Smoky Mountain Events for Autumn and Winterfest

Living in the Smokies means lots to do when the seasons change.  Autumn is known as a very popular season in the Smokies, due to the beauty of the mountains and scenery.  Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the season of Autumn and in to Winterfest can be a favorite in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville areas of East Tennessee.

Sevierville events will include:

23rd Annual Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 14 - Sept. 16

Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival will be held from Thursday, September 14th through Saturday, September 16th. 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. (For this year only there will be no potluck on Wed. night) 15 Bands perform in our Covered Performance Area Rain or shine shows start each day at noon and go until 11 pm.

See this event at:
https://visitsevierville.com/EventsCalendar.aspx#!/243969-23rd-annual-dumplin-valley-bluegrass-festival



Robert Tinos Smoky Mountain Homecoming
Oct. 6 - Oct. 8

Enjoy heritage and local crafts, bluegrass music, and good ole southern food during this three-day fall festival located at the Robert A. Tino Gallery in Sevierville.

See this event at:
https://visitsevierville.com/EventsCalendar.aspx#!/244055-robert-tinos-smoky-mountain-homecoming



History And Haunts In Downtown Sevierville
Oct. 12

Stroll the streets of historic downtown Sevierville to enjoy family-friendly frights, lawn games and fireworks. The event brings a harvest of activities everyone will enjoy, from guided historic walking tours and costume contests to storytellers, a Halloween-themed dance party, and lawn games. Dance the evening away to classic Halloween tunes spun by a fun DJ and dress your best for the costume contest (there will even be a category for best dressed dog!*) Two guided historical walking tours will take place during the evening and offer hauntingly tragic tales from Sevierville’s past led by the Sevier County historian. Admission to History & Haunts is free. There may be a nominal charge for some activities. This event will be weld on Thursday, October 12th.

See this event at:
https://visitsevierville.com/EventsCalendar.aspx#!/244057-history-and-haunts



Shadrack's Christmas Adventure
Nov. 24 - Dec. 31

Welcome to Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland! You may wonder, why go to such great lengths to create an attraction of this magnitude? It’s simple; we uncovered a passion and followed our dreams. After physically crafting each element, placing and bracing them, tediously programming hundreds of thousands of lights to perform with music, we managed to light up the nights! There are thousands of channels simultaneously directing this orchestra of lights. Using the most technologically advanced equipment in the industry, Christmas Wonderland magically expresses what Christmas means to us. Our hope is for this show to spark a smile on your face like it does ours. Spreading Christmas cheer is our prime motivation and in doing so, we find great importance in giving back to our local community. Now sit back… relax… and let the Christmas spirit take you away! This event will be held from November, 24th - December, 31st

See this event at:
https://visitsevierville.com/EventsCalendar.aspx#!/244069-shadracks-christmas-adventure



Sevierville's 61st Annual Christmas Parade
Dec. 2

Sevierville's 61st Annual Christmas Parade will be on Saturday December second at 11:00am. Our 61st annual parade will be themed as "A Hometown Christmas." Get the firsthand experience of what a small-town Christmas parade feels like at Sevierville's Christmas Parade.

See this event at:
https://visitsevierville.com/EventsCalendar.aspx#!/244072-seviervilles-61st-annual-christmas-parade

Pigeon Forge Events from Rod Runs to Winterfest include.....
Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run
Sept. 14 - Sept. 16

A spectacular 3-day event for any car enthusiast! $8,000 cash giveaway, Top 25 Awards, Ultimate 5 Awards and King of the Hill.  Huge swap meet with hundreds of show cars and car corral. Join the many automotive enthusiasts and come on out to the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, the area’s largest automotive event! Don’t miss this incredible car show! For registration and show information contact MCS Promotions at (865) 687-3976.

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/pigeon-forge-fall-rod-run



Pigeon Forge Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 22 - Sept. 23

The Pigeon Forge Bluegrass Festival is a first-class production featuring an all-star lineup of some of the nation’s top Bluegrass talent! Make plans now to come out to the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge for great music and fun. Festival starts at 6pm (doors open at 5pm).

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/pigeon-forge-bluegrass-festival



Dollywood Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Sept. 22 - Nov. 4

Great Pumpkin LumiNights, presented by Covenant Health, is just one of the fun things to see and do at the annual Dollywood Harvest Festival. Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights features spectacular lighted pumpkin displays throughout the Dollywood park, which glow with the fire of fall. And this season’s event promises to be even more spectacular with a large crop of beautiful sunflowers that have sprouted in Wildwood Grove, a massive glowing 40-foot tall pumpkin tree and the larger than life Ambercup pumpkin figure that shines bright. There’s loads of fun for families to experience all throughout Dollywood this fall!

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/dollywood-great-pumpkin-luminights



National Quartet Convention
Sept. 24 - Sept. 30

Gospel Music’s largest annual event drawing 40,000 people from over 40 states and a half dozen countries to a week-long Gospel Music festival, featuring the very best in the world of traditional Gospel Music.

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/national-quartet-convention



Rotary Club Fall Crafts Festival
Sept. 29 - Oct. 28

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.mypigeonforge.com/event/rotary-club-fall-crafts-festival



Chalkfest At The Island
Oct. 8

Professional and aspiring chalk artists will gather at The Island in Pigeon Forge to adorn its concrete with colorful masterpieces made entirely with chalk during the annual Chalkfest. All artists, professional and aspiring, are invited to create a masterpiece. Registration is free and chalk and concrete are provided. If you prefer to just watch, come check out four featured artists and be sure to vote for your favorite community piece!

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/chalkfest-at-the-island



Spooktacular Halloween Event in Pigeon Forge
Oct. 26

Looking for fun and safe ways to take the kids trick or treating this year? The annual Pigeon Forge Halloween Spooktacular & Safety Day Event is a must for all families! Bring your costumed trick or treaters to the Pigeon Forge Community Center on October 26th. Local businesses will be decorating for Halloween and handing out candy. There’s plenty of fun things to do for the whole family during the Halloween Spooktacular in Pigeon Forge!

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/spooktacular-halloween-event



Halloween Trick Or Treat At The Island
Oct. 31

Step right up! Step right up! Join The Island in Pigeon Forge for its annual Halloween Trick or Treat event. Enjoy free trick-or-treating Halloween night from 5-7 PM. The best part? Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating at The Island from 5pm – 7pm, and throughout the night enjoy spooky fountain shows and music! This family-friendly event is a fun, safe way to spend Halloween!

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/halloween-trick-treat



Dolly's Stampede Christmas
Nov. 1 - Dec. 31

Join our cast, including 32 magnificent horses, and take a nostalgic holiday trip with a friendly North Pole – South Pole rivalry. Watch in delight as the Sugar Plum Fairy brings toys to life right before your eyes.  Our live nativity scene, which includes three kings arriving atop real camels, brings the true meaning of Christmas to life. Santa himself will also make an appearance in a horse drawn sleigh.

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/dollys-stampede-christmas



Country Tonite Christmas Show
Nov. 1 - Dec. 31

The magic of Christmas abounds as the talented renditions of Christmas favorites combined with beautiful choreography, brightly decorated holiday sets and colorful costumes bring the enchantment of Christmas to the Country Tonite stage. The popular cast covers a number of holiday classics for a nostalgic, spirited holiday celebration that will be enjoyed by all ages. You’ll also find a few special guest performers during the Christmas production that you certainly won’t see any other time of the year, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, and everyone’s favorite ballerina in the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Toys will also come alive in the magical song “Where are you Christmas.”

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/christmas-show-country-tonite



Hatfield & McCoy Disaster Dinner Feud
Nov. 1 - Dec. 31

Come join Pa Hatfield and Ma McCoy as they try to set aside their differences in the spirit of the Season. Watch as they bring their two famous feudin’ families together for a night of fun, food and entertainment guaranteed to make you feel better about spending the holidays with your in-laws! Whether you’re city-folk or country cuzins, you’ll love the holiday singing and dancing, mighty feats of strength, jaw dropping stunts and side-splitting comedy. There’s something here for everybody! And Granny’s pulling out all the stops for the holiday dinner! She’s cookin’ up a heap of fried chicken and country pulled pork shoulder barbecue! Add smashed taters, creamy coleslaw, fluffy biscuits, corn on the cob, creamy vegetable soup and Granny’s special dessert and you’ll need to loosen up your belt! It’s the best dinner in town–Granny guarantees it!

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/hatfield-and-mccoy-disaster-dinner-feud



Wonders of Light Christmas Village
Nov. 9 - Nov. 26

Winterfest in Pigeon Forge this year is brighter and better than ever. Make plans to come out and explore the NEW Wonders of Light Christmas Village! There will be 35+ booths featuring artisans and crafters selling a variety of seasonal and gift items, including scrumptious holiday goodies. While at Christmas Village, be sure to check out the all-new Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail. Featuring more than one million LEDs, 20 new displays include walk-thru arches, a colorful 52-foot-long caterpillar, larger-than-life flowers, and Old Man Winter. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/wonders-of-light-christmas-village



Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights
Nov. 10 - Feb. 18

See more than 5 million shining Pigeon Forge holiday lights when you take the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights! Looking for a stroll? Visit the new Wonders of Light Walking Trail to experience an additional 1 million lights! Along your driving tour, you’ll see bear, deer, fox and other critters native to the Smoky Mountains “wandering” through Pigeon Forge. Sparkling lights, giant ornaments, and tall, tall trees are seen on Island Drive and throughout the Island in Pigeon Forge. Even the 200-foot-tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel shows off the holiday spirit with red, green and white lights.

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/driving-tour-of-lights



Smoky Mountain Christmas
Nov. 11 - Jan. 6

It has earned one of the industry’s highest awards—the Golden Ticket—for twelve years, and once guests enter the gates, they understand why Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana is the perfect place to get in the Christmas spirit. Guests also can enjoy Dollywood’s signature rides and attractions that operate in this merry environment. From the award-winning shows and elaborate holiday decorations to the twinkling lights and Christmas-themed menus, Dollywood captures the essence of Christmas.

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/smoky-mountain-christmas



Comedy Barn Christmas Show
Nov. 19 - Dec. 31

It’s Christmas time in the Smokies and The Comedy Barn® is ready to put you in the Christmas spirit. Come experience a Christmas show like only the Comedy Barn can bring you. You will hear all Christmas music, see all Christmas costumes, and laugh at special Christmas acts you’ll only see on our stage. Speaking of laughs, be prepared for the biggest laugh muscle work out you’ve ever had! We have brand new acts, combined with your favorite acts from the past to bring you the Funniest Christmas show in the Smokies! No, in all of Tennessee! No, in all the WORLD!

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/comedy-barn-christmas-show



New Years Eve At The Island
Dec. 31

Ring in the New Year with a Bang at The Island in Pigeon Forge

Make plans to join in the New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Guests are sure to enjoy the dazzling midnight fireworks production to ring in the New Year on December 31st. The Island’s rides, retail and dining establishments will operate as scheduled, including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel.

See this event at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/new-years-eve-at-the-island

Gatlinburg Special Events Include.....

Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Ober Mountain
Sept. 9 - Oct. 31

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/



Gatlinburger Week
Sept. 17 - Sept. 23

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.

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



Ripley's Fright Nights
Oct. 1 - Oct. 29

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure celebrates its 24th annual Fright Nights with a special show each weekend in October, with no extra charge every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening plus Halloween night. This year's theme is Backwoods Terror 3: Family Reunion.

See this event at:
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/ripleys-fright-nights/18/



Boo Bash At Gatlinburg Skylift Park
Oct. 1 - Oct. 31

The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is the best place to view fall foliage in Autumn. As the leaves change color, visitors to Gatlinburg SkyLift Park will enjoy a family-friendly Halloween Boo Bash beginning October 1. By day, visitors can walk the haunted SkyTrail meeting animatronic witches, ghostly figures, lighted trees and spooky spiders along the way. When night falls on the mountain, the SkyTrail transforms into a haunted walk and an eerie fog cloaks the SkyBridge adding spooky chills and thrills for those who dare to cross the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. In addition to the haunted SkyTrail, nighttime visitors are invited to relax on the SkyDeck to watch classic, family-friendly Halloween movies on a giant screen. Movies begin at 7 p.m. with showings on a dozen different nights.

See this event at:
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/boo-bash-at-gatlinburg-skylift-park/579/



Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
Oct. 5 - Oct. 22

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 inside 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. All items represented are handmade and of the utmost quality. Look for exceptional pottery pieces, painted artwork, molded leather, copper art, local candy makers, photography, and many more unique items.

See this event at:
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburg-craftsmens-fair/434/



Trick Or Treat Kick Off Karnival
Oct. 31st

A fantastic family Halloween day event from 11:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. on October 31, 2022. Fun for visiting guests and local residents – contests, costumed characters, candy and more await guests who attend this annual Halloween extravaganza. Festival locations will be at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza in Gatlinburg. All proceeds benefit the Forgotten Child Fund.

See this event at:
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/ripleys-trick-or-treat-kick-off-karnival/25/



Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff And Chili Cookoff
Nov. 9

Gatlinburg kicks off its annual Winter Magic Celebration with an official countdown into the holiday season. The city is bright with the sights and sounds of the season featuring thousands of twinkling lights, one-of-a-kind LED 11 lighting displays, and the lighting of city Christmas tree located on the plaza at traffic light #3. For more than 30 years, the city of Gatlinburg has celebrated the beginning of Winterfest with its annual Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff presented by Bush’s Beans. The tradition continues with live entertainment and mouth watering chili sampling, with mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous. The Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff will take place in the Shade Tree Parking Lot in front of the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
 
See this event at:
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburg-winter-magic-kickoff-and-chili-cookoff/16/



Enchanted Christmas At Anakeesta
Nov. 10

When the sun sets in the smokies Anakeesta mountain comes to life with a celebration of lights during our Enchanted Christmas celebration. Gather around the fire with family and friends for hot cocoa or your favorite hot toddy, then stroll through our magical villages and enjoy delicious dining and a mountain of light displays that will fill your heart with winter cheer. Included with general admission to the park. Santa Claus is coming to town! Join us at Anakeesta for a delightfully enchanted breakfast this Christmas season with a very special guest, Santa Claus himself! Tickets to our Breakfast with Santa event include EARLY access to Anakeesta before other guests arrive, all-day access to the park, a delicious breakfast served at Cliff Top, a sing-a-long, and a professional photo with Santa himself! A wonderful breakfast at our restaurant, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, with Ole’ Saint Nick is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season and is sure to be a joyful moment and memory for you and your whole family! Tickets on sale now!

See this event at:
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/enchanted-christmas-at-anakeesta/450/



Veteran's Day Celebration
Nov. 11

For more than 20 years, Gatlinburg has celebrated Veterans Day with a tribute to honor the United States Military service members and veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Day National Committee recognizes the ceremony as an official Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day. This year’s ceremony will take place at the Rocky Top Sports World.

See this event at:
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/veterans-day-celebration/34/



Gatlinburg Winter Magic Tunes and Tales
Nov. 24 - Dec. 16

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales returns this winter to entertain Gatlinburg visitors! Tunes & Tales is street performance festival featuring costumed musical performers, dancers, and storytellers portraying characters from time periods as far back as the 1800s. Daily performances will be from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

See this event at:
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/winter-magic-tunes-and-tales/221/



Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
Dec. 1

The 48th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023. More than 60,000 people come to view the award winning parade featuring lighted floats, marching bands, giant balloons and of course Santa Claus! The parade route runs through the middle of downtown Gatlinburg. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. from Baskins Creek Bypass and East Parkway, a spectacular parade line-up of balloons, floats decorated by local businesses and community groups, and high school marching bands, spans through downtown before ending at traffic light #10. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early on parade day.

See this event at:
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/fantasy-of-lights-christmas-parade/36/



New Years Eve Fireworks Show And Ball Drop
Dec. 31

On Airport Road at the Parkway – For the 36th straight year, the Space Needle area at traffic light #8 comes alive at the stroke of midnight with a fabulous fireworks show. Features family-friendly entertainment. “Best New Year’s Eve Show in the South” will ring in the new year under the cover of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle for its 35th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show on Saturday, December 31. Since 1987, this free, family-friendly celebration has been one of the largest organized New Year’s Eve events in the nation, and this year’s celebration is set to be a spectacular end to the year.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the celebration specials offered by many Gatlinburg restaurants and businesses. Live music begins at 10 p.m. at the base of the Space Needle on Historic Nature Trail/Airport Rd.

See this event at:
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/new-years-eve-fireworks-show-and-ball-drop/19/