Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit the Smoky Mountains. The natural scenery comes alive with brilliant fall colors in shades of red, yellow, and orange. To celebrate this special season, there are a number of fall festivals that occur each year near the Smoky Mountains. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about some of the Gatlinburg fall festivals taking place this year!
1. Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival
Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival is a great way to celebrate autumn this year! At this Gatlinburg fall festival, you’ll get to be surrounded by breathtaking changing leaves as well as autumn-themed decor throughout the mountaintop theme park. You can enjoy live music performed by an unforgettable cast of characters, from zombies and vampires to polka trios. For an additional add-on, you can sample drink specials from local and regional craft breweries and enjoy the taste of fall with seasonal food offerings. Savor fall flavors like pork schnitzel, soft pretzels, and bratwurst. Everywhere you go you’ll be surrounded by the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of fall in the Smoky Mountains!
2. Autumn at the SkyPark
On the other side of the Parkway is the Gatlinburg SkyPark. This fall, you can experience their family-friendly Autumn at the SkyPark on top of the mountain. Through the month of October, you can experience this Gatlinburg fall festival included with the price of your regular ticket. You’ll get to see the beautiful Smoky Mountains covered in colorful fall leaves as well as get a great view of downtown Gatlinburg below. The SkyPark itself will be covered in fall decorations to complement the fall scenery all around. Throughout the season you can participate in pop-up events with games, prizes, and more family fun!
3. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Voted one of the Southeast’s “Most Popular Events,” the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is a huge fall event that takes place in the 150,000 square feet of the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown. This Gatlinburg fall festival spans more than two weeks in the month of October! You’ll be able to explore two hundred booths with unique, handmade products crafted by artisans from all across the country. Some products that will be available include pottery pieces, copper art, molded leather, candy, and much more. There will also be musical performances for you to enjoy bluegrass, gospel, and country songs.
4. Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain
You'll definitely want to experience Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain this autumn! This Gatlinburg fall festival immerses you in the sights, sounds, and tastes of world's most famous beer festival, right here in the Smoky Mountains! The mountaintop attraction transforms into a Bavarian-style festival grounds, complete with festive decor, oversized steins, and unique photo ops. You’ll have the opportunity to try various German beers and authentic foods. This festival also includes traditional Bavarian music, crafts for kids, and even stein-holding competitions!
5. Gatlinburg Harvest Festival
The most widespread Gatlinburg fall festival is the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival. The city of Gatlinburg fully embraces the season, with fall decorations lining the Parkway and many of the storefronts. You’ll get to see plenty of over-the-top fall displays, the most popular of which are the life-size, three-dimensional scarecrow people. The Gatlinburg Harvest Festival runs from mid-September through late November, allowing visitors to enjoy the festival for as long as possible. Businesses in the community compete for Best Harvest Decorations each year. Visitors have the chance to cast their vote in the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival “People’s Choice Award.” So, make sure you take note of which decorations are your favorite so you can vote!
Stay Close to the Action This Fall
There are so many fun Gatlinburg fall festivals and activities to enjoy this season. With so much to do, you’ll want to stay close to all the action so you won’t miss a thing! Our Gatlinburg condos are conveniently located just minutes from everything there is to do in downtown Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains this fall. Browse our selection of Gatlinburg condo rentals and start planning your trip today!
