4 Gatlinburg Fall Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

4 Gatlinburg Fall Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

October 15, 2025

Gatlinburg, TN, comes alive in the fall with beautiful scenery and a variety of festivals that celebrate the vibrant autumn season. From charming harvest decorations lining the Parkway to Bavarian-inspired activities on mountaintops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall with these can’t-miss Gatlinburg fall festivals:

1. Gatlinburg Harvest Festival

Experience the magic of fall with the Gatlinburg Harvest Festival! This is one of the most widespread Gatlinburg fall festivals, spanning across the entire town! See fall decorations and festive fall displays lining the Parkway and adorning the storefronts. You can also enjoy fun photo ops with life-size scarecrow people! A highlight of this fall festival is the competition among local businesses for the title of Best Harvest Decorations. Visitors can participate in the competition, too! You can cast a vote for your favorite fall decorations in the People’s Choice Award!

2. Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival

fall decor at Anakeesta's Bear-Varian Fall FestivalAnother one of the best Gatlinburg fall festivals is Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival. This seasonal event takes place at the top of Anakeesta, an attraction in Gatlinburg with beautiful mountain views! Enjoy spectacular views of downtown Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smoky Mountains covered in fall foliage. During the festival, Anakeesta is decorated with autumn-themed decor and festive photo ops all around! You can also enjoy themed entertainment, including live music performed by fun characters as well as Bavarian-inspired foods and local brews. Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival is a great way to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall in Gatlinburg!

3. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

Named one of the Southeast’s Most Popular Events, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is one of the Gatlinburg fall festivals you won’t want to miss! Explore a giant craft fair spread throughout the 150,000-square-foot Gatlinburg Convention Center in the heart of downtown. This event features 200 booths showcasing a variety of handmade items by talented craftsmen from across the country! Find the perfect gift for a loved one or pick up new decor for your home. This fall event also has live musical performances with your favorite bluegrass, country, and gospel songs!

4. Ober Mountain’s Oktoberfest

Ober Mountain on the Parkway decorated for fallYou won’t want to miss your chance to experience Ober Mountain’s Oktoberfest! This Gatlinburg fall festival embraces the spirit of the world’s most famous beer festival right here in the heart of the Smokies! Ober Mountain is decorated with festive Bavarian-style decor, including blue and white checkered decorations, fall leaves, mums, and unique photo ops. You can enjoy a variety of German beers and authentic foods while relaxing in the mountaintop beer garden. This event also features live music, stein-holding competitions, kids crafts, and much more!

More Ways to Celebrate Fall in Gatlinburg, TN

You won’t want to miss your chance to experience these Gatlinburg fall festivals! Are you looking for more things to do during your fall vacation? In addition to vibrant foliage and fun festivals, fall also brings Halloween! If you’re looking for ways to celebrate spooky season this year, make sure you check out these frightfully fun haunted attractions in Gatlinburg, TN!