The season of fall in Pigeon Forge, TN is one of the most popular, if not the most colorful, times to visit town. With all the leaves changing color in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the crisp & cool air, you could say it’s the most beautiful time to visit. Take into account the variety of events in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and you’ve got a season like no other. The Annual Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival lasts from September 28 to October 29 and features all sorts of events that display the very essence of autumn in the Smoky Mountains. Here are just some of the events that are sure to interest you and everyone else in your family or group.
Fall Displays Throughout Town – Each year, numerous businesses create displays along the parkway that feature scarecrows, cornstalks, pumpkins, flowers, gourds, etc. Many of these are definitely worth taking pictures of as the creativity poured into these are sure to turn your head!
Shades of the Past Car Show – This is the annual Rod Run is the precursor to the following week’s Grand Fall Rod Run along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. But don’t let anyone fool you, the Shades of the Past Rod Run is just as shiny and desirable as the big daddy. Running September 7-8, this gearhead event is sure to bring out the ’57 Chevy’s, Ford Mustangs, Pontiac GTO’s and Dodge Chargers of yesteryear.
Grand Fall Rod Run – This is the car show people mark on their calendars to start the year. If you’re a classic car lover, enthusiast, looking to buy a piece of Detroit muscle, or that hard to find old part, the Grand Fall Rod Run in Pigeon Forge is THE car show to attend. The Parkway in Pigeon Forge as well as in Gatlinburg and in Sevierville are where you’ll find participants in the Grand Fall Rod Run, September 14-15.
Old Mill Heritage Days – Come to Patriot Park and the Old Mill on September 22 for Heritage Days. Take a step back into the Smokies during a much simpler time as guests see quilt demonstrations, experience a petting zoo, basket making, shop a farmers market and much more! It’s the best of early East Tennessee life in the 18th century as guests learn to make such early American staples as lye soap and apple butter. Bring the whole family to Heritage Days, it’s a town favorite for all ages.
Dollywood National Gospel & Harvest Celebration – Dollywood continues the fall festivities with amazing Southern Gospel throughout the park from October 3 – November 3 featuring over 250 free concerts by performers such as the Isaacs, Karen Peck & New River, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Gold City and so many more! October is absolutely one of the best months to visit Dollywood and the Dollywood National Gospel & Harvest Celebration is a huge reason why. The harvest celebration brings numerous craftsmen into Dollywood to showcase various Appalachian craftmaking such as basket weaving, spinning, fiddle making, wood working, glass blowing, and all sorts of other things sure to amaze all members of your family. Be sure to also check out our tips for visiting Dollywood as well.
As you can see, September and October has lots of events in Pigeon Forge for you and your family to experience the very best of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains. Come experience the cooler weather, colorful landscapes, scents throughout the air, expert craftsmen, and so much more. There are very few places in the world that you can experience a fall season such as this. Be sure to check out our list of the best hotels in Pigeon Forge or even the Pigeon Forge cabin section to find the perfect accommodations. After that, check out our favorite places to eat in Pigeon Forge, TN and experience the very best that Pigeon Forge has to offer!
