2026 Fall Events in the Smoky Mountains
Fall is one of the best times to be in the Smoky Mountains, though you probably already know that. And you probably also know because September cooler temperatures, beautiful mountain scenery, and a calendar packed with things to see and do welcome the season! From festivals and food events to car shows, family activities, and Halloween thrills, there’s something happening throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville all season long. And when you’re ready for a break from the action, make time for The Village Shops in Gatlinburg. Stop by before heading out to an event, or make it part of your day afterward for a little shopping, dining, and time to simply enjoy one of Gatlinburg’s most charming destinations. Here are some of the September fall events you won’t want to miss in 2026.
August 29-November 2: Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival
Raise a glass to autumn at Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival. Enjoy seasonal brews, delicious food, live entertainment, and spectacular fall views of the Smoky Mountains. With weeks of autumn fun on the calendar, it’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Smokies while enjoying a little Oktoberfest-inspired celebration.
https://anakeesta.com/bear-varian-fall-festival/
September 1-November 1: Gatlinburg Harvest Festival
Fall takes center stage throughout Gatlinburg during the annual Gatlinburg Harvest Festival. From September through November, visitors can enjoy seasonal activities, autumn decorations, special events, and plenty of opportunities to experience the changing colors and traditions of fall in the Smoky Mountains. https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburg-harvest-festival/642/
September 4-5: Hot Rod Nationals
Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Hot Rod Nationals, a family-friendly showcase featuring hot rods, muscle cars, classics, custom vehicles, motorcycles, modern builds, and daily drivers. With all makes and models welcome, the event offers plenty to see for longtime collectors and casual car fans alike. https://www.thehotrodnationals.com/
September 11-18: GatlinBURGER Week
Come hungry for GatlinBURGER Week! For seven days, participating Gatlinburg restaurants will serve up their own special burger creations, giving visitors the chance to taste their way through the competition and vote for a favorite. Your vote could even put you in the running for a grand prize that includes a two-night Gatlinburg stay, Gatlinburg Attractions Pass, and GatlinBURGER Prize Pack. One vote per email; duplicate entries will be discarded.
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/gatlinburger-week/53/
September 11-October 31: Zombie Invasion at Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
Something sinister is taking over the mountains! New for 2026, Zombie Invasion at Rocky Top Mountain Coaster sends riders through an abandoned military evacuation scenario filled with zombies, soldiers, fog, special effects, and plenty of unexpected thrills. Board your evacuation vehicle and race down the darkened mountainside during this unique haunted coaster experience. Your ticket includes one ride on the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster during the Zombie Invasion event. https://www.rockytopcoaster.com/zombieinvasion
September 14-October 31: Dollywood’s Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin Luminights
Autumn comes alive at Dollywood during the Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights. During the day, enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall, with Southern gospel, country, and bluegrass performances, seasonal treats, and Dollywood’s popular rides and attractions. After dark, the park transforms with glowing pumpkins, illuminated displays, Hoot Owl Hollow, and the towering 40-foot pumpkin tree. https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Festivals/Harvest-Festival
September 17-19: F-100 Supernationationals
Ford truck fans will have plenty to see at the F-100 Supernationals in Sevierville. This three-day event brings hundreds of classic and custom F-Series trucks together at the Sevierville Convention Center, along with vendors, specialty vehicles, show trucks, and a large swap meet. It’s a popular gathering for collectors, builders, enthusiasts, and families who appreciate classic truck culture. https://www.f100supernationals.com/
September 17-19: Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run
The Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run brings three days of classic cars, custom builds, hot rods, muscle cars, and plenty of horsepower to the Smokies. One of the Southeast’s best-known automotive events, the Fall Rod Run fills the Pigeon Forge Parkway with impressive vehicles and car enthusiasts from across the region. https://www.rodrun-pigeonforge.com/
September 18-October 31: Sevierville’s Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest turns the entire season into a celebration of fall in Sevierville. Visitors can enjoy colorful displays of pumpkins and gourds, seasonal food, fall events, and opportunities to explore the changing mountain scenery. Take a scenic drive along one of four designated fall driving tours, enjoy local attractions and restaurants, or look for spooky seasonal fun throughout town. https://visitsevierville.com/HarvestFest.aspx
September 25-26: Smoky Mountain Truck Fest
Custom truck enthusiasts from across the United States and Canada will gather at the Sevierville Convention Center for Smoky Mountain Truck Fest. The two-day event features lifted, lowered, and customized trucks, along with vendors, competitions, show vehicles, and plenty of opportunities to check out some impressive builds. It’s quickly become one of the Smokies’ major automotive events of the fall. https://smokymountaintruckfest.com/
September 25-October 31: Kyker Farms Annual Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Make some fall memories at Kyker Farms, where generations of visitors have enjoyed the traditions of autumn on this historic Tennessee Century Farm. The annual fall season features a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, farm animals, slides, and hands-on activities for kids and families. With more than 200 years of agricultural history, Kyker Farms offers a classic taste of fall in the Smoky Mountains. http://www.kykerfarmscornmaze.com/
September 26: Smoky Mountain FallFest
Celebrate the arrival of fall at Smoky Mountain FallFest 2026. The seasonal festival brings together local artisans, live entertainment, food, family-friendly activities, and the beautiful scenery of the Smoky Mountains. Browse craft vendors, enjoy regional music, sample seasonal treats, and spend time outdoors while taking in the sights of autumn. Whether you’re visiting to enjoy the fall colors or simply looking for a fun day in the Smokies, FallFest offers a chance to enjoy the season and support local businesses. https://www.facebook.com/events/747500291130101/
With so much happening throughout the Smoky Mountains this fall, it’s easy to fill your getaway with new experiences every day. And there’s no reason your event itinerary has to end when the festival, car show, or family adventure does. The Village Shops is a great place to continue (or start!) your day, with a bite to eat, browsing the unique shops, enjoying a sweet treat, or simply taking a leisurely stroll through the European-inspired village. Plan an event, add a little shopping and dining, and make the most of your fall visit to Gatlinburg.