crème brûlée filling, and a German Chocolate Shake.
Sample Local and Regional Brews
Adults ages 21 and older can add a Bear-Varian Tasting Card to their visit for $22.99 plus tax. The optional tasting card includes six 8-ounce pours from a selection of local and regional craft breweries and cider makers.
This year’s participating brew partners include:
- Blackhorse Brewing
- Xul Beer Company
- Gypsy Circus Cider
- Highland Brewing
- Tailgate Brewery
- Von Trapp Brewing
- Peaceful Side Brewing
- Hi-Wire Brewing
- Edmunds Oast Brewing Co.
- Cide Chicks Cider Company
The tasting card is tracked on a souvenir lanyard card, making it easy for guests to keep up with their selections as they explore the festival.
New Entertainment Takes the Stage
Live entertainment is another big part of the Bear-Varian experience, with performers appearing throughout Anakeesta’s scenic venues.
At Stone Village Stage, The Undead Heads bring classic rock energy with a playful zombie twist, while The Vampirettes perform 1960s-inspired harmonies at Black Bear Village Stage.
Guests can also dance along to The Pretzel-Tones, who put a polka spin on today’s biggest hits. For some interactive fun, Gretchen hosts the Bear-Varian Bonanza Games, an Oktoberfest-inspired game show featuring challenges and friendly competition.
As guests explore the mountain, they may also encounter Hans, Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian stilt walker, who adds to the festival atmosphere and offers plenty of opportunities for memorable photos.
Enjoy Fall in the Smoky Mountains
Whether you’re visiting for the seasonal food, craft beverages, live entertainment or simply to take in the fall scenery, the Bear-Varian Fall Festival offers another way to experience Anakeesta during one of the most colorful times of year in the Smokies.
The festival runs through November 1, 2026, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festivities while exploring Anakeesta’s mountaintop attractions, restaurants, gardens and views overlooking Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.
For tickets, pricing and additional festival information, visit Anakeesta’s website.
