2026 Guide to Fall Festivals in East Tennessee

Things to know before going to 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival

The 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival, named one of the Top 5 bluegrass festivals by Great American Country. Some of the biggest names in bluegrass have performed at the festival like Bela Fleck, Rhonda Vincent, Del McCoury Band, Greensky Bluegrass and the Steel Drivers. Listen to this talent for free at Ross' Landing in Chattanooga.

• 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.

What to expect at Rock City's Enchanted Pumpkin Patch

Rock City's Enchanted Pumpkin Patch illuminates the gardens on Lookout Mountain. Included in general admission, Rock City transforms into a beautiful display of rich, fall colors and new, large-scale, lighted jack-o-lanterns. Find spooky, but never scary, and whimsical displays throughout the gardens. Pumpkin painting, live music, cookie decorating, balloon artists and a petting zoo are some of the activities you can experience all fall.

• 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. 

Important information for Chattanooga Oktoberfest

You can also attend the Chattanooga Oktoberfest, the oldest and largest celebration in the city at The Chattanooga Market. The festival draws crowds regionally and locally for the German traditions like live oompah music, cultural food offerings and local beers. Festive German attire is enouraged for this free celebration.

• Dates
  10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 17, 2026
  11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 18, 2026
   
• 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.

Things to know before going to Wine over Water 

Wine Over Water is a wine tasting festival offering wine enthusiasts the chance to enjoy curated tastings with small bites and live entertainment at Renaissance Park in downtown Chattanooga. The "garden party" gathering will be a magical, fall wonderland with enchanting lighting, complimentary individual charcuterie boxes by Chattanooga's Bleu Fox Cheese Shop, and live music by DJ Chi.

• Date: 4-6:30 p.m. Oct. 10, 2026
   
• Parking: Rideshare services are highly recommended. Provide 100 River St. as the address, but instruct your driver to drop you off under the Market Street Bridge, between Coolidge and Renaissance Parks. CARTA's free downtown electric trolleys run from Terminal Station to the Tennessee Aquarium. Renaissance Park is on the other side of the river from the aquarium. Onsite parking is available at Renaissance and Coolidge Parks. Shuttle Park Northshore Garage is the closest parking garage.
   
• Accessibility: For accessibility questions, please contact Nich Youngblood at Nich@preservechattanooga.com.
   
• Tickets: $95 per person. All guests must be 21 years of age. An ID is required for admittance.

What to expect at Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair

The Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair in Sale Creek, Tennessee, located about 28 miles north near Chattanooga. Enjoy live music, lumberjack shows, live music by headliners Brandon Davis, Rodney Atkins, Amber Carrington and David Leonard, fireworks, amusement rides and a rodeo with bull riding, barrel racing and bareback bronco riding on the 2,100-acre McDonald Farm. 

• Dates: Nov. 6-8, 2026
   
• Parking: Free, onsite parking is available. Please follow all signs and parking attendants' directions.
   
• Accessibility: Service animals as defined by the ADA are admitted. Handicap parking is available. The fair has general flat surfaces, but because the event takes place on a farm, some outdoor and grassy terrain is onsite.
   
• Tickets: Discounts at the gate are available for guests 65+, active military, veterans, emergency services and teachers. Tickets are non-refundable; no exchanges permitted. 
  Three-day pass
  $16 - Adult Pass in advance 
  $14 - Kid Pass ages 11-17 in advance
  
  Daily passes
  $12 - Adult Pass (daily)
  $10 - Ages 11-17 (daily)

Things to know before going to Pumpkintown

One of the premier fall festivals in East Tennessee, Pumpkintown is an annual festival in Athens, Tennessee, located 60 miles north near Chattanooga. Enjoy live music on three stages, the famous Mutt Strutt, local shopping and buy from over 300 craft, arts and food vendors.

• Dates: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 10, 2026
   
• Parking: Paid lots and street parking are available around the festival perimeters.
   
• Accessibility: The event occurs in downtown Athens, offering paved, flat surfaces and wide pathways.
   
• Tickets: The event is free.

Important information for Windrock Park's Fall Jamboree

Fall Jamboree at Windrock Park in Oliver Springs is the ultimate family adventure. The multi-day event includes guided ATV rides, rock crawls, drag races, mud bogs and live music on Windrock's more than 72,000 acres. Special events include a Trunk or Treat, face painting and outdoor movies under the stars that kids of all ages will love.

• 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

Things to know before going to Mountain Makins Festival

The annual Mountain Makins Festival takes place at the historic 1892 Rose Center in Morristown. The festival is a juried fine arts and crafts show. You can also enjoy top regional musical talent, storytellers, craft demonstrations, children's activities and food and expert demonstrations.

• 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.

What to expect at Oktoberfest at Ober 2026

Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain is Gatlinburg's original Oktoberfest celebration full of German traditions like food, drink and entertainment each year. The indoor and outdoor festival includes Bavarian food like bratwurst, apple strudel and chicken  schnitzel. Festive photo-ops, stein-holding competitions and live bands on the outdoor sound stage bring the world's most famous beer festival right in the heart of the Smokies.

• 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+.

Important information for Bear-Varian Fall Festival

Celebrate fall during the Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee full of festive decor, live entertainment and Bavarian-inspired flavors. Enjoy hearty eats, local and regional craft beers, and enjoy the stunning fall foliage of the Great Smoky Mountains.

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: Tickets are available soon.

Important information for Dollywood's Harvest Festival

Dollywood's Harvest Festival presented by Humana brings a beautiful glow to fall. The award-winning event features the Great Pumpkin Luminights, Dolly's glowing giant guitar and the enchanting Hoot Owl Hollow. The air fills with country, Southern gospel and bluegrass live music, an abundance of fall treats and thrill rides. New for 2026 is the exclusive, after-hours nighttime glow event, Harvey's Boo Bash featuring  treat trails, dance parties, themed snacks, 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

Important information for Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival

Enjoy a full weekend of music, athletics, crafts, and Scottish clan gatherings at the Upper East Tennessee Celtic Festival at Tipton-Hayes State Historic Site in Johnson City. Marvel at SHAG-Affiliated Highland Games including stone, sheaf, weight, hammer an caber. See live weapons demonstrations, gladitorial compat, dance to live Celtic music, and browse artisan vendors including weavers, blacksmiths and leatherworkers. 

• Dates:
  6:30 p.m. til late Sept. 4, 2026
  8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 5, 2026
  8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 6, 2026
   
• Parking: Parking is available onsite.
   
• Tickets: 
  Weekend passes: $15
  Daily passes: $10

Things to know before going to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

A three-day celebration of roots music and its impact on today's music takes center stage at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in downtown Bristol. Grab tickets to experience more than 130 bands on 20 stages throughout downtown Bristol, Tennessee. Rhythm & Roots Reunion celebrates and showcases the best in Appalachian roots music, keeping the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and its worldwide influence alive. 

• Date: Sept. 11-13, 2026
   
• Parking: Free street parking around State Street and festival grounds. Look for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion parking signs for parking locations. Paid parking is available throughout the city. Shuttle service $15-29 is available at several area hotels.
   
• Accessibility: ADA parking is available at Regions Bank at the corner of Volunteer Parkway and Shelby Street.
   
• Tickets: Tickets range from $25 general admission to $399+ VIP and lodging packages. There are RV and Car Camping packages for $250+.

What to expect at the National Storytelling Festival

The National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough is an event featuring compelling performances by internationally-known professional tellers. Storytellers spin tales to the attending thousands who come from around the country to hear them. A variety of special events take place like Midnight Cabaret - stories suitable for adults only - Ghost Story Concerts and Swappin' Ground, where anyone can tell a tale.

• Dates: 
  10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 2-3, 2026
  10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4, 2026
   
• Parking: Beginning Friday, you may park at 306 Forest Dr. Enter the parking area from US Highway 11-E and ride a shuttle to the Jonesborough Visitors Center, where Festival Registration is located. The shuttle runs to the Jonesborough Visitors Center beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, makes a continuous loop during Festival programming, and ends after the last performance each day. The fee to park is $5 per car. The shuttle is $1 per person each way (ages 5 and under ride free). 
   
• Accessibility: A few, first-come, first-served accessible parking spaces are available on Festival grounds for guests. Please consult the map of the Festival grounds. If parking in town cannot be found, the driver can drop off their passengers at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, drive to Jonesborough Elementary School located at 306 Forest Drive and ride the shuttle back. Limited golf cart shuttle service will be available during the Festival. Public restrooms, which can accommodate wheelchairs, include the Storytelling Center, the Visitros Center and between the Courthouse and Creekside tents. Electric scooters and wheelchairs are able to be rented at The Medicine Shoppe at 1238 E Jackson Blvd., Jonesborough, TN 37659. Nationally certified sign language interpreters will interpret through the festival weekend. For additional information, please call 800-952-8392.
   
• Tickets: Various ticket options are available that you can customize based on your interests.

Important information for the Fall Folk Arts Festival

Spend a fall weekend taking in local artists' talents during the Fall Folk Arts Festival at the Exchange Place Living History Farm in Kingsport, Tennessee. The farmstead welcomes demonstrators, bakers, kettle corn makers and vendors. Bluegrass bands and dulcimer players fill the air will music while guests browse the marketplace filled with artisan crafts and fall decor. Enjoy demonstrations like blacksmithing, weaving, pottery, hearth side cooking, apple cider squeezing, rope making, basket weaving, and handmade toys.

• Dates:
  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26,2026
  Noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 27, 2026
   
• Parking: Limited parking on-site, shuttle bus will be available. Please visit Exchange Place Living History Farm's Facebook for updates.
   
• Tickets:
  $5 - ages 13 and up
  Free - ages 12 and under