2026 Chattanooga Fall Fairs & Festivals

Hamilton and Bradley Counties

 

RUBY FALLS LANTERN TOURS: GHOST WALK EDITION

WHEN / Select nights, September through October

WHERE / Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Get in the Halloween spirit with an after-hours, special-edition Lantern Tour to the underground waterfall featuring ghost stories from the 98-year history of Ruby Falls and eerie Chattanooga legends. Hear cryptic tales and visit the sites of peculiar encounters, mischievous mayhem, and tragedy on the guide-led tour illuminated only by the light of handheld lanterns. Advance online ticket purchase is required. For ages 12 and older.

COST / $42.95

INFO / rubyfalls.com, 423.821.2544

 

RAILS, WIZARDS & SPELLS

WHEN / Select dates September 18-October 25

WHERE / Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Step into a magical world of adventure at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s third annual “Rails, Wizards & Spells” train experience. Your ticket includes entrance through the enchanted forest to Wizards Way Village, where you can purchase fun wizardry items such as handcrafted wands, special charms to hold spells, and tasty treats of the season. Enjoy fun outdoor games, additional activities, and join the tractor ride for a quick trek to Chickamauga Creek and back. Then, board the train at platform 4.501 for a ride to remember! Guests are encouraged to bring their own wands and dress in wizarding costumes to enhance the magical atmosphere.

COST / $35

INFO / tvrail.com, 423.894.8028

 

ROCK CITY’S ENCHANTED PUMPKIN PATCH

WHEN / September 18-October 31

WHERE / Rock City, Lookout Mountain, GA

WHAT / This fall, Rock City glows with Halloween splendor as it transforms into the Enchanted Pumpkin Patch. Beneath the canopy of Lookout Mountain’s turning leaves, glowing pumpkins take root throughout the gardens. Their vines stretch over gateways leading to trails woven with the enchantments of Rock City’s legendary stone witch, Galoochee. Follow the fog along Legacy Lane to the Cursed Cauldron, where shimmering brews and tonics swirl with fragrant wisps of smoke. Along the way, you may encounter playful live characters and Halloween spirits. Spooky but never scary, the Enchanted Pumpkin Patch is a place to step deeper into the mysteries of the season.

COST / $43-$45/adults; $33-$35/children 3-12

INFO / seerockcity.com/fall, 706.820.2531

 

FLAT TOP MOUNTAIN FARM FALL FESTIVAL

WHEN / September 18-November 1

WHERE / Flat Top Mountain Farm, Soddy-Daisy, TN

WHAT / The Flat Top Mountain Farm Festival takes place on a 202-year-old family farm for a true Tennessee fall experience. From hayrides with mountain views to pumpkins, corn mazes, flowers, and pony rides, this fall festival offers something for everyone! Visitors can also enjoy a 5K, local vendors, food trucks, face painting, and more.

COST / $12/adults; FREE/children 3 and under

INFO / flattopmountainfarm.com

 

EAST RIDGE FALL FESTIVAL

WHEN / September 19-20

WHERE / Camp Jordan Amphitheater, East Ridge, TN

WHAT / Mark your calendars for the fifth annual East Ridge Fall Festival, a highly anticipated event that promises a weekend full of fun, excitement, and community spirit! With more than 150 local vendors, unique crafts, delicious food, and activities for kids, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to grab a bite, find the perfect fall décor, or discover something new, this festival has it all!

COST / FREE

INFO / eastridgeparksandrec.com, 423.486.2034

 

CRABTREE FARMS FALL PLANT SALE & POLLINATOR FESTIVAL

WHEN / September 25-27

WHERE / Crabtree Farms, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, this free community event will feature a variety of sustainably grown edible, flowering, and medicinal plants, plus some fruiting shrubs and trees. Whether you’re planning your autumn garden, looking for handcrafted gifts, or simply want to spend a beautiful day on the farm, there’s something for everyone. Guests will enjoy a market with local artisans, live music, pollinator education, family activities, and food trucks on Friday and Saturday. Sunday will focus on remaining plant sales.

COST / FREE

INFO / crabtreefarms.org, 423.493.9155

 

CHATTANOOGA MARKET FALL FESTIVAL

WHEN / September 27

WHERE / First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Join the celebration of all things autumn at the Chattanooga Market Fall Festival! Get ready to enjoy apples, cider, pumpkins and other seasonal produce, handmade goods, and more from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Horizon Pavilion. Come enjoy your favorite fall treats, and check out local vendors and fall activities around this family-friendly market.

COST / FREE

INFO / chattanoogamarket.com, 423.565.9130

 

ODDTOBER

WHEN / October 1-31

WHERE / Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Come explore the weird and wonderful side of nature during the month-long celebration of ODDtober at the Tennessee Aquarium. It’s a month filled with the playfully mysterious and delightfully unexpected! New for 2026, special spotlights shine on the unique and enigmatic species of the Scuttlebutt Reef gallery in Ocean Journey – Lumpsuckers, Moray Eels, and glowing Swellsharks, to name a few. Plus, Aquarium educators engage visitors with seasonally themed programs, and the guest-favorite underwater pumpkin carving is back on five ODDtober Saturdays at 2 p.m. in River Journey. Don’t forget to ask for your free ODDtober sticker in the gift shop (while supplies last)!

COST / Included with regular aquarium admission; visit website for pricing

INFO / tnaqua.org, 423.265.0695

 

DREAD HOLLOW

WHEN / October 1-November 1, Thursday- Sunday nights

WHERE / Dread Hollow, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Recognized as one of the nation’s top haunted attractions, Dread Hollow has perfected the art of fear! Each season, the creators unleash terrifying new themes across 25,000+ square feet of intricately designed sets with immersive illusions, twisted storylines, and horror-based escape room experiences. Parental discretion is advised for ages 12 and under. Timed-entry tickets sold online.

COST / $25-$35 haunt admission; $15 escape room admission

INFO / dreadhollow.com, 423.800.0576

 

SOUTHERN BELLE RIVERBOAT FALL FOLIAGE SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

WHEN / October 2-Mid November

WHERE / Southern Belle Riverboat, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Enjoy the autumnal wonders of the Tennessee River aboard this three-hour Southern Belle Riverboat cruise. Guests will enjoy live narration, pilot house tours, and magnificent views of the famous Tennessee River Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” Concessions will be available for purchase.

COST / Adult and children rates; visit website for pricing

INFO / chattanoogariverboat.com, 423.266.4488

 

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

WHEN / October 4

WHERE / St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Ooltewah, TN

WHAT / All are welcome to visit the St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church for its annual Blessing of the Animals. This joyful event is conducted in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Local vendors at the event will include Noah’s Little Ark Petting Zoo and Pony Rides, hot dogs, popcorn, and more. Registration will begin at 1:30 p.m. with an animal parade to follow.

COST / FREE

INFO / sfaec.org, 423.238.7708

 

MONSTER BASH

WHEN / October 9-10

WHERE / Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Celebrate Halloween with two nights of family-friendly fun, including costumes, crafts, critters, and just the right amount of spooky. New this year, Spooky Town will transform the Temporary Exhibit Gallery into a tiny town filled with playful Halloween surprises! Come play in your favorite kid-friendly costumes and make memories that are s’more fun than you can handle.

COST / $10/members; $22/non-members

INFO / cdmfun.org/halloween, 423.756.2738

 

 

BOO IN THE ZOO

WHEN / October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 31

WHERE / Chattanooga Zoo, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / The Zoo transforms into a family-friendly spooky safari for Boo in the Zoo! Enjoy fun decorations, a bounce house, and plenty of candy as you trick-or-treat across the Zoo. Plus, take photos with your favorite characters like Elsa, Spiderman, and many more! The Zoo will close at 3:30 p.m. on these dates before reopening from 4-8 p.m. for Boo in the Zoo.

COST / $11.95/members; $17.95/non-members ages 3-12; $20.95/non-member adults; FREE/children 2 and under

INFO / chattzoo.org, 423.697.1322

 

RINGGOLD HAUNTED DEPOT

WHEN / October 16-17, 23-24, 30-31

WHERE / The Ringgold Depot, Ringgold, GA

WHAT / The Ringgold Haunted Depot brings frightsfor every level of bravery, from the faint of heart tothe thrill seeking, and the fun doesn’t stop at the depot doors. Climb aboard an all-ages hay ride through the dark, winding curves of the nature trail, wander on a ghost tour through haunted downtown Ringgold – where history and mystery share the same streets – warm up at a cozy bonfire with s’mores and other tasty treats, and enjoy live music on multiple stages.

COST / $15/haunted depot; $7/ghost tour; $5/ hayride; $23/all activities

INFO / nothinlikeringgold.com/events, 706.935.3061

 

CHATTANOOGA PRIDE FESTIVAL

WHEN / October 17

WHERE / Ross’s Landing, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Join the Chattanooga Pride Festival to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, acceptance, and advocacy in the region. Attendees will enjoy a parade, live entertainment, music performances, vendors, food stalls, informational booths, and opportunities for community engagement.

COST / FREE

INFO / chattanoogapride.com 

 

CHATTANOOGA OKTOBERFEST

WHEN / October 17-18

WHERE / First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Don your favorite German attire for this year’s Chattanooga Oktoberfest. Enjoy two festive days of German food and tradition, including oompah music, craft brews, and local vendors. Visitors of all ages can also look forward to viewing and participating in the annual Mr. and Ms. Chattanooga Oktoberfest® Contest on Saturday evening.

COST / FREE/general admission; $75/VIP ticket

INFO / chattanoogaoktoberfest.com, 423.565.9130

 

THE CLEVELAND APPLE FESTIVAL

WHEN / October 17-18

WHERE / Courthouse Square, Cleveland, TN

WHAT / The Cleveland Apple Festival takes place each year on the Bradley County Courthouse Square. Come enjoy an arts and crafts show, live music, food booths, a petting zoo, the Apple Blossom pageant, and, of course, the apple dessert contest. Net proceeds are donated to nonprofit organizations in the Cleveland area.

COST / $8/adults; $5/seniors; $5/children 3-12; FREE/children 2 and under

INFO / clevelandapplefestival.org 

 

DRINK & DISCOVER: CAMP FEAR

WHEN / October 23

WHERE / Creative Discovery Museum,

Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Figure out who done it, or you’re next. Drink and Discover: Camp Fear transforms the Museum into Camp Fear, where adults 21+ become campers in an after-hours experience featuring drinks, games, puzzles, and a mystery that is inspired by classic ‘80s summer camp adventures. Get dressed up and come join the spooky fun at this annual Halloween Drink and Discover event.

COST / $35/admission in advance; $25/zero-proof admission in advance; $5/additional drink ticket

INFO / cdmfun.org/halloween, 423.756.2738

 

FRIGHTS & PINTS

WHEN / October 30

WHERE / Chattanooga Zoo, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / From 6 to 9 p.m., this 21+ night features a DJ, fire dancers, wild decorations, lots of candy, and plenty of beer and wine as you explore the Zoo! Plus, VIP tickets come with an open bar, animal meet and greets, and specialty cocktails. Make sure to dress up for the costume contest to win great prizes like a private animal encounter!

COST / $35.95/members; $40.95/non-members; $70.95/member VIP tickets; $75.95/non-member VIP tickets; $20.95/member designated driver tickets; $25.95/non-member designated driver tickets

INFO / chattzoo.org, 423.697.1322

 

 

AQUASCARIUM

WHEN / October 30

WHERE / Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Dress in your best Halloween costume and join a family-friendly celebration of all things scaly, spooky, and fun at Aquascarium, the Tennessee Aquarium’s annual trick-or-treat event from 4-8 p.m. on October 30. Attendees can enjoy themed decorations, costumed SCUBA divers, music, candy, and more. From pirates and lemurs to mad scientists delivering candy and aquatic facts, Aquascarium is a playfully good time for the whole family! Purchase tickets in advance. This event often sells out. Member registration is ongoing with non-member registration opening on September 14.

COST / $10/members; $45/non-members

INFO / tnaqua.org, 423.265.0695

 

BOO ON THE BLOCK

WHEN / October 31

WHERE / W. 14th St. (across from the Choo Choo), Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Join First Things First along West 14th Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Boo on The Block, a free, family friendly Halloween block party! Bring the kids for face painting, inflatables, activities, giveaways, candy, a DJ, and more. Whether the little ones are dressed as superheroes or princesses, there’s something for everyone. No tickets, no cost, just a fun community celebration for the whole family!

COST / FREE

INFO / firstthings.org/boo, 423.267.5383

 

DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY

WHEN / October 31

WHERE / Courthouse Square, Cleveland, TN

WHAT / This Halloween block party is a family-friendly Downtown Cleveland tradition. From 5 to 10 p.m., visitors are invited to dress in costume and enjoy live music, games, food, and a costume contest. Mars Wrigley will also provide chocolate for visitors to gather on Treat Street.

COST / FREE

INFO / mainstreetcleveland.com, 423.479.1000

 

HAMILTON COUNTY FAIR

WHEN / November 6-8

WHERE / Old McDonald Farm, Sale Creek, Tennessee

WHAT / Bundle up and head out to Old McDonald Farm for the Hamilton County Fair. Presented by Little Debbie, the fair has no shortage of family-friendly rides and activities. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of shows and performances – including concerts by country artists, Brandon Davis and Rodney Atkins, a live rodeo, lumberjack eating competitions, and more. Fan favorite fairground foods and carnival rides promise more fair fun!

COST / $12/adult daily pass; $10/kid daily pass; $14-$16/weekend pass

INFO / hamiltontnfair.com, 423.209.6889

 

CHATTANOOGA FALL RENAISSANCE FAIRE

WHEN / November 14-15

WHERE / Coolidge Park and Renaissance Park, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / The merriment and magic of the Chattanooga Renaissance Faire is returning bigger and better this fall! The ticketed, two-day event will be expanding to Coolidge Park and Renaissance Park, bringing even more entertainment, another stage, more activities, and more to explore all weekend. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, along with combat arenas, stationed and roaming performers, and live artisan demonstrations from a blacksmith, metalsmith, potter, and other traditional craftspeople throughout the large vendor market. Costumes and ren faire garb are encouraged!

COST / $18.01-$23.67/adult ticket; $34.99/adult two-day ticket; FREE/children 10 and under

INFO / chattrenfaire.com 

 

THANKSGIVING ON THE RIVER

WHEN / November 21 and 26

WHERE / Southern Belle Riverboat, Chattanooga, TN

WHAT / Cruise past the kitchen stress and enjoy Thanksgiving dinner on the river this year on the Southern Belle Riverboat. A traditional Thanksgiving meal will be provided, including roast turkey breast, carved ham, and all your favorite side dishes. Dessert and specialty drinks will also be available while you enjoy scenic Tennessee River views and live entertainment.

COST / Adult and children rates; visit website for pricing

INFO / chattanoogariverboat.com, 423.266.4488

 

 

 

Surrounding Areas – Tennessee

 

 

BEAR-VARIAN FALL FESTIVAL AT ANAKEESTA

WHEN / August 28-November 1

WHERE / Downtown Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

WHAT / Celebrate autumn in the Smokies at Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival, featuring colorful fall décor, seasonal family entertainment, and Bavarian-inspired food. Take in the changing leaves and add a Beer Tasting Card to sample selections from local and regional craft breweries.

COST / Visit website for options

INFO / anakeesta.com/bear-varian-fall-festival, 865.325.2400

 

HARVEST FESTIVAL & GREAT PUMPKIN LUMINIGHTS

WHEN / September 14-October 31

WHERE / Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, TN

WHAT / Dollywood gets decked out in pumpkins, lights, and whimsical fall décor for the Harvest Festival featuring Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Enjoy the vivid fall colors by day and explore glowing pumpkin sculptures and Hoot Owl Hollow by night. Visitors also can enjoy a delicious menu of fall foods, check out dozens of concerts in a variety of music genres throughout the festival, enjoy the colorful Candy Corn Country area, and experience a new nightly dance party amid the glow of Great Pumpkin LumiNights.

COST / Regular Dollywood admission prices

INFO / dollywood.com, 800.365.5996

 

CHEEKWOOD HARVEST

WHEN / September 19-November 1

WHERE / Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Nashville, TN

WHAT / Fall magic returns at Cheekwood Harvest! New this year, guests can enjoy over 2,500 orange, red, and yellow blooms in Marigold River that leads to the Pumpkin Village – where three charming pumpkin houses, thousands of colorful chrysanthemums, and more than 100,000 pumpkins will be spread throughout the gardens and festival. After dusk on Thursdays, Harvest NIGHTS feature illuminated scarecrows and the towering Jack-o’-Lantern Topiary, a glowing centerpiece built from dozens of hand-carved faux jack-o’-lanterns. Discover 15 storybook-inspired creations from local artists and organizations along Scarecrow Trail, then pick out a pumpkin to bring a bit of the harvest home with you.

COST / $21-$29/adults; $19-$27/seniors; $17-$25/ college students; $14-$22/youth 3-17; FREE/children 2 and under and Cheekwood members

INFO / cheekwood.org, 615.356.8000

 

NATIONAL BANANA PUDDING FESTIVAL

WHEN / October 3-4

WHERE / Hickman County Ag Pavilion, Centerville, TN

WHAT / Taste homemade banana pudding recipes on Puddin’ Path, watch a live banana pudding cook-off, and enjoy live music entertainment at this two-day event in support of local nonprofits. This festival also offers craft vendors and plenty of fun activities for all kids to enjoy.

COST: $10/adults; $5/children 5-12; FREE/children 5 and under; advance tickets available online

INFO / bananapuddingfest.org, 931.994.6273

 

ETOWAH’S FALL FESTIVAL

WHEN / October 3-4

WHERE / L&N Depot, Etowah, TN

WHAT / A fall tradition for over 50 years, Etowah’s Fall Arts & Crafts Festival is returning for 2026! Hosted at the historic depot for the Louisville & Nashville railroad, this event features live entertainment, local food booths, and craft vendors showcasing local cuisine and artisans.

COST / FREE

INFO / enterpriseetowah.com/fallfest, 423.920.5659

 

KETNER’S MILL COUNTRY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

WHEN / October 3-4

WHERE / Ketner’s Mill, Whitwell, TN

WHAT / Browse 200 vendors, enjoy wagon rides, and feed animals at the petting zoo at the Ketner’s Mill Country Arts & Crafts Fair, hosted by Shop the Market At, LLC. With food trucks, new Jump Dunk and Slide Inflatables, live music, arts and crafts booths, and more, this event has something fun for everyone! Come celebrate the season at Ketner’s Mill – where heritage meets family fun.

COST / Admission: $8 cash only/adults; FREE/ children 8 and under | Jump Dunk and Slide Inflatables: $15 per day/unlimited play armbands

INFO / ketnersmill.org, 423.267.5702

 

 

GATLINBURG CRAFTSMEN’S FAIR

WHEN / October 8-28

WHERE / Gatlinburg Convention Center,

Gatlinburg, TN

WHAT / Over 200 booths will display one-of-a-kind handmade products at this exceptional craft fair. Each artist and craftsperson has been selected through a rigorous jury process to ensure a unique, high-quality experience for all visitors. After browsing the artist booths, visitors can enjoy daily live music shows and concessions through the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

COST / $12/adults; FREE/children 17 and under

INFO / craftsmenfair.com, 865.436.7479

 

FALL TENNESSEE CRAFT FAIR

WHEN / October 9-11

WHERE / Centennial Park, Nashville, TN

WHAT / For three days, Centennial Park will transform into the venue for Nashville’s 48th Annual Fall Tennessee Craft Fair. National, juried, award-winning artists will showcase their work for viewing and purchase, and visitors are encouraged to learn more about the artists through art demonstrations. To round out this celebration of local fine crafts, hands-on activities will be available at the Kids’ Tent, and food will be available from area vendors.

COST / FREE

INFO / tennesseecraft.org/events/craft-fairs/, 615.736.7600

 

HOLA FESTIVAL

WHEN / October 10

WHERE / Performance Lawn at World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, TN

WHAT / HoLa Festival invites you to join in their 25th annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The fun on Saturday will begin at 4 p.m. with a Fiesta Latina, including live music, dancing, homemade food, draft beer, and artisan vendors. The festivities continue on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Other events include the Parade of Nations, educational Hispanic heritage booths, children’s activities, community resources, and a firework show at 9 p.m. on Saturday.

COST / $4 donation/non-HoLa Hora Latina members; FREE/members and children 11 and under

INFO / holahoralatina.org, 865.335.3358

 

PUMPKINTOWN

WHEN / October 10

WHERE / Historic Downtown Athens, TN

WHAT / Pumpkintown is one of the premier fall festivals in East Tennessee. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can expect live entertainment on three stages, over 300 vendors, historical walking tours, the Scott Crisp Memorial PowWow, the 42nd annual McMinn County Living Heritage Museum Quilt Show, MRHS Mutt Strutt and Adopt-a-Thon, and more!

COST / FREE

INFO / friendlycityfestivals.com/pumpkintown 

 

CROSSVILLE OKTOBERFEST

WHEN / October 16-17

WHERE / Knights of Columbus Grounds, Crossville, TN

WHAT / Come to Crossville Oktoberfest for German food, beer, and live music. With food to be served from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., you can have your fill of schnitzel, bratwurst, soft pretzels, späetzle, and all your favorite German foods. Visitors are invited to dress up in traditional German outfits as well as take to the dance floor during this fun fall event! Merch will also be available for purchase.

COST / $9/advance tickets; $11/at the door; FREE/children 12 and under, military veterans, and active duty personnel (with proper identification) | $17/full meal, $5/kid’s meal

INFO / crossvilleoktoberfest.com, 423.799.0229

 

PUMPKINFEST

WHEN / October 30-31

WHERE / Rhea County Courthouse, Dayton, TN

WHAT / This two-day event is packed with fall fun. Kicking off on Friday with lunch and shopping, all vendors will be open, including games for kids and entertainment at Centennial Park. The festivities continue Saturday with food and craft vendors, a Halloween costume contest, chili cook-off and pumpkin baking contest, petting zoo, pumpkin pie eating contest, and of course, an evening of trick-or-treating!

COST / FREE

INFO / mainstreetdayton.org, 423.775.9847

JOSHUA K. JENNINGS JACK-O-LANTERN JAMBOREE

WHEN / October 31

WHERE / Courthouse Square, Jasper, TN

WHAT / Get ready for the annual Joshua K. Jennings Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree! From 4-8 p.m. CST, kids will enjoy trick-or-treating at the trunk-or-treat trail, and the whole family will enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, and other fun on-site games and activities.

COST / FREE

INFO / 423.942.3180

 

PIGEON FORGE WINTER FEST – WONDERS OF LIGHT

WHEN / November 6-January 31

WHERE / Pigeon Forge, TN

WHAT / Ring in the winter season at the annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest Celebration. With winter light displays to captivating holidays shows and more, there is something for everyone. Stroll down the wheel-chair- and pet-friendly Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail, where more than 6 million twinkling winter lights, 45 nature-themed displays, and unforgettable whimsical scenes await. Want to be cozy? Hop in the car for the Winterfest Drive Tour of Lights to see towering trees, giant ornaments, and the glowing Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. From November 13-15 and 20-28, visitors can browse the Christmas Village for one-of-a-kind gifts and treats.

COST / FREE

INFO / mypigeonforge.com/event/winterfest, 865.453.8574

 

GATLINBURG’S WINTER FESTIVAL & CHILI COOKOFF

WHEN / November 12

WHERE / Downtown Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN

WHAT / Celebrate the season at the Gatlinburg Winter Festival & Chili Cookoff, a free downtown street festival featuring live music, ice skating, arts and crafts, carnival games, carolers, and holiday fun along the Parkway. Visit the Christmas Tree Farm, take photos with Santa, enjoy festive photo ops and entertainment, and experience the magic of the holidays in Gatlinburg.

COST / FREE with VIP options

INFO / gatlinburg.com/events/seasonal-events/winter, 865.436.4178

 

 

 

Surrounding Areas – Georgia

 

 

HELEN OKTOBERFEST

WHEN / September 10-13, 17-20, 24-27, October 1-November 1

WHERE / Helen Festhalle, Helen, GA

WHAT / Helen Oktoberfest is the longest-running Oktoberfest in the United States! A wide selection of both German and classic fair food will be available as well as a variety of German and American beers and wine. Get ready to dance to German-style bands, and don’t miss the Oktoberfest Parade on September 12!

COST / $10/Monday-Thursday; $15/Friday and Saturday; FREE/Sunday and for children 6 and under

INFO / helenchamber.com, 706.878.1908

 

ARTS FEST

WHEN / September 18-20

WHERE / Creative Arts Guild, Dalton, GA

WHAT / The community is invited to the Creative Arts Guild’s ARTS FEST: 63rd Annual Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts! The weekend starts with a ticketed Preview Party + Taste of Dalton event on Friday night, and the festival is open to the public with free admission on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ARTS FEST weekend includes a juried gallery exhibit, an outdoor artist market, the KIDS FEST area with interactive arts activities and performances, live music, and delicious food.

COST / $55/Preview Party + Taste of Dalton; FREE/weekend

INFO / creativeartsguild.org, 706.278.0168

 

NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR

WHEN / September 24-October 4

WHERE / Jim R. Miller Park, Marietta, GA

WHAT / The North Georgia State Fair returns for its 94th year! Carnival rides, petting zoos, a dog show, and live art performances will be a part of this year’s fair. New attractions for this year include the Off Axis Stunt Show, The Amazing Bubble Factory, ARCY, Jay Mattioli Electrifying Magic, Keith King BMX Show, and more!

COST / Admission: $15/adults; $10/seniors; FREE/children 10 and under | Rides: see website for pricing

INFO / northgeorgiastatefair.com, 770.528.8989

 

THE 58TH ANNUAL GREAT LOCOMOTIVE CHASE FESTIVAL

WHEN / October 2-4

WHERE / Historic Downtown Square, Adairsville, GA

WHAT / The Great Locomotive Chase Festival has been a tradition since 1968. Join friends and family for a weekend of food vendors, arts and crafts, live entertainment, carnival rides, a parade, beauty pageant, and more.

COST / $5/weekend admission

INFO / adairsvillega.net/community/events, 770.773.3451

 

CHALKTOBERFEST

WHEN / October 10-11

WHERE / The Marietta Square, Marietta, GA

WHAT / Cobb County’s Chalktoberfest combines a Chalk Art Festival with a Craft Beer and Wine Festival, featuring more than 80 professional chalk artists creating works of art on the streets of historic Marietta Square. Experience 40 breweries, 120+ types of craft beer, more than 20 varieties of wine, plus kids’ crafts and games, a competition chalk section, concerts, and more.

COST / FREE/admission; $50-$55/Beer Festival

INFO / chalktoberfest.com, 770.528.1444

 

FALL ARTS IN THE PARK FESTIVAL

WHEN / October 10-11

WHERE / Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge, GA

WHAT / Experience a mountain weekend filled with art, color, and creativity at the 16th Annual Fall Arts in the Park Festival in downtown Blue Ridge, one of the top 10 fine craft towns in America, as recognized by American Craft Week. Arts in the Park in Blue Ridge, GA, is regularly voted in the top 200 arts and craft festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine.

COST / $5/adults; FREE/children 12 and under

INFO / brmaa.org/event-item/arts-in-the-park, 706.632.2144

 

GEORGIA APPLE FESTIVAL

WHEN / October 10-11, 17-18

WHERE / Lions Club Fairgrounds, Ellijay, GA

WHAT / Celebrating its 55th year, the Georgia Apple Festival is an event full of big fun in a small town. Rain or shine, hundreds of vendors will showcase handmade products, on-site demonstrations, live music, and classic fair food.

COST / $10/adults; FREE/children 12 and under

INFO / georgiaapplefestival.org, 706.635.7400

 

‘QUE & BREW

WHEN / October 24

WHERE / Barnes Law Group Parking Lot, Marietta, GA

WHAT / ‘Que & Brew is the ultimate barbecue experience! Local BBQ teams will wow you with competition-style ribs as they go head-to-head for Best Ribs and Best Specialty BBQ. Enjoy a tailgating-style atmosphere – watch football on the big screen, sip cold beer, play games, bid in a lively auction, and soak up the live music!

COST / $50/tasting tickets; $30/non-alcoholic tasting tickets; $15/children

INFO/ livesaferesources.org/event/quebrew2026, 770.427.2902