The Summer season will be winding down not too long from now and we’ll soon be starting a brand new tourism season with the ever popular Harvest Festival Autumn season in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville and the rest of the Tennessee Smokies. Fall in Southern Appalachia is a time to cherish – the cooling, brisk air adds a dimension of dignity to the atmosphere, the cities bring out the straw, pumpkins, hay bales and Halloween decorations for inside and the outside the establishments, the sun setting earlier reminds us of the holiday season to come and, of course, we get views of the Smoky Mountain Fall colors stretched out for miles and miles ahead of us that you can’t beat anywhere else in our little area!
Once it becomes September, the proverbial seeds of Autumn have been planted here in the Smokies with 3 more weeks of Summer left, but as this is a very popular season for more than just the weekends, making plans for the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival should begin now. In this article, we’ll list the main events of the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival season, info from the official websites and their dates of operation to help that planning process get started.
Take a look at this:
Dollywood Harvest Festival
September 9 – October 28
“Celebrate the wonder of the changing seasons with the return of Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana. Experience the beauty of a Smoky Mountain fall as the forests come alive with vivid color, the smells of apple and pumpkin treats waft through the streets, and the sounds of thrilling rides like Big Bear Mountain fill the air with adventure. After sundown, award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health illuminates the evening sky with the whimsical warming glow of over 12,000 pumpkins, including the enchanting Hoot Owl Hollow.
Award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health returns to light up the night with thousands of creatively carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin icons. Family favorite Hoot Owl Hollow is the enchanting hideaway of a gigantic, glowing owl and its dozens of friends roosting in the trees, atop buildings and across the hillside. Explore a world of not-so-spooky nighttime fun when you stroll through a forest of shimmering sunflowers, see a family of glowing frogs and discover our towering Pumpkin Tree. A treat for all ages, Great Pumpkin LumiNights is the highlight of Harvest season at Dollywood.”
See this event at https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Festivals/Harvest-Festival.
Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival
September 19 – September 21
“Save the Date ~ September 19-20-21, 2024
We are so excited to have everyone back here on the farm September 19-21 for our 24th annual festival. It seems like it has been an eternity since we were all together enjoying the music and camaraderie. The lineup is stellar and we are excited to present these fine entertainers for your enjoyment. Tickets will again be available right here through our website soon.
Located in beautiful East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, Dollywood, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and only 22 mi. from downtown Knoxville. You can find us just off I-40 exit # 407 at 525 East Dumplin Valley Road, Kodak, TN 37764.
See you in September!“
See this event at https://www.pigeonforge.com/event/dumplin-valley-bluegrass-festival/.
Townsend Fall Heritage Festival
September 27 – September 28
“A celebration of our mountain heritage with bluegrass music, Appalachian skills, arts and crafts, storytelling, antique tractors and good food. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy genuine bluegrass music, arts and crafts, food, and Fall festivities for the entire family at the Townsend Visitors Center.
The foothills of the Smoky Mountains come to life with Bluegrass music, arts and crafts, time honored traditions and Appalachian cooking at the Townsend Fall Heritage Festival. The festival provides an atmosphere where family and friends of all ages can partake in time-honored Appalachian traditions at a free community event.
An event for all ages, the festival centers around traditional and contemporary Bluegrass and mountain music; along with clogging and square dancing; art and craft booths; numerous Appalachian demonstrations; old-fashioned kids’ games; and Southern food, such as fried pies and kettle corn.
Location: Townsend Visitor Center, 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882“
See this event at https://www.pigeonforge.com/event/townsend-fall-heritage-festival/.
Rotary Club Festival
September 27 – October 26
“Visitors to Pigeon Forge have the opportunity to see and purchase handmade items from some of the area’s most talented artists and crafters. Stop by the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Crafts Festival in Patriot Park. Admission and parking is free, however, a freewill donation will be distributed to local and area charities.
Hours: Open Daily from 10am – 6pm“
See this event at https://www.pigeonforge.com/event/rotary-club-fall-craft-festival/.
Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
October 3 – October 20
“The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. Shop indoors among two hundred booths of unique, one-of-a-kind handmade products that are beautifully displayed for your shopping pleasure. As these skilled craftspeople demonstrate their talents, you can witness works of art come to life. Each participant is subject to a rigorous jury process to ensure the uniqueness and quality of their respective products. Look for exceptional jewelry, pottery pieces, painted artwork, molded leather, copper art, local candy makers, photography, and many more unique items.
Come inside to cool off, warm up, or dodge rain showers. (Free for Kids 17 and under with a Paid Adult). Kids enjoy the demonstrations, talking with artists about what they make, and always learning something new! Enjoy hands-on arts and crafts the kids can take home: Visit The Kids Korner, operated by teen and adult volunteers from the Smoky Mountain Resort Ministry.“
See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/fall-gatlinburg-craftsmens-fair/824/.
Fall Smoky Mountain Sunrise
October 5 – October 26
“Each Saturday in October, guests can arrive bright and early to the SkyPark to watch beautiful sunrises right from the top of the mountain from the SkyPark. These events are separately ticketed and include VIP access to the SkyPark for the sunrise, all day access to the SkyPark that same day, and complimentary breakfast, and coffee. Each guest will also get a souvenir coffee cup to take home with them!“
See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/fall-smoky-mountain-sunrise/816/.
Wears Valley Fall Festival
October 18 – October 20
“Sixteen acres of family fun including over 240 crafters, interactive activities, entertainment, children’s events and a great variety of food awaits all in attendance October 18 – 20 at the 11th Annual Wears Valley Fall Festival coordinated by Keep Sevier Beautiful. The wide array of activities at this year’s event will give families a great way to make memories, experience a variety of fun activities and enjoy the incredible beauty of fall in the Smokies.“
See this event at https://www.wearsvalleyfallfest.com/.
Tuckaleechee Pottery Festival
October 26
“Featuring some of the nation’s finest potters, the Tuckaleechee Pottery Festival offers a chance to see and purchase unique pottery and other handmade goods. Connoisseurs and novices alike will enjoy interacting and learning from experts.
This is a perfect time to learn from expert potters. Whether it’s for decoration or function, this festival will have something for everyone at a wide range of price.“
See this event at https://www.pigeonforge.com/event/tuckaleechee-pottery-festival/.
