SMOKY MOUNTAIN HARVEST FESTIVAL: The Sights of Fall Paired with Events for Everyone

Autumn in Gatlinburg is a special time of year. Set against the backdrop of mountains painted with brilliant fall color, Gatlinburg is consistently recognized as one of the top places in the United States to see fall foliage. Downtown Gatlinburg follows suit, as the whole city is adorned with lavish fall decorations to kickoff Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. Combine beautiful surroundings with craft shows, special events, great food and plenty of fun things to do, and visitors are guaranteed a memorable trip to Gatlinburg this fall season.

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival kicks off at Ober Gatlinburg in Bavarian style with the 6th annual OktOberfest from September 25 to November 2! OktOberfest features Bavarian-style food, indoor and outdoor bier gartens, music and live entertainment with multiple shows performed daily. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram is a fan-favorite for transportation to OktOberfest this time of year, providing fest-goers spectacular views of fall foliage spanning for miles across the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee Valley.

Showcasing more than 200 booths of handmade arts and crafts created across the U.S. for generations, Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair kicks off October 8 and runs more than two weeks through October 25. A tradition spanning nearly 50 years, top artisans from around the United States come together every fall for Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair. Visitors can shop at the many booths and talk to working craftsmen while enjoying live country and bluegrass music at Gatlinburg Convention Center.

Ripley's Haunted Adventure gears up for Halloween with Fright Nights each weekend through October. This 17th annual event will present "Experiment in Terror." Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies welcomes little trick or treaters Halloween night with games, inflatables, candy and costumed characters during the Trick or Treat Kickoff Carnival on the Aquarium Plaza.

The Iris Theater at Gatlinburg Space Needle features "Shocktober" throughout the month of October. World-renowned magician Keith Fields will take guests through a haunting adventure of horrific magic with a twist that will make audiences gasp and laugh all at the same time.

For more information about Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival in Gatlinburg, visit our website at http://www.gatlinburg.com, call (800) 588-1817 or download the Gatlinburg app for information while in town.