Indoor and Outdoor Halloween Events
If you visit the Smoky Mountains fairly often, you know that if there is a holiday, there will be a celebration! Holidays are steeped in tradition and because we know your family is making memories and even creating new traditions that will last for generations, we go about celebrating them in a BIG way! Most events and activities celebrating Halloween are ideal for both kids and adults, and that means even more family vacation fun!
Here are just some of the fun things to do for Halloween in the Smokies:
Dollywood Fall Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights
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.
Dates: September 29-October 28. Operating hours vary.
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
Ripley’s Fright Nights at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
For the 19th year, Fright Nights at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure brings the “SCARY” with a special, frightful show to go along with your Haunted Adventure tour every weekend in October and on Halloween night. There is no additional cost for the Fright Nights show that begins at 6 p.m. with a sidewalk character parade and continues through closing. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and children ages 6 and under are not permitted. Confirm dates and activities at (865) 430-9991.
Fright Night Dates: 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, 31
Shocktober at the Space Needle
On October weekends in 2016, the guys from the popular Impossibilities put together a spectacular “Wicked” show that combined mystery and unexplained phenomenon with a little magic to embody all things Halloween. We anticipate that they’ll be shocking us again this Halloween season, but there was no current information available at the time of this writing.
Dates and Details: TBD
Mysterious Mansion
Mysterious Mansion Halloween Production
Mysterious Mansion has been scaring Smoky Mountains visitors for more than 35 years, and this year will be no different! While they haven’t worked out all the details, special shows will take place on weekend evenings in October. Regular haunting hours are Monday-Thursday 3-11 p.m., Friday Noon-11 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-11p.m.
Dates and Details: TBD
Pigeon Forge Safe Halloween Trick or Treat
Traditional games, costume contests, fun and candy will be found at the Pigeon Forge Community Center. This Safe Halloween event starts at 6 p.m. when kids make their way around to gym visiting local businesses to collect candy and prizes, and then head to game and entertainment stations throughout the facility. Arrive early as this is a favorite event of visitors and locals alike.
Date: Thursday, October 26
Halloween at The Island
Pigeon Forge Island Halloween Carnival
From 5-10 p.m., the Island becomes an all out Halloween carnival with aerial circus acts, acrobats, live entertainment, costume contest and lots and lots of candy! There will be decorative photo ops, Great Smoky Mountain Wheel and kiddie ride specials, great food and free live music.
Date: Saturday, October 28
Downtown Gatlinburg Trick Or Treat Kickoff Carnival
Local businesses set up carnival ‘shop’ to 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. Be sure to bring a sturdy bag because our Gatlinburg folks are firm believers that there can never be too much candy!
Date: Tuesday, October 31
*** Be sure to confirm all events before you arrive. Activities, dates and hours may change without notice. ***
