Oktoberfest Festivals In East Tennessee For 2026
August 23, 2026
It’s still Summer for a couple more weeks, but nobody cares about that. Once the calendar turns on the 9th month of the year (or sometimes even earlier), that’s basically as good as Autumn. After a particularly rainy and hot Summer (yes, hot and rainy at the same time!) guests are looking even more forward to Autumn bliss in the Smokies and the cooler, clearer weather and those gosh-darn colors that brighten the entire region.
In this article, we’ll list out some of the best Autumn events going on in the Tennessee Smokies that have been announced to date. Let’s take a look:
Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival
8/28/26 – 11/1/26
“Autumn comes alive at Anakeesta during the Bear-Varian Fall Festival! Celebrate the season with colorful mountain views, festive décor, live entertainment, and Bavarian-inspired flavors throughout the park. From hearty eats and seasonal brews to family-friendly fun around every corner, it’s the perfect way to experience fall high above Gatlinburg.
Add a Bear Tasting Card to your visit and sample a handpicked selection of craft beers from local and regional breweries. Prost to crisp mountain air, unforgettable views, and a fall celebration like no other!”
See this event at https://anakeesta.com/bear-varian-fall-festival/.
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
9/14/26 – 10/31/26
“Fall glows brightest at Dollywood during the Harvest Festival presented by Humana, where crisp autumn days burst with vivid color, and magical nights shimmer with illuminating surprises. By day, soak in the sounds of the season with dozens of Southern gospel, country, and bluegrass performers while the air fills with the scent of fall treats and the thrill of rides like Big Bear Mountain. At night, wander through the enchanting Hoot Owl Hollow, listen for the mystical melody of Dolly’s glowing giant guitar, and marvel at the towering 40-foot pumpkin tree exclusively during Great Pumpkin LumiNights.”
See this event at https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Festivals/Harvest-Festival.
Fall at The Island
9/22/26
“Monday, September 22nd officially marks the beginning of fall, and here in East Tennessee that means visitors from all across the country are on their way! Whether it’s to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or to take a trip to Pigeon Forge, fall is the perfect time to embrace all our area has to offer! At The Island in Pigeon Forge, we change things up in autumn so that you are sure to find something new to enjoy for the season. From seasonal desserts and moonshine flavors to custom decorations and photo ops, fall at The Island is a must-see.”
See this event at https://visitsevierville.com/EventsCalendar.aspx#!/299368-fall-at-the-island.
Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Craft Fair
9/25/26 – 10/24/26
“Celebrate fall in the Smoky Mountains at the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Craft Fair in Pigeon Forge, TN, a beloved fall tradition where visitors of all ages can shop handmade goods, unique gifts, and seasonal treasures from local artisans and craft vendors.
Stroll through rows of vendor booths featuring handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodworking, quilts, candles, home décor, and one-of-a-kind Smoky Mountain crafts perfect for fall decorating and early holiday shopping.”
See this event at https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/rotary-club-fall-crafts-festival/.
Smoky Mountain FallFest
9/26/26
“The Smoky Mountain Fallfest will take place on September 26, 2026, at the Sevierville Fairgrounds. The event will feature a Classic Car Show, food trucks, vendors, and live music. Admission is free.
The festival will begin at 10:00 AM and conclude at 6:00 PM.”
See this event at https://carsandcoffeeevents.com/events/smoky-mountain-fallfest-2026.
Kyker Farms Annual Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
9/26/26 – 10/31/26
“Kyker Farms opens for the season every weekend starting September 26, 2026. Kyker Farms has tons of fun for families during the fall months. During September and October, enjoy corn mazes, hayrides, a petting zoo, bonfires, playgrounds and more.
Conveniently located 1.7 miles off TN Hwy 66/Winfield Dunn Pkwy in Sevierville, near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. We are only 18.3 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains and just a short drive from Knoxville.”
See this event at https://www.pigeonforge.com/event/fall-at-kyker-farms/.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
10/8/28 – 10/28/2026
“Filling the 150,000 square feet of downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair hosts Artisans and Craftsmen from all over the nation. Two hundred booths with unique and one-of-a-kind handmade products are beautifully displayed, as these skilled craftspeople demonstrate their talents. Each participant is subject to a rigorous jury process to ensure the uniqueness and quality of their respective products. All items represented are handmade and of utmost quality and without duplication. Look for exceptional pottery pieces, leather, copper art, local candy makers, and many more unique items.
There is something for everyone at the Fair. Be sure to stop by one or all of our daily music shows included with the price of admission. Check out the stage and enjoy contemporary country, bluegrass, and your favorite gospel tunes at 12 and 3 daily.”
See this event at https://craftsmenfair.com/.
The Apple Festival at The Apple Barn
10/2/26 – 10/4/26
10/9/26 – 10/11/26
“The Apple Barn’s Apple Festival is back for 2026 for the first two weekends in October.
Visitors can enjoy live entertainment and demonstrations accompanied by traditional fall activities, drinks, and food from the kitchens and cider house.”
See this event at https://www.pigeonforge.com/event/apple-barn-festival/.
