Harvest Festival Happenings
Posted by Leif Palmer in Smoky Mountains
It's officially fall in almost every respect. The calendar says so, football season says so, and now that the daytime highs have dropped from the 90s to the 70s and the leaves are starting to turn and fall, nature says so as well.
Also, the communities of the Great Smoky Mountains are celebrating the area's annual Harvest Festival with a wide array of special events and happenings. Businesses and homes throughout the county get dressed up for fall with autumn décor like pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, scarecrows and more. But it's the lineup of unique events that really taps into the flavor and spirit of the season.
Here's a quick rundown of what's going on in the Smokies this week.
National Quartet Convention
Through October 1
LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge
Gospel music's largest gathering of nationally known quartets is currently appearing in concert at the LeConte Center. Headliners include the Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, the Hoppers, Kingdom Heirs and the Mark Trammell Quartet.
Gatlinburg Farmers' Market
Through October 8
Glades Rd., Gatlinburg
Located in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, this weekly farmers' market is winding down for the year. You'll find it at the covered bridge at 849 Glades Rd., and it runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Vendors provide fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, artisanal products, and live arts and crafts demonstrations.
Oktoberfest at Ober
Through October 30
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg celebrates this annual festival with authentic Bavarian foods, beverages and music. The Bavarian Fun Makers Band will be performing folk dances, oompah music, sing-alongs and yodels, and guests can enjoy dishes like German wurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, strudel, pretzels and more.
Robert A. Tino Smoky Mountain Homecoming
September 30 through October 1
Robert Tino Gallery, Sevierville
This noted Smoky Mountains landscape artist hosts his annual homecoming event, which celebrates days gone by with activities like crafters, bluegrass music, Southern foods, kids' art classes and a pumpkin patch. Guests can browse Tino's gallery, and those who purchase $100 or more of merchandise will receive a free limited-edition print. $5 admission and free parking.
Annual Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Craft Fair
October 1 through 30
Patriot Park, Pigeon Forge
Guests can view and purchase handmade items made by some of the area's most talented artisans and crafters. Admission to the event is free, although proceeds from donations will be distributed to a variety of local charities.
Ripley's Fright Nights
October 1 through November 1
Ripley's Haunted Adventure, Gatlinburg
This downtown attraction presents its annual Fright Nights month, titled Movie Monster Madness, which takes a look at 85 years of film monsters, from the classics right up until today. For ages 6 and older only, and kids ages 6 through 11 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Smoky Mountain Woodcarving Festival
October 1 and 2
Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, Townsend
This family-friendly event will showcase the work of woodcarvers from around the region.
Whether you plan to attend events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Sevierville, don't forget to book your accommodations first. We have a wide selection of cabin rentals in Tennessee that will put you near the events and destinations you're most interested in. Give us a call today!
About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in the Smoky Mountains. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.
Other blog categories:
Gatlinburg Hiking Pigeon Forge Pigeon Forge Attractions Places To Eat Places To Eat Rental Cabins Seasons Smoky Mountains Sevierville Smoky Mountain Attractions Smoky Mountains Things to Do Wears Valley