With so much to see and do in The Smokies – we thought it would be helpful to create this little round-up of upcoming local events throughout Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! For a complete events calendar, check out our events calendar page. Want to add your event to the list – contact us here.
The Listening Room Cafe
The Listening Room Cafe was founded in 2006 in Franklin, Tenn., by Chris Blair, a singer/songwriter. As he played around town, he realized he couldn’t find a local venue that had the sound and atmosphere that the artists deserved. In July of 2021, he opened his second location in the vibrant Mountain Mile area off of Teaster Lane. The Cafe is a destination for great food and drink in a true listening atmosphere where you can hear the stories behind the songs. Visit the website to view the current calendar.
- Where: The Listening Room Cafe
- Address: 2703 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Month of October 2021
- When: $5 to $10, see website for details
Kyker Farms Corn Maze
Kyker Farms invites you to enjoy an authentic farm adventure featuring corn mazes, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and much more. Local or Tennessee safety guidelines at the time will be in place. Follow the website for details and updates.
- Where: Kyker Farms
- Address: 938 Alder Branch Road, Sevierville TN 37876
- Date: Now until Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021
- When: Daily; $14.50 (ages 6 and up), $9 (ages 3-5), 2 and under are free
Free Music at Puckett’s
Puckett’s restaurant and music venue embodies true Tennessee culture through its signature comfort foods and featuring of talented area artists and musicians. Some of the musicians slated for October are Jake Pearce, Roy Saunders, The Warman Trio, Jonah Tran, Nick Swan and Doug Wilhite. Please check the Puckett’s Grocery Pigeon Forge website for updates or cancellations.
- Where: Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant
- Address: 2480 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Thursdays – Saturdays in October
- When: 7:30 pm
WonderWorks Art Contest
The Smoky Mountain Youth Art Gallery is hosting its second round of applications, giving young artists a chance to show off their artistic abilities. This year’s theme is “Imagination.” Applications are currently open, with the submission deadline being Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Winners will have their work on display in the gallery and will receive free tickets to WonderWorks. For more information or to apply, visit the website.
- Where: WonderWorks Pigeon Forge
- Address: 100 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Ongoing until Dec. 15, 2021
- When: Daily, follow the website
Live Music at the Firefly Bar and Grill Patio at Wilderness at the Smokies
Enjoy live music at the Wilderness at the Smokies Firefly Bar and Grill patio. Sara Collins, Slade Adams, Elijah Wise, Alex Forester and Bill Fonner are currently scheduled for the month of October. Visit the Facebook event page for more information or schedule changes.
- Where: Wilderness at the Smokies
- Address: 1424 Old Knoxville Highway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37876
- Date: Ongoing
- When: 6-9 pm, check the website for updates
Smoky Mountain Sunrise at Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
Ticket holders for the Smoky Mountain Sunrise event will be able to board the SkyLift before dawn, enjoy live music on the SkyDeck, and have a complimentary coffee before watching a sunrise over the Smoky Mountains. Guests will have access to the SkyLift, SkyCenter, SkyBridge and SkyDeck, along with an exclusive sneak-peek of the SkyTrail before it opens to the public. For more information, visit the Facebook page.
- Where: Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
- Address: 765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays until-Oct. 31, 2021
- When: Loading SkyLift around 6:30 am, with regular admission
Ober Gatlinburg OktOBERfest
This annual event celebrates some of the time-honored traditions of the original OktOBERfest in Munich, Germany. OktOBERfest at Ober Gatlinburg is the best way to experience the Smoky Mountains in the fall. Changing leaves and cooler temperatures make it the perfect time to visit the area and enjoy this indoor/outdoor festival! Visit the webpage for details and updates.
- Where: Ober Gatlinburg
- Address: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Date: Now until Oct. 31, 2021
- When: Regular admission, beer and food are billed separately
Fright Nights at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure multiplies the number of performers and features throughout the attraction. Children under 6 are not allowed due to the intensity of the attraction. Ages 6-11 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit the website for information.
- Where: Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
- Address: 908 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Date: Month of October
- When: Friday-Sunday (6-11 cost $9.99, 12 and up cost $14.99)
Rocky Top Mountain Coaster Frightful Event
It’s almost here, prepare for FEAR “Coasts” and Goblins! Rocky Top Coaster offers this amazingly frightful event where monsters, vampires, ghosts and goblins abound. Visit the website for ticket information.
- Where: Rocky Top Mountain Coaster
- Address: 2940 Veterans Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Month of October
- When: During regular attraction hours
WonderWorks Ask an Astronaut
WonderWorks is hosting a Q & A with former NASA astronaut, Dr. Don Thomas, and they need your help. Students and teachers are encouraged to submit questions to Dr. Thomas to learn more about his career, his time in space, what he’s doing now and how STEM played a role in his journey. Questions will be answered in a video Q & A with Dr. Thomas. Visit the website for information.
- Where: WonderWorks Pigeon Forge
- Address: 100 Music Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Submit your question online in October
- When: Daily
Dollywood Harvest Festival and LumiNights
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, presented by Humana, is even more spectacular this season with thousands of carved and illuminated jack-o-lanterns immersing families in fabulous fall fun. Great Pumpkin LumiNights also features new pumpkin-themed food options, entertainment and interactive opportunities for park guests. For more information, visit the website.
- Where: Dollywood Theme Park
- Address: 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Now-Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021
- When: Daily, with park admission
Autumn at Anakeesta
This fall, guests will be able to experience the many colors of autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains from Anakeesta. This year’s fall event will feature seasonal food, drinks, games, live entertainment and a variety of family-friendly activities. The flavors of fall will be apparent in dishes and drinks at all of the eateries. Monday through Sunday guests can enjoy live music in Black Bear Village while they relax and take in the fall colors of the Great Smoky Mountains. Visit the website for more information.
- Where: Anakeesta
- Address: 576 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Date: Month of October
- When: Daily, with park admission
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Two hundred booths with handmade, unduplicated items will be on display at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair this fall. Each participant is subject to a rigorous jury process to ensure the uniqueness and quality of their respective products. Live music and DIY crafts are also scheduled. Concessions are available for sale through the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit the Craftsmen’s Fair website to learn more.
- Where: Gatlinburg Convention Center
- Address: 234 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Date: Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 7-24, 2021
- When: 10 am-5 pm ($10 cash only, 17 and under free with adult)
Chalkfest at The Island
What better way to utilize The Island’s walkways than by turning them into a canvas? All artists, professional and aspiring, are invited to create a masterpiece. Chalk and concrete will be provided. This year’s theme is “Nature”. Prefer to watch? Come check out our featured artists and be sure to vote for your favorite community piece at the only chalk festival in Sevier County! Register online at the website.
- Where: The Island Pigeon Forge
- Address: The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021 (rain date Monday, Oct. 11, 2021)
- When: 8 am-6 pm, free parking and admission
Alcatraz East Honors National Police Week
Alcatraz East honors National Police Week with free admission for law enforcement. Guests and family are admitted at a 50% discount. In addition to the free admission, officers will be able to get a free 5×7 image and receive a gift from the museum while supplies last. To receive the free admission, officers will need to show their identification or current pay stub. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount offers. Visit the Facebook page for details.
- Where: Alcatraz East Crime Museum
- Address: 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021-Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021
- When: Daily, free for law enforcement; guests, 50% discount
Monsters on the Mountain
Mark your calendar for this 3-day rock experience. Currently scheduled performers include Vixen, Eclipse, Liliac, Randy Hansen, Firehouse, Rhino Bucket, John Crab, Kix, Kingdom Come, Tesla, Ben Woods and more. Visit the website for more information and to buy tickets.
- Where: Leconte Center Pigeon Forge
- Address: 2986 Teaster Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Friday, Oct. 15, 2021-Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021
- When: TBD, admission $265 weekend pass and $150 daily tickets
Lanier General Store Fall Festival
Lanier General Store’s Fall Festival will include craft demos, wood and chainsaw art, wreaths, fall decor, furniture, book are, moonshine merchandise, and so much more. This is a great opportunity to buy that unique Christmas gift and support local artists. Visit the Facebook page for updates and more information.
- Where: Lanier General Store
- Address: 1382 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021-Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021
- When: 10 am-5 pm, Saturday and 11 am-5 pm, Sunday
Sevierville’s History and Haunts
Stroll the streets of historic downtown Sevierville for some family frights and fall fun. The event brings a harvest of activities everyone will enjoy, from guided historic walking tours and costume contests to storytellers, a Halloween-themed dance party, and lawn games. This is a fun fall event for the entire family. There may be a nominal charge for some activities. Visit the Chamber website for information.
- Where: Sevierville
- Address: Downtown Sevierville, TN 37862
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021
- When: 6 pm-10 pm, free admission
Pancakes and Penguins
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind breakfast experience with feathered friends, keeper chats and photo opportunities. Bring your pajamas and learn what these birds do at night. Your ticket includes a hot breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee and juices enjoyed in front of Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse exhibit. Also included is a penguin photo op, an animal expert Q & A and a penguin painting. For more information or updates, visit the website.
- Where: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Address: 88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021
- When: 8 am, admission cost $99.99 plus tax
Halloween Bash N’ Booo-z
Join The Axe House Pigeon Forge for the Halloween Bash N’ Booo-z! This scary special 3-day event includes 1 large, 3 topping pizza with an appetizer (excluding kill shot pub taters) only $19.99! Come in full costume and receive $5 off on axe throwing! Visit the Facebook page for more information.
- Where: Axe House Pigeon Forge
- Address: 2850 Parkway #13, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Friday, Oct. 29, 2021-Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021
- When: During regular hours
Halloween Trick or Treat at The Island
Bring the entire family to The Island on Halloween night for music, trick or treating and a special Halloween fountain show! Trick or treating will be offered at select Island stores and at the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Participating stores will be marked with a sign at their entrance. The Island will be offering a “Buy One Get One Free” unlimited pass for all those in costume. This discount will be offered all day. Visit the Facebook page for more information and updates.
- Where: The Island Pigeon Forge
- Address: The Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021
- When: 5 pm-7 pm, trick or treating (free parking and admission)
Is it safe to visit the mountains the first week of october
It’s safe, no bears.