FALL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

The Stage is Set For You!

With more than 800 festivals and events annually, the spotlight is always on Tennessee. Listings are arranged chronologically under the date the event begins. All information was provided by event sponsors, chambers of commerce and tourism organizations. For more information about events in Tennessee visit our Web site at tnvacation.com.

OCTOBER

OCTOBER 1-31 (Sat.-Sun.)

ROCKTOBERFEST – Rock City, Chattanooga – Get in touch with Rock City’s German heritage at Rocktoberfest. Rock City Square will be transformed for a celebration of harvests and fall foliage.  Stroll through an atmosphere of German music and food. Enjoy a bratwurst on rye, sauerkraut, rosemary roasted redskin potatoes, pretzels and German chocolate cake! CONTACT: Rock City Gardens, 800-854-0675, seerockcity.com, (AC)

OCTOBER 2-3

UNICOI COUNTY APPLE FESTIVAL – Erwin – A celebration of the unique heritage, foods, crafts and culture of the southern Appalachian region. More than 300 craft and food vendors, gospel entertainment, and more. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, 423-743-3000, unicoicounty.org

OCTOBER 2-3

OKTOBERFEST – Clarksville Fairgrounds, Clarksville – Family fun the German way with authentic German food, music, and dance. CONTACT: Clarksville Edelweiss German American Club, 931-645-3382

ALLARDT GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL & WEIGH OFF – Allardt – Crafts festival, entertainment, parade, car and motorcycle show, and the weigh-off of giant pumpkins for world record consideration. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, 800-327-3945, allardtpumpkinfestival.com

37^th ANNUAL NATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL – Jonesborough – The festival began in 1973 when 60 people came to hear a few Appalachian tales from the back of a hay wagon pulled up beside the town courthouse. In the decades since, those 60 people have grown to 10,000, and the hay wagon replaced by large circus-like tents sprinkled throughout the town. The few mountain tales are supplemented now with stories from the South, and far West, from the British Isles, Jamaica, Cuba, Africa, and Japan! Peppered with the flare and fun of blues, poetry, ballads, and banjo, the festival encompasses a wealth of cultures, geography, and styles—a world of stories within one small, historic town. CONTACT: International Storytelling Center, 800-952-8392, storytellingcenter.net

REELFOOT ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL – Reelfoot Lake State Park, Tiptonville – Features over 300 exhibitors including artists, potters, carvers, jewelry makers, music, delicious barbecue, fried pies, ice cream, and more. CONTACT: Anna Crocker, 731-885-7295, reelfootartsandcrafts.com

OCTOBER 2-31

DOLLYWOOD’S NATIONAL GOSPEL & HARVEST CELEBRATION – Pigeon Forge – The Smoky Mountain’s biggest gospel music event featuring more than 250 free southern gospel concerts by the genre’s biggest stars along. Includes visiting crafters and specialty food. CONTACT: Dollywood, 800-DOLLYWOOD, dollywood.com

OCTOBER 3

GALLATIN’S MAIN STREET FESTIVAL – Gallatin Courthouse Square, Gallatin – Arts and crafts festival featuring two stages of entertainment, large children’s area, over 150 vendors, and the Kansas City Barbeque Society cook-off.  CONTACT: Greater Gallatin, 888-301-7866, sumnercvb.com

CANDLELIGHT CEMETERY TOUR – Gallatin – Actors in period clothing tell the story of Sumner County’s most colorful characters who are buried in the cemetery. CONTACT: Sumner County Museum, 615-451-3738, sumnercvb.com

APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL – White Bluff – This festival will take you back to yesteryear no doubt! You will experience the old-fashioned way to churn butter, and make apple butter jelly. Enjoy homemade candy apples, watch quilters quilt like your grandmother did, enjoy the art of a blacksmith, and listen to some of the best bluegrass and gospel music Tennessee has to offer. CONTACT: Basil Westcott, 615-797-3409, dicksoncountychamber.com

OCTOBER 3-4

NILLIE BIPPER ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL – Cleveland – This outdoor arts & crafts show features over 75 exhibits, with food booths, entertainment, and handcrafted arts & crafts items. CONTACT: Tri-State Exhibition Center, 423-478-3114

NATCHEZ TRACE POW WOW – Historic Leiper’s Fork Village, Franklin – Features the life and customs of Native American Indians. Experience traditional dances, storytelling, arts & crafts, traditional foods, and more. CONTACT: Natchez Trace Pow Wow, 615-599-7347, natcheztracepowwow.com, (AC)

ETOWAH ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL – Historic L & N Depot, Etowah – Come and see some of the region’s best crafters while enjoying two days of live entertainment, fun, and food. CONTACT: Joyce James, 423-263-9475, etowahcoc.org

OCTOBER 3-25 (call for schedule)

SECRET CITY FALL COLOR EXCURSION TRAIN RIDES – Oak Ridge – Enjoy the incredible beauty of East Tennessee’s fall colors. CONTACT: Southern Appalachia Railway Museum, 865-241-2140, southernappalachia.railway.museum

OCTOBER 8-11

TENNESSEE FALL HOMECOMING – Museum of Appalachia, Norris – Fall Homecoming is one of the nation’s largest and most authentic music, craft, and folk festivals. More than 400 musicians perform on five stages. Features storytelling, old time crafts, pioneer activities, country cooking, and more. CONTACT: Museum of Appalachia, 865-494-7680, museumofappalachia.org, (AC)

OCTOBER 9-11

GOATS, MUSIC & MORE FESTIVAL – Rock Creek Park, Lewisburg – Features concerts, fainting goat shows, barbecue cook-off, games, food, entertainment, and more. CONTACT: Lisa Jackson, 931-359-1544, goatsmusicandmore.com

HERITAGE DAYS – Rogersville – Rogersville’s historic town square with its quaint shops and historic homes provide a warm, welcoming setting for Heritage Days – a traditional community celebration of Rogersville’s unique heritage. The festival showcases traditional music, storytellers, dancers, special events for children, demonstrations of pioneer skills, antique quilts, cars and farm equipment, a juried craft show, and a food court to delight everyone!  CONTACT: Heritage Association of Rogersville, 423-272-1961, rogersvilleheritage.org

OCTOBER 10

BISCUITS AND BLUEGRASS – Loveless Café, Nashville – Celebrates community and tradition with live music, pumpkin decorating, face painting, apple bobbing, food and activities for the entire family. CONTACT: Loveless Cafe, 615-646-9700, lovelesscafe.com

GERMANTOWN’S OKTOBERFEST – Nashville – Features arts & crafts, antique and specialty booths, live music, Funland for children, authentic German food and beverages, tours of historic churches, and more. CONTACT: Jerry Strobel, 615-818-3959, nashvilleoktoberfest.com

MID-OCTOBER

WEBB SCHOOL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL – Bell Buckle – A juried art and craft show featuring clay, metal, basket weaving, and more. Includes food from around the world, storytellers, and musical entertainment. CONTACT: Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce, 931-389-9663, bellbucklechamber.com

OCTOBER 16-18

FOOTHILLS FALL FESTIVAL – Maryville – The festival is renowned for its world-class entertainment at Theater in the Park, juried arts & crafts in historic downtown Maryville, sixteen acres of children’s activities in the award winning Greenbelt Park and a wide variety of foods throughout the festival. CONTACT: Jane Groff, 865-273-3445, foothillsfallfestival.com

OCTOBER 17

11^th ANNUAL FALL FOLKLORE JAMBOREE – West Tennessee Agricultural Museum, Milan – More than 120 traditional folk artists, musicians and exhibitors demonstrate skills in traditional crafts such as soap making, blacksmithing, tatting, weaving and quilting. Demonstrations include chuckwagon cooking, apple cider press, basketry, flint knapping and corn shelling. Music provided by local bluegrass and gospel groups. CONTACT: Debra Campbell, 731-686-7362, http://milan.tennessee.edu, (AC)

HATCHIE FALL FEST – Historic Court Square, Brownsville – Features live music, arts & crafts, children’s events, contests, exhibits, scarecrow contest, car show and more family-friendly activities. CONTACT: Hatchie Fall Fest, 731-780-5144, allaboutbrownsville.net/hatchiefallfest

OCTOBER 17-18

BEAN STATION HARVEST PRIDE DAYS – Bean Station – Celebrates the life and culture of the area. Crafts, food, entertainment, and exhibits create a festive event. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, 866-577-4222, graingerchamber.com

AUSSIE FALL FEST CHILLIN’ & GRILLIN’ – Greeneville – This cook-off event features a chili cook off, and a barbecue and wings cook off. The event also offers crafts, antique cars, a Kids’ Zone, karaoke competition, Miss Fall Fest Pageant, food, and more. CONTACT: Greene County Partnership Tourism, 423-638-4111, greenecountypartnership.com/chillin.aspx

33^rd ANNUAL KETNER’S MILL COUNTRY ARTS FAIR – Historic Ketner’s Mill, Whitwell – This country arts fair is located at a beautiful historic mill and dam on the Sequatchie River. Includes wool spinning and weaving, sorghum grinding, chair caning demonstrations, wagon rides, canoe rides, live entertainment, folk art, handmade jewelry, hand-woven baskets, metal art, and wood furniture. CONTACT: Ketner’s Mill Fair, 423-267-5702, ketnersmill.com, (AC)

OCTOBER 23-24

JACK DANIEL’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP INVITATIONAL BARBECUE – Wiseman Park, Lynchburg – The good people of Lynchburg have joined the folks at Jack Daniel Distillery to host the annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue – what many have called the most prestigious barbecue competition in the world. CONTACT: Debbie Christian, 931-759-6332, jackdaniels.com

OCTOBER 24-25

MOUNTAIN MAKINS’ FESTIVAL – Rose Center, Morristown – Experience this folklife celebration of the Appalachian traditions through music, dance, juried crafts, fine art, demonstrators of traditional crafts, Appalachian storytelling, regional authors, children’s activities, 8K run/walk, food and more. The festival is housed in and around Rose Center, an 1892 school building now serving as an historical museum and cultural arts center. CONTACT: Sharon Pritchard, 423-581-4330, rosecenter.org, (AC)

OCTOBER 31

PUMPKINFEST – Franklin – Fall festival with arts & crafts, children’s costume contest and activities, chili cook-off, and music. CONTACT: Heritage Foundation, 615-591-8500, historicfranklin.com

NOVEMBER

EARLY NOVEMBER

FAYETTEVILLE…HOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST – Fayetteville – Festivities include storytelling, craft demonstrations, musical performances, activities for children, and more. CONTACT: Chamber of Commerce, 888-433-1234, hostofchristmaspast.com

NOVEMBER 1-DECEMBER 31

CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY – Knoxville – Celebrate the jolliest eight weeks in the South. Knoxville will dress for the holidays with lighted trees, decorations, events, and displays. CONTACT: City of Knoxville, 865-215-4248, cityofknoxville.org, (AC) for some events

NOVEMBER 1-JANUARY 31

TRINITY CHRISTMAS CITY USA – Trinity Music City, Hendersonville – Features over one million lights, tours of Conway Twitty’s former home, and the TBN studios. CONTACT: Trinity Music City, 615-826-9191, sumnercvb.com

NOVEMBER 3-FEBRUARY 28

SMOKY MOUNTAIN WINTERFEST – Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge – The gateway towns to the Smokies turn into a winter wonderland with over two million lights, fantastic displays, and special events throughout. CONTACT: Chambers of Commerce, 888-766-5948, visitsevierville.com; 800-568-4748, gatlinburg.com; 800-251-9100, mypigeonforge.com

NOVEMBER 4 – FEBRUARY 28

GATLINBURG WINTER MAGIC™ – Gatlinburg – The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with over three million spectacular lights, including displays. CONTACT: 800-568-4748, gatlinburg.com

NOVEMBER 7-JANUARY 2

20^th ANNUAL DOLLYWOOD’S SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS – Pigeon Forge – Featuring special holiday shows and over four million lights and award-winning holiday entertainment. CONTACT: Dollywood, 800-DOLLYWOOD, dollywood.com

MID-NOVEMBER-JANUARY

GAYLORD OPRYLAND’S “A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS®” – Nashville – Sensational decorations, entertainment and some of the most delectable food anywhere.  Features the Radio City Christmas Spectacular®, ICE!™, the Louise Mandrell Christmas Dinner Party™, and more. CONTACT: Gaylord Opryland, 888-OPRY-872, gaylordopryland.com

NOVEMBER 20-JANUARY 1

ROCK CITY’S ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTS – Chattanooga – This award-winning, light extravaganza features more than 30 holiday scenes and over a million lights that transform the gardens’ natural daytime splendor into a nocturnal fantasyland.  Enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, hot cocoa and nightly entertainment. CONTACT: Rock City Gardens, 800-854-0675, seerockcity.com, (AC)

NOVEMBER 20-JANUARY 2

DECK THE FALLS – Ruby Falls, Chattanooga – The holiday season is a special time at Ruby Falls as they Deck the Falls.  Additions to everyday activities include a special holiday light show at the waterfalls, holiday music in the cave and beautifully decorated lobby and grounds that includes old St Nick. CONTACT: Ruby Falls, 800-755-7105, rubyfalls.com, (AC)

NOVEMBER 20-JANUARY10

CHRISTMAS AT GRACELAND – Memphis – For many years the tradition was to put decorations in place early December and keep them up at least through Elvis' birthday in January. Graceland authentically continues Elvis' Christmas decorating traditions each year. Tour Graceland during the holiday season to experience how Elvis celebrated Christmas at his beloved home. CONTACT: Graceland, 800-238-2000, elvis.com

NOVEMBER 21-22

CENTENNIAL HOLIDAY SHOW – Franklin – Features more than 170 artists and craftsmen from a dozen states.  The show’s emphasis is on handmade crafts. CONTACT: Centennial High School, 615-472-4271 ext. 2335, wcs.edu/chs/holidayshow

NOVEMBER 21-JANUARY 3

SPEEDWAY IN LIGHTS – Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway, Bristol – One of the largest holiday light shows in the Southeast, this drive-through route is five miles long and encompasses a drive on “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile” as well as down the legendary Thunder Valley Drag Strip. More than 200 animated displays and more than 1.5 million lights. CONTACT: Sheila Long, 423-989-6933, bristolmotorspeedway.com

NOVEMBER 23-DECEMBER 6

GREAT SMOKY ARTS & CRAFTS HOLIDAY SHOW – Gatlinburg – Unique handcrafted Christmas gifts made by members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. CONTACT: 800-568-4748, gatlinburgcrafts.com

NOVEMBER 24-JANUARY 1

CHRISTMAS ON THE CUMBERLAND – Clarksville – The City of Clarksville celebrates the holiday season with over one million lights in whimsical holiday displays along the Cumberland RiverWalk. CONTACT: Office of Special Events, 931-645-7444, christmasonthecumberland.com

NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 31

HOLIDAY HARMONY – Nashville – Nashville has your ticket to Holiday Harmony, bringing together the best of entertainment – from club shows to extravaganzas – sports, and fine art. CONTACT: Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, 800-657-6910, visitmusiccity.com

NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 20

GATLINBURG WINTER MAGIC TUNES & TALES™ – Gatlinburg – Through the holiday season, visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling and entertainment. CONTACT: 800-568-4748, gatlinburg.com