Add These Tennessee Fall Festivals to Your 2025 Calendar

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. 

Date: Sept. 13-Oct. 30, 2025

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. 

Date: Sept. 9-13, 2025

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. 

Date: Sept. 19-Oct. 25: 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 26-31: 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

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. A wide range of artists including John Mayer, Kings of Leon, Turnpike Troubadours, Young the Giant, Grace Potter, Colony House, Maggie Rose, Better Than Ezra and many more will perform.

Date: Sept. 27-28, 2025

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.

Date: Oct. 4, 2025

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. 

Date: Oct. 4-5, 2025

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. 

Date: Oct. 2-5, 2025

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.

Date: Oct. 10-11, 2025

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. 

Date: Oct. 10-11, 2025

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. 

Date: Oct. 10-26, 2025

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

Can't wait for fall fun? Nashville Zoo has even more fall festivities leading up to Boo at the Zoo including Fall Zzzoofari Slumber Aug. 30, 2025 where you can sleep under the stars a short distance from the animals; the nightlight socail event, Sunset Safari Sept. 19, 2025; Hispanic Heritage Festival Sept. 27, 2025 with a full linep of cultural performances, interactive booths, food and more; and the 21+ BOOze at the Zoo Oct. 16, 2025 with unlimited BOOze samples, trick-or-treating, a live DJ and top-notch vendors.

Date: Oct. 17 - Nov. 1, 2025

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 perform throughout the day. The free event starts at 11:15 a.m. 

Date: Oct. 11, 2025

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.

Date: Oct. 18-19, 2025

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. 

Date: Oct. 25, 2025

Middle Tennessee's largest family fall festival, PumpkinFest Fall Festival, stretches along Franklin's picturesque Main Street and side avenues of downtown Franklin with festive fun. Shop and browse more than 140 artisan and craft booths, enjoy the PetZone, KidZone and EndZone themed areas, entertainment, the Whiskey Lounge presented by Leipers Fork DIstillery, the Beer Garden presented by Bavarian Bierhaus, pet and people costume contests and a special pumpkin experience. It's the perfect way to celebrate fall with your friends and family. 

Date: Oct. 25, 2025

Bring your family to Falloween in downtown Livingston for family fun like the interactive "Night at the Museum" where exhibits come to life. Take part in the Haunted Historic Downtown Walking Tours to hear spine-tingling stories of Livingston's past. Festival activities also include costume contests for all ages, a special fall market, live music, food trucks and more. 

Date: Oct. 25, 2025

Ruby Falls' Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk Edition is a spine-tingling after-hours lantern tour that takes you along the winding cave trails of Ruby Falls. Hear ghost stories from the 96-year history of Ruby Falls and Chattanooga legends. Visit the sites of these encounters, mayhem and tragedy. 

Accessibility: Because of the natural cave formations and trails, Ruby Falls cave is not accessible. 

Parking: Free and on-site 

Tickets: Limited availability. Purchase in advance online. 

Date: To be announced

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. 

Parking: Free 

Tickets: $5 for ages 16 and older 

Date: Sept. 13, 2025

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. 

Accessibility: All exhibit galleries at the Tennessee Aquarium are wheelchair accessible. 

Parking: There are several paid parking lots near the Aquarium and IMAX Theater and a free shuttle runs daily in downtown Chattanooga. 

Tickets: ODDtober is included in general admission with the exception of special events such as Aquascarium, which is a separate ticketed event

Date: October 2025

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. The 2025 lineup includes performances by the Brothers Comatose, The Travelin' McCourys, Fireside Collective, Randy Steele and High Cold Wind and many more. 

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with ramps, accessible entrance as well as an accessible playground for children 

Parking: Downtown streets, lots and parking garages. A free, electric shuttle runs until 11 p.m., ending at Broad and 3rd Street, 1 block from Ross's Landing 

Tickets: The festival is free, no ticket required

Date: Oct. 3-4, 2025

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 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. 

Parking: Free parking for attendees. A map with parking information will be shared soon. 

Tickets: Free admission 

Date: Oct. 4, 2025

Rock City transforms into vibrant fall colors and will glow brighter than ever with new, large-scale jack-o'-lantern displays and whimsical pumpkin lanterns. The hand-carved sculptures blends artistry and imagination to create autumnal spectacles. Enjoy hot apple cider while enjoying the flickering lanterns with haybales, cornstalks and bursts of seasonal plantings. 

Accessibility: Rock City is partially handicap accessible. Our entrance at Gardens Gateway leads to an ADA ramp that takes guests to Legacy Lane and the Enchanted Trail that takes guests to the overlook at Lover’s Leap and the Seven States Flag Court. The round trip distance is about 1/2 a mile. 

Parking: Free and on-site 

Tickets: It's recommended to purchase your ticket at least one day in advance to secure best prices available 

Date: Sept. 26-Oct. 31, 2025

Live oompah music, cultural food and an expanded selection of beer and fun will be featured at the Chattanooga Oktoberfest. 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. 

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible 

Parking: Parking is $2 per hour or $6 for a day pass on Sundays 

Tickets: Free event. Festive German attire highly recommended

Date: Oct. 12, 2025

The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tennessee's only tribally owned museum, hosts the Cherokee Fall Festival. 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. 

Accessibility: The event is ADA accessible. Most activities are held on the grounds of the museum 

Parking: Free and on-site 

Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for children 13-18 years old; free for children 12 and under. Family rate available for $25 

Date: Sept. 6-7, 2025

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. 

Accessibility: Accessible parking, restrooms and paved pathways 

Parking: Free parking is available at the North Lot, Locust Street Garage (free on weekends and after 7 p.m. on weekdays), Fort Kid and Blackstock. A free trolley provides shuttle services throughout downtown Knoxvile.

Date: Oct. 4, 2025

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. 

Accessibility: Contact Windrock Park for accessibility details and questions 

Tickets: Ticket information to be announced soon 

Date: Oct. 16-18, 2025

Are you brave enough for the spine-tingling, terror and intrigue you'll hear on a Halloween Candlelight Tour at Blount Mansion? Follow the ghastly guides to the afterlife where you'll hear tales of ghosts, supernatural phenomena and paranormal activity that are prevalent in Appalachia. 

Parking: Free and on-site 

Tickets: $20 

Date: Oct. 17-18, 24-25

Celebrate the flavors of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains at SkyLand Ranch's Apple Harvest Festival full of seasonal apple-inspired treats and other fall-themed foods, live entertainment and breathtaking mountain views in vibrant shades of fall color.

Date: Sept. 5-Nov. 1, 2025

Celebrate all things fall in Sevierville as the city hosts a wide arrange of fall-themed events, foods and fun during Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest. The season brings gorgeous displays of pumpkins and gourds at area businesses, leaf-peeping trips along backroads and spooky events throughout time.

Date: Sept. 19-Oct. 31, 2025

Celebrate Appalachian traditions at Mountain Makins Festival that celebrates the region. This folk festival celebrates the region's diverse cuisine, music, fine arts, dancing, and storytelling for an unforgettable, family-friendly festival. The event is hosted at the Rose Center, Morristown's cultural arts center. 

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible elevator, entrance, parking lot and restroom 

Parking: Available in the courthouse parking lot on Jackson Street, several city lots downtown and streets surrounding the festival 

Tickets: $15; $40 for Preview Party Oct. 24 

Date: Oct. 24-26, 2025

Dollywood's Harvest Festival presented by Humana has been voted America's No. 1 Fall Family Event by USA Today readers. With the Great Smoky Mountains ablaze in fall color, enjoy apple and pumpkin treats, award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights larger-than-life pumpkin displays throughout the park and world-class artisans. 

Accessibility: Dollywood offers extensive accessibility services, including wheelchair and ECV rentals, accessible restrooms, and detailed ride accessibility guidelines. Find comprehensive information on the park's website or contact guest services. 

Parking: $25 with tax for all cars and motorcycles 

Tickets: Included in general admission 

Date: Sept. 12 - Oct. 27, 2025

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. 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. Accessibility: Gondola cabins are 32″ wide and 49″ deep to accommodate both wheelchairs for your ride to the summit. Wheelchair accessible areas inclue Firefly Village shops, dining pavilion, Black Bear Village and scenic viewing platforms. Treetop Skywalk, AstraLumina and AnaVista Tower are not accessible by wheelchair 

Parking: Paid paking available near the Chondola ride. Two city parking garages: across the street at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and at Traffic Light #3 

Tickets: Bear-Varian Beer Tasting Card is $21.99 and includes your choice of 8 oz. beers from multiple locations around the park 

Date: Sept. 13-Oct. 31, 2025

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. 

Accessibility: The aerial tramway and most of the Mountaintop Park are wheelchair and scooter accessible, unless limited by individual ride restrictions. Attendant help is always readily available in all areas Parking: $10 per vehicle downtown 

Tickets: Included in general admission

Date: September - November 2025

Come enjoy a family-friendly Halloween Boo Bash at Gatlinburg SkyPark. Enjoy the Smoky Mountains bursting in fall color and the beatufiul fall decor around the SkyPark. The Fall Fest features games, face paining, balloon artists, prize pack giveaways, live music and more. Both events are included in your regular ticket cost. 

Accessibility: SkyLift, SkyDeck, SkyCenter, SkyTrail and the newest Clayton's Landing are wheelchair accessible. The SkyBridge is not wheelchair accessible. Guests can purchase Restricted Access tickets at the SkyPark ticket window 

Parking: Paid parking is nearby at 510 River Road (not included in Gatlinburg SkyPark ticket)

Date: Oct. 1-31, 2025