What’s Happening
What's Happening in the Smokies?
Discover What's New and Exciting to Experience This Fall
Autumn in the smokies is a time of change. Changing colors fill the mountainsides and countless newly discovered adventures await visitors as fresh options for fun and amazing events can be found around every corner. We will feature some of the updated choices for fun and highlight just a sampling of the event line-up that fall in the smokies has to offer! For even more wonderful events, check out our calendar of events on page 23!
The Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain is a month-long celebration full of music, food and FUN! Beginning on Sept. 20 and continuing through October 27, the whole family is sure to enjoy this mountaintop of FALL FUN! Enjoy specialty food items including Turkey Legs, Apple Cider, YEE-HAW Octoberfest Brats, Caramel Apple & Pumpkin Spice Fudge, Bavarian Pretzels with YEE-HAW Dunkel Beer Cheese, Grilled Corn on the Cob that is dipped in melted butter & so much more! There is plenty of outside seating and green space to relax, sip on a beer and enjoy the 22-foot outdoor LED screen! Ober Mountain is the place to be during Autumn in the Smokies!
Fall at The Island in Pigeon Forge means exciting events, beautiful decorations, and more fun for everyone. Their 8th Annual Chalkfest, set for Sunday, October 6, will take you on an intergalactic journey. This year’s theme, “Visions of Space” will showcase chalk artists of all skill levels creating beautiful works focused on the stars, planets, space exploration, science-fiction, and more! Looking for the perfect trick-or-treat destination this Halloween? Look no further than The Island in Pigeon Forge! You should be there on Halloween for an evening filled with family-friendly spooktacular fun. Enjoy peace of mind as your little ghouls and goblins collect their goodies from their welcoming shops and attractions. Free parking and free admission.
Smoky Mountain Knife Works, the world’s largest knife store, has their own Fall Festival from October 4 – 6, with a thrilling cutting competition, FREE axe throwing, a Daisy Inflatable Outdoor Shooting Range, giant bounce house, live music and delicious food trucks. Hourly door prizes, amazing deals and “Forged in Fire” alumni will be on hand for demonstrations and A “Forged in Fire” Grudge match are sure to make this unique festival unforgettable.
Ripley’s Moving Theater in Gatlinburg is getting an entire new state-of-the-art upgrade. Unveiling the update in October, the motion ride is jumping into the 21st Century with their Triotech motion simulator technology. This will give riders the most immersive experience available in 3D ride and animation technology!
Next up is the ever-growing Apple Barn complex in Sevierville! Their newest addition is the Apple Barn Hard Cider Company. Nestled in the picturesque orchard area of the complex, this exciting addition is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable experience. Here, the art of cider-making comes to life before your eyes with daily apple juice pressing. Witness the milling of fresh apples and savor the moment by tasting the very juice extracted on-site. Enjoy their innovative flavors that are designed to tantalize your taste buds, with standout creations such as the tangy and sweet Strawberry Lemonade Hard Cider and the wonderfully complex Blueberry Rhubarb Hard Cider. If you are looking for a fun and flavorful outing, the Apple Barn Hard Cider Company is perfect!
Moving our way to Gatlinburg is the amazing new Gatlinburg Wine Trail, If you enjoy a glass of wine to welcome the changing seasons, you will definitely want to explore this amazing new Wine Trail! The experience gives you 7 days to complete 5 stops at the state’s top wineries and Gatlinburg’s first hard cider house. For only $10, you’ll receive $60 worth of wine tastings, a wine slushie at Old Mountain Wine Company, and take home a great gift once your passport is complete. Wine lovers can begin at any of the 5 locations. First up is the Tennessee Cider Company, the first hard cider house in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. They started with six summer flavors and a dream of consistent growth. Five years later, they offer an impressive selection with a never-ending rotation of new and seasonal flavors. Peach Mimosa, Watermelon, Cider Donut, & Citrus Mash are just a handful of current options on the menu. Next up is Smokin’ Banjo. The Rebel of the Rollin’ Hills opened in June of 2024 and they’re already shaking things up and folks are loving it! Bubbly & sparkling wines and hard ciders with fun flavors like Banjo Blues, Sweet Heat, & Granny Smith will have your taste buds dancing and begging for more. Then you have the # 1 ranked winery in the state, Tennessee Homemade Wines, With 30 wines to choose from and fun extras like slush mixes, mulling spices, and more – there’s something for everyone. Try their best-selling Blackberry, a special Maples Reserved, or mix it up with one of their Experimental Series wines like Peanut Butter & Jelly. Rounding out the Gatlinburg stops is Old Mountain Wine Company, which has one of the best locations on their Gatlinburg Winery Trail and it’s so great that you may not want to leave. You’ll find them right next to the entrance of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the end of the parkway. They have created an amazing ambiance with space for fellowship inside and outside on the patio. Meads, Wines, and hard ciders are made onsite and are available by the glass, flights, or bottles that can be consumed on the property. The final stops on the trail are located at Tanger Outlet Mall in Sevierville. This stop is the only one that isn’t in the heart of Downtown Gatlinburg but is an easy stop on your way into the area, or a final destination before you head home. You’ll find your sips and great southern hospitality right next door to Customer Services. With Tennessee Homemade Wines and Tennessee Cider Company underneath one roof, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Trying to decide which is better, strawberry wine or hard cider? This is the spot to try both and see if you can pick a favorite! Are you ready to begin your journey on the new Gatlinburg Wine Trail? All locations are family and pup-friendly, but you must be 21+ to sip. Visit GatlinburgWineryTrail.com for more details!