Crisp mountain air plus colorfully painted trees means fall is near in the Great Smoky Mountains! It’s a great time to visit with family and friends and reconnect at tons of fun upcoming events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN, without breaking a sweat or waddling around in a big coat. And after staying at home for so long earlier this year, planning a memorable fall escape to a cozy cabin is just what you need.
See hot rods from around the country, taste Appalachian flavors, sip local wine or grab an Oktoberfest bier, reel in the biggest rainbow trout for a prize, check out impressive arts and crafts, join a 5K with your dog, celebrate our nation’s heroes, and kick off Christmastime with a charity festival — YOUR options are endless! We’ll even help you plan your autumn stay with cabin options sent straight to your inbox. What are you waiting for? Fall events in the Smokies will be here before you know it!
SEPTEMBER
Family Fest in the Smokies | September 3-6
Get ready for contemporary Christian music — Gaither style — performed at the Gatlinburg Convention Center for Family Fest in the Smokies that boasts supporting artists, like Mark Lowry and Jason Crabb.
Connect 2020 — TN Credit Union League Event | September 15-18
Hear top speakers, like the experienced Shahar Ziv and the hilarious Jody Urqhart, motivate and inspire to better your financial health at the 86th annual con and expo by the TN Credit Union League, held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Taste of Autumn | September 17
Hankering to try the best dishes in town? Head to the Taste of Autumn (held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center) that boasts signature flavors from area eateries.
Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run | September 17-19
Stunning hot rods pour into Pigeon Forge at the annual Fall Rod Run at the LeConte Center. Car show lovers get ready for a grand cash giveaway ($8,000), category awards, car corral, and a massive swap meet.
Vette Fest | September 25-26
Held at Country Cascades in Pigeon Forge, the annual Vette Fest (42 years now) hosts a meet and greet, Corvette show, a dance, a car cruise, and much more!
Smoky Mountain Wine Weekend | September 25-26
Take the Gatlinburg Wine Tour one day and sip fragrant and award-winning wines with paired foods at the wine fest held at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts the next.
Ober’s Oktoberfest | September 25 – November 1
A festival like no other in the area, Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg celebrates the culture and flavors of Munich, Germany, with games, dances, live oompah music, traditional cuisine, and an outdoor bier garten — for starters!
OCTOBER
Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament | October 3-4
Cast a line for cash prizes, trophies, and just for fun at the annual Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament that boasts rainbow trout for days in Pigeon Forge.
Bronco Super Celebration | October 7-10
Contests for the kiddos, family friendly activities, organized scenic drives, fun games, plus Broncos and Ford trucks galore make the Bronco Celebration at the Talley Ho Inn — SUPER!
Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair | October 8-25
Multiple levels at the Gatlinburg Convention Center harbor crafters from across the nation demonstrating their talents and selling their one-of-a-kind creations, with live music daily.
Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge | October 16-18
Classic Firebirds, GTOs, and Fieros await at Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge at Mainstay Suites, where you can hang at a swap meet, see Pontiacs compete for Best in Show and Best in Stock, and join a night cruise.
Great Smoky Mountain Auto Fest | October 17-18
Autocross enthusiasts, welcome to the Great Smoky Mountain Auto Fest that features exciting competitions, a swap meet, and giveaways at Smokies Stadium!
Color Me Mutt 5K | October 24
Pet owners and their pups plus anyone else who wants to join is welcome to participate in the Color Fun Run/Walk (prizes and presents included) at NASCAR SpeedPark and enjoy the Pet Parade afterwards.
NOVEMBER
Veterans Day Celebration | November 11
The plaza at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies transforms into a place of honor for America’s veterans, with musical performances and tributary speeches to celebrate those who have served and are serving our beloved country in the armed forces.
Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff | November 12
Taste buds be warned — the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff is no joke! From mild to wild and hot to insane, chili at this downtown Gatlinburg competition is as much fun as it is delicious.
Great Smoky Mountain Food Truck Festival | November 13-14
Always in search of the best food truck? Check out this Smoky Mountain festival with roughly 40 food trucks serving up all kinds of mouth-watering meals at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort.
Great Smoky Mountain Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show | November 24-29
Handmade arts and crafts, like quilts, glass-blown ornaments, woven baskets, soaps, paintings, woodwork, and much more, are displayed and sold at this annual Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees | November 25-29
Support the Boys & Girls Club of the Smoky Mountains and the Gatlinburg Chamber Foundation when you attend the Festival of Trees that kicks off Christmastime with a gingerbread house competition, breakfast with Santa, and festive decorations at the WL Mills Conference Center.
Plan YOUR Cozy Cabin Stay
Gaze upon colorful mountain scenes this fall at your private, clean cabin in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. After all, you’ll need a comfortable and cozy place to rest after playing at events all day in town. Cabins for YOU offers lodges of all shapes and sizes for just about any budget. Couples, families, friends, and coworkers can enjoy breathtaking views, entertaining amenities, and plush accommodations. Just give our vacation specialists a call at 1.800.684.7865 or fill out our easy online request.
Cabin Amenities Perfect for Fall
- Cuddle with your spouse or opt for a late night read by the toasty fireplace.
- Wake up to autumn woodsy, majestic mountain, or crystal river views.
- Sip morning coffee in the rocking chairs or porch swing on deck.
- Play air hockey, pool, foosball, and arcade games in the rec room.
- Watch horror flicks, romantic comedies, and fantasy adventures in the home theater.
- Swim and splash with a private (heated) indoor pool.
- Soak tired muscles in the steamy hot tub under the stars.
- Cook out on the gas/charcoal grill and serve meals at the picnic table.
- Prepare a Thanksgiving feast in the fully equipped kitchen.
- Hop on the complimentary Wi-Fi to stay up to date on local events.
- Rest and dream in your king suite after a spa bath in the indoor jetted tub.
- Swap ghost stories and make s’mores around the outdoor firepit.
Cool mountain breezes, autumn foliage, fun events, and a much-needed cabin escape is waiting for YOU this fall in the Smokies!