As the summer heat gives way to crisp autumn air, Tennessee transforms into a tapestry of fiery reds, vibrant oranges, and golden yellows. With harvest in full swing and the countryside alive with festivity, there's no better time to explore the Volunteer State's unique blend of traditional charm and lively culture. Here are some quintessentially Tennessean fall events that offer an authentic taste of southern hospitality.
**1. The National Storytelling Festival (Jonesborough)**
Dive into the heart of Appalachian tradition at Jonesborough’s historic National Storytelling Festival (100 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659). This revered event celebrates oral traditions with tellers spinning yarns that range from ghostly tales perfect for Halloween to homely anecdotes reflecting Tennessee life. Held annually during the first full weekend in October, this festival is not just a nod to local customs but also reminiscent of narrative classics like those penned by native son Alex Haley.
**2. Unicoi County Apple Festival (Erwin)**
Nothing says fall quite like biting into a juicy apple picked straight from the orchard—or better yet, enjoyed amidst Erwin’s renowned Unicoi County Apple Festival (100 N Main Ave., Erwin, TN 37650), held during early October. Indulge in apple butter making demos or sample some fried apple pies as bluegrass musicians provide a spirited backdrop fit for any banquet scene dreamed up by Cormac McCarthy.
**3. Memphis River Arts Fest (Memphis)**
A fusion of artistry and soulful rhythms awaits you along Riverside Drive at downtown Memphis' River Arts Fest (Riverside Dr., Memphis TN 38103), usually taking place in late October. It's where paintings come alive against Mississippi melodies—think Huckleberry Finn meets B.B King—which give visitors much more than just Instagram-worthy moments; they evoke deep reflections on Southern identity itself.
**4. Oktoberfest in Ober Gatlinburg (Gatlinburg)**
For a twist on tradition—and elevation!—head to Ober Gatlinburg’s Oktoberfest celebration (1339 Ski Mountain Rd., Gatlinburg TN 37738). From late September through November enjoy Bavarian-style fun high in the Smoky Mountains; lederhosen optional! Families can delight in German food while adventurers take scenic chairlift rides among fiery foliage—an ode to Goethe’s colorful leaves without crossing an ocean.
**5. Great Pumpkin LumiNights at Dollywood (Pigeon Forge)**
Part theme park extravaganza part homage to regional craftsman spirit—the Great Pumpkin LumiNights within Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presents thousands hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns illuminating Pigeon Forge nightscape from late September through early November(2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge TN 37863). While surely amusement park-founder herself Dolly Parton would approve—don’t miss exploring her native Sevier County for its rural beauty off-stage too!
These are just appetizers meant to whet your appetite for Tennessee’s cornucopia of fall festivities—not exhaustive by any means but emblematic nontheless each venue encapsulates particular aspects what makes state such uniquely inviting location all year round especially during autumn months whether it be storytelling crafting music heritage agricultural bounty therefore make sure delve beyond guidebook recommendations whenever possible truly savor rich flavors textures Volunteer State season brings!
Websites:
- National Storytelling Festival - [storytellingcenter.net](https://www.storytellingcenter.net/)
- Unicoi County Apple Festival - [unicoicounty.org/apple-festival](http://unicoicounty.org/apple-festival)
- River Arts Fest - [riverartsfestmemphis.org](https://www.riverartsfestmemphis.org/)
- Ober Gatlinburg - [obergatlinburg.com](https://obergatlinburg.com/)
- Dollywood [dollywood.com](https://www.dollywood.com/)
Twitter Handles:
National Storytelling Festival - @StoryConnect
Unicoi County Apple Festival No official Twitter account found.
River Arts Fest @RiverArtsFest
Ober Gatliburg @OberGatliburg
Dollywood @Dollywood
Jonesborough, TN
United States
100 W Main St
Jonesborough, TN 37659
United States
Erwin, TN
United States
100 N Main Ave.
Erwin, TN 37650
United States
Memphis, TN
United States
Riverside Dr.
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
Gatlinburg, TN
United States
1339 Ski Mountain Rd.
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
United States
Pigeon Forge, TN
United States
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd.
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
United States
Https://www.Storytellingcenter.Net/,tn
TN
United States
Http://unicoicounty.Org/apple-festival,tn
TN
United States
Https://www.Riverartsfestmemphis.Org/,tn
TN
United States
Https://obergatlinburg.Com/,tn
TN
United States
Https://www.Dollywood.Com/,tn
TN
United States