W ith the brisk air of September comes all things wonderful about autumn – the changing colors of the trees, cooler temperatures and a renewed desire to be outdoors to enjoy it all. Chattanooga and the surrounding area are ripe with opportunities to get outside and enjoy the weather and all that the Southeast has to offer. The following festivals and fairs – many of which are staples in the arts and crafts world – offer a relaxing way to explore the region, enjoy the arts and spend these beautiful fall days outdoors.
Chattanooga Area Events
The Enchanted MAiZE
Foot of Lookout Mountain
Thursday through Sunday,
September 18 – October 31
Amongst a deep forest of corn stalks, guests of all ages submerse themselves inside a specially designed cornfield. Winding through this maze, made entirely of Indian corn (maize) each row begins to look familiar and guests are captured by the thrill of getting “lost” in the Enchanted MAiZE. Hay rides, a playground, arts and crafts, great food, and the See Rock City barn cap off the fun. Special events and music are also featured during Maize Dayz. Information: www.enchantedmaze.com
Wine Over Water
Walnut Street Bridge
September 26 (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
Stroll over one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges, overlooking the Tennessee River, while sampling wines from over 100 world wineries. Proceeds benefit Cornerstones for Historic Preservation in Chattanooga. Admission: $60, includes commemorative wine goblet, fresh baked breads and a guide to participating wineries and wines. Information: www.wineoverwater.org or (423) 265-2825
Hamilton County Fair
Chester Frost Park
September 26-27 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) / Rain or Shine
Considered the official kickoff to fall, enjoy this two-day event on the 280-acre lakefront venue of Chester Frost Park. The fair celebrates the community’s heritage and traditions through arts, crafts, food, blue ribbon awards and live music, along with hands-on activities for children. Admission: Free. Information: www.hamiltontn.gov/fair/generalinfo/default.htm or (423) 209-6030
AEC Culture Fest 2009
First Tennessee Pavilion
September 27
The AEC Culture Fest is an annual celebration of culture through music, dance, food and fine arts. Enjoy performances, interactive booths, activities for kids, and much more. Admission: Free. Information: www.artsedcouncil.org/page/programs/culture-fest or 1-800-267-4232
Rocktoberfest
Rock City Gardens
Each Saturday and Sunday in October through the 25th (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Offering an opportunity to get in touch with Rock City’s German heritage, Rock City Square will be transformed for a celebration of harvests and fall foliage. This premiere fall celebration includes live German music, polka lessons, German food, specialty beer and costumed characters. Admission: Call for details.
Information: www.seerockcity.com/pages/Rocktoberfest or 1-800-854-0675
Autumn Children’s Festival
Tennessee Riverpark
October 10 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and October 11 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
Benefitting the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House Charities, children of all ages can enjoy over 100 festival activities including carnival games, inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, arts and crafts, a Ronald McDonald magic show, face painting and free Mayfield ice cream. Admission: Free, with small fees for activities.
Information: www.rmhchattanooga.com/www/docs/117 or (423) 778-4140
Holiday Hodgepodge Arts and Crafts Show
Signal Mountain Community Center
and Town Hall
October 11 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and October 12 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
More than 40 crafters will be featured with a diverse array of skills and wares, including polymer clay figures and ornaments, woodworking, candles, hand-turned wood bowls, handmade bags and pocketbooks, jams, jellies, relishes and jewelry. All items must be handmade. Admission: $2 or donation of two canned goods. Information: www.EventLister.com/E1194871
Festival of the
Jack o’ Lanterns
Chattanooga Nature Center
October 17 (2 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and October 18 (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
The Festival of the Jack o’ Lanterns is a fun fall festival for families, featuring a pumpkin carving contest, arts and crafts, farm animals, games for kids, storytelling, food and live music. Once it gets dark, enjoy a jack o’ lantern-lit stroll down the Blue Heron Boardwalk. Information: www.chattanooganaturecenter.org or (423) 821-1160
Surrounding
Areas – Tennessee
Red Clay Arts and Crafts Festival
Cleveland, TN / Historic Red Clay
State Park
September 5 - 7 : Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and Monday 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
Hosted by the Flint Springs Ruritan Club, the festival offers a chance to spend Labor Day weekend mingling with some of the South’s best artists and an opportunity to participate in a variety of demonstrations in crafts ranging from woodturning to photography. There will also be a children’s area with inflatables, a nationally renowned photographer available to take family photos, and between 50 and 100 vendors throughout the festival. Admission: $2. Information: (423) 472-9510
Marion County Fair
Jasper, TN / Marion County Fairgrounds
September 8-12
Patrons of the fair can spend the day enjoying 4-H projects, livestock, various entertainment and food, along with cultural arts and various other exhibits. Information: www.marioncountyfair.com or email info@marioncountyfair.com
Smoky Mountain Fiddlers Convention, Arts & Crafts Festival and Antique Show
Loudon, TN
September 11 (6 p.m.) and September 12 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Since the 1982 World’s Fair, bluegrass musicians have been coming to Loudon to play, listen and compete in this annual event. Bluegrass competition begins Saturday at 10 a.m. Jammers are welcome. Festival includes an antique show, craft show and local art. Admission: Friday evening $15; Saturday $10; Children under 12 free. Information: (865) 986-6822 or 1-888-568-3662
Mountaineer Folk Festival
Pikeville, TN / Fall Creek Falls State Park
September 11-13
This folk festival boasts over 100 handmade arts and craft booths, including pioneer demonstrations and craft demonstrations, as well as traditional mountain music and dance. A variety of food will be available, and live music can be enjoyed from three areas of the park. Admission: Suggested donation of $5 per person/per day or $10 per person for the weekend. Information: www.FallCreekFalls.org or (423) 881-5708
Tennessee State Fair
Nashville, TN / Tennessee State Fairgrounds
September 11-20
The Tennessee State Fair features educational and entertaining exhibits and livestock, as well as agricultural and creative arts competitions. It also provides fun attractions such as a Family Fun zone, Volunteer Village, and the newly added Kids Country. Admission: Free on October 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. / All other dates and times: Adults $9; Seniors $6; Kids $5; Children under 2 free. Information: www.tennesseestatefair.org or (615) 862-8993
Tennessee Valley Fair
Knoxville, TN / Chilhowee Park
September 11-20
In its 90th year, the Tennessee Valley Fair offers the traditional fair experience, including live entertainment and activities, amusement rides – including a ferris wheel – an antique engine and tractor show, fireworks, live gospel music and much more. Admission: $9 for Adults, $7 for Seniors, $5 for Children Ages 6-11, Free for Children 5 & under. Information: www.tnvalleyfair.org or (865) 215-1471
White Oak Craft Fair
Woodbury, TN / The Arts Center of
Cannon County
September 12-13 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
More than 80 artisans will present work, all of which is chosen for its excellence and integrity. The White Oak Craft Fair emphasizes the skill of the individual and celebrates the uniqueness of his or her work. Admission: Free with $2 supervised parking donation to local Lions Club. Information: www.artscenterofcc.com or 1-800-235-9073
Foothills Country Fair
Cleveland, TN / Tri-State
Exhibition Center
September 16-20 (Wednesday-Friday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Saturday Noon to 10 p.m. / Sunday Noon to 6 p.m.)
Events include a Demolition Derby, Pet Shows, and a Championship Youth Rodeo. The fair will also feature the Miss Foothills Country Fair Pageants. Admission: Adults and children (ages 3 and up) $10. Fee includes unlimited carnival rides and parking is free. Information: www.foothillscountryfair.org
Smoky Mountain
Harvest Festival
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and
Sevierville, TN
September 18 through October 31
Participate in this celebration of the changing seasons. Related events include craft shows, a decorating contest and other special events. Information: www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=5
TACA Craft Fair
Nashville, TN / Centennial Park
September 25-27 (Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. / Sunday 10 a.m. to
5 p.m.)
TACA is renowned for producing festivals that present only the highest level of craftsmanship. The public can get up-close and personal with artists in the Demonstration Tent, and there are plenty of opportunities for children to get creative and try different activities in the Kids Tent. Admission & Parking: free. Information: www.tennesseecrafts.org or (615) 385-1904
Homesteads Apple Festival
Crossville, TN / Homesteads Tower Museum and Homesteads Elementary School
September 26 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
The festival offers an antique tractor show, free kids activities, 70 craft booths, live music, barbecue and a variety of apple-inspired foods. Admission: free. Information: www.cumberlandhomesteads.org/festival.htm or (931) 456-9663
Dollywood’s National Gospel & Harvest Celebration
Pigeon Forge, TN / Dollywood
October 2-31
Throughout the four-week-long event, there will be more than 250 free concerts. In addition, visitors can also watch craft demonstrations throughout the park. Special fall dishes will also be on-hand, including an entire booth dedicated to fried green tomatoes. Admission: Regular Dollywood admission prices. Information: www.dollywood.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=114
Autumn Street Fair
McMinnville, TN
October 3 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Fair features crafts, food, activities and entertainment for the entire family. The fair will also be a special celebration of McMinnville’s 200th birthday. Admission: free. Information: www.autumnstreetfair.com
Raccoon Valley
Bluegrass Festival
Powell, TN
October 3 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Enjoy food, Hit and Miss Engines, antique tractors, cars and trucks, a blacksmith and molasses making. Event also features six different bluegrass performers. Admission: Adults $15; children 10 and under free. Information: www.raccoonvalleyfestival.com or (865) 548-0326
Spring Hill Country
Ham Festival
Spring Hill, TN / Tennessee
Children’s Home
October 3 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
This festival offers a wide variety of entertainment, including a hog-calling competition, pig racing, live music, kids’ activities, tons of food and much more. At dark, the annual fireworks display will begin, boasting a professional synchronized pyrotechnics display. Admission: free. Parking: $10 per car. Information: www.countryhamfest.com or (615) 790-8202
Nillie Bipper Arts &
Crafts Festival
Cleveland, TN / Tristate Exhibition Center
October 5-6 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Sponsored by the Cleveland Creative Arts Guild, this juried show, in its 42nd year, features fine art, true crafts, general arts and crafts, food, exhibits, sales and demonstrations, as well as live music and crafts such as weaving, pottery, wood-turning, birdhouses, jewelry, and much more. Admission: General Admission $5; Seniors $4; Children ages 12 and under free. Information: (423) 478-3114
Tennessee Fall Homecoming
Clinton, TN / Museum of Appalachia
October 8-11
One of the nation’s largest and most authentic old-time bluegrass, craft and folk festivals, this event is set among the Museum of Appalachia’s 60-acre village and farm complex. Celebrating its 30th year, the festival features bluegrass music, old-time crafters, pioneer demonstrations, traditional southern foods and more than 175 artisans. Information: (865) 494-7680 or www.museumofappalachia.org
Gatlinburg
Craftsmen Fair
Gatlinburg, TN / Gatlinburg
Convention Center
October 8-25 (Daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Arts, crafts and music lovers will find more than 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople will be on-hand to demonstrate skills and answer questions. Includes country and bluegrass music shows. Admission: Adults $6; children 12 and under free. Information: (865) 436-7479 or www.craftsmenfair.com
Tennessee State
BBQ & Fall Festival
Lenoir City, TN / Lenoir City Park
October 9 (11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and
October 10 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Enjoy a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned BBQ cook-off and antique car show, with live music and a free kids area. Admission: free. Information: (865) 389-6106 or www.tnstatebbq.com
Crossville Oktoberfest
Crossville, TN / Knights of Columbus Activity Park
October 9 (11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) and October 10 (11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
This authentic German festival offers German food, such as pork schnitzel, kasseler rippchen (smoked pork chop), bratwursts, knackwursts and weisswursts (white sausage), as well as domestic and imported beverages. Live music featured throughout event. Admission: $6 in advance; $7.50 at the gate. Information: www.crossvilleoktoberfest.com or (931) 707-7291
Pumpkintown: Festival of History, Harvest & Heritage
Athens, TN / Downtown
October 10
A tiny McMinn County settlement called Pumpkintown disappeared many years ago, and few records remain to tell her story. But for one golden afternoon, the little town is remembered. Join in celebrating east Tennessee’s rich cultural traditions as history is brought to life on the streets of Athens. Activities include car show, farmers market, recipe contest of pumpkin-inspired foods, children’s games and live music - mainly bluegrass, country and gospel. Information: (423) 746-0699
Foothills Fall Festival
Maryville, TN / Theater in the Park
October 16-18
This music festival’s lineup of entertainment includes Alan Jackson, Rodney Atkins, Kansas and the Little River Band. Admission: Adults $40 for all three days; Children 10 and under free. Information: 1-877-995-9961 or www.foothillsfallfestival.com
Cleveland
Apple Festival
Cleveland, TN / Downtown
October 17 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and
October 18 (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
This festival is a family event that offers a juried art and craft show, live music, food booths, pony rides, hayrides, entertainment, children’s activities and more. Admission: Adults $4; Seniors $3; Children (ages 3-12) $3, (2 and under) free. Information:
www.clevelandapplefestival.org or (423) 503-4114
Ketner’s Mill
Country Arts Fair
Whitwell, TN
October 17 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT) and October 18 (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT)
Set on the banks of the Sequatchie River next to the only remaining water-powered grist mill in the area, this festival leaves you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time. The event features more than 100 artisans, food, entertainment, wagon rides, canoe rides, a petting zoo and sorghum molasses made on-site. Admission: Adults $5; Children 12 and under free. Information: (423) 267-5702 or visit www.ketnersmill.org
PumpkinFest
Dayton, TN
October 30-31 Friday Noon to 10 p.m., All day Saturday
PumpkinFest is a two-day festival filled with entertainment, food and craft vendors, hayrides, train rides, trick-or-treating, costume contests, and more. Admission: Free. Information: (423) 775-9847 or www.mainstreetdayton.org/07pumpkinFest.html
Tennessee Fall
Color Cruise
Guild, TN / Hales Bar Marina & Resort
October 31 and November 1
Hales Bar Marina & Resort is hosting the annual Fall Color Cruise, a festival on the river that includes dancing, food, arts and crafts, activities for kids and entertainment. Admission: Free, with a nominal parking fee. Information: www.halesbarmarina.com or (423) 942-9000
Surrounding Areas –
North Georgia
Yellow Daisy Festival
Atlanta, GA / Stone Mountain Park
September 10-13
Celebrating its 41st year, the Yellow Daisy Festival has been voted the Nation’s #1 Arts & Crafts Show by Sunshine Artist Magazine. More than 500 artists and crafters from 38 states and two countries display their works for visitor appreciation and purchase. Event includes live entertainment, children’s activities, clogging and crafter demonstrations throughout the event, as well as fabulous festival foods. Admission: One-day vehicle pass $10; Annual pass $35. Information: (770) 498-5690 or www.stonemountainpark.com
Festival of Fine Arts & Fine Crafts
Dalton, GA / Creative Arts Guild
September 19-20 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and September 20 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
In its 46th year, the Festival of Fine Arts & Fine Crafts features an outdoor artist market, hands-on kids activities, performances, and an indoor patron purchase exhibit. Information: (706) 278-0168 or www.creativeartsguild.org
Oktoberfest
Helen, GA
September 10-27 and October 1 through November 1
Polka with dancers in native costume, eat Bavarian food, and enjoy the festival into the wee hours of the morning during Georgia’s most famous Oktoberfest. Helen, which looks like a town in the Bavarian Alps, comes to life during this festival that features beer, brats and liederhosen. German-style bands from around the world provide the entertainment. Admission: Weekdays $7; Saturday $9; Sundays free. Information: (706) 878-1619 or www.ngeorgia.com/ang/Oktoberfest_in_Helen,_Georgia
Wildlife & Nature Art
Festival & Expo
Blue Ridge, GA / Blue Ridge City Park
September 19-20 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Some of the best wildlife and nature artists from the Southeast will display their work, and participants in the Expo will showcase all the best that the area has to offer – fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping and boating. Admission: Adults $3; Children 12 and under free. Information: (706) 632-2144 or www.blueridgearts.net/Wildlife_Festival.html
Arts Festival at
Rose Lawn
Cartersville, GA / Rose Lawn Museum
September 19-20 (Saturday 10 a.m. to
6 p.m.; Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.)
A juried fine arts festival held on the spacious lawn of historic Rose Lawn, the home of evangelist Sam Jones, this arts festival includes everything from fine paintings and jewelry to basketry, quilting, weaving, pottery, glass, photography and wood - all original works by exhibitors. Event also includes a variety of traditional foods, a book sale and performances throughout the day. Admission: Free. Information: (770) 387-1357 or www.notatlanta.org/eventcal/291
North Georgia
State Fair
Marietta, GA / Jim R. Miller Park
September 24 through October 4
This annual fair features a carnival, concerts, competitions, food vendors, more than 200 artists and craftsmen, musical performances, and a classic car and truck show. Admission: $1 per person; Children 12 and under free. Information: (770) 423-1330 or www.northgeorgiastatefair.com
The Rock Spring
Fall Festival
Rock Spring, GA / Rock Spring
Elementary School
September 26
Enjoy barbecue, carnival games, hayrides and a 7 p.m. live auction. Admission: $1 Information: (706) 764-1383
41st Annual Great Locomotive Chase Festival
Adairsville, GA
October 2-4
Enjoy an arts and crafts festival in the town that witnessed Andrews’ Raiders Civil War escapade. The festival features 30 craft booths, artwork, entertainment, 40 food booths, pageants, and Gospel singing Sunday. Chair caning, basket weaving and quilting will take place at the courthouse and vistors can see beadwork, quilling, corn shuck dolls, nut dolls and drawings of historic Adairsville by part-time artist, Skip McNutt, inside the depot. Information: (770) 773-3451 ext. 26
The Prater’s Mill Country Fair
Dalton, GA / Historic Prater’s Mill
October 10-11
Enjoy this outdoor festival featuring juried artists and craftsmen, talented musicians and good cooks. Held on the picturesque grounds of historic Prater’s Mill, a working gristmill established in 1855, the event is included in National Geographic’s mapguide to Appalachia’s hidden wealth of nature, history and culture. Information: www.pratersmill.org
The 7th Annual Etowah Valley
Indian Festival
Cartersville, GA / Sam Smith Park at Milam Farm
October 10-11
Near the native lands of the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site, this festival celebrates Cartersville’s rich Native American heritage with traditional dance, music, native foods, storytelling and educators of traditional crafts and skills. Visitors have an opportunity to shop for authentic crafts and to see primitive skills demonstrations. Information: (770) 387-1357
Gold Rush Days
Dahlonega, GA
October 17-18
Thousands come to see fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event. A parade, children’s activities, a fashion show, gold panning contest, wheelbarrow race, King and Queen Coronation, hog calling, buck dancing contest, gospel singing and other live entertainment will be featured throughout the two-day event. Information: www.dahlonega.org/index.php/festivals/162-gold-rush-days.html
The Georgia
Apple Festival
Ellijay, GA / Lions Club Fairgrounds
October 10-18
In its 38th year, the festival will feature more than 300 vendors selling hand-crafted items, as well as on-site craft demonstrations. An antique car show is at the civic center on October 10 and a parade is Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. Information: www.georgiaapplefestival.org