Nostalgia dominates autumn in Pigeon Forge, where you’ll find a variety of events that celebrate the region’s rich past. As the leaves change and the air takes on a crisp feel, it’s fun (and important) to remember how past Pigeon Forge residents celebrated the harvest season. Fall also brings enchanting music to the region; tap your toes all season as you enjoy catchy tunes and beautiful fall scenery. Celebrate the visual and auditory beauty of Pigeon Forge while attending these popular events:
Old Mill Heritage Day
Location: The Old Mill at Traffic Light #7, Pigeon Forge
Date: September 22
Pigeon Forge’s Old Mill Heritage Day brings the region’s fascinating past to life. Check out the Old Mill — which is nearly 200 years old — during a complimentary guided tour. Don’t skip the event’s many exhibitions, which give you a taste of everyday life in the 1800s. You’ll learn exactly how past Pigeon Forge residents made quilts, sorghum, and even moonshine. Stick around for bluegrass, clogging, and line dancing performances, but don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to jump in and dance on your own. A special area just for the kiddos includes crafts, family-friendly music, and a petting zoo. Old Mill Heritage Day is completely free of charge, so there’s no reason not to stop by for a day of old-fashioned fall fun.
Relive Greased Lightning at the Fall Rod Run
Location: LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge
Dates: September 13-15
The ultimate destination for local automotive enthusiasts, the Fall Rod Run draws a variety of jaw-dropping vehicles to Pigeon Forge in mid-September. This year, the car show will bring thousands of muscle cars of all shape, sizes, and time periods to the LeConte Center. Gaze at the gorgeous contest cars, or participate in the gigantic swap meet featuring hundreds of showcars. If you can’t make it to the actual event, be sure to stop by Pigeon Forge the week prior; many enthusiasts arrive early to nab the best parking spots. Some even display ‘for sale’ signs on the dashboards of their vintage cars — you never know what you might find.
Rotary Club Crafts Festival
Location: Patriot Park, Pigeon Forge
Dates: September 29-October 27
Fall is craft season in Smoky Mountain country. If you just can’t get enough of the crafting fun, check out the Rotary Club Crafts Festival under the huge red and white tent on Old Mill Avenue. For over 40 years, this cherished event has attracted artisans from the Smoky Mountains and all across the country. The fair is open daily between 10 am and 6 pm, so you’ll enjoy plenty of opportunities for browsing throughout the month of October. While admission is free, the Rotary Club strongly encourages donations to local charities in lieu of entry fees. Plenty of free parking is available, but you can also ride the local trolley directly to the festival. No matter how you get there, you’ll find it difficult to leave as you browse hundreds of handmade items.
Join Tens of Thousands of Music Lovers at the National Quartet Convention
Location: LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge
Dates: September 23-29
Every year, the world’s most talented gospel musicians gather for the National Quartet Convention at Pigeon Forge’s LeConte Center. Bask in the beauty of gospel music, which will delight and inspire you. Attracting over 40,000 attendees from over a dozen countries, this celebration of music is one of the most anticipated fall events in the Smoky Mountain region. This year’s lineup includes the Jim Brady Trio, Heart 2 Heart, Karen Peck, Gold City, and many other impressive acts. Don’t forget to stop by the exhibit hall, where you’ll find hundreds of booths featuring artists, record labels, bookstores, and other industry-specific organizations.
Swap Fright For Delight at the Halloween Spooktacular Event
Location: Pigeon Forge Community Center
Date: October 25
Celebrate Halloween in advance at Pigeon Forge’s Spooktacular event. Free to attend and definitely not scary, this is the perfect alternative to your usual trick-or-treat extravaganza. Join your neighbors at the Pigeon Forge Community Center for Halloween-themed games and contests. Vendors from local businesses will pass out candy to your kids. Several of the vendors go all out with decorations and activities in hopes of making this kid-friendly form of trick-or-treating especially memorable.
