October 2017 Things to Do
It’s no secret that seeing the colors of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains are Ahhh-Mazing, so it’s only natural that October is a peak tourist season. While we know you’ll definitely be planning to hike a few trails and maybe have a fall picnic in the park, we wanted you to know that there is a ton of fun things to do outside of the park too. There’s two of the years biggest crafts shows, a countywide harvest festival, sweet sounds of Gospel music at Dollywood, and some of the best Halloween fun you’ve ever seen! You might be surprised that – even in October – many of these special events are free or almost free!
Book Your Smoky Mountains Fall Colors Getaway!
Heartland Rentals Cabins in Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
October Fall Festivals and Special Events
1
Sugarlands Mountainfest: Sugarlands Distilling Company presents a 4-day festival celebrating the great outdoors! There will be award-winning spirits and brews, road races and fishing tournaments, and more than 30 live concert performances. VIP and general admission tickets available.
1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, 31
Ripley’s Fright Nights: The 19th Annual Fright Nights at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure brings the “SCARY” with a special, frightful show each weekend in October! Show is included with your regular admission ticket every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening plus Halloween night. Show begins at 6 p.m. with a character parade and continues through closing. Confirm dates and activities at (865) 430-9991.
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Kid’s Day at Quaker Steak: Every Sunday through January 14, 2018 is Kid’s Day at Quaker Steak & Lube in Sevierville. Ages 10 & under get a Kid’s Lube Cruiser meal for $1.99 when accompanied by an adult diner from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Gospel Music, Appalachian Crafts, Pumpkin IllumiNights
1-28
Dollywood Fall Harvest Festival: This year’s festival combines the Dollywood Southern Gospel Jubilee and Great Pumpkin Luminights. Longer hours in October give you more opportunities to experience the harvest at Dollywood with four weeks of free gospel concerts, pumpkin-themed food, authentic mountain crafts, and the nightly Great Pumpkin LumiNights finale.
1-28
42nd Annual Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Craft Fair: Talented artists from all over the USA gather under the ‘big tent’ to offer unique handcrafted gifts and products. This is a great opportunity to purchase fall decor and Christmas gifts! Located at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge and open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission by donation.
1-29
Oktoberfest: Ober Gatlinburg continues to bring time-honored, traditional Munich Oktoberfest activities to the mountains of Tennessee. This annual Oktoberfest Celebration features Bavarian-style foods, bier garten, music and live daily shows through October 29. Multiple Bavarian Funmakers Oopmpah Band shows daily. Kids activities include outdoor games, inflatables and face painting. (865) 436-5423
Harvest Season at The Island
1-31
Fall Harvest at the Pigeon Forge Island: The entire island welcomes autumn as it transforms with abundant harvest decor. Bring your camera as the harvest setting will make for great family souvenir photos. Enjoy your time listening to music, riding the Wheel, doing and little shopping and looking forward to the changing of the leaves. Confirm festival dates and activities prior to arriving by calling (865) 286-0119.
1-31
Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival: A celebration of harvest season features festivals, special events and autumn-themed displays throughout Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Kid’s Night at Texas Roadhouse Sevierville: Every Monday from 5-8 p.m. now through December 18, your kids can join in a legendary roundup of fun including Andy Armadillo, face painting and coloring during a variety of theme nights. To top of the fun is an ice cream sundae bar!
3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Kid’s Night at Texas Roadhouse Pigeon Forge: Every Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. now through December 27, your kids can join in a legendary roundup of fun including face painting, arts & crafts, a balloon artist, and eating contest. To top of the fun is $.99 Ranger meals and an ice cream sundae bar!
Every Monday & Tuesday Nights
5-22
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair: From across the country, artisans and craftsmen will arrive at the Gatlinburg Convention Center to demonstrate their skills and sell their creations at the annual Fall Craft Show. Browse, shop, and enjoy pop country hits, bluegrass and off-the-wall humor of The Dennis Lee Band. Adult admission is $7, children 12 and under are free. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6-7
Vette Fest: The East Tennessee Corvette Club hosts the 2017 Vette Fest in Pigeon Forge at Country Cascades Hotel. The 39th annual event includes a fun-filled weekend with a car show, cruise and Friday & Saturday night dances for Vette owners from across the country.
6-8
Smoky Mountain Homecoming: The Robert Tino Gallery in Sevierville hosts their annual fall Smoky Mountain Homecoming from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This free event brings hay rides, pumpkin painting, old fashioned kids games, traditional cooking skills, a tractor show and so much more that exemplify fall in the Smokies.
6-9
Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale: 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue and brought us excellent savings on the sidewalks of Tanger Outlet Mall in Sevierville. Check out available coupons from select retailers for additional discounts.
7-8
Fall Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament: Plan to be in Pigeon Forge to drop a line in this second of two annual fishing tournaments offered by Rocky Top Outfitter for 2 days of fishing fun and competition. Fish miles of mountain streams stocked with over 10,000 trout! Open to youth and adults with multiple categories so everyone can enjoy this summer pastime and have a chance to win great prizes. Gatlinburg and state fishing regulations will be observed. Tournament starts at 30 minutes before sunrise and lasts until 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Call (865) 661-3474 or visit online at Rocky Top Outfitter.
7-8
Circle Yur Wagons: The Appalachian Volkswagen Association celebrates 22 years during their Volkswagen car show at Sevier County Fairgrounds. Enjoy the show, vendor sales and swap, and contests with great prizes. Spectator fees are $7 for a 1-day pass and $12 for the weekend, children under 12 are free with paying adult.
Bruce Street Brewfest
October 14
13
Square Dance in the Holler: Visit Moonshine Holler at The Island in Pigeon Forge for an old fashioned square dance with The Hogslop Stringband. The party kicks off at 7 p.m. For future entertainment dates, see the Ole Smoky Mooonshine events calendar.
14
14th Anniversary Cruise In: 14th on the 14th! Visit The Diner in Sevierville for a fun event with a focus on cool cars! Music by Gary’s Sound Machine. $10 puts you in drawings for $25 (2) & $50 (2), free beverage with meal purchase, merchandise discounts, Trophies for Best of Show, The Diner Pick, The Diner Rats Big Cheese, and Most Patriotic. Event takes place 4-9 p.m. The Diner is a locally owned, one of a kind American diner located on Winnfield Dunn Parkway nears Lowe’s Home Improvement.
14
Bruce Street Brewfest: Downtown Sevierville welcomes the 2nd Annual Bruce Street Brewfest on Saturday from 1-6 p.m. Festival will feature dozens of novice and professional brewers, lots of good food and live entertainment. Bring a designated driver and come out to have a hoppin’ good time!
14, 28, 31
Free Music Nights at Hard Rock Cafe: Hard Rock Cafe Pigeon Forge continues their free concert nights with three concerts during October. Feature bands are The Kincaid Band and Brothers Rain. 9-11 p.m.
15
T. Graham Brown & Jimmy Fortune in Concert: First Class Concerts presents T. Graham Brown & Jimmy Fortune at Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge for the 3 p.m. show. Visit FirstClassConcerts.com for the remaining 2017 celebrity concerts in Pigeon Forge.
20
Mickey Gilley & Johnny Lee in Concert: First Class Concerts presents Mickey Gilley & Johnny Lee at Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge for 3 & 8 p.m. shows. Visit FirstClassConcerts.com for the remaining 2017 celebrity concerts in Pigeon Forge.
20-21
1st Annual Veterans Bluegrass & Gospel Festival: Head to the Sevier County Fairgrounds for two days of Gospel music, food and fellowship in support of American Legion Post #104 members, family and community. Invited artists include Sideline, The King James Boys, Clay Hess Band, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, and our local favorite Krystal Rayne.
Happy Halloween
21
Jeep-tober Fest in the Smokies: Jeep Girls of the Smokies head to Quaker Steak & Lube from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. to celebrate jeep lovin’ fun and friendship. Event includes a Jeep Show with prize, costume contest, DJ, and Jeep accessory vendors. Everyone’s invited!
26
Halloween Trick or Treat: Traditional games, fun and candy! Free Safe Halloween event takes place at the Pigeon Forge Community Center beginning at 6 p.m. Arrive early as this is a favorite event of visitors and locals alike.
26
Live Music at Ole Smoky Moonshine: Visit the Gatlinburg Moonshine Holler for free entertainment by Sideline Live at 7 p.m. For future entertainment and dates, see the Ole Smoky Mooonshine events calendar.
28
5th Annual Halloween at The Island: From 5-10 p.m., you and your little monsters can enjoy an entertaining Halloween Carnival with circus acts, face painting, kiddie rides, costume contests and tons of candy.
30-November 2
Creekside Gospel Music Convention and Diamond Awards: The 6th annual Creekside Gospel Music convention brings friends and fans together at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center for four days of spiritually uplifting music, fun and fellowship. New for 2017: Midnight Prayer is back! http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/
31
Trick Or Treat Kickoff Carnival: Local businesses offer contests, costumed characters, inflatables and candy on Halloween at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. Proceeds benefit the United Way of Sevier County. Gatlinburg Police Department and Gatlinburg Fire Department will offer trick or treat and fire safety tips. Carnival begins at approximately 1 p.m. with downtown trick-or-treat after 6 p.m.
Upcoming November Events:
Dolly’s Smoky Mountain Christmas
Smoky Mountains Winterfest
Winterfest Kickoffs in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Old Mill Holiday Homecoming
Book Your Smoky Mountains Fall Colors Getaway!
Heartland Rentals Cabins in Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
