A complete guide to
all things autumnal
Hamilton and Bradley Counties
Founders Day at Tennessee Valley Railroad
WHEN / September 7
WHERE / Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
WHAT / The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Founders Day offers special visiting engines, history interpretations, demonstrations, tours of the restoration shop, and more. For $25, visitors get unlimited rides on the Missionary Ridge Local – the railroad’s most frequent service. Cab rides will also be available.
COST / $5/grounds pass; $12 and up/Missionary Ridge Local rides
INFO / tvrail.com, 423.894.8028
Crabtree Farms Fall Plant Sale & Festival
WHEN / September 21
WHERE / Crabtree Farms
WAHT / This festival, held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers sustainably grown vegetable, fruit, herb, and flower starts for a fall garden, seed for fall vegetables best sown directly, and cover crop for gardeners. Music, arts and crafts vendors, food, and children’s activities round out the event. A plant sale guide will be posted on the Crabtree Farms website.
COST / FREE
INFO / crabtreefarms.org. 423.493.9155, ext. 10
Blowing Springs Farm
WHEN / September 27-October 27, Fridays-Sundays
WHERE / Blowing Springs Farm, Flintstone, GA
WHAT / Discover fall activities for the whole family at Blowing Springs Farm, just six miles from downtown Chattanooga. Activity tokens can be used toward Bagby’s Critter Corral, pedal carts, corn slingshots, hayrides, the corn maze, and more. Paint a pumpkin and play a game of supersized checkers, then refresh with a sausage and pepper sandwich, fried Oreos, and sweet funnel cakes. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
COST / $10/general admission; FREE/children 3 and under
INFO / blowingspringsfarm.com, 706.820.2531
Dread Hollow September 27-October 31
Dread Hollow
WHEN / September 27-October 31, select nights
WHERE / Dread Hollow, 321 Browns Ferry Road
WHAT / The award-winning masterminds behind Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern present Dread Hollow – voted by fans as the 2018 #1 haunt by Scurryface.com. This year, three all-new immersive haunts intertwine into one petrifying nightmare. Over 20,000 square feet of unnerving special effects, terrifying encounters, and twisted storylines ominously blur the boundaries between reality and your darkest fears. This experience is not recommended for children 13 and under.
COST / $22/general admission; $40/RIP Experience with fast pass admission
INFO / dreadhollow.com, 423.800.0566
2019 Chattanooga Pollinator Festival
WHEN / September 28
WHERE / Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
WHAT / Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Wild Ones, is excited to announce the 2019 Chattanooga Pollinator Festival. During this event, held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., participants will learn the importance of restoring natural habitats through programs, hikes, and naturalist-led identification walks. Local native plants will also be for sale.
COST / FREE
INFO / reflectionriding.org/pollinatorfest, 423.821.1160
Creative Discovery Museum Chocolate Festival
WHEN / September 28
WHERE / Creative Discovery Museum
WHAT / Join the Creative Discovery Museum as they celebrate the history, science, and decadence of chocolate at this sweet event! Beginning at noon, visitors can see how chocolate is made, sample different types of chocolate, and cheer on their favorite competitors in the Chocolate Pie Eating Contest. Various stations around the museum will show how chocolate pods are grown, and even offer interactive activities.
COST / Activities are free with museum admission.
INFO / cdmfun.org, 423.756.2738
Hamilton County Fair
WHEN / September 28-29
WHERE / Chester Frost Park, Hixson, TN
WHAT / Considered the official kickoff to the fall season is the Hamilton County Fair – celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2019! The two-day event, held on Dallas Island at Chester Frost Park, offers rows of vendors, novelty acts, community performers, pig racing, and fair food favorites; grab a funnel cake, sign up for a blue-ribbon competition, and view antique cars and tractors while enjoying the festivities. The fair is open both days from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
COST / FREE, with a shuttle fee (no on-site parking) of $6/adults; $4/children 3-12
INFO / hamiltontn.gov/fair, 423.209.6893
Wine Over Water Food+Wine Festival
WHEN / October 1-6
WHERE / Walnut Street Bridge
WHAT / Mark your calendar for the 25th annual Wine Over Water Festival. Nearly 200 wines, as well as charcuterie and bread, will be available for sampling as visitors stroll the Walnut Street Bridge. Local restaurants will also be providing samples, and this year, all food is included in the ticket price. Off the Bridge events, including the new “Best Cellars” wine tasting, will take place throughout the week leading up to the event. Proceeds benefit Cornerstones and their historic preservation efforts in Chattanooga.
COST / $80.25 until Sept. 27; $85.25 until Oct. 4; $90.25 on Oct. 5
INFO / wineoverwater.org, 423.265.2825
Southern Belle Fall Foliage Cruise
WHEN / October 1-November 17
WHERE / Southern Belle Riverboat, Riverfront Parkway
WHAT / Take in the beauty of the Tennessee River aboard the Southern Belle, one of Chattanooga’s top attractions. Each Fall Foliage cruise lasts three hours and travels to the famous Tennessee River Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of the South.” In addition to the vivid fall colors, guests will enjoy a live narration. Lunch cruises include a delicious buffet meal as well as live entertainment.
COST / Without meal: $29.95/adults; $18.95 children 3-12; With meal: $40.95/adults; $20.95/children 3-12
INFO / chattanoogariverboat.com, 423.266.4488
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival
WHEN / October 4-5
WHERE / Ross’s Landing
WHAT / Started in 2007, the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival brings the biggest names in contemporary and traditional bluegrass to Ross’s Landing. In 2019, this one-of-a-kind event will feature the Kruger Brothers with the Gibson Brothers, The Travelin’ McCourys with Peter Rowan, Fireside Collective, Mandolin Orange, Steep Canyon Rangers, and more! Beer, food, and non-alcoholic drink concessions will also be available.
COST / FREE
INFO / 3sistersbluegrass.com
WinnepeSPOOKah
WHEN / October 4-26, Fridays and Saturdays
WHERE / Lake Winnepesaukah
WHAT / Lake Winnepesaukah opens its gates throughout the month of October for a Halloween-themed evening of costumed characters, mesmerizing light shows, and over-the-top parades. 2019 brings a new Monster Parade and four new haunts, providing plenty of screaming thrills. Guests can also enjoy a haunted train ride, eerie edibles, and hourly magic shows at this family-friendly event.
COST / $28+tax/ages 3-59; $19+tax/ages 1-2
and 60 and up
INFO / lakewinnie.com, 706.866.5681
Halloween Eerie Express
October 4-26
Halloween Eerie Express
WHEN / October 4-26, Fridays and Saturdays
WHERE / Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
WHAT / This family-friendly journey to the Funhouse Station is designed for all ages. Enjoy a vintage train ride before arriving at the final destination, where the Eerie Fun House awaits. Features include storytelling, hot cider, blacklight mini golf, games, and coloring pages. Children will also receive a mini pumpkin and goody bag at the end of this festive Halloween experience.
COST / $24/ages 2 and up
INFO / tvrail.com, 423.894.8028
Autumn Children’s Festival
WHEN / October 5-6
WHERE / Tennessee Riverpark
WHAT / The two-day Autumn Children’s Festival delights with costumed characters, inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting, carnival games with prizes, and much more, with activities ranging from 50 cents to $3. A variety of health and wellness and educational programs will also be offered. This event generates over $80,000 each year for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga.
COST / FREE, with small fees for activities
INFO / rmhchattanooga.com, 423.778.4147
Rocktoberfest
October 5-27
Rock City’s Rocktoberfest
WHEN / October 5-27, Saturdays and Sundays
WHERE / Rock City, Lookout Mountain, GA
WHAT / Celebrate Rock City’s German heritage during the 13th annual Rocktoberfest. Live Oompah music, German food, guided walking tours, and costumed characters are just a few of the exciting activities in store. See Rock City transformed with fall foliage, get your fill of specialty beer from Chattanooga Brewing Company, and savor authentic German cuisine like bratwursts, wiener schnitzel, and German chocolate cake! Special kids’ activities include character meet and greets, geode digs, and gemstone panning. Leashed pets welcome!
COST / $26.95/adults; $14.95/children 3-12
INFO / seerockcity.com, 706.820.2531
Summerville Steam Special
WHEN / October 5-November 10
WHERE / Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
WHAT / Fall colors are a highlight on this day-long excursion through the Georgia foothills. Pass through the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, Rock Spring, Trion, and more before arriving in Summerville, Georgia, where passengers can enjoy a relaxing layover. This historic route runs Saturdays and select Sundays in October and early November. An on-board luncheon option is available to passengers.
COST / $70 and up
INFO / tvrail.com, 423.894.8028
CultureFest at the Chattanooga Market
WHEN / October 6
WHERE / First Tennessee Pavilion, Chattanooga Market
WHAT / Experience Chattanooga’s rich cultural diversity at this annual festival. The schedule includes a multicultural fashion show, parade of nations, and activities like origami, yoga, tea tasting, calligraphy, henna hand painting, and more. Local, ethnic organizations will also be displaying artwork and offering food samples.
COST / FREE
INFO / chattanoogamarket.com, 423.648.2496
St. Francis Day and the Annual Blessing of Animals
October 6
St. Francis Day and the Annual Blessing of Animals
WHEN / October 6
WHERE / St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Ooltewah, TN
WHAT / Our four-legged friends get the VIP treatment at this beloved annual festival, held on the campus of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church. The day comprises of a pet parade around the campus followed by a short liturgy to celebrate creation; guests can also expect a petting zoo, pony rides, and vendors. Local rescue organizations will be on-site with adoptable pets ready to take home!
COST / FREE
INFO / stfrancis.dioet.org, 423.238.7708
Chattanooga Pride
WHEN / October 6
WHERE / Ross’s Landing
WHAT / Hosted by Tennessee Valley Pride, this celebration is welcome to all. Held at Ross’s Landing until 8 p.m., the event includes a vendor market, food and drinks, entertainment, a kids’ play area, and face painting. A parade kicks off the festivities at noon.
COST / FREE
INFO / chattanoogapride.com
Chattanooga Oktoberfest®
WHEN / October 12-13
WHERE / First Tennessee Pavilion, Chattanooga Market
WHAT / This two-day festival is Chattanooga’s oldest and largest Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of German traditions as you sample brats, beer, and other culinary delights! Visitors can also look forward to Oompah bands, shopping, and the crowning of Mr. and Ms. Chattanooga Oktoberfest®.
COST / FREE
INFO / chattanoogamarket.com, 423.648.2496
Boo in the Zoo
October 18-19, 25-26
Boo in the Zoo
WHEN / October 18-19, 25-26
WHERE / Chattanooga Zoo
WHAT / The Chattanooga Zoo’s annual Boo in the Zoo is a family-friendly celebration filled with some of your most loveable cartoon characters, trick-or-treat stations, costume contests, pony rides, games, inflatables, and much more! Hours for this weekend event are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
COST / $10/members; $15/nonmembers; FREE/children 2 and under
INFO / chattzoo.org, 423.697.1322
The Cleveland Apple Festival
WHEN / October 19-20
WHERE / Historic Downtown Cleveland, TN
WHAT / Held each year on the Bradley County Courthouse Square, The Cleveland Apple Festival promises family fun and fall favorites. This event offers an arts and crafts show, live music, food booths, pony rides, and entertainment for all ages. Community members are encouraged to sign up for the “Got Apple” Talent Show, the Apple Blossom pageant, and the apple dessert contest. Net proceeds are donated to nonprofit organizations in the Cleveland area.
COST / $5/adults; $4/seniors; $4/children 4-12; FREE/children 3 and under
INFO / clevelandapplefestival.org
AquaScarium
October 25
AquaScarium
WHEN / October 25
WHERE / Tennessee Aquarium
WHAT / Come in costume and celebrate a family-friendly evening of spooky critters and yummy treats. Make friends with mermaids, lounge with lemurs, and beware of pirates as you trick-or-treat at candy stations in both Aquarium buildings. Stop by the Monster Mash dance party and show off your best moves with the Aquarium’s mascots, and don’t miss unforgettable photo ops with popular characters as they scuba dive while surrounded by fish.
COST / $8/member adults and children 3-12; $35/member’s guest adults; $25/member’s guest children 3-12; $45/nonmember guest adults; $32/nonmember guest children 3-12
INFO / tnaqua.org, 423.267.3474
Downtown Cleveland Halloween Block Party
WHEN / October 31
WHERE / Courthouse Square, Cleveland, TN
WHAT / Experience Halloween in Cleveland at this annual block party. Lasting from 5 to 10 p.m., the family-friendly event hosts a costume contest and offers musical entertainment, games, and giveaways. Children can gather candy at Treat Street, sponsored by Mars Chocolate North America.
COST / FREE
INFO / mainstreetcleveland.com, 423.479.1000
Thanksgiving on the River
WHEN / November 28
WHERE / Southern Belle Riverboat, Riverfront Parkway
WHAT / Close down the kitchen this Thanksgiving in favor of this Southern Belle tradition. Guests will feast on roast turkey breast, carved pit ham, traditional side dishes, and pumpkin cheesecake while enjoying the gorgeous autumn views. The two-hour cruise also has live entertainment for a truly memorable holiday.
COST / $44.95/adults; $20.95/children 3-12
INFO / chattanoogariverboat.com, 423.266.4488
Surrounding Areas – Tennessee
Tennessee State Fair
WHEN / September 6-15
WHERE / Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Nashville, TN
WHAT / “On the Mooove” is the theme of this annual state fair – a landmark event that highlights what makes America and Tennessee great. From monster trucks and racing pigs to comedy shows and live music, there’s something for every visitor to enjoy. The Funnel Cake 5K, Lip Sync Battle, potato sack races, and an ice cream-eating contest provide friendly competition, and visitors can also check out carnival rides, farm tours, and arts and crafts exhibits.
COST / $8/adults; $6/senior citizens; $6/children 3-17; FREE/children 2 and under
INFO / tnstatefair.org, 615.800.3675
Tennessee Valley Fair
September 6-15
Tennessee Valley Fair
WHEN / September 6-15
WHERE / Chilhowee Park, Knoxville, TN
WHAT / The Tennessee Valley Fair is celebrating 100 years! Knoxville’s Chilhowee Park will play host to unique exhibits, livestock shows, action sports, rides, and nightly fireworks. Headliners for the concert series include Riley Green, Bret Michaels, Uptown Funk (a Bruno Mars tribute band), and KC and the Sunshine Band. Don’t miss the Fair Food Throwdown, when concessionaires will compete to earn the title of “Best of” in a variety of categories.
COST / $10/adults; $8/senior citizens; $8/children 6-11; FREE/children 5 and under
INFO / tnvalleyfair.org, 865.215.1471
Annual Taste of Autumn
WHEN / September 12
WHERE / Gatlinburg Convention Center,
Gatlinburg, TN
WHAT / Gatlinburg is kicking off the fall season with an evening of delicious food and memorable music. Area vendors including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ole Red, Margaritaville, and more will cater the event, while On the Border – one of America’s finest Eagles tribute bands – will provide the entertainment. The event benefits United Way of Sevier County.
COST / $30/adults; FREE/children 5 and under
INFO / gatlinburg.com, 800.568.4748
International Cowpea Festival & Cook-Off
WHEN / September 14
WHERE / Charleston City Park, Charleston, TN
WHAT / Ten hours of music, handmade crafts, food, and fun await visitors at the International Cowpea Festival. Returning this year are children’s activities, the Agri-Heritage photo contest, and a heritage area to share Charleston’s history; country artist Ronnie McDowell will be the headliner for entertainment. The Cowpea Cook-off, which focuses on cowpea-based recipes from local chefs, is a festival favorite. Purchase a $5 souvenir spork to cast a vote for the best dish!
COST / FREE, fees for parking
INFO / cowpeafestival.com, 423.472.6587
White Oak Crafts Fair
WHEN / September 14-15
WHERE / The Arts Center of Cannon County, Woodbury, TN
WHAT / The White Oak Crafts Fair is returning for its 30th year. Taking place along the banks of the East Fork Stones River, the fair features the work of over 75 craft artisans from throughout the region. Peruse original textiles, jewelry, woodcarving, metalwork, pottery, photography, ironwork, stained glass, and more, all available for purchase.
COST / FREE with a $3 supervised parking donation to the Cannon Co. High School Cross Country Team and The Arts Center of Cannon County
Info / artscenterofcc.com, 615.563.2787
Downtown Street Festival
WHEN / September 21
WHERE / Historic Downtown Lenoir City, TN
WHAT / Lenoir City Parks and Recreation partners with the Lenoir City Civitan Club for this annual street festival. The festivities include live music, arts and crafts, and food vendors. The classic car show, exhibiting unique cars, trucks, and motorcycles, is a highlight.
COST / FREE
INFO / lenoircitytn.gov, 865.986.2715
Homesteads Apple Festival
WHEN / September 21-22
WHERE / Historic Cumberland Homesteads Tower, Crossville, TN
WHAT / For old-fashioned family fun, come on down to the Homesteads Apple Festival. Rain or shine, visitors will find 100 craft booths, fried apple pies, antique tractors, live music, and “Spinning Yards” (free storytelling). And, admission to the festival includes a free visit to Homesteads Tower Museum! Funds raised during the festival help keep the Homesteads Museums open to the public.
COST / $5/adults; FREE/children 10 and under when accompanied by an adult
INFO / cumberlandhomesteads.org/apple-festival, 931.456.9663
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
WHEN / September 21-22
WHERE / The Park at Harlinsdale, Franklin, TN
WHAT / Six stages and a century-old horse farm provide the backdrop for this popular music festival. The 2019 lineup includes The Killers, Keith Urban, Leon Bridges, The Head & The Heart, Foo Fighters, and Jenny Lewis, with many more internationally known artists also on the docket. Other festival highlights are the “Farm to Turntable” food truck park, handcrafted wares and fare at the Makers Village, and plenty of kid-friendly activities for the lil’ pilgrims.
COST / $130 and up
INFO / pilgrimagefestival.com
Cheekwood Harvest
WHEN / September 21-October 27
WHERE / Cheekwood Estate & Gardens,
Nashville, TN
WHAT / This signature six-week-long festival celebrates all things fall, from the changing of the leaves to pumpkins galore. See more than 5,000 chrysanthemums in bloom, locally crafted scarecrows, and the 11-foot-tall Pumpkin House. On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can find their favorite beer on tap at the Cheekwood Beer Garden. Be sure to bring your four-legged friend to the Halloween Pooch Parade, a costumed event that’s fun for all!
COST / $20/adults; $18/seniors; $13/children; FREE/children 2 and under
INFO / cheekwood.org, 615.356.8000
Harvest Festival
September 27-November 2
Harvest Festival
WHEN / September 27-November 2
WHERE / Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, TN
WHAT / Carve out time to attend Dollywood’s annual Harvest Festival, featuring new experiences around every corner! The Great Pumpkin LumiNights is back in 2019, with thousands of carved and illuminated jack-o-lanterns throughout Timber Canyon and Wildwood Grove. Then, at Southern Gospel Jubilee – the largest Southern Gospel Celebration in the world – guests can enjoy a variety of free concerts. Talented artisans will also be stationed around the park to share their craft with guests.
COST / Regular Dollywood admission prices
INFO / dollywood.com, 800.365.5996
HoLa Festival
WHEN / September 28-29
WHERE / Market Square, Knoxville, TN
WHAT / HoLa Hora Latina’s signature event promotes the culture of all Hispanic countries and their influences in the United States. The Kick-Off Salsa Party on Saturday, September 28, includes a firework display at 9 p.m. The festival continues on Sunday with food, music, dance, cultural events, and a Parade of Nations in Knoxville’s Market Square.
COST / FREE
INFO / holahoralatina.org, 865.335.3358
Etowah Arts & Crafts Fall Festival
WHEN / October 5-6
WHERE / L&N Depot Park, Etowah, TN
WHAT / The Etowah Chamber of Commerce invites you to this annual festival, held at the historic depot for the Louisville & Nashville railroad. The event features local food booths and numerous craft vendors. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment all day long.
COST / FREE
INFO / 423.263.2228
National Banana Pudding Festival
WHEN / October 5-6
WHERE / Centerville, TN
WHAT / Come and taste the sweetness at the National Banana Pudding Festival! With craft and food vendors, live entertainment on two stages, a banana pudding cook-off, and plenty of kids’ activities, this two-day festival keeps visitors busy. Plus, the popular Puddin’ Path is a chance to sample 10 different banana puddings made by local nonprofit organizations.
COST / $5/general admission
INFO / bananapuddingfest.org, 931.994.6273
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
WHEN / October 10-27
WHERE / Gatlinburg Convention Center, Gatlinburg, TN
WHAT / Assembling exceptional craftsmen from around the country under one roof, this fair is a one-stop-shop for everything arts and crafts. Many items are holiday-themed, such as wreaths, ceramic trees, and Christmas ornaments, making this event a great resource in preparation for the upcoming season. Included in the price of admission is entertainment by the Dennis Lee Band.
COST / $7/adults; FREE/children 12 and under
INFO / gatlinburg.com, 865.436.7479
Fall Tennessee Craft Fair
WHEN / October 11-13
WHERE / Centennial Park, Nashville, TN
WHAT / Take part in this Nashville tradition when you shop this annual event. More than 200 juried, award-winning artists will be on-site to feature their one-of-a-kind artwork and discuss their craft. In addition to the array of handmade items, visitors can also enjoy hands-on activities in the Kids’ Tent, food from area vendors, and educational demonstrations from expert artisans.
COST / FREE
INFO / tennesseecraft.org/fallfair, 615.736.7600
Pumpkintown
WHEN / October 12
WHERE / Historic Downtown Athens, TN
WHAT / Save the date for the 17th annual Pumpkintown, an action-packed Athens tradition that brings in 13,000+ festivalgoers. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can explore over 200 booths featuring food and arts and crafts, as well as the Scott Crisp Memorial Powwow. Other notable happenings include the famous Mutt Strutt Pet Costume Contest, live entertainment on three stages, and the first-ever Chili Cookoff at Pumpkintown.
COST / FREE
INFO / willsonthropic.org/pumpkintown, 423.887.3544
Crossville Oktoberfest
WHEN / October 18-19
WHERE / Knights of Columbus Grounds, Crossville, TN
WHAT / Partake in beer and traditional German food like schnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerkraut at the 29th annual Crossville Oktoberfest. Musical entertainment will be provided by festival veterans Bavarian Echo, the Frank Moravcik Band, and the Rheingold Band – come prepared to dance! Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
COST / $6/advance tickets; $7.50/at the door; FREE/children 14 and under, military veterans and active duty personnel (with proper identification), and designated drivers
INFO / crossvilleoktoberfest.com, 423.799.0229
Mid-South Barbecue Festival
WHEN / October 18-19
WHERE / Historic Downtown Mount Pleasant, TN
WHAT / Serving up some of the best barbecue in the South, the 11th annual Mid-South Barbecue Festival is a meat connoisseur’s dream. The two-day event has it all: arts and crafts, beauty pageants, live music, a 5K race, and a children’s costume contest. On Saturday, professional teams will be competing to plate the tastiest chicken, pork ribs, pork, and beef brisket.
COST / FREE
INFO / midsouthbbqtn.com, 931.379.9837
Ketner’s Mill Fair
WHEN / October 19-20
WHERE / Ketner’s Mill, Whitwell, TN
WHAT / The Fair, established in 1977 to help preserve Ketner’s Mill, is home to some of the best arts and crafts around. More than 150 artisans will share their sculpture, paintings, pottery, and jewelry; food vendors selling popular treats like funnel cake and “Texas Taters” are also on hand. Fair activities include a sorghum molasses demonstration, wagon rides, canoe rides, and live entertainment. Pets on a leash are welcome, too!
COST / $7/adults; FREE/children 12 and under
INFO / ketnersmill.org, 423.267.5702
PumpkinFest
WHEN / October 25-26
WHERE / Rhea County Courthouse, Dayton, TN
WHAT / A fall festival for families, PumpkinFest provides an exciting alternative to regular Halloween activities. Join in on this Dayton tradition that offers food, crafts, music, a costume contest, and of course, trick-or-treating! The fun takes place from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
COST / FREE
INFO / mainstreetdayton.org, 423.775.9847
Surrounding Areas – Georgia
Helen Oktoberfest
WHEN / September 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-30,
October 1-27
WHERE / Helen Festhalle, Helen, GA
WHAT / Find beer, brats, live bands, and more at one of the longest-running Oktoberfests in the United States. The Helen Festhalle will house the German-themed activities – take a spin on the dance floor to the timeless tunes of the Polka, then join your friends at the venue’s lengthy tables for an authentic brat on a roll. An Oktoberfest parade takes place on September 7.
COST / $8/weekday; $10/Saturday; FREE/Sunday; Half Price/children 6-12; FREE/children 5 and under
INFO / helenchamber.com, 706.878.1619
North Georgia State Fair
WHEN / September 19-29
WHERE / Jim R. Miller Park, Marietta, GA
WHAT / Attractions at the North Georgia State Fair abound, from carnival rides and petting zoos to beauty pageants and performances by Lady Houdini. The admission price includes concerts featuring Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, Lanco, Caleb Lee Hutchinson, and Travis Denning. New for 2019 are Sandscapes (a performance art experience), the Ninja Experience, a BMX stunt show, and more.
COST / $7/adults; FREE/children 10 and under
INFO / northgeorgiastatefair.com, 770.528.8989
Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts
WHEN / September 20-22
WHERE / Creative Arts Guild, Dalton, GA
WHAT / An indoor juried art exhibit, as well as an outdoor artist market, make this festival a treat for art enthusiasts. In 2019, the festival will boast live music, kids’ activities, a bike parade, and a self-guided tour of the Robert T. Webb Sculpture Garden. The annual “Taste of Dalton,” featuring samples from favorite area restaurants, takes place September 20 and is a separate ticketed event.
COST / FREE
INFO / creativeartsguild.org, 706.278.0168
Rose Lawn Arts Festival
WHEN / September 21-22
WHERE / Rose Lawn Museum, Cartersville, GA
WHAT / In its 44th year, the Rose Lawn Arts Festival features the works of artists from across the Southeast. Exhibits include oils, watercolors, and pastels; sculptures in wood, brass, and glass; and many other handcrafted items. Rose Lawn, the historic Victorian home of evangelist Sam Jones, will be open for guided tours.
COST / FREE
INFO / roselawnmuseum.com, 770.387.5162
Great Locomotive Chase Festival
WHEN / October 4-6
WHERE / Historic Downtown Adairsville, GA
WHAT / The annual Great Locomotive Chase Festival is a true homecoming event. Family and friends come together for live music, craft vendors, carnival rides, and good food, along with fireworks. This festival commemorates the Andrews’ Raiders Civil War escapade that passed through Adairsville in April 1862.
COST / $3/Friday and Saturday; FREE/Sunday
INFO / adairsvillega.net/events
423.648.2496
Scarecrow Harvest
October 5
Scarecrow Harvest
WHEN / October 5
WHERE / Brooke Street Park, Alpharetta, GA
WHAT / The 14th annual Scarecrow Harvest is a celebration during a time when the Alpharetta community comes alive with colorful and creative life-size scarecrows. More than 120 scarecrows will be displayed throughout the downtown for this seasonal event. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can enjoy face painting, storytelling, inflatables, fall crafts, a bubble artist, DJ, food trucks, and more.
COST / FREE
INFO / alpharetta.ga.us/scarecrow-harvest, 678.297.6019
Fall Arts in the Park Festival
WHEN / October 12-13
WHERE / Downtown City Park, Blue Ridge, GA
WHAT / Visit one of the top art destinations in Georgia for Fall Arts in the Park, presented by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association. This festival draws in over 170 artists, exhibitors, and vendor booths for visitors to enjoy – find arts and crafts, demonstrations, food, and much more. Blue Ridge is also home to many art galleries, restaurants and craft breweries, and a scenic railway to round out the trip.
COST / $5/adults; FREE/children 12 and under
INFO / blueridgearts.net, 706.632.2144
Prater’s Mill Country Fair
WHEN / October 12-13
WHERE / Historic Prater’s Mill, Dalton, GA
WHAT / With authentic Southern cooking, country bands and gospel singers, and demonstrations including blacksmithing, quilting, weaving, and woodcarving, Prater’s Mill Country Fair transports visitors to a different era. Take a self-guided tour of the operating grist mill before browsing through offerings from talented artists and craftsmen. Short nature trails are also on-site and waiting to be explored.
COST / $7/adults; FREE/military with ID and
children 12 and under
INFO / pratersmill.org, 706.694.6455
Georgia Apple Festival
WHEN / October 12-13, 19-20
WHERE / Lions Club Fairgrounds, Ellijay, GA
WHAT / Visitors have two weekends to take advantage of the Georgia Apple Festival and its tree-ripened, crispy mountain apples! Wander through more than 300 vendors selling handmade items, then check out one of the festival’s many events: the Apple Classic Auto Show (Oct. 12), Apple Festival 5K Road Race (Oct. 12), Apple Recipe Contest (Oct. 12), and Apple Festival Parade (Oct. 19).
COST / $5/adults; FREE/children 10 and under
INFO / georgiaapplefestival.org, 706.636.4500
