There’s just something about visiting a small town that feels like going home, and that feeling is hiding in small towns all over Tennessee. There are so many wonderful and surprising towns all across the state that are just waiting to be discovered by the casual passerby. One of the best ways to discover new towns is through their festivals, and we’ve picked out some of the best. This fall, be sure to get out there, explore Tennessee, and reconnect with your roots at these small town festivals.
- Oktoberfest at Ober - Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg - Facebook Ober Gatlinburg’s Oktoberfest happens every year from the end of September to the end of October. That’s right – they party pretty much all month! There’s plenty of food, beer, and dancing at Gatlinbrug’s favorite resort.
- Unicoi County Apple Festival - Erwin
Unicoi County Apple Festival - Facebook The Unicoi County Apple Festival takes over the town of Erwin every year at the beginning of October. They’ve been going strong for over 40 years, which is why this is one of the most popular festivals in the state. There’s tons of arts and crafts, and they have three live music stages! The 2018 edition is slated for October 5th and 6th.
- Pumpkinfest - Franklin
Visit Franklin, TN - Facebook When it comes to festivals, downtown Franklin consistently does them incredibly well. This one has been going for more than 35 years and routinely draws over 60,000 people, so get there early for parking. The 2018 edition is Saturday, October 27th.
- Goats, Music, and More Festival - Lewisburg
Goats Music and More Festival - Lewisburg TN - Facebook One of the most unique festivals in Tennessee is Lewisburg’s Goats, Music, and More Festival. The town is known for their fainting goats, but boy do they know how to throw a party. The festival consistently draws big musical acts, so keep an eye out for the lineup. The 2018 festival is slated for October 12th through the 14th.
- International Storytelling Festival - Jonesborough
International Storytelling Center - Facebook Jonesborough is home to the International Storytelling Center, which puts on the Storytelling Festival every year. The event showcases some of the best professional and amateur storytellers from all over the world, and the 2018 edition is taking place on October 5th through the 7th. This is one you don’t want to miss!
- Wilson County Fair - Lebanon
Wilson County Fair - Facebook Tennessee’s best county fair is the Wilson County Fair, just east of Nashville. The fair draws folks from all over the state for an entire week every August. This year, it’s August 17th through the 25th. Bring sunscreen and plenty of apetite for the plethora of delicious fair food.
- Allardt Pumpkin Festival - Allardt
Allardt Pumpkin Festival - Facebook The Allardt Pumpkin Festival answers the crucial question; “Where is the Great Pumpkin?” It’s in Allardt every year, folks. They hold a competition for the heaviest pumpkin around, and the winner regularly comes in at nearly three quarters of a ton. The 2018 Great Pumpkin will be revealed on October 6th.
There’s a pizza place in Knoxville that’s known for having the biggest pizza pies in the state, and you have to see them. They’re bigger than the table!
Ober Gatlinburg - Facebook
Ober Gatlinburg’s Oktoberfest happens every year from the end of September to the end of October. That’s right – they party pretty much all month! There’s plenty of food, beer, and dancing at Gatlinbrug’s favorite resort.
Unicoi County Apple Festival - Facebook
The Unicoi County Apple Festival takes over the town of Erwin every year at the beginning of October. They’ve been going strong for over 40 years, which is why this is one of the most popular festivals in the state. There’s tons of arts and crafts, and they have three live music stages! The 2018 edition is slated for October 5th and 6th.
Visit Franklin, TN - Facebook
When it comes to festivals, downtown Franklin consistently does them incredibly well. This one has been going for more than 35 years and routinely draws over 60,000 people, so get there early for parking. The 2018 edition is Saturday, October 27th.
Goats Music and More Festival - Lewisburg TN - Facebook
One of the most unique festivals in Tennessee is Lewisburg’s Goats, Music, and More Festival. The town is known for their fainting goats, but boy do they know how to throw a party. The festival consistently draws big musical acts, so keep an eye out for the lineup. The 2018 festival is slated for October 12th through the 14th.
International Storytelling Center - Facebook
Jonesborough is home to the International Storytelling Center, which puts on the Storytelling Festival every year. The event showcases some of the best professional and amateur storytellers from all over the world, and the 2018 edition is taking place on October 5th through the 7th. This is one you don’t want to miss!
Wilson County Fair - Facebook
Tennessee’s best county fair is the Wilson County Fair, just east of Nashville. The fair draws folks from all over the state for an entire week every August. This year, it’s August 17th through the 25th. Bring sunscreen and plenty of apetite for the plethora of delicious fair food.
Allardt Pumpkin Festival - Facebook
The Allardt Pumpkin Festival answers the crucial question; “Where is the Great Pumpkin?” It’s in Allardt every year, folks. They hold a competition for the heaviest pumpkin around, and the winner regularly comes in at nearly three quarters of a ton. The 2018 Great Pumpkin will be revealed on October 6th.
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