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Fall is known as one of the best times of the year to visit the Smoky Mountains! The weather is cooler and the landscape is dotted in vibrant changing leaves, creating the perfect atmosphere for outdoor activities and seasonal festivities! Need help deciding what to do during your Smoky Mountain fall vacation? You won’t want to miss your chance to experience these fall festivals in the Smokies:
1. Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival
You’ll definitely want to experience Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival this year! This Smoky Mountain fall festival takes place at the top of Anakeesta above downtown Gatlinburg. During the festival, this mountaintop attraction is decorated in fall-themed decor and offers seasonal live entertainment. However, the highlight of this event is the food! You can try a variety of Bavarian-inspired foods as well as drink specials from local and regional breweries. Explore the beer tasting card to sample multiple varieties of craft beer and discover your new favorites!
2. SkyLand’s Apple Harvest Festival
One of the newest fall festivals in the Smokies is SkyLand’s Apple Harvest Festival. This festival celebrates the colors and flavors of autumn! Visit SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville this fall to experience the warmth of a Western country harvest and the magic of changing leaves. You can try seasonal apple-inspired treats and autumn-themed foods, including festive drinks, sweet desserts, and hearty foods. Enjoy live entertainment as you sit back and take in stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains blanketed in fall foliage!
3. Ober Mountain’s Oktoberfest
Another one of the can’t-miss fall festivals in the Smokies is Ober Mountain’s Oktoberfest. This seasonal event brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of the world’s most famous beer festival to Gatlinburg! Ober Mountain transforms into a Bavarian-style festival grounds with traditional music, themed decor, and festive photo ops. You can relax in the mountaintop beer garden and try various German beers along with authentic Bavarian foods such as pretzels, sausages, schnitzel, and strudel. Listen to live music, watch the Munich Oktoberfest Live Cam, and test your strength in stein-holding competitions!
4. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is one of the most popular fall festivals in the Smokies! During this seasonal event, the Pigeon Forge theme park features fall decor, live musical performances, talented craft demonstrations, and festive foods. Savor the taste of fall with foods, drinks, and desserts filled with festive pumpkin, apple, and sweet potato flavors. See artfully carved pumpkins arranged in larger-than-life structures and creative scenes. A highlight of this festival is Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Stay after dark to see Dollywood come alive with thousands of glowing pumpkins, colorful lights, and themed music!
5. Wears Valley Fall Fest
You won’t want to miss your chance to visit one of the best fall festivals in the Smokies: Wears Valley Fall Fest! This annual festival celebrates the autumn season with a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages! It spans 16 acres in picturesque Wears Valley, surrounded by gorgeous mountain views and fall scenery. Explore more than 240 craft booths to find unique handmade items crafted by talented artisans. This is a great place to find the perfect gift for that special someone! Wears Valley Fall Fest also features food trucks, children’s events, and interactive activities for the entire family!
More Things to Do in the Smokies This Fall
You will definitely want to experience these fall festivals in the Smokies this year! Are you looking for more ways to have fun and celebrate the season? Make sure you also check out the best attractions in Gatlinburg to visit during fall for an unforgettable vacation!
