As summer fades and the leaves of Tennessee transform into a golden patchwork, the Volunteer State comes alive with charming fall festivals that celebrate everything from craft traditions to southern sweets, storytelling, and musical roots. Whether you’re after glowing pumpkin forests, sweet treats, Appalachian tunes, or quirky contests, there’s a harvest‑time event perfect for welcoming the season. Here’s your family‑friendly guide to 15 must‑attend fall festivals across Tennessee in 2025.
Dollywood Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin LumiNights — Pigeon Forge (Sept 12–Oct 27)
Dollywood’s annual Harvest Festival invites visitors to enjoy fall’s full sensory experience: southern gospel and bluegrass melodies echo through the park by day, while seasonal scents of apple and pumpkin treats fill the air. As twilight falls, the magical Great Pumpkin LumiNights takes over, with thousands of artistically carved pumpkins, a towering 40-foot pumpkin tree, and the whimsical Hoot Owl Hollow illuminating the night. Ideal for families—rides like Big Bear Mountain and Mystery Mine stay open, and guided “Behind the Glow” tours offer exclusive perks (like front‑of‑line ride access and seasonal snacks) for around $79 per person, though park admission is extra.
Nashville Oktoberfest — Germantown, Nashville (Oct 2–5)
Nashville’s beloved Bavarian bash returns in early October at Bicentennial Mall, where a $10 general admission (free for kids 3 & under; Thursday is Neighborhood Day — free; Friday free until 4 p.m.) grants access to a lively mix of German beer, bratwursts, pretzels, arts & crafts, live oompah music, a Pup Parade, Dachshund Derby, 5K Bier Run, brat–eating and stein‑holding contests, plus a tailgate TV zone and VIP whiskey tastings. It’s family‑friendly fun with plenty of quirky traditions to explore.
Chattanooga Oktoberfest — Chattanooga (Oct 11)
Held at the First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga’s Oktoberfest on October 11 is a free, family‑friendly celebration featuring live oompah music, German‑style foods, and a Biergarten stocked with seasonal brews. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to don festive German attire as they stroll vendor booths and enjoy local farm-to-table goods
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair — Gatlinburg (Oct 2–19)
From October 2 to 19, the Gatlinburg Convention Center hosts the Fall Craftsmen’s Fair, showcasing hundreds of artisans selling handmade crafts and offering live country and bluegrass music daily. Admission is $10 for adults, and children 17 & under are free with a paying adult—plus, multi‑day passes are free (with ID). It’s perfect for families to browse wares, enjoy music, and maybe start their holiday shopping, all indoors and cozy.
PumpkinFest — Franklin (Oct 25)
On October 25, downtown Franklin transforms with the 40th Annual PumpkinFest, Middle Tennessee’s largest family‑friendly fall street festival. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Main Street fills with more than 140 arts & crafts vendors, 30+ food and drink stands, live entertainment across stages, children’s activities, costume contests, and even extreme pumpkin carving. Admission is free—just bring your appetite for autumn fun.
National Banana Pudding Festival — Centerville (Oct 4–5)
Centerville welcomes families on October 4–5 for the National Banana Pudding Festival at the Hickman County Ag Pavilion—now its 16th year. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Oct 4) and noon to 5 p.m. (Oct 5), enjoy live music on two stages, craft vendors, kids’ games and activities, and a “Puddin’ Path” where you can sample ten unique banana puddings plus watch a national cook-off followed by a pudding auction—all while shuttle parking makes arrival easy
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion — Bristol, TN/VA (Sept 19–21)
For music‑lovers, this one is special: September 19–21 brings Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, celebrating the region’s legacy as the birthplace of country music through Appalachian and roots tunes. Headliners like The Teskey Brothers, Shane Smith & The Saints, and Carly Pearce light up stages at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Tickets are tiered—single‑day passes and weekend wristbands (around $100–$150+) offer full access and merch deals
Cooper-Young Festival — Memphis (Sept 13)
Memphis’ Cooper‑Young Festival brings art, music, crafts, food vendors, and neighborhood flair to life on September 13 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.—for free. The 37th edition promises over 135,000 attendees, with more than 425 artisans displaying works alongside live music and southern hospitality in the city’s largest historic district
Cheekwood Harvest — Nashville (Sept 13–Oct 30)
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens welcomes fall with its Harvest celebration starting September 14 and running through October 27. Garden paths bloom with autumn color, installations pop with seasonal art, and themed programming—like pumpkin carving and farm-to-table menus—enhance exploration. Admission includes festival access, with member discounts available.
Tennessee Soybean Festival — Martin (Sept 4-6)
The Tennessee Soybean Festival in Martin takes over the first week of September with a mix of free community events—like parades and cookouts—plus ticketed concerts in the evenings. Keep an eye on the official schedule as the season approaches for pricing and performance lineups.
Cleveland Apple Festival — Cleveland (Oct 18–19)
Celebrate apples in downtown Cleveland on October 18–19 with live music, artisan booths, food vendors, a car show, and kids’ activities. Admission pricing will be set closer to the date, but typically includes festival entry with optional charges for certain attractions.
Each of these festivals offers a unique window into Tennessee’s autumn traditions—whether you’re planning a weekend family road trip, scouting out photo ops, or hunting for local artisanal goods. If you are searching for Tennessee fair schedules, checkout this list from Tennessee Home&Farm.
