Add These Tennessee Fall Festivals to Your 2026 Calendar

Cheekwood Harvest at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a multi-week celebration of autumn filled with mums, 15 storybook-inspired creations on the Scarecrow Trail, Cheekwood Beer Garden with special performances, and Pumpkin Village with three interactive pumpkin houses. New for 2026 includes Marigold River, a sweeping view of color featuring 2,500 orange, yellow and red blooms along the walkway from the Bradford Robertson Color Garden to the Arboretum Lawn. Special events include a Japanese Moon Viewing, Halloween Pooch Party and El Dia de los Muertos. 

• Date: Sept. 19-Nov. 1, 2026
   
• Parking: Cheekwood has parking onsite. On busy days, it's encouraged to utilize rideshare services.
   
• Accessibility: Manually operated wheelchairs are complimentary on a first come, first served basis and must be checked out from a representative upon arrival. There are paved, accessible pathways throughout the gardens. The historic mansion has an accessible entrance on the Northeast side of the mansion. There is an elevator in the mansion to give access to all four floors. All rooms are wheelchair accessible except for the Drawing Room and the Library Room. Six steps with handrails lead to the Library; three steps below the Library level lead to the Drawing Room. Accessible bathrooms are on the Ground, Loggia and 2A floors. Botanic Hall is accessible to all. Service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted. 
   
• Tickets: Tickets range from Gardens only to combo tickets of Gardens + Mansion. 
  Tuesday-Thursday - Gardens only
  $21 - Adults
  $19 Senior
  $17 College Student (with valid college ID)
  $14 Ages 3-17
  Free - ages 2 and under
  
  Tuesday-Thursday - Gardens + Mansion
  $27 - Adults
  $25 - Senior
  $23 - College Student (with valid college ID)
  $20 - Ages 3-17
  Free - Ages 2 and under
  
  Friday-Sunday - Gardens only
  $23 - Adults
  $21 - Senior
  $19 - College Student (with valid college ID)
  $16 - Ages 3-17
  Free - Ages 2 and under
  
  Friday-Sunday - Gardens + Mansion
  $29 - Adults
  $27 - Senior
  $25 - College Student (with valid college ID)
  $22 - Ages 3-17
  Free - Ages 2 and under

Thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals will make their way to Americana Music Festival & Conference happening at various venues around Nashville. Amy Grant, Abraham Alexander, Langhorne Slim, Maggie Rose, Wynonna Judd and Shakey Graves are just some of the artists slated to perform in 2026. Plus, a special performance by Renee Fleming and Bela Fleck with the Nashville Symphony will also take place (separate ticketed event). More than 165 showcases in venues around downtown Nashville give guests an insight on why Nashville truly is Music City. 
 

• Date: Sept. 15-19, 2026
   
• Parking: It's highly recommended to use rideshare services to get from venue to venue.
   
• Accessibility: All venues are accessible and ADA compliant. Some venues have large seated areas, so it's recommended to arrive early tot he venue as seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
   
• Tickets: 
  $150 Festival Wristband
  $505 - Silver Wristband - gets you access to all AmericanaFest nightly showcses, plus access to conference events, first access to RSVP opportunities for special events and first access to Americana Honors & Awards tickets when they go on sale.

Explore the haunted side of history during the Hermitage Ghost Tours. Embark on a distinctly spooky voyage at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage as you experience the mansion, grounds and cemetery by lantern light. Guides in period clothing explore tragedies that befell the Jackson family, unusual experiences of Andrew Jackson and unexplained incidents at the site. Tours begin at the Andrew & Rachel's Cafe where you can enjoy cocktails, mocktails, non-alcoholic and alcoholic frozen drinks, beer and ghostly treats. Additional events in October include the family friendly Hauntings at The Hermitage including pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume contest, hot apple cider, kettle corn and more; POEtry: An Edgar Allan Poe Living History Event; and and outdoor theatrical production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

• Dates: 
  Ghost Tours: 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Sept. 17-Nov. 7, 2026
  Hauntings at The Hermitage: 5 p.m. Oct. 10, 2026
  Edgar Allen Poe: The Man Behind the Macabre: 7 p.m. Oct. 15, 2026
  The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A One-Man Show: 6 p.m. Oct. 24, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking is available onsite.
   
• Accessibility: Wheelchairs are complimentary to guests; motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are welcome in the mansion, however the size of the interior spaces prevents the use of motorized scooter chairs. Service animals as defined by the ADA are welcome. Audio tour scripts are available; the film is close-captioned. The Andrew Jackson Visitor Center theater, gallery and museum store and cafe are accessible. The Hermitage pathways are smooth and the garden has a ramped entrance. The Hermitage Mansion is accessible on the first floor and offers a photographic tour of the second floor to guests unable to climb stairs. Braille and large print brochures can be checked out at the Audio Desk. Touch-sensitive maps are also listed in the brochure. Cabin-by-the-Spring terrace, Education Center porch and along the Field Quarter Trail are considered quiet spaces. Please call 615-889-2941 for any additional accessibility questions.
   
• Tickets: 
  Ghost Tours: $60
  Hauntings at The Hermitage: $25 - ages 14 and up; $5 - ages 13 and under
  Edgar Allen Poe: The Man Behind the Macabre: $45 - ages 14 and up; Free - ages 13 and under
  The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: $45 - ages 14 and up; Free - ages 13 and under

Main Street Festival is an annual event in downtown Gallatin. See over 200 arts and crafts vendors, enjoy local entertainment performing throughout the day on two stages and grab something to eat at the food and beverage area. The kids will love the large children’s area, too.

• Date: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking is available near the festival. Please follow signage and parking attendants' instructions. 
   
• Accessibility: Main Street Festival takes place on the sidewalks and in the street in downtown Gallatin, creating a fully paved, accessible experience. 
   
• Tickets: The event is free. 

Taste your way through one of the South's decadent desserts - banana pudding at the National Banana Pudding Festival. Choose your favorite along The Puddin' Path and watch the live national cook-off featuring the best pudding chefs around the country whipping up their best recipe for judges. Enjoy shopping, two stages of entertainment and a kid-friendly activities in the Little 'Nanners Kid's area. 

• Date: Oct. 3-4, 2026
   
• Parking: Onsite parking is $20. Free shuttle parking is at 1 Atys Way Centerville, TN 37033
   
• Accessibilty: ADA service animals are welcome. There are some paved walkways, but a lot of the festival is set up on lawn space that may be difficult to navigate. 
   
• Tickets:
  $10 - ages 13-up
  $5 - ages 5-12
  Free - military with ID and ages 5 and under
  $10 - Puddin' Path
  $7 each - Puddin' to Go
  Cash and cards accepted

Some of the best barbecue teams in the world will come to Lynchburg, Tennessee for the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue. More than 40,000 people attend the two-day event to sample barbecue from local vendors, see the awards ceremony at the Judge's Tent, and shop the booths and displays found around town.

• Date: Oct. 9-10, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking with shuttle service is available for $10 at the Moore County High School 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
   
• Tickets: The event is free.

Goat shows that celebrate the fainting goat, prevalent in Marshall County, take place at the Goats, Music & More Festival at Rock Creek Park in Lewisburg, Tennessee, located about 56 miles south of Nashville. This agricultural-focused event includes family-friendly activities like kids’ games and rides, goat yoga, arts, crafts and a variety of fair food. Free concerts are performed nightly by bands like Winter Creek, The 77 Experience and The Full Circle Band as well as the 2026 headliner Pam Tillis. 

• Date: Oct. 9-10, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking is available along 1st Avenue North; North Ellington Parkway; and East Hill. Consult the map for details. Please follow parking attendants' directions.
   
• Accessibility: Accessible bathrooms and accessible parking is available onsite. Rock Creek Park has gravel and paved pathways throughout.
   
• Tickets: The event is free.

Science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) will come to life at events and activities as part of the Tennessee STEAM Festival, occuring across the state. The festival was founded by the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring and incorporates events hosted by a wide range of museums, attractions, parks and more. 

• Date: Oct. 9-25, 2026
   
• Parking: Paved parking is available onsite.
   
• Accessibility: Accessibility features vary by location. Please review the accessibility details of each museum and attraction you plan to visit, and contact the attraction if more details or accommodations are required.
   
• Tickets: Events are either ticketed or included in daily admission. Please consult the festival calendar for ticket information. 

Kids can enjoy safe and family-friendly Halloween fun at Boo at the Zoo hosted at Nashville Zoo nightly with magical lit scenes around the zoo, giant hay creatures, special animal shows, trick-or-treat stations for the kids, and the Scary-Go-Round carousel. Can't wait for fall fun? Nashville Zoo has even more fall festivities leading up to Boo at the Zoo including Fall Zzzoofari Slumber Sept. 5, 2026 where you can sleep under the stars a short distance from the animals; the nightlight socail event, Sunset Safari Sept. 18, 2026; Hispanic Heritage Festival Sept. 2'6, 2026 with a full linep of cultural performances, interactive booths, food and more; and the 21+ BOOze at the Zoo Oct. 15, 2026 with unlimited BOOze samples, trick-or-treating, a live DJ and top-notch vendors.

• Date: Oct. 16-Nov. 1, 2026
   
• Parking: Ample paved parking is available onsite. A new parking garage offers even more spaces.
   
• Accessibility: Nashville Zoo offers a fully paved, ADA compliant experience. Wheelchairs, both manual and electric, are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Personal wheelchairs are welcome as well as service animals as defined by the ADA. Service dogs can not enter the Kangaroo Kickabout, Lorikeet Landing, Critter Encounters and The Aviary within Unseen New World. Sensory-friendly maps, Zooper packs with fidget toys, earplugs and ID bracelets, and a visual schedule (print ahead of your visit!) are available.
   
• Tickets
  Fridays-Sundays
  $23 - ages 2 and up
  Free - ages 2 and under
  
  Mondays-Thursdays
  $19 - ages 2 and up
  Free - ages 2 and under

Bluegrass, crafts, classic cars, food and fireworks that all celebrate the music contributions of Lester Flatt during the Liberty Square Celebration and Lester Flatt Memorial Bluegrass Day. Bluegrass bands perform throughout the day. The 2026 lineup includes Strings of Green, Kentucky Just Us, ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, Blake Williams, John Daniel Meyer, and headliners The Isaacs.

• Date: 11:15 a.m. Oct. 10, 2026
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available nearby. Please follow signs and parking attendants' direction.
   
• Accessibility: The festival takes place downtown on the town square which includes sidewalks, ramps and flat, paved surfaces.
   
• Tickets: The event is free. 

The popular Webb Art and Craft Festival in Bell Buckle is a juried festival with handmade arts and crafts by local and regional artists. Browse for unique gifts like pottery, metal works, wood working, jewelry, textiles and more. Live music, food trucks serving cuisine from around the world and an additional 700 booths of shopping and exploring downtown.

• Date: 
  9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 17, 2026
  9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking is located around Bell Buckle. Consult the map for details. Parking is typically $10.
   
• Accessibility: The Webb Art and Craft Festival happens along the streets of Bell Buckle which provide a flat, paved surface throughout the festival.
   
• Tickets: Admission is free.

GOODFest and Fall Market is joins several of the Goodlettsville Farmer's Market vendors with local artisans. A food court is full of local and regional restaurants. A DJ will spin line dancing music and entertainment. And, a festival candy trail for trick-or-treating will delight kids.

• Date: Oct. 24, 2026
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available at Moss-Wright Park.
   
• Accessibility: Paved pathways are located throughout the festival.
   
• Tickets: Admission is free.

Middle Tennessee's largest family fall festival, PumpkinFest Fall Festival, stretches along Franklin's picturesque Main Street and side avenues of downtown Franklin with festive fun. Shop and browse local artisan and craft booths, enjoy the PetZone, KidZone and EndZone themed areas, and live entertainment. For 21+ guests, enjoy the Whiskey Lounge presented by Leipers Fork DIstillery, the Beer Garden presented by Bavarian Bierhaus. There are pet and people costume contests and a special pumpkin experience. It's the perfect way to celebrate fall with your friends and family. 

• Date: Oct. 24-25, 2026
   
• Parking: Park and hop aboard the Franklin Transit Shuttle to get to downtown Franklin for $1. Shuttle locations include the Harlinsdale Farm and Franklin High School. Limited parking is available downtown.
   
• Accessibility: ADA accessible parking is available at the 2nd and 4th Avenue garages or utilize the Franklin Transit's Park & Ride service.
   
• Tickets: Admission is free. 

Bring your family to Fall-O-Ween in downtown Livingston for family fun like the interactive "Night at the Museum" where exhibits come to life. Take part in the Haunted Square Tours to hear spine-tingling stories of Livingston's past. Enjoy costume contests for all ages, a special fall market, live music, food trucks and more. 

• Date: Oct. 24, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking is available around the square on side streets and public parking spaces. Arrive early as the event draws large crowds from across the Upper Cumberland region. 
   
• Accessibility: Fall-O-Ween takes place on Livingston's town square which offers a flat, paved experience.
   
• Tickets: The event is free.

Ruby Falls' Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk Edition is a spine-tingling after-hours lantern tour that takes you along the winding cave trails of Ruby Falls. Hear ghost stories from the 96-year history of Ruby Falls and Chattanooga legends. Visit the sites of these encounters, mayhem and tragedy. 

• Dates
  Sept. 6, Sept. 13, Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Sept.  27, Sept. 30
  Oct. 8, Oct. 22, Oct. 25, Oct. 31
   
• Parking: Free, paved parking is available onsite. 
   
• Tickets: The event is for ages 12 and up. Tickets are $42.95 each.

The annual International Cowpea Festival & Cook-off at Charleston City Park in Charleston, located 44 miles near Chattanooga, is a tradition that brings visitors from around the nation to enjoy culinary cowpea creations from local, professional chefs and nationally renowned music artists like Southern Style Band, Just Us Bluegrass and headliner Casey Chesnutt. Children's activities and a Cowpea 5K and 1-mile run as well as a marketplace full of locally and regionally made items round out the entertainment. 

• Date: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 12, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking is free.
   
• Accessibility: Accessible, paved parking is available. Paved pathways are available throughout the Charleston City Park.
   
• Tickets:
  $5 - Ages 16 and up
  Free - Ages 15 and under

Tennessee Aquarium's ODDtober shines a light on animals who use camouflage, mimicry and other unique survival strategies. The aquarium is decorated with hair-raising decorations to add to the not-so-spooky atmosphere. Kids of all ages can enjoy the return of resident c-eel-ebrity Miguel Wattson’s pumpkin lights and costumed SCUBA divers who will show off underwater pumpkin carving skills each Saturday. 

• Date: Oct. 1-31, 2026
  
  Underwater Pumpkin Carving: 2 p.m. Saturdays 
  Oct 3 - Tennessee River
  Oct 10 - River Giants
  Oct. 17 - Tennessee River
  Oct. 24 - River Giants
  Oct. 31 - Tennessee River
  
  Aquascarium 2026
  4-8 p.m. Oct. 30
   
• Parking: There are several paid parking lots near the Aquarium and IMAX Theater and a free shuttle runs daily in downtown Chattanooga.
   
• Accessibility: The Tennessee Aquarium is fully ADA accessible. Manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are welcome. There are a limited number of manual wheelchairs available for complimentary use on a first-come, first-served basis. Service animals as defined by ADA are welcome. Sensory bags with diget tools, noise canceling headphones and other resources are available at the Guest Services Desk, weighted lap pads are available at the IMAX 3D Theater. Learn more about Tennessee Aquarium's accessibility features.
   
• Tickets: ODDtober is included in general admission with the exception of special events such as Aquascarium, which is a separate ticketed event.

The 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival, named after the three daughters of Fletcher Bright, a bluegrass fiddler legend takes place at Ross's Landing in downtown Chattanooga. The festival hosts some of the biggest names in traditional and modern bluegrass. It's heralded as one of the top five bluegrass festivals in the U.S. The 2026 lineup includes Sam Bush, The Travelin' McCourys, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, and The Last Revel and many more.

• Date: Oct. 2-3, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking is available on downtown streets, lots and parking garages. The free electric shuttle runs up until 11 pm, terminating at Broad and 3rd (1 block from Ross’ Landing) and the Chattanooga Choo Choo.
   
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with ramps, accessible entrance, as well as an accessible playground for children
   
• Tickets: The music festival is free.

Experience fine Southern hospitality and embrace the genuine small-town charm during Pikeville's Annual Fall Festival in downtown Pikeville, located about 58 miles near Chattanooga. Enjoy a day filled with live music, a vintage car cruise-in, a vibrant kids-zone that includes a book bus, magic show and kids' train, more than 100 vendors, and giveaways.

• Date: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 3, 2026
   
• Parking: There’s plenty of convenient parking available throughout downtown Pikeville. All side streets remain open with free public parking, and several local business lots are also available for festival guests. To help you find the best spot, please refer to the festival map that highlights designated parking areas.
   
• Accessibility: There is designated handicap accessible parking. The festival takes place in downtown Pikeville which has flat, paved surfaces.
   
• Tickets: The event is free.

Rock City transforms into vibrant fall colors and will glow brighter than ever with large-scale jack-o'-lantern displays and whimsical pumpkin lanterns as part of the Enchanted Pumpkin Patch. The hand-carved sculptures blend artistry and imagination to create autumnal spectacles. Enjoy hot apple cider while enjoying the flickering Storytellers Lantern, and seasonal decor like haybales, cornstalks and plants.

• Date: Sept. 18-Oct. 31, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking lots are onsite.
   
• Accessibility: Rock City is partially handicap accessible. The entrance at Gardens Gateway leads to an ADA ramp that takes guests to Legacy Lane. The Enchanted Trail that takes guests to the overlook at Lover’s Leap and the Seven States Flag Court. The round trip distance is about 1/2 a mile. Review Rock City's full accessibility details.
   
• Tickets: Enchanted Pumpkin Patch is included with general admission. 

Live oompah music, cultural food and an expanded selection of beer and fun will be featured at the Chattanooga Oktoberfest. You can sample a wide variety of breweries and seasonal offerings in the Biergarten, buy from local farms, artisans and craftsmen, and listen to the Wurstbrats Oompah Band, a fan favorite among other family-friendly entertainment. Special contests include the Brat Toss, stein hoisting, and crowning the Mr. & Ms. Chattanooga Oktoberfest. Festive German attire is highly recommended. 

• Dates
  10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 17
  11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 18
   
• Parking: There are 2,000 parking spaces at First Horizon Pavilion. Additional parking is available at nearby paid lots and surrounding street parking. 
   
• Accessibility: The First Horizon Pavilion is paved with wide pathways.
   
• Tickets: The event is free. Merchandise and beer sales are card-only during the festival.

The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tennessee's only tribally owned museum, hosts the Cherokee Fall Festival. Celebrate Native American culture and tradition through arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance by the Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa and authentic foods. The museum demonstrates the 1800s Acorn Printing Press as well as blacksmith demonstrations, displays of Cherokee life in the 1700s and a Civil War encampment. Meet and speak with representatives from the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. 

• Dates: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12-13, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking is available onsite.
   
• Accessibility: The event is ADA accessible. Most activities are held on the grounds of the museum and include paved pathways. Accessible restrooms and parking are available onsite. For more information about the festival, contact the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at 423-884-6246.
   
• Tickets
  $10 - Adults
  $5 - Ages 13-18 years old
  Free - Ages 12 and under
  $25 - Family rate

Knoxville's PrideFest happens in the fall with entertainment, a night parade full of glowing floats and displays and vendors.

• Dates:
  7 p.m. Oct. 3 - parade on Gay Street
  Oct. 4 - World's Fair Park
   
• Parking: Free parking is available at the North Lot, Locust Street Garage (free on weekends and after 7 p.m. on weekdays), Fort Kid and Blackstock. A free trolley provides shuttle services throughout downtown Knoxvile. Carpooling is highly encouraged for the Night Parade as parking is very limited.
   
• Accessibility: Accessible parking, restrooms and paved pathways are available at both locations
   
• Tickets: The event is free.

All ATV and SxS enthusiasts can mark calendars for the Windrock Park Fall Jam. Be there for haunted trail rides, off-road competitions, bonfires, food vendors and music.

• Date: Oct. 15-17, 2026
   
• Parking: Ample parking is available onsite.
   
• Accessibility: Contact Windrock Park at 865-435-3492 for accessibility questions.
   
• Tickets: Prices may vary for event admission. Current permit pricing is as follows:
  Daily permits
  $34.62 - Ages 17+
  $14.58 - Ages 16 and under
  
  Two-day permit
  $59.23 - Ages 17+
  $23.69 - Ages 16 and under
  
  Three-day permit
  $79.27 - Ages 17+
  $30.07 - Ages 16 and under

Are you brave enough for the spine-tingling, terror and intrigue you'll hear on a Halloween Candlelight Tour at Blount Mansion? Follow the guides to the afterlife where you'll hear tales of ghosts, supernatural phenomena and paranormal activity that are prevalent in Appalachia. 

• Dates: Dates TBA
   
• Parking: Free parking is available at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center.
   
• Accessibility: For accessibility details, please call 865-525-2375. 
   
• Tickets: Prices TBA

Celebrate the flavors of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains at The Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store's Apple Festival in Sevierville, Tennessee. Savor all things apple flavored from fried apple pies to hot apple cider and apple butter. Dance and sing along to live entertainment, browse and buy from artisan vendors and enjoy the beautiful autumn colors of the Smokies.

• Dates: Oct. 2-4, 2026; Oct. 9-11, 2026
   
• Parking: Ample paved parking is available onsite.
   
• Accessibility: Some of the festivities are held on the grounds which could have uneven surfaces in some areas. All shops and restaurants are ADA compliant. Accessible parking is available with accessible restrooms located onsite. For any specific accessibility questions or details needed, please call 865-453-9319.
   
• Tickets: TBA

Celebrate all things fall in Sevierville as the city hosts a wide arrange of fall-themed events, foods and fun during Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest. The season brings gorgeous displays of pumpkins and gourds at area businesses, leaf-peeping trips along backroads and spooky events throughout time.

• Date: Aug. 28-Oct. 31, 2026
   
• Parking: There is ample parking in downtown Sevierville. Please consult each event location for parking details.
   
• Accessibility: Downtown Sevierville is wheelchair-accessible, making it a great experience to browse and take pictures of the beautiful decorations as part of Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest. Please consult each event location for accessibility details.
   
• Tickets: Fall-themed events vary in ticket prices. Please consult the events calendar for specific details on pricing.

Celebrate Appalachian traditions at Mountain Makins Festival that celebrates the region. This folk festival celebrates the region's diverse cuisine, music, fine arts, dancing, and storytelling for an unforgettable, family-friendly festival. The event is hosted at the Rose Center, Morristown's cultural arts center. 

• Dates
  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24, 2026
  11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 25, 2026
   
• Parking: Available in the courthouse parking lot on Jackson Street, several city lots downtown and streets surrounding the festival.
   
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible elevator, entrance, parking lot and restroom
   
• Tickets: The event is free to honor the festival's 50th anniversary in 2026.

Dollywood's Harvest Festival presented by Humana, located in Pigeon Forge, has been voted America's No. 1 Fall Family Event by USA Today readers. Enjoy apple and pumpkin treats, award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights larger-than-life pumpkin displays throughout the park and world-class artisans. New for 2026 is the exclusive, after-hours nighttime glow event, Harvey's Boo Bash. The limited-capacity event is filled with festive surprises, treat trails, dance parties, themed snacks, rides under the stars and character encounters with Harvey and friends.

• Date: Sept. 14-Oct. 31, 2026
   
• Parking: $25 with tax for all cars and motorcycles
   
• Accessibility: Dollywood offers extensive accessibility services, including wheelchair and ECV rentals, accessible restrooms, and detailed ride accessibility guidelines. Find comprehensive information on Dollywood's website.
   
• Tickets: The Harvest Festival is included in general admission. 
  Separate tickets are needed for Harvey's Boo Bash: $129.99 - ages 4 and up

The ultimate family-friendly fall festival takes place across 16 acres in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. The annual Wears Valley Fall Festival brings together over 240 artisan crafters, live music, interactive kid-friendly activities, seasonal fall treats and food trucks and more at 3179 Wears Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862.

• Dates
  10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 16-17, 2026
  10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18, 2026
   
• Parking: Free parking is available onsite. Please follow signs and parking attendants' instructions.
   
• Accessibility: Close parking available for accessibility needs. Festival paths are packed dirt, though some surface areas may be uneven.
   
• Tickets: $5 per person. Children ages 4 and under are admitted free. 

Celebrate fall at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg during the Bear-Varian Fall Festival, a two-month culinary extravaganza that celebrates the sights, smells and tastes of the season with food, beer, cider and entertainment. Savor six 8-ounce pours of beer or cider from local and regional breweries. Indulge in pork schnitzel, smoked turkey legs, bratwurst and kraut, soft pretzels and the decadent chocolate cake funnel fries at Anakeesta's various restaurants. 

• Date: Aug. 28-Nov. 1, 2026
   
• Parking: Paid paking available near the Chondola ride. Two city parking garages: across the street at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and at Traffic Light #3
   
• Accessibility: Gondola cabins are 32″ wide and 49″ deep to accommodate both wheelchairs for your ride to the summit. Wheelchair accessible areas inclue Firefly Village shops, dining pavilion, Black Bear Village and scenic viewing platforms. Treetop Skywalk, AstraLumina and AnaVista Tower are not accessible by wheelchair.
   
• Tickets: TBA. 

Experience a Oktoberfest at Ober 2026. Ober Mountain transforms into a Bavarian-style festival with oversized steins, festive photo-ops, live bands, stein-holding competitions and traditional fare. Relax in the mountaintop biergarten and sip on five different German beers from Yee-Haw Brewing, perfectly paired with chicken schnitzel, sausages, turkey legs, giant pretzels and apple strudel.

• Date: Sept. 25-Nov. 1, 2026
   
• Parking: The easiest option is to park at The Tramway Mall at 314 Cottage Dr, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 and ride the Tram to the Adventure Park. Parking rate is $10 per standard vehicle (pay at the lot kiosk). You can also drive Ski Mountain Road and park in one of the four lots available for $10.
   
• Accessibility: The Aerial Tram is wheelchair accessible. While many areas of the park are accessible, some attractions may have limitations. It's best to check with Ober Mountain directly for specific ride accessibility.
   
• Tickets: Included in general admission. Prices vary depending on activities. A round-trip Aerial Tram ticket is approximately $29. Activity Passes (Fun Pass, Adventure Pass) combine multiple attractions and range from $50-$90+.

Come enjoy a family-friendly fall at Gatlinburg SkyPark. Take in the stunning fall sunrise view of the Great Smoky Mountains adn the city of Gatlinburg below. Live music, breakfast adn a souvenir mug with specialty coffee from the new SkyBrew is included in ticket prices. Watch the thrilling Highline Shows from Rucksack Circus as pros step on to a thin line high above the mountains. They'll walk, bounce and spin. the 21+ BrOO Fest! celebrates the craft brewing culture in the Great Smoky Mountains with a variety of beers from regional favorites and full pours available at the bar. 

• Dates:
  Smoky Mountain Sunrise
  *The SkyLift will load 45 minutes before sunrise time*
  7:31 a.m. - Oct. 3, 2026
  7:36 a.m. - Oct. 10, 2026
  7:42 a.m. - Oct. 17, 2026
  7:48 a.m. - Oct. 24, 2026
  6:55 a.m. - Oct. 31, 2026
  
  Highline Show
  10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Oct. 30-31, 2026
  
  BrOO Fest!
  2-5 p.m. - Oct. 31, 2026
   
• Parking: Paid parking is nearby at 510 River Road (not included in Gatlinburg SkyPark ticket)
   
• Accessibility: SkyLift, SkyDeck, SkyCenter, SkyTrail and Clayton's Landing are wheelchair accessible. Find all accessibility details at Gatlinburg SkyPark.
   
• Tickets
  Smoky Mountain Sunrise
  Tickets will be available in September
  
  Highline Show
  Tickets included in general admission
  
  BrOO Fest!
  Tastings purchased on-site