There’s no arguing that Tennessee is a beautiful state, but when it comes to Autumn, you simply won’t find anywhere more gorgeous in the entire country. And that is a reason to throw a party. Folks all over the Volunteer State break out in the Fall every year to celebrate the cooling temperatures (finally!) and the harvest of the local farmers. These festivals are always fun and full of delicious food, and we’ve compiled a few of the best ones in the state so you can get the most bang for your buck. You’ll love experiencing the best harvest festivals in Tennessee.

1. Hatchie Fall Fest - Brownsville
Hatchie Fall Fest - Facebook
The Hatchie Fall Fest takes place on the third Saturday of October every year and lines the streets of Brownsville with food, crafts, and live music. All of the Brownsville square stores are open as well.
2. Pumpkintown Festival - Athens
Pumpkintown Festival in Athens TN - Facebook
The Pumpkintown Festival in Athens has been going on for 15 years now and is the perfect small town harvest festival, featuring everything you'd ever want. The 2019 edition is slated for October 12th.
3. Cleveland Apple Festival - Cleveland
The Cleveland Apple Festival - Facebook
Held right in the heart of historic downtown Cleveland, the Apple Festival every year is a celebration of the harvest of the area's apple orchards. Highlights include plenty of live music, apple pie galore, and pony rides for the kids. This is one of the most exciting family-friendly fall events in Tennessee. The 2019 festival is October 19th.
4. Milan Downtown Fall Festival - Milan
Milan Downtown Fall Festival - Facebook
Representing West Tennessee, the Milan Downtown Fall Festival is one of the smaller festivals on this list, but that's because 2018 was the first year that the festival is took place! Be a part of making history when they celebrate on October 12th.
5. Pumpkinfest - Franklin
Visit Franklin, TN - Facebook
From the smallest festival to the biggest -- Franklin's Pumpkinfest lines the streets of historic downtown Franklin with tens of thousands of people every year. There's great food, music, and art vendors all up and down the strip. The 2019 festival is October 26th.

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6. Fall Harvest At The Island - Pigeon Forge
The Island in Pigeon Forge - Facebook
When it comes to celebrations (or anything for that matter), Pigeon Forge doesn't hold anything back. Head out to the island to see everything decked out in Autumn decorations and see the colors from the top of the ferris wheel! There's a reason why people consider this one of the best fall festivals in Tennessee.
7. Autumn Gold Festival - Coker Creek
Autumn Gold Festival in Coker Creek - Facebook
Right on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina on the Chrohala Skyway, the Autumn Gold Festival in Coker Creek features the heritage and history of the area as well as the abundance of the Fall harvest.
8. Harvest Days - Murfreesboro
Cannonsburgh Village, Murfreesboro - Facebook
At the historic Cannonsburgh Village in downtown Murfreesboro, the Harvest Days draw folks from all over the area every year. The hayrides are always a favorite! When it comes to things to do in fall in Tennessee, this one is must-visit.
9. Fall Festival - Knoxville
Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum - Facebook
This year marks the 10th year of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum's Fall Festival, and it's always beautiful. Take a hayride around the garden to get the full effect of the changing colors on the trees. The 2019 edition is slated for October 26th.
10. Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival - Gatlinburg
Visit Gatlinburg - Facebook
Gatlinburg is always basically one giant festival, and their Fall festival is no different. It actually runs for the entire season, from the end of September through the end of November, so you can pretty much go whenever you want to see the resort town decked out in fall decor.

What are your favorite family-friendly fall events in Tennessee? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If you’re looking for something to explore indoors, be sure to check out this massive book warehouse in Nashville.

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Best Harvest Festivals In Tennessee

Elisa Regulski | September 14, 2019

What other types of events take place in fall in Tennessee?

There are all kinds of exciting fall events in Tennessee. If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, plan a trip to the Cleveland Apple Festival. This annual event includes pony rides, live music, and scrumptious pies. Franklin’s Pumpkinfest is another thrilling autumn event. You could spend hours scouring the craft booths and stuffing your face with pumpkin pie. For a spooky adventure, explore Boo At The Zoo in Chattanooga. This annual event lets visitors see the Chattanooga Zoo in a whole new light. The area is full of costumed characters, trick or treat stations, and games.

What are the best family-friendly activities to do in the fall in Tennessee?

Fall is the perfect time to explore a pumpkin patch. Lucky Ladd Farms, located in Eagleville, is one of the best. Here, families can scour the vibrant fields and pick out the perfect gourd. There’s also a massive petting zoo full of cuddly critters. Boyd’s Pumpkin Patch, located in Clarksville, is another exciting fall destination. In addition to their expansive pumpkin patch, they have a giant corn maze that’s oodles of fun.

Which Tennessee town is the best to visit in the fall?

Galtlinburg is the best town to visit in fall in Tennessee. During almost the entire month of October, this charming place transforms into an autumn wonderland. Eat your fill of candies and sweets while staring at the magnificent foliage from the Smoky Mountains. Nothing screams ‘fall’ quite like a trip to this idyllic Tennessee town.

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