As the season changes from warm to cool, the anticipation for lively fall events in Tennessee grows stronger. Visitors and locals alike look forward to the merriment and wonder of these events, and there’s bound to be an activity for everyone.
Top Fall Events in Tennessee to Check Out
Tennessee is home to picturesque landscapes and hospitable communities. With autumn just around the corner, people are gearing up for a new batch of festivals that capture the season’s essence. These festivals are not only celebrations of beauty but also of culture, traditions, and music.
If you’re looking for things to do in Tennessee this fall, here are some of the best events to attend.
1. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
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Location: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
Event Date: September 20 to October 30, 2023
Admission: Starts at $55
Dollywood is one of the best places to visit in Tennessee in the fall. Not only do exhilarating rides and captivating entertainment await, but there’s also a month-long Harvest Festival set to take place. Experience the picturesque Smoky Mountains as you find yourself immersed in vivid colors and the scent of freshly picked apples in the air. Come sundown, visitors can also gaze at the whimsical wonder of lights as part of the Great Pumpkin LumiNights.
2. Nashville Film Festival
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Location: Nashville
Event Date: September 28 to October 4, 2023
Admission: Varied
For the cinephiles, the Nashville Film Festival is one of the must-do fall activities in Tennessee. This week-long event celebrates film, music, and culture across some of Nashville’s most renowned arts venues. Catch a screening, attend one of the in-depth discussions by filmmakers, and exchange ideas with other festival goers.
3. Shuckle’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Location: Greenbrier
Event Date: September 30 to October 29, 2023
Admission: Starts at $17
If you’re in the mood to visit a TN pumpkin patch, Shuckle’s is the place to be. Shuckle’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch offers family fun and entertainment that suits all ages. Take turns going down slides, catch a magic show, or head to the petting zoo. Check out the pumpkin patch, decorate a pumpkin, and go for some pumpkin bowling to end your day.
4. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
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Location: Gatlinburg
Event Date: October 5 to 22, 2023
Admission: $10 (Free for kids under 18)
The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair brings together some of the finest and most talented artisans and craftsmen from across the country. With 200 booths featuring handmade items, you and your family will certainly find something that tickles your fancy. There’s also a daily music show you can check out. By the end of the day, you’ll gain a new appreciation for arts and crafts.
5. Nashville Oktoberfest
Location: Nashville
Event Date: October 5 to 8, 2023
Admission: Free (Starts at $197 for VIP)
The Nashville Oktoberfest is perhaps one of the most well-known Tennessee fall festivals. Here, tourists and locals can catch live musical performances, sample cuisine, and visit arts and crafts booths that celebrate German heritage. There’s also a pup parade as well as draft beer and a party tent. While general admission is free, there’s a VIP package that offers exclusive perks.
6. Clinch River Fall Antique Festival
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Location: Clinton
Event Date: October 6 to 7, 2023
Admission: Free
If you’re into antiques, the Clinch River Fall Antique Festival should top your list. Here, hundreds of antique vendors line Market Street as live music and entertainment play. Guests can also enjoy food from a selection of vendors. What more could you ask for?
7. 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival
Location: Chattanooga
Event Date: October 6 to 7, 2023
Admission: Free
Bluegrass is a big part of local culture, which is why a lot of Tennessee fall events focus on this genre. The 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival is just one of them. This free event features a packed lineup of artists, including Greensky Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent, and the Kruger Brothers. Bring a lawn chair or a fluffy blanket so you can enjoy the music in comfort.
8. National Storytelling Festival
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Location: Jonesborough
Event Date: October 6 to 8, 2023
Admission: Varied
Storytelling is a nearly-forgotten art form, but the National Storytelling Festival seeks to change that. Come and listen to exciting, funny, devastating, and life-changing stories that will surely leave a lasting impression. There are also pre-festival workshops and concerts as well as a raffle event.
9. Autumn Street Fair
Location: Historic Downtown McMinnville
Event Date: October 7, 2023
Admission: Free
The Autumn Street Fair transforms the heart of downtown McMinnville into a vibrant tapestry of fall delights. Here, local artisans, vendors, and entertainers come together in a joyous celebration. If you want to get a taste of the camaraderie and warmth of small-town life, this is the best place to be.
10. Nashville Cultural Festival
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Location: Nashville
Event Date: October 7, 2023
Admission: Free
Looking for things to do in October in Tennessee? The Nashville Cultural Festival is a good option. Nashville is home to a diverse population, where one in six residents is foreign-born. This festival aims to bring cultures together and celebrate through dance, music, and food. There are also activities for kids and teens, so you can take them with you on this trip.
11. Wears Valley Fall Fest
Location: Wears Valley
Event Date: October 20 to 22, 2023
Admission: $3
The Wears Valley Fall Fest is an event that combines arts and crafts, entertainment, and delectable Southern food. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy live demonstrations and admire antique tractors. Children won’t feel left out, as the event also offers hands-on activities for them. Get ready for wholesome family fun in Wears Valley.
12. PumpkinFest
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Location: Downtown Franklin
Event Date: October 28, 2023
Admission: Free
Billed as Middle Tennessee’s largest family fall festival, PumpkinFest offers the perfect blend of lively fun and an enchanting atmosphere. Thousands of people gather for this one-day event to experience autumn-inspired treats, handmade arts and crafts, and live musical performances. Pets and children are also welcome, as there are several activities for them, including costume contests.
Come One, Come All!
Fall events in Tennessee have become a main draw for tourists and locals. As you can see, there are plenty of events to choose from, so you’ll certainly find one that matches your interests and schedule.
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