Add These Tennessee Fall Festivals to Your 2024 Calendar

Featured in this Article:

Fall Festivals in and near Nashville
Fall Festivals in and near Chattanooga
Fall Festivals in and near Knoxville
Fall Festivals in and near Sevierville
Fall Festivals in Pigeon Forge
Fall Festivals in Gatlinburg
Fall Festivals in and near Bristol
Fall Festivals in and near Memphis
 

Cheekwood Harvest at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a multi-week celebration of autumn filled with mums, a community scarecrow trail, Cheekwood Beer Garden with special performances and Pumpkin Village with three pumpkin houses. Special events include a Japanese Moon Viewing, Halloween Pooch Party and El Dia de los Muertos.

Location: AmericanaFest - Nashville, TN

Date: Sept. 17-21, 2024

Thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals will make their way to Americana Music Festival & Conference happening at various venues around Nashville. Neko Case, Waxahatchee, John Oates Acoustic Band, Amy Helm, and Amythyst Kiah are just some of the artists slated to perform this year with more to be announced soon. More than 165 showcases in venues around downtown Nashville give guests an insight on why Nashville truly is Music City.

Location: Hermitage Ghost Tours at The Hermitage - Nashville, TN

Date: Sept. 20-Oct. 31, 2024

Explore the haunted side of history during the Hermitage Ghost Tours. Embark on a distinctly spooky voyage at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage as you experience the mansion, grounds and cemetery by lantern light. Along the way, guides in period clothing will explore tragedies that befell the Jackson family, unusual experiences of Andrew Jackson and unexplained incidents at the site. Hear about strange encounters such as the spirits of the Battle of New Orleans and Jackson’s infamous meeting with Tennessee’s Bell Witch. Beware of eerie encounters, possibly even with President Jackson himself. Tours also include a discounted wine tasting for guests ages 21+ in the Natchez Hills Winery tasting room.

Location: Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival - Franklin, TN

Date: Sept. 28-29, 2024

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival was created to bring a meaningful, music experience to its attendees at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin. The region's best food and drink will be available and merchants selling art and crafts round out the festival's offerings. Everyone from Justin Timberlake to Chris Stapleton, Willie Nelson and Beck have played at this festival.  A wide range of artists including as Noah Kahan, NEEDTOBREATHE, Coin, Dave Matthews Band, and Hozier will be performing throughout the two days. 

Location: Main Street Festival - Downtown Gallatin, TN

Date: Oct. 5, 2024

Main Street Festival is an annual event in downtown Gallatin. See over 200 arts and crafts vendors, enjoy local entertainment performing throughout the day on two stages and grab something to eat at the food and beverage area. The kids will love the large children’s area, too.

Location: National Banana Pudding Festival - Centerville, TN

Date: Oct. 5-6, 2024

Taste your way through one of the South's decadent desserts - banana pudding at the National Banana Pudding Festival. Choose your favorite along The Puddin' Path and watch the live national cook-off featuring the best pudding chefs around the country whipping up their best recipe for judges. Enjoy shopping, two stages of entertainment and a kid-friendly activities in the Little 'Nanners Kid's area. 

Location: Von Elrod's Oktoberfest - Nashville, TN

Date: Oct. 5-8, 2024

While in Nashville, celebrate Oktoberfest at Von Elrod's featuring local and international Oktoberfest and Marzen beers, live music and a DJ spinning. Pair your stein with a fresh-baked pretzel and house-made sausage. Keep an eye on Von Elrod's website for more information on planned festivities.

Location: Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue - Lynchburg, TN

Date: Oct. 11-12, 2024

Some of the best barbecue teams in the world will come to Lynchburg, Tennessee for the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue. More than 40,000 people attend the two-day event to sample barbecue, see the competition occur at Wiseman Park and shop the booths and displays found around town.

Location: Goats, Music & More Fair - Lewisburg, TN

Date: Oct. 11-12, 2024

Goat shows that celebrate the fainting goat, prevalent in Marshall County, take place at the Goats, Music & More Festival. A grand champion is announced each year. This agricultural-focused event includes family-friendly activities like kids’ games and rides, goat yoga, arts, crafts and a variety of fair food. Free concerts are performed nightly by big-name acts like Darryl Worley at Rock Creek Park.

Location: Tennessee STEAM Festival at Discovery Center at Murfree Spring - Murfreesboro, TN

Date: Oct. 11-27, 2024

Science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) will come to life at events and activities across the state. The festival was founded by the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring and incorporates events hosted by a wide range of museums, schools, community centers and other attractions. 

Location: Nashville Zoo's Boo at the Zoo - Nashville, TN

Date: Oct. 11-31, 2024

Kids can enjoy safe and family-friendly Halloween fun at Boo at the Zoo hosted at Nashville Zoo nightly Oct. 11-31, 2024 with magical lit scenes around the zoo, giant hay creatures, special animal shows, 10 trick-or-treat stations, and the Scary-Go-Round carousel.

Location: Liberty Square Celebration & Lester Flatt Memorial Bluegrass Day - Sparta, TN

Date: Oct. 12, 2024

Bluegrass, crafts, classic cars, food and fireworks that all celebrate the music contributions of Lester Flatt during the Liberty Square Celebration and Lester Flatt Memorial Bluegrass Day. Bluegrass bands are scheduled to perform throughout the day. The free event starts at 11:15 a.m. and includes performances from Russell Moore & IIIRD Tyme Out, The McLain Family Band, Breaking Grass, High Fidelity, and more. 

Location: Bell Buckle Webb Art and Craft Festival - Bell Buckle, TN

Date: Oct. 19-20, 2024

The popular Webb Art and Craft Festival in Bell Buckle is a juried festival with handmade arts and crafts by local and regional artists. Browse for unique gifts like pottery, metal works, wood working, jewelry, textiles and more. Live music, food trucks serving cuisine from around the world and an additional 700 booths of shopping and exploring downtown.

Location: GOODFest and Fall Market - Goodlettsville, TN

Date: Oct. 26, 2024

GOODFest and Fall Market is a free event and joins several of the Goodlettsville Farmer's Market vendors with additional local artisans and sponsor vendors. A food vendor area is provided along with a children's area of free activities. The Goodlettsville Visitor's Center and Gift Shop is open during the duration of the event.

Location: PumpkinFest Fall Festival - Franklin, TN

Date: Oct. 26, 2024

Ruby Falls now has a Hidden Passages Scavenger Hunt, just in time for fall. Discover whimsical passages in unexpected places at Ruby Falls from Sept. 6-Oct. 31, 2024. A series of miniature passages are hidden above-ground at Ruby Falls, including inside the historic castle. Hidden Passages is included in Ruby Falls admission.

Location: International Cowpea Festival & Cook-Off - Charleston, TN

Date: Sept. 14, 2024

The annual International Cowpea Festival & Cook-off is a tradition that brings visitors from around the nation to enjoy culinary cowpea creations and nationally renowned music artists. The Cowpea Cook-off is by invitation only to local, professional chefs. The entrees are judged by anyone who purchases a $5 souvenir spoon 2-5 p.m. in Cook-Off Corner. Children's activities and a Cowpea 5K and 1-mile run as well as a marketplace full of locally and regionally made items round out the entertainment.

Location: ODDtober at Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga, TN

Date: October 2024

Tennessee Aquarium's ODDtober is celebrated during the month of October and shines a light on animals who use camouflage, mimicry and other unique survival strategies. The aquarium is decorated with hair-raising decorations to add to the not-so-spooky atmosphere. Kids of all ages can enjoy the return of resident c-eel-ebrity Miguel Wattson’s pumpkin lights and costumed SCUBA divers who will show off underwater pumpkin carving skills each Saturday at 2 p.m.

Location: 3 Sisters Festival of Bluegrass - Chattanooga, TN

Date: Oct. 4-5, 2024

The 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival, named after the three daughters of Fletcher Bright, a bluegrass fiddler legend. The free, two-day festival hosts some of the biggest names in traditional and modern bluegrass. The music festival has been heralded as one of the top five bluegrass festivals in the U.S. Artists like Ricky Scaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Bela Fleck and Steep Canyon Rangers have all performed at past festivals. The 2024 lineup includes performances by The Brothers Comatose, The Steeldrivers, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many more.

Location: Fall Festival - Pikeville, TN Downtown Pikeville

Date: Oct. 5, 2024

Experience the finest southern hospitality and embrace the genuine small-town charm during Pikeville's Annual Fall Festival, nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Pikeville Oct. 5, starting at 9 a.m. CST. Enjoy a day filled with live music, a captivating vintage car cruise-in, a vibrant kids-zone, an array of diverse vendors, thrilling free giveaways, and top it off with an enchanting glow run in the evening. The festival is free admission and free parking.

Location: Rocktoberfest at Rock City Gardens - Chattanooga, TN

Date: Oct. 5-27, 2024

German music, food and specialty beer flow at Rock City's Rocktoberfest. Kids will love the special Birds of Prey shows, costumed characters and other family-friendly activities. Oktoberfest is a great way to tour the gardens and see the valleys below vibrant in fall color. Music entertainment, special dining menus and more activities are slated throughout the month.

Location: Chattanooga Oktoberfest - Chattanooga, TN

Date: Oct. 12-13, 2024

Live oompah music, cultural food and an expanded selection of beer and fun will be featured at the Chattanooga Oktoberfest. Beginning 10 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday, you can sample a wide variety of breweries and seasonal offerings in the Biergarten, buy from local farms, artisans and craftsmen, and listen to the Wurstbrats Oompah Band, a fan favorite among other family-friendly entertainment. Festive German attire is highly recommended. 

The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tennessee's only tribally owned museum, hosts the Cherokee Fall Festival Sept. 7-8, 2024. Celebrate Native American culture and tradition through arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance by the Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa and authentic foods. The museum demonstrates the 1800s Acorn Printing Press during the festival. Blacksmith demonstrations, displays of Cherokee life in the 1700s and a Civil War encampment can also be experienced. Meet and speak with representatives from the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Location: Knox PrideFest at World's Fair Park - Knoxville, TN

Date: Oct. 5, 2024

Knoxville's PrideFest happens in the fall with entertainment, a night parade full of glowing floats and displays and more. Celebrate community at the festival. The entertainment lineup and more information will be announced soon.

Location: Zoo Knoxville's Boo! at the Zoo - Knoxville, TN

Date: Oct. 10-13, Oct. 17-20, Oct. 24-27, 2024

Boo! at the Zoo at Zoo Knoxville takes place Oct. 10-13, Oct. 17-20 and Oct. 24-27. It is the place trick-or-treaters can get lots of goodies along the BOO! Trail and enjoy a variety of entertainment.

Location: Windrock Park Fall Jamboree at Oliver Springs, TN

Date: Oct. 17-19, 2024

All ATV and SxS enthusiasts can mark calendars for the Windrock Park Fall Jam, back after a two-year hiatus and bigger than past celebrations. Be there for haunted trail rides, off-road competitions, bonfires, food vendors and music. More information on all activities will be announced soon.

Location: Historically Haunting Halloween Tour at Blount Mansion - Knoxville, TN

Date: Oct. 24-26, 2024

Robert Tino, renowned artist, captures the essence of life in East Tennessee and the Appalachian mountains. Every October, the farm that is home to his art gallery comes alive during the Robert A. Tino Smoky Mountain Homecoming with local artisans, craftsmen, bluegrass music, barbecue, fried green tomatoes, burgers and more. See demonstrations like blacksmithing, corn grist milling, bee-keeping, lye soap making and many others. Shop for fall decorations, pumpkins, home decor, pottery and jewelry.

Location: Mountain Makins Festival at Rose Center Council for the Arts - Morristown, TN

Date: Oct. 26-27, 2024

Celebrate fall at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg during the Bear-Varian Fall Festival, a two-month culinary extravaganza that celebrates the sights, smells and tastes of the season with food, beer, cider and entertainment. With the add-on beer pass for $21.99, adults can savor six 8-ounce pours of beer or cider from local and regional breweries. Indulge in pork schnitzel, smoked turkey legs, bratwurst and kraut, soft pretzels and the decadent chocolate cake funnel fries at Anakeesta's various restaurants.

Location: Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain in Gatlinburg, TN

Date: Sept. 27-Oct. 20, 2024

Experience a Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain. The month-long celebration features German-inspired menus, live music, hay mountains and mazes to explore, a giant pumpkin carving festival, and more. Enjoy the fall color and mild weather in the plethora of outdoor spaces at this renowned Gatlinburg location. 

Location: Boo Bash! at Gatlinburg SkyPark - Gatlinburg, TN

Date: Oct. 1-31, 2024

Make your fall a musical one by listening to some of the top roots musicians in America during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. More than 130 artists perform on 20 stages hosted at various venues and on the streets of downtown Bristol. Enjoy live performances by 49 Winchester, Ashley McBryde, The Wallflowers, The Red Clay Strays, and many more.

Location: Pumpkin Fest - Jonesborough, TN

Date: Sept. 21, 2024

Pumpkin Fest takes place in downtown Jonesborough, kicking off a number of fall and Halloween-themed events. Take a stroll and pick up delicious pumpkin treats served by small businesses. There will also be a variety of family-friendly fall activities. The town will host additional fun fall festivals like Halloween Haunts & Happenings Oct. 25, 2024 featuring trick-or-treating, games, scary-oke (spooky karaoke), a haunted house and more chills and thrills; Brews & Boos 8-10 p.m. Oct. 26, 2024 featuring storytellers, seasonal craft beer, hot cider and cocoa held in Jimmy Neil Smith Park, behind the International Storytelling Center; and Made Around Here Market Nov. 8-9 featuring locally made treasures.

Location: Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway - Bristol, TN

Date: Sept. 21, 2024

America's Night Race starts when the green flag flies Sept. 21, 2024 at Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway. The most popular race in NASCAR attracts thousands of race fans to enjoy racing, heart-stopping finishes and clashes of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The world's fastest half-mile plays host to the top racers in the industry as they battle for top honors.

Location: Fall Folk Arts Festival at Exchange Place Living History Farm - Kingsport, TN

Date: Sept. 28-29, 2024

Travel to Exchange Place Living History Farm in Kingsport where you can spend a perfect autumn weekend at the Fall Folk Arts Festival. This family-friendly event includes tasting kettle corn, Brunswick stew and apple butter, watching demonstrators, meeting live animals like Coswold sheep, Suffolk horses and cows, and hearing bluegrass bands and dulcimer players. Browse the harvest market where you'll find corn, pumpkins and squash for decorating. Watch demonstrations for vegetable dyeing, quilting, basket making, rope making, whittling, canning, blacksmithing, pottery and much more.

Location: Unicoi County Apple Festival - Erwin, TN

Date: Oct. 4-5, 2024

The Unicoi County Apple Festival takes place in charming downtown Erwin. More than 100,000 people from across the country come to the small town for the two-day event. The Apple Festival features more than 350 craft and food vendors, including a fried-to-order apple pie stand. There’s also a baking contest, road race, entertainment, a kid’s zone and other fun activities. 

Location: National Storytelling Festival - Jonesborough, TN

Date: Oct. 4-6, 2024

The football match-up between Tennessee State University and Arkansas-Pine Bluff are heralded in with the Classic Concert featuring Patti LaBelle and Jammin Jay Lamont at The Orpheum Theatre. The Classic Tailgate, Battle of the Bands and Fashions & Brunch start the festivities on Saturday before the big game. Don't miss the AutoZone Halftime Show featuring TSU's Grammy Award-winning Aristocrat of Bands and UAPB's Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South.

Location: Cooper-Young Festival - Memphis, TN

Date: Sept. 14, 2024

One of Memphis’ most popular outdoor celebrations, Cooper-Young Festival celebrates the people, culture, heritage and arts of the city and hosts more than 130,000 people each year. Live music, arts, hand-crafted goods, shopping, dining specials, local brews and family-friendly activities are planned for the festival.

Location: GonerFest - Memphis, TN

Date: Sept. 26-29, 2024

Gonerfest 21 will host bands, MCs and DJs from Memphis and around the world Sept. 26-29 as a celebration of music at Memphis’ iconic Goner Records. Don’t miss the African desert blues collective Etran de L’Air, Japanese garage punks Angel Face and Split System, Gee Tee, Michael Beach and RFMC from Australia. Attendees come from over 40 U.S. states and 11 countries. It’s sure to be a great time of listening and celebrating creativity through music.

Location: Pumpkin Village at Discovery Park of America - Union City, TN

Date: Oct. 1-31, 2024

Marvel at the giant pumpkins and gorgeous fall flowers curated by local florists and pumpkin growers in West Tennessee and the West Kentucky region as they set up their own vignettes throughout The Settlement on the grounds of Discovery Park of America. The Pumpkin Village on display Oct. 1-31, 2024 will include pumpkins, mums, gourds, hay bales and corn in seasonal displays that are creative and photo-worthy. 

Location: Mempho Music Festival at Memphis Botanic Garden - Memphis, TN

Date: Oct. 4-6, 2024

World-class musicians and artists from a wide range of genres will take the stage during Mempho Music Festival at the beautiful Memphis Botanic Garden. Get ready for live music and a unique artistic experience in the Incendia Dome, an interactive event space in a geodesic structure with propane flame effects. Inside, the hottest DJs in Memphis bump music that'll get you dancing under the warm glow. The 2024 lineup includes Cody Jinks, Marcus King, Trey Anastasio, Queens of the Stone Age, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, and many more.

Location: Memphis Zoo Boo and Zootoberfest - Memphis, TN

Date: Oct. 11-31, 2024

Memphis Zoo's Zoo Boo also takes place select nights Oct. 11-31, 2024 at Memphis Zoo. Grab your friends and family, costumes and trick-or-treat bags for sweets and more fun during the Stranger Things-themed event. The zoo also hosts Zootoberfest every Saturday and Sunday in October where guests can purchase a commemorative stein to sip local beers from while they enjoy a fall afternoon at the zoo. The event is free with general admission.

Location: Reelfoot Lake Pelican Festival at Reelfoot Lake State Park - Tiptonville, TN

Date: Oct. 18-20, 2024

Climb into a canoe and have your own National Geographic experience during the Reelfoot Lake Pelican Festival at Reelfoot Lake State Park. See pelicans up close as they feed and thrive among Reelfoot Lake that has an unmatched ecosystem. The 15,000-acre lake is the only naturally-made lake in Tennessee. Craft vendors, an art and photo contest, and bird of prey programs are featured events at the annual festival.

Location: Casey Jones Village Festival at Casey Jones Village - Jackson, TN

Date: Oct. 19, 2024

The 3rd annual Casey Jones Village Festival will be Oct. 19. Guests can enjoy children's games, arts and crafts, and live music. Food vendors and local businesses will be in attendance, providing a one-stop shopping experience of local shops and businesses. Guest will be able to utilize the Festival Passport, where they will receive a special treat upon completing visits to locations throughout the village, including the Casey Jones, Train Museum and the Art In The Village art gallery. The event is free to attend, however certain vendors may charge, such as food for the petting zoo.

Location: River Arts Festival - Memphis, TN

Date: Oct. 19-20, 2024

Marvel at the art made and displayed by more than 150 artists in Memphis during the River Arts Festival. Enjoy performing arts throughout the festival including opera, performances from Tennessee Shakespeare Company and Hattiloo Theatre, symphony, Memphis ChoralArts and so much more. Create your own masterpiece as a festival keepsake at the free and hands-on art station.