Plan a Long Weekend in October

Everyone has their favorite season of the year for a variety of reasons, but when you’re talking about spending a long weekend in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, we can give a million reasons to choose fall! Millions of beautiful fall colors on millions of trees, millions of people who call The Great Smoky Mountains National Park their vacation destination, and millions of October things to do throughout Sevier County. (Okay… maybe not millions, but pretty darned close!)

Even if you chose not to partake of a single thing on the October 2015 calendar of events below, your week-long or long weekend getaway in the Smokies will be filled with beautiful scenery, wonderful weather and plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation and renewal. Simply choose a Pigeon Forge cabin with a cozy fireplace and bubbling hot tub, and you’re on your way to doing nothing at all but enjoying a colorful mountain view.

October Events, Festivals and Conventions

1-2
Tennessee Law Institute Convention: Tennessee’s leading provider of continuing legal education offers their annual convention at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

1-3
58th Annual National Quartet Convention: Gospel music fans will congregate the Pigeon Forge LeConte Event Center to enjoy day and evening performances during Christian music’s largest annual event.

1-24
40th Annual Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Craft Fair: Talented artists from from all over the USA gather under the ‘big tent’ to offer unique handcrafted gifts and products. Located at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge. Admission by donation.

1-31
Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival: A celebration of harvest season features festivals, special events and autumn-themed displays throughout Sevier County TN.

Choose a Cabin in Pigeon Forge and Enjoy a Few Cozy Fall Days

in a Cozy Pigeon Forge Cabin

1-November 2
Oktoberfest: This annual Ober Gatlinburg festival features Bavarian-style foods, bier garten, music and live daily shows through November 2. Multiple shows each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (865) 436-5423

2
Thunder Road Ribbon Cutting: Ribbon cutting takes place at Eagle Springs Winery at 11 a.m. followed by Open House until 4 p.m. Stop in and see what all the fuss is about.

2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-31
Ripley’s Fright Nights: The 17th Annual Fright Nights at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure brings the “Experiment in Terror” show each weekend in October, with no extra charge every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening plus Halloween night. (865) 430-9991.

2-31
Dollywood Southern Gospel & Fall Harvest Festival: Partake of the harvest at Dollywood with four weeks of free gospel concerts, delicious tastes of autumn, and authentic mountain crafts.

3
Ray Stevens in Concert: First Class Concerts presents Ray Stevens at Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge. Shows at 3 & 8 p.m. For advance ticket purchase and seating and accessibility information, call (865) 453-2003. Visit FirstClassConcerts.com for a full schedule of celebrity concerts in Pigeon Forge.

3, 10, 17
Gatlinburg Farmers Market: Local farmer’s market offering locally grown produce, homemade products, organic foods and more in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community at the Covered Bridge on Glades Road. Open every Saturday 8:30 a.m. – Noon through October 17. A lot of organic produce, homemade treats and gifts all in a friendly, sociable atmosphere with occasional music provided by local performers. Visit online at www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com for vendor and product information.

4
Circle Yur Wagons: Volkswagen car show at Sevier County Fairgrounds. Spectator fees are $7 for a 1-day pass and $12 for the weekend.

5-9
Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants FallFest Conference: 39th Annual continuing medical education conference takes place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center for PA’s and PA students.

8-11
Anesthesia Spectrum: Northwest Anesthesia Seminars offers continuing education for Anesthesia Professionals during this conference taking place in Gatlinburg at the ParkVista Double Tree by Hilton. Concurrent workshops for other medical personnel also offered.

8-25
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair: Artisans and craftsmen from across the country demonstrate their skills and sell their creations at this fall craft show held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Browse and shop while enjoying live entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

9-11
Insituministries Encouragement For The Journey Conference 2015: Those that work with children and youth in the church encourage leaders during this 3-day conference at Glenstone Lodge in Gatlinburg.

9-12
Columbus Day Sidewalk Sale: 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue and brought excellent savings to the sidewalks of Tanger Outlet Mall in Sevierville. Check out Coupons for sales and additional discounts.

16-17
Don Williams in Concert: First Class Concerts presents Don Williams at Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge 8 p.m. show. Visit FirstClassConcerts.com for a full schedule of 2015 celebrity concerts in Pigeon Forge.

Fall Fun Things to Do October 2015

Fall Fun Events & Festivals

17-18
Smoky Mountain Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Getaway 2015: Head to the Sevierville Convention Center for 2 days of stamping and scrapping fun! Shop, test and learn with professional rubber stamp and scrapbook design companies from around the country.

19-22
Celebrators: LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge welcomes Christian leaders, speakers and performers to learn and celebrate during the 2015 Celebrators Family Reunion.

26-29
Celebrators: The Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge welcomes Christian leaders, speakers and performers to learn and celebrate during the 2015 Celebrators Family Reunion.

29
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.

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. Carnival begins at approximately 1 p.m. with downtown trick-or-treat after 6 p.m.

3rd Annual Halloween at The Island: From 5:30-9:30 p.m., you and your little monsters can enjoy face painting, Pumpkin carving, Carousel rides, costume contests and tons of candy.