A crisp chill in the air, cozy sweaters, fiery reds, bursting oranges and bright yellows glow through the trees, fall festivals and spooky experiences abound. Here’s what’s new and happening this fall in Tennessee. Brought to you by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
New & Unique Fall Experiences
Smithville – Nature meets luxury at Your Glamping Adventure, a unique glamping experience at Five Meadows Farms, tucked away in the mountains overlooking Center Hill Lake.
Chattanooga – Climb aboard and stay in a restored 1920s train car beginning Oct. 31 at the Hotel Chalet at the Choo Choo, a blend of nostalgia and first-class nestled in the mountains. Book your stay.
Pigeon Forge – Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort celebrates its grand opening Nov. 3, where Smoky Mountain beauty meets refined luxury.
Southeast Tennessee – Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tennessee’s fall colors Rafting the Ocoee River. Ocoee River outfitters run fall rafting trips through October, a unique and adrenaline-pumping experience on the river.
Soddy Daisy – Visitors at Flat Top Mountain Farm can delight in hayrides, handpick their favorite pumpkins, create colorful bouquets, adventure through the corn maze and savor scenic views.
Memphis – Experience Memphis’ riverfront at the revitalized Tom Lee Park with a plaza, play area, covered recreational space, café pavilions, meditative paths, canopy walk, sound gardens and more.
Nashville– Artville, the city’s first-ever public arts festival is FREE with 20 public art installations and murals, immersive art experiences, artisanal food, beer, wine and kids’ programming Sept. 29-Oct. 1.
Franklin – The reimagined Factory at Franklin features a Grand Hall anchored by “The Skylight Bar,” a new home for Studio Tenn called Turner Theatre, a hand-carved and hand-painted carousel, outdoor park-like spaces and new shops, restaurants and attractions.
Springfield – Bring a blanket, marvel at the moon, stargaze, enjoy an outdoor showing of “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial” and art activities during the International Observe the Moon Night at J. Travis Price Park.
Manchester – The Manchester Zombie Walk and Halloween Faire Friday, Oct. 13 at Fred Deadman Park will feature vendors, face-painting, axe throwing, food trucks, live bands and a spooky good time.
Huntsville – Unlock the stories of the Historic Scott County Jail with museum tours, escape games, special events, after dark tours and private paranormal tours.
Limestone – Come see the world’s only spotless giraffe in Northeast Tennessee. Kipekee is an international superstar at Brights Zoo.
New Restaurants, Breweries, Wines, Spirits & Shops
Memphis – Old Dominick’s new Trolley Stop Series featured a collection of premium whiskeys named after four iconic Memphis trolley stops, a unique and unforgettable sipping experience.
Shelbyville – Enjoy new experiences at the world’s longest bar at Humble Baron at Nearest Green Distillery. The showpiece bar wraps around an indoor stage and guests can enjoy elevated fare, gospel brunches, creative cocktails and live music.
Lawrenceburg – Savor gourmet, creative pizzas like The Aretha Franklin, Just Peachy and Yellerbelly, cooked on a stone in a traditional pizza oven at The Pie Factory on the Downtown Square.
Knoxville – Enjoy traditional espresso, cappuccino and coffee drinks, unique teas, pastries, grab & go snacks, wine and mocktails at Partial Coffee & Wine in North Knoxville.
Johnson City – Cranky’s Pump N Pints is a family-friendly beer garden featuring an outdoor patio, kid’s pump track, craft beer and ciders, located on Tweetsie Trail trailhead, perfect after a scenic bike ride.
Tennessee Fall Festivals & Events
Gatlinburg (Now-Oct. 31) – Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival is decked out with pumpkins, seasonal décor, beer tasting, haunted rides on the Rail Runner, nighttime zip line rides, live music and movie nights on weekends in October.
Nashville (Sept. 16-Oct. 29) – Cheekwood Harvest is back with sweeps of chrysanthemums, a Pumpkin Village, walk along the scarecrow trail, music in the beer garden, new P’mumpkin topiary and more.
Eagleville (Sept. 16-Oct. 29) – Pick the perfect pumpkin, wagon and pony rides, corn maze, mega slides and petting lovable animals during the Fall Family Fun Pumpkin Festival at Lucky Ladd Farms.
Kingsport (Sept. 23-24) – The Fall Folk Arts Festival at the 1850s farm, Exchange Place, celebrates the harvest with traditional folk arts, seasonal crafts, old-timey foods, music, children activities, sorghum making, blacksmithing, spinning, chair caning and more.
Columbia (Sept. 30) – The family-friendly Fall Fest downtown is the perfect way to welcome the spirit of the season with live music, food trucks, freshly-made treats, handmade goods and fall activities.
Murfreesboro (Sept. 30) – Enjoy craft beer, local food trucks and fun during Oktoberfest at Oakland’s Mansion. Bring chairs, blankets and pups, just make sure they are on a leash.
Clarksville (Oct. 3-7) – Spread your creative wings during ArtsvilleFest which feature multiple community art projects, live muralists and chalk artists, vendors, kid zones with jump houses and more.
Granville (Oct. 4-28) – The Scarecrow & Artisans Festival features unique fall creations lining the streets, colorful displays for photos, artisan demonstrations and a scarecrow decorating contest.
Jonesborough (Oct. 6-8) – Enjoy world-class storytelling at the National Storytelling Festival in Tennessee’s oldest town, which honors the rich and varied storytelling tradition, in-person and ways to watch from home.
McMinnville (Oct. 7) – Spend the day shopping from over 200 vendors, supporting local businesses, crafts, food, fun, games and delicious food at the Autumn Street Fair in the historic downtown.
Centerville (Oct. 7+8) – Taste the sweetness and walk the puddin’ path during the National Banana Pudding Festival with two stages of live entertainment, a cook-off and fun activities.
Memphis (Oct. 13+20) – Mystery lovers can dress up and enjoy a night of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and suspense at Masquerade Mystery at The Museum of Science & History. Tickets are limited.
Sparta (Oct. 14) – Enjoy bluegrass music, crafts, classic cars and food at Liberty Square: A Lester Flatt Celebration downtown. The celebration is free.
Crossville (Oct. 21) – Calling all squatchers and cryptid curious. The Upper Cumberland Bigfoot Festival will feature Cliff Barackman from “Finding Bigfoot,” Wild Bill Huckleberry and Buck from “Mountain Monsters,” arts, crafts, games, Bigfoot calling and fun for just $5 at Cumberland County Fairgrounds.
Rugby (Oct. 21 + 28) – Witness the spirits of Halloween at Historic Rugby’s Ghostly Gathering around the 1880 village with spooky building tours, chili supper and ghost stories under the big tent.
Nashville (Oct. 27) – Experience The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, an interactive one-man play about the classic horror tale at The Hermitage with showings at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.
For a full list of events happening this fall in Tennessee, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
About Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Tennessee is the home of the blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll— delivering an unparalleled experience of beauty, history and family adventure, infused with music that creates a vacation that is the “Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” Explore more at tnvacation.com.
The I-75 Exit Guide is the Internet’s largest and most complete website dedicated to Interstate 75 travelers. Find detailed exit service listings… lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from Michigan to Florida!
On the road? Why not take us with you. The I-75 Exit Guide is mobile-friendly and totally FREE. No App Required.
Traveling another route? Visit our growing family of exit guides: I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-10 Exit Guide, I-75 Exit Guide, I-80 Exit Guide and I-95 Exit Guide. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit along the way!
