With 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
September 23 – October 31
Every Thursday through Sunday
Fall in love with autumn at the Enchanted MAiZE at Blowing Springs Farm. Enjoy a day full of fall fun getting lost in the corn, going on a hayride, enjoying a homemade funnel cake, taking aim with our corn cannons and finding your way through the Re-Maze. Admission: $5 when purchased with Rock City admission ticket or $9 for adults / $7 for children 4-12 Information: www.enchantedmaze.com
Hamilton County Fair
Chester Frost Park
September 25 – 26
Considered the official kickoff to fall, enjoy this two-day event on the 280-acre lakefront venue of Chester Frost Park, rain or shine. 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 or (423) 209-6030
AEC Culture Fest
First Tennessee Pavilion
September 26
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
October 2 – 25
Every Saturday and Sunday
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
RiverRocks Festival Downtown Chattanooga
October 1 – 10
The River Rocks Festival is a new happening that will celebrate Chattanooga’s natural resources and active life style. There are over 30 events scheduled for the first weekend alone and dozens more the following week. In addition to 20 hot air balloons flying and glowing, there will be paddling, hiking, rock climbing, trail running, biking and more. RiverRocks will be presenting two photography workshops for the Tennessee Aquarium during the week. Admission: Free. Information: www.riverrockschattanooga.com
Autumn Children’s Festival
Tennessee Riverpark
October 2 – 3
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 or (423) 778-4140
Wine Over Water
Walnut Street Bridge
October 2
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: Early purchase $60-$65, gate purchase $70 – includes commemorative wine goblet, fresh baked breads and a guide to participating wineries and wines. Information: www.wineoverwater.org or (423) 265-2825
Fall Fest and Hodgepodge Craft Market
Signal Mountain Community Center
and Town Hall
October 1 – 2
Dozens of 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: Adults $2 / Children (3-12) $1 /
Children under 3 are Free. Information: www.facebook.com/fallhodgepodge
Festival of the Jack o’ Lanterns
Chattanooga Nature Center
October 16 – 17
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. Admission: Call for information. Information: www.chattanooganaturecenter.org or (423) 821-1160
Surrounding Areas – Tennessee
Marion County Fair
Jasper, TN / Marion County Fairgrounds
August 24 – 28
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. Admission: Adults $2 / Students $1 / Kids are free. Information: www.marioncountyfair.com or email info@marioncountyfair.com
Red Clay Arts and Craft Festival
Cleveland, TN / Historic Red
Clay State Park
September 4 – 6
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 per person or $5 per car. Information: (423) 472-9510
Smoky Mountain Fiddlers Convention, Arts & Crafts Festival and Antique Show
Loudon, TN
September 10 – 11
Since the 1982 World’s Fair, bluegrass musicians have been coming to Loudon to play, listen and compete in this annual event. Bluegrass begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, and competition begins Saturday at 10 a.m. Jammers are welcome. Festival includes an antique show, craft show and local art. Admission: Call for information. Information: (865) 986-6822
Mountaineer Folk Festival
Pikeville, TN / Fall Creek Falls State Park
September 10 – 12
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 $3 per person/per day or $6 per person for the weekend. Information: www.FallCreekFalls.org or (423) 881-5708
Tennessee State Fair
Nashville, TN / Tennessee State Fairgrounds
September 10 – 19
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. All other dates and times: Adults $8 / Seniors $5 / Kids (3-13) $5 / Children under 2 years are free. Information: www.tennesseestatefair.org or (615) 862-8993
Tennessee Valley Fair
Knoxville, TN / Chilhowee Park
September 10 – 19
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: Adults $9 / Children (6-11) $5 / Children 5 and under are free. Information: www.tnvalleyfair.org or (865) 215-1471
White Oak Craft Fair
Woodbury, TN / The Arts Center of Cannon County
September 11 – 12
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 and other community organizations. Information: www.artscenterofcc.com or 1-800-235-9073
Foothills Country Fair
Cleveland, TN / Tri-State Exhibition Center
September 15 – 19
Events include a demolition derby, pet shows, and a championship youth rodeo. The fair will also feature the Miss Foothills Country Fair Pageants. Admission: General $5/day or $10 pin for all four days. Carnival is an extra charge. Information:www.foothillscountryfair.org
13th Annual Taste of Autumn
Gatlinburg, TN
September 23
Featuring the fare of some of the area’s finest restaurants and businesses, the Taste of Autumn returns to the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Enjoy live entertainment and live auction with a cash bar. Proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County. Doors open at 5 p.m. Admission: Free. Information: (800) 568-4748
TACA Fall Craft Fair
Nashville, TN / Centennial Park
September 24 – 26
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: Free. Information: www.tacacraftfair.com or (615) 385-1904
Homesteads Apple Festival
Crossville, TN / Homesteads Tower Museum and Homesteads Elementary School
September 25 – 26
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/applefest or (931) 456-9663
Dollywood’s National Gospel & Harvest Celebration
Pigeon Forge, TN / Dollywood
September 29 – October 30
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
Autumn Street Fair
McMinnville, TN
October 2
Fair features crafts, food, activities and entertainment for the entire family. This year’s fair will include a Baby Show and Karaoke Contest, as well as bounce and slide blow-ups for kids. Admission: Free. Information: www.autumnstreetfair.com
Raccoon Valley Bluegrass Festival
Powell, TN
October 2
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 / Children10 and under are free. Information: www.raccoonvalleyfestival.com or (865) 548-0326
Spring Hill Country Ham Festival
Spring Hill, TN / Tennessee Children’s Home
October 2
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 is $10 per car to benefit the Tennessee Children’s Home.
Information: www.countryhamfest.com or (615) 790-8202
Nillie Bipper Arts & Crafts Festival
Cleveland, TN / Tristate Exhibition Center
October 2 – 3
Sponsored by the Cleveland Creative Arts Guild, this juried show 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 12 and under are free. Information: (423) 478-3114
35th Anniversary Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Gatlinburg, TN / Gatlinburg Convention Center
October 7 – 23
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. This event includes country and bluegrass music shows. Admission: Adults $6 / Children 12 and under are free. Information: (865) 436-7479
Crossville Oktoberfest
Crossville, TN / Knights of Columbus Activity Park
October 8 – 9
This authentic German festival offers German food, such as Pork Schnitzel, Kassler Rippchen (Smoked Pork Chop), Bratwursts, Knackwursts and Weisswursts (White Sausage), as well as domestic and imported beverages. Live music is featured throughout event. Admission: $6 in advance; $7.50 at the gate. Information: www.crossvilleoktoberfest.com or (931) 707-7291
Foothills Fall Festival
Maryville, TN / Theater in the Park
October 8 – 10
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 are free. Information: (865) 273-3445
Tennessee Fall Homecoming
Clinton, TN / Museum of Appalachia
October 8 –10
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. The festival features bluegrass music, old-time crafters, pioneer demonstrations, traditional southern foods and more than 175 artisans. Admission: See website or call for information. Information: (865) 494-7680
Pumpkintown: Festival of History, Harvest & Heritage
Athens, TN / Downtown
October 9
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. Admission: See website. Information: pumpkintownfestival.com
Lenoir City Downtown Street Fall Festival
Lenoir City, TN
October 9
Enjoy an antique car show with live music and a kids area. Admission: Free. Information: (865) 986-1223
Cleveland Apple Festival
Cleveland, TN / Downtown
October 16 – 17
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 (3-12) $3 / Children (2 and under) free. Information: www.clevelandapplefestival.org or (423) 503-4114 highlighting
Ketner’s Mill Country Arts Fair
Whitwell, TN
October 16 – 17
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 are free. Information: (423) 267-5702
PumpkinFest
Dayton, TN
October 29 – 30
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
Tennessee Fall Color Cruise
Guild, TN / Hales Bar Marina & Resort
October 30 – 31
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 9 – 12
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
Helen Oktoberfest
Helen, GA
September 9 – 19, Thursdays – Sundays
September 23 – October 31, every day
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 Lederhosen. German-style bands from around world provide the entertainment. Admission: Weekdays $7 / Saturday $8 / Sundays are free. Information: (706) 878-1619 or www.helenga.org
Wildlife & Nature Art Festival & Expo
Blue Ridge, GA / Blue Ridge City Park
September 18 – 19
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 $5 / Children 12 and under are free. Information: (706) 632-2144 or www.blueridgearts.net/Wildlife_Festival.html
Arts Festival at Rose Lawn
Cartersville, GA / Rose Lawn Museum
September 18 – 19
This juried fine arts festival is held on the spacious lawn of historic Rose Lawn, the home of evangelist Sam Jones. The 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) 387-5162 or www.notatlanta.org/eventcal/291
Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts
Dalton, GA / Creative Arts Guild
September 17 – 19
The Festival of Fine Arts & Fine Crafts features an outdoor market, hands-on kids’ activities, performances, and the Patron Party and Taste of Dalton event on Friday evening. Admission: Friday $40, Saturday and Sunday are free. Information: (706) 278-0168 or www.creativeartsguild.org
North Georgia State Fair
Marietta, GA / Jim R. Miller Park
September 23 – October 3
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: Adults $5 / Student $2 / Ticket book $22 / Children 12 and under are free. Information: (770) 423-1330 or www.northgeorgiastatefair.com
Great Locomotive Chase Festival
Adairsville, GA
October 1-3
Enjoy an arts and crafts festival in the town that witnessed Andrews’ Raiders Civil War escapade. The festival features 30 crafts booths, 40 food booths, artwork, entertainment, pageants, and Gospel singing on Sunday. Chair caning, basket weaving and quilting will take place at the courthouse, and visitors can see beadwork, quilling, corn shuck dolls, nut dolls and drawings of historic Adairsville by part-time artist Skip McNutt inside the depot. Admission: Call for information. Information: www.notatlanta.org/eventcal/293 or (770) 773-3451 ext. 26
The Georgia Apple Festival
Ellijay, GA / Lions Club Fairgrounds
October 9, 10, 16, and 17
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 9, and a parade is October 16 at 10 a.m. Admission: Adults $5 / Children 10 and under are free. Information: www.georgiaapplefestival.org or (706) 636-4500
Prater’s Mill Country Fair
Dalton, GA / Historic Prater’s Mill
October 9 – 10
Enjoy this outdoor festival featuring juried artists and craftsmen, talented musicians and exceptional 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 map guide to Appalachia’s hidden wealth of nature, history and culture. Admission: $5, Children under 12 are free. Information: www.pratersmill.org
Gold Rush Days
Dahlonega, GA
October 16 – 17
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. Admission: Call for information. Information: www.dahlonega.org or (706) 864-7247