Although it is still hot, the bees and mosquitoes are still buzzing and we’re more likely to throw on a swimsuit than a sweatshirt, let’s dream a little, shall we? Let’s dream of a fall where cardigans and campfires are the norm. A fall where the leaves change and every day shows new beauty from trees that seemed ordinary yesterday.
Chattanooga is a breathtaking city, no matter the season, but it seems to come alive in the fall. Maybe it’s the way the mountains surround the valley. Maybe it’s the cooler air (fingers crossed). Or maybe it’s because Chattanooga knows how to do fall right. As if we need another reason to love it, there is a wealth of activities in Chattanooga in the fall.
This list is subject to change, so be sure to check ahead to be certain the event is happening as scheduled.
Flat Top Mountain Fall Festival
September 13-October 27
For just $12 a person (kids 2 and under are free), you get a scenic hayride, access to two corn mazes, and a small take-home pumpkin!
Campfire Concert Series
Select Fridays starting September 20th
Reflection Riding’s Campfire Concert series provides a safe outdoor venue to enjoy some of the best artists the Chattanooga area has to offer. Ticket includes beer, s’mores, entertainment, and the option to camp on our property for the night. Kids 12 and under are free. Gates open at 5:30pm, music starts at 7:00pm.
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival
October 4 and 5
The 3 Sisters Festival (named after the three daughters of Fletcher Bright) honors the musical legacy of bluegrass fiddler Fletcher Bright, by offering a FREE two-day festival to the community that features some of the biggest names in traditional and not-so-traditional bluegrass. The 16th annual festival will take place on Ross’ Landing, right on the river.
Chattanooga Motorcar Festival
October 11-13
Whether you are attending because of your love of cars or because your loved one loves cars, the festival has something for everyone. From shopping and great restaurants to an antique boat show from The Antique and Classic Boat Society on the Tennessee River. The festival’s epicenter is the West Village, a dining and entertainment district anchored by the Westin Chattanooga.
Boo in the Zoo
Weekend Days October 11-26
The Chattanooga Zoo’s annual Boo in the Zoo is a family-friendly celebration filled with merry-not-scary decorations, trick-or-treat stations, scavenger hunt, costume show, and more! Hours for this weekend event are 4pm – 8pm, with timed entry tickets available online only!
Fire Up the Fields
October 19th 5-9:30pm
Fire up the fields is our sculpture burn that is held in the park. The event is for the community to come and enjoy a festival atmosphere and to watch a monumental sculpture be set on fire. We also have a unique VIP experience available for purchase. The event attracts more of our great Chattanooga community every year. New this year, we will be setting up a large screen so that our football fans can watch the games during the event. This is a great family event and we hope to see you there!
General admission tickets at the gate will be $10 and children under 12 are free.
Cleveland Apple Festival
October 19th from 10am-6pm
The Cleveland Apple Festival™ is a family event that is held each fall in historic downtown Cleveland, Tennessee. This annual festival offers an art and craft show, live music, food booths, petting zoo, entertainment, children’s activities and much more!
All children’s activities in the Apple Valley Orchard Kid’s Zone are free, with paid admission, to children 12 and under including petting zoo!
Ketner’s Mill
October 19th and 20th
Ketner’s Mill Country Arts & Crafts Fair is two days packed with unique arts & crafts, delicious southern-style foods, live music, and activities for the whole family.
Step back in time to see the old mill churn out freshly ground cornmeal, pet farm animals, and see blacksmiths, woodworkers, and other artisans demonstrate their craft.
Chattanooga Apple Festival
October 19th and 20th
Join us for the Chattanooga Apple Festival at Camp Jordan! Shop over 150 vendors, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train rides, entertainment, and more!
FREE PARKING! FREE ADMISSION!
PumpkinFest – Main Street Dayton
October 27th-28th in Dayton, TN
Fall family fun! Two days of activities, shopping, food, and more! Come to the Historic Rhea County Courthouse for food and craft vendors on the lawn, music at Centennial Stage, games, costume contest, and trick-or-treating!
Head of the Hooch Regatta
November 2nd and 3rd
Watch one of the largest regattas in the U.S., hosting more than 5,100 competitors ages 14-89 representing 29 states and countries from Chattanooga’s riverfront. The Head of the Hooch regatta is a 3.1-mile course down the Tennessee River, passing by Chattanooga’s Riverfront and Bluff View Districts.
Fall Forever Bluegrass Festival
November 7-9 – Mountain Cove Farms
The 7th Annual Fall Forever Bluegrass Festival will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 7, 8 & 9 – at the most perfect place for a festival, Mountain Cove Farms in Walker County, Georgia!
They’ll be serving up the best talent around the area performing family friendly entertainment rain or shine on the stage in the historic Show Barn. There are also dozens of jam sessions all around at anytime of the hour. Your love of Bluegrass music will never go hungry.
Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair
November 8-10 at new location – McDonald’s Farm
Presented by title sponsor Little Debbie, the 3-day event will build on history, heritage and tradition and serve as the backdrop of family memories for generations to come. The fair will feature a rodeo, lumberjack shows, amusement rides, agricultural exhibits, fairground food favorites and children’s programs. It also includes a special military focus, support for Wreaths Across Chattanooga, a flyover, fireworks and more. Large onsite parking.
Chattanooga Market (in its various forms and locations)
Saturdays at Tennessee Aquarium Plaza from 10am – 5pm and Sundays through November from 11am-4pm at First Horizon Pavilion.
No matter where you visit, there are plenty of farmers’ market style booths to check out. They are still providing great themes for the fall like Oktoberfest and the Haunted Market, to name a few! Check their website for locations and themes each week!
Special Events at Ruby Falls
Select dates through October
Visit Ruby Falls for a Lantern Tour, a Hidden Passages Scavenger Hunt or the spooky Dread Hollow haunted attraction! There is something fall-themed for all ages and scare levels!
Fall Colors @ Rock City
throughout the fall season
See the gardens and the Chattanooga Valley in full autumn splendor during Fall Colors.Guests will be able to enjoy the sound of Old Time Music as they stroll through the park.
Tennessee Valley Railroad train rides
Check their calendars for dates, times, and types of trips!
Tennessee Valley Railroad hosts a variety of trips throughout the year, but the ones in the fall show some beautiful colors! They range in length from an hour to a full day. Find one that suits your time frame and interests!
Southern Belle River Cruise
Check their calendar for dates, times, and types of trips!
Enjoy a beautiful day on the water while checking out the breathtaking fall views! Choose a lunch cruise to include a meal with your scenery!
