Haunts, Heights, and Haints
October’s brilliant autumn hues serve as the back drop for events all across the region. In Appalachian tradition, this is the time to get out and celebrate the bounty of the harvest and the beauty of the season. It is also a time of pumpkins and goblins. Plan your adventure by haunting artisan craft shows; go to new heights in a hot air balloon; or search for haints on a spooky tour. One thing that is always true in East Tennessee, at the heart of every festival is music and family fun.
Here is a list of featured fall festivals to fill your calendar in October:
October 3-4: Newport Harvest Street Festival is old fashioned, down home Appalachian fun. Stroll downtown and enjoy the sights and sounds of music, craft displays, and yummy street fair food.
October 8-28: Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is a blend of artisan work and demonstrations of traditional crafts. This annual event draws artisans and visitors from across the southeast. Daily musical performances are included in admission.
October 10: HoLa Festival brings together music, food, culture and celebration come together. Held during Hispanic Heritage Month, this lively celebration at World’s Fair Park showcases the rich traditions of Latin America through live music and dance, authentic cuisine, artisan crafts, cultural exhibits, children’s activities and the colorful Parade of Nations. Come hungry, bring your dancing shoes and experience the cultures that help make East Tennessee such a vibrant place to visit.
October 15-17: Windrock Fall Jam brings together ATV (all-terrain vehicle) trail rides, music, food, arts, outdoor movie theater, and a haunted trail ride.. The month of October is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of the season by taking an organized ride on Windrock Park trails through the Appalachian Mountains. There you can see the changing color of the leaves, the natural waterfalls, the grazing Elk, and the breathtaking skyline view of the Appalachian Mountains.
October 24: Two venerable festivals, Cherohala Skyway Festival in Tellico Plains and the 50th annual Mountain Makins in Morristown offer visitors some of the best of local heritage arts and crafts.
Autumn leaves and fall festivals- Find your adventure in the 9 Lakes.
October 24: Ghostly Gathering and step into the spooky side of history of Historic Rugby. Wander through the 1880 village as the stories of its past come to life on a haunting tour of historic buildings and the unique tales they hold. Then warm up with a hearty chili supper before gathering under the big tent for an evening of ghost stories.
October 24: Hill of Truth (HOT) Festival (Oak Ridge): October 24 at Haw Ridge Campground, featuring a 12-hour mountain bike event, running, free primitive camping, and kids’ races.
Now through Oct 31: Sometimes the best part of fall is simply being together. With the Smokies as a backdrop, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival offers the perfect setting for family, food, fun and memories that last long after the leaves have fallen.
From colorful mountain views and crisp lake days to harvest festivals, farm fun and family adventures, fall in the 9 Lakes region is a season worth savoring, so come make a few memories of your own.
