Best Fall Festivals In Tennessee

Experience the Best of Tennessee’s Fall with These Festivals

The fall season in Tennessee is a magical time of year, with beautiful autumnal colors and cooler temperatures providing the perfect backdrop for a variety of festivals and events. From music festivals to food fairs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Tennessee during the fall season. To help you make the most of this wonderful time of year, we’ve put together a list of the best fall festivals in Tennessee. So, whether you’re a Tennessee local or planning a trip to the state this fall, be sure to check out these fantastic festivals:

1. 🎵 Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention 🎵

The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention is one of the oldest and most prestigious fiddle competitions in the country. Held annually at Athens State University, the convention features three days of live music, dancing, and competitions, with more than $18,000 in cash prizes up for grabs. This year’s convention is scheduled for October 1-3, 2021, and promises to be an unforgettable event for anyone who loves old-time music and Southern culture.

2. 🍁 Autumn in the Country 🍁

Autumn in the Country is an annual arts and crafts festival held in Baxter, Tennessee, each fall. The festival features more than 200 vendors selling handmade crafts and artwork, as well as live music, food trucks, and a kid’s zone. This year’s festival is scheduled for October 2-3, 2021, and is the perfect way to spend a fall weekend in Tennessee.

3. 🍂 National Storytelling Festival 🍂

The National Storytelling Festival is one of the most unique festivals in Tennessee, celebrating the art and tradition of storytelling. Held annually in Jonesborough, the festival features storytellers from around the world, sharing tales of their cultures and traditions. In addition to the storytelling, the festival also features food vendors, craft vendors, and live music. This year’s festival is scheduled for October 1-3, 2021, and is a must-see event for anyone who loves a good story.

4. 🌽 Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair 🌽

For more than four decades, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair has been a must-see event for anyone interested in traditional Appalachian crafts. Held annually in Gatlinburg, the fair features more than 180 artisans showcasing their work, including pottery, jewelry, woodcarving, and more. In addition to the crafts, the fair also features live music and demonstrations. This year’s fair is scheduled for October 7-24, 2021.

5. 🎃 Haunted Halloween Weekend 🎃

Get in the Halloween spirit with the Haunted Halloween Weekend, held annually in Jonesborough. This family-friendly event features a variety of Halloween-themed activities, including ghost stories, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating. The event also features live music, food vendors, and a costume contest. This year’s Haunted Halloween Weekend is scheduled for October 22-23, 2021.

6. 🍎 Apple Butter Festival 🍎

The Apple Butter Festival is a beloved fall tradition in Cosby, Tennessee, celebrating the harvest season with apple butter making, live music, and craft vendors. The festival also features a kid’s area, food vendors, and a pie baking contest. This year’s Apple Butter Festival is scheduled for October 23-24, 2021, and is a must-see event for anyone who loves all things apple.

7. 🎭 Renaissance Festival 🎭

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival is a unique event that takes attendees back in time to the 16th century. Held annually in Arrington, the festival features live jousting, historical reenactments, and a marketplace where attendees can buy handmade crafts and food. This year’s festival is scheduled for October 2-3 and 9-10, 2021.

8. 🍲 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue 🍲

The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is the ultimate event for barbecue lovers, featuring more than 100 teams from around the world competing for the title of World Champion. In addition to the barbecue, the event features live music, craft vendors, and a kid’s zone. This year’s competition is scheduled for October 8-9, 2021, in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

9. 🎵 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion 🎵

The Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion is a music festival that celebrates the roots of country, bluegrass, and Appalachian music. Held annually in Bristol, the festival features more than 100 artists performing on multiple stages throughout the weekend. In addition to the music, the festival also features food vendors, craft vendors, and a chilli cook-off. This year’s festival is scheduled for September 10-12, 2021.

10. 🎨 River Arts Festival 🎨

The River Arts Festival is an annual event in Memphis that celebrates the city’s vibrant arts scene. The festival features more than 180 artists showcasing their work, as well as live music, food vendors, and a kid’s zone. This year’s festival is scheduled for October 23-24, 2021.

11. 🍁 Tennessee Fall Homecoming 🍁

The Tennessee Fall Homecoming is a celebration of Southern heritage and culture, featuring live music, traditional crafts, and historical demonstrations. The event is held annually in Clinton, Tennessee, and is the perfect way to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the South. This year’s festival is scheduled for October 8-10, 2021.

12. 🎃 Pumpkinfest 🎃

Pumpkinfest is an annual event in Franklin that celebrates all things fall, including pumpkins, apples, and Halloween. The festival features a pumpkin patch, a pie baking contest, and a costume contest, as well as live music and food vendors. This year’s Pumpkinfest is scheduled for October 23, 2021.

13. 🍂 Fall Harvest Celebration 🍂

For a truly authentic fall experience, head to the Fall Harvest Celebration at the Amish Country Farm in Ethridge. The festival features hayrides, pumpkin painting, and live music, as well as demonstrations of traditional Amish crafts. This year’s celebration is scheduled for October 2-3, 2021.

What Makes Tennessee’s Fall Festivals So Special?

Tennessee’s fall festivals are a unique and special experience for a variety of reasons. For one, they showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage and traditions, from old-time fiddle music to Appalachian crafts. They also provide an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful fall weather and scenery, with many festivals held outdoors and surrounded by stunning autumn colors. Additionally, Tennessee’s fall festivals are known for their warm and welcoming atmosphere, with locals and visitors alike coming together to celebrate the season and each other.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best time to visit Tennessee for fall festivals?

A1. The best time to visit Tennessee for fall festivals is typically late September through mid-November, when the weather is cooler and the leaves are changing colors.

Q2. Are Tennessee’s fall festivals family-friendly?

A2. Yes, most of Tennessee’s fall festivals are family-friendly, with activities and events for all ages.

Q3. Do I need to purchase tickets for Tennessee’s fall festivals?

A3. It depends on the festival. Some festivals are free to attend, while others require tickets or admission fees. Be sure to check the festival’s website for details.

Q4. What should I wear to a fall festival in Tennessee?

A4. It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is appropriate for the weather, as many fall festivals are held outdoors.

Q5. Can I bring my dog to a fall festival in Tennessee?

A5. It depends on the festival. Some festivals allow dogs on leashes, while others do not. Be sure to check the festival’s website for details and restrictions.

Q6. What kind of food can I expect at Tennessee’s fall festivals?

A6. Tennessee’s fall festivals typically offer a wide variety of food options, including traditional Southern fare like barbecue and fried chicken, as well as festival favorites like funnel cakes and corn dogs.

Q7. What kind of music can I expect at Tennessee’s fall festivals?

A7. The music at Tennessee’s fall festivals varies depending on the festival, but often includes traditional Southern music like bluegrass, old-time, and country.

Q8. Are Tennessee’s fall festivals accessible for people with disabilities?

A8. It depends on the festival. Some festivals are fully accessible, while others may have limited accessibility. Be sure to check the festival’s website for details and accommodations.