Fall Events in the Smokies 2026 | Near the Smoky Dens | Zara's Getaways

Game loft with shuffleboard at a Smoky Den, lit up for a fall night in

Events · The Smoky Dens

What’s on in the Smokies this fall.

Harvest festivals, glowing pumpkins, Oktoberfest, craft fairs and holiday lights — what’s happening near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, September through November 2026. All sources verified September 2026. Pair a day out with an evening in your private sauna, hot tub or heated pool.

🍂 September

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights

Sep 14 – Oct 31, 2026 · Pigeon Forge

  • Dollywood’s fall festival: over 12,000 glowing pumpkins, 700+ live performances and 30+ harvest dishes. dollywood.com

Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival

Aug 28 – Nov 1, 2026 · Gatlinburg

  • Mountaintop autumn fun at Anakeesta, including seasonal beer tastings and fall entertainment. anakeesta.com

Jack-tober Fest at Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud

Sep 19 – Oct 31, 2026 · Pigeon Forge

  • An Oktoberfest-style twist on the Lumberjack Feud supper show, with a special Jack-tober Fest buffet. LumberjackFeud.com

Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg

Sep 25 – Nov 1, 2026 · Gatlinburg

  • German beer, food, live music and stein-holding contests on the mountaintop, reached by the aerial tramway. obergatlinburg.com

Smoky Mountain Truck Fest

Sep 25 – 26, 2026 · Sevierville

Townsend Fall Heritage Festival

Sep 25 – 26, 2026 · Townsend

  • Bluegrass, crafts and Appalachian traditions at the Greater Smokies Event Grounds on the quiet side of the Smokies. smokymountains.org

🎃 October

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

Oct 8 – 28, 2026 · Gatlinburg Convention Center

  • 200+ juried artisans demonstrating their crafts daily, plus live country, bluegrass and gospel music. CraftsmenFair.com

Dollywood’s Harvey’s Boo Bash

Oct 16, 23 & 30, 2026 · Pigeon Forge

  • New for 2026: a separately ticketed after-hours Halloween event, 9 PM to midnight, with treat trails, rides and dance parties. dollywood.com

❄ November

The holidays arrive in the Smokies — millions of lights, Christmas shows and chili.

Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

Nov 6, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 · Pigeon Forge

  • Millions of lights, holiday shows and the park dressed in its Christmas best. dollywood.com

37th Annual Gatlinburg Winter Festival & Chili Cookoff

Nov 12, 2026 · Downtown Gatlinburg

  • Downtown chili tasting, games and Winter Magic lights on the Parkway, 5–9 PM. gatlinburg.com

Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff

Nov 13, 2026 · Patriot Park

  • The celebration that lights up the Parkway’s Winterfest displays. mypigeonforge.com

Plan your trip around the season.

Eleven events across three months — and three heated pools waiting when you get home. Book the Smoky Dens for your fall or holiday escape.

Check availability

More Smoky Dens guides.

The Smoky Dens showcaseMeet Ember Den, Obsidian Den & Smoky Opal Den. Seasonal activities in the SmokiesFall color, winter lights, spring waterfalls & summer nights. Where to eat near the Smoky DensPancake houses, steakhouses, BBQ, seafood & sweets. Smoky Mountains guest guidebook45+ favorite things to do, from the national park to dinner shows.

← Back to the Smoky Dens

Zara’s Getaways · The Smoky Dens · Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee · Events verified September 2026; confirm dates before you go.