Upcoming Gatlinburg Special Events For September

From Gatlinburg.com:

* Bear-varian Fall Festival
September 9, 2023 – October 31, 2023

“Autumn has arrived in the Great Smoky Mountains, and there’s no better place to experience the season and the changing leaves than at Anakeesta: Gatlinburg’s award-winning theme park. During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival which runs from September. 9 – October. 31, visitors can enjoy Halloween themed décor throughout the park. For an additional add-on, sample drink specials, from several local and regional craft breweries. Make your way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, our lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at Night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor. We can’t wait to see you.”

See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/bear-varian-fall-festival/612/.

* Running with the Bears 5k
September 9, 2023

“Runner & walkers of all ages are invited to participate in the Third annual Running with the Bears 5K Run/Walk in beautiful downtown Gatlinburg. This morning race is scheduled on Saturday, September 9th at 7am. Athletes of all ages and performance levels are welcome to participate in this USATF sanctioned event. . Proceeds benefit the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a non-profit organization working alongside Friends of the Smokies to provide resources to preserve and protect the black bear, as well as funding for the Gatlinburg Goes Green Program, local scholarships, donations to schools, and educational events for the community.

This is an out and back course. The race will start at NOC at traffic light #10 (intersection of Ski Mountain Road and the Parkway). The race will travel down the Parkway, through downtown Gatlinburg to traffic light #1 and return to NOC.”

See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/running-with-the-bears-5k/613/.

* GatlinBURGER Week
September 17, 2023 – September 23, 2023

“Who’s your Burgermeister?

Gatlinburg has got the line on a good hamburger. That’s why we are dedicating an entire week to the All-American creation. For seven days local restaurants will be taking the humble meat patty to the next level and selling that specialty, meaty treat for just $9 all the while contending for the title of GatlinBURGER Burgermeister.

Get all the details and participants at Gatlinburg.com/burgerweek.”

See this event at https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburger-week/53/.