As has become a Labor Day weekend tradition, the Times Free Press presents the annual Fall Festival Guide, previewing more than 100 craft shows, fine art shows, state and county fairs, heritage festivals and harvest festivals within a two-hour drive of Chattanooga.
Most events appear to have shed the pandemic restrictions of the last two years, and several favorites, including Wine Over Water and the New Salem Mountain Festival, have returned to the schedule. Also back is the Hamilton County Fair, which is moving from Chester Frost Park to McDonald Farm.
These listings represent some of the larger fall- and holiday-focused events suitable for a day trip or weekend getaway. Music festivals and Halloween events are not included here, but will be part of broader coverage in the weeks to come. Check the Chattanooga Times Free Press each week for updates on these events and other additions as we go through the season.
Are we missing your event? Email the details to Life@timesfreepress.com.
SEPT. 2-5
-- Pioneer Days Festival: Sam Smith Park, 1155 Douthit Ferry Road, Cartersville, Ga. Arts and crafts, carnival, games and food concessions, 4-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, noon-10 p.m. Monday. $5 ages 11 and up. pioneerdaysga.com
SEPT. 3-4
-- Monroe Life Balloon Festival: Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, 576 Highway 360, Vonore, Tenn. Tethered balloon rides, live music by Austin Zackary Band, inflatables, food, craft vendors, balloon glow finales at dusk, 4-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $10 ages 4 and up; $125 VIP experience; $20 tethered balloon ride. Benefits Boys & Girls Club of Monroe County. monroelifeballoonfestival.com
SEPT. 3-5
-- Art in the Park: Marietta Square, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta, Georgia. Nationally recognized festival includes works by 175 artists, children's area with make-and-take crafts, walking tours of nearby restaurants, museums and galleries, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Free admission; parking available in Cobb County Parking Deck, 17 Waddell St. NE, and Marietta Square Parking Deck, 1 Haynes St. (daily rates apply); free weekend parking at Marietta City Hall parking deck, 205 Lawrence St. artparkmarietta.com
-- Labor Day Weekend at Stone Mountain: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, Ga. Extended fireworks, "world's largest flame cannon" and King BMX Stunt Show, along with park's regular family attractions and laser show, honoring everyday working heroes, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. daily; laser show and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. $35 adults, $30 children 3-11; parking permits $20-40. stonemountainpark.com
SEPT. 4
-- Chattanooga Market's Fall Food Truck Rally: First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. Dozens of local and regional food trucks, modeled after spring's Chattanooga Street Food Festival, plus arts, crafts and produce vendors, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
SEPT. 8-11
-- Yellow Daisy Festival: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, Ga. Nationally recognized event includes more than 300 artists and crafters, demonstrations, food, new Vintage Village with antiques and collectibles, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Admission included in venue's $20 daily parking fee. stonemountainpark.com
SEPT 8-OCT. 30
-- Oktoberfest: Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss St., Helen, Ga. Multiple weeks of traditional music, dancing, food and beer, Thursday-Sunday first three weekends, daily Sept. 29-Oct. 30; doors open at 6 p.m. during the week, 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Opens with parade through downtown at noon Sept. 10. $8 during the week, $10 Saturdays, free on Sundays; half price for children 6-12; free for active and retired military. helenchamber.com
SEPT. 9-11
-- Mountaineer Folk Festival: Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, Tenn. Handmade crafts, pioneer demonstrations, old-time competitions, traditional music, 7-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday (all times Central). tnstateparks.com
SEPT. 9-17
-- Northwest Georgia Regional Fair: Cherokee Capital Fairgrounds, 1060 Liberty Road SW, Calhoun, Ga. Nightly concerts, livestock and blue-ribbon shows, school band performances, petting zoo, carnival midway, gates open at 5 p.m. daily. $25 unlimited carnival rides. Grand parade through downtown Calhoun, 11 a.m. Sept. 10. nwgafair.com
SEPT. 9-18
-- Tennessee Valley Fair: Chilhowee Park, 3301 E. Magnolia Ave., Knoxville. Showcase of East Tennessee heritage and agriculture, plus carnival midway, tractor/truck pulls, demolition derby, rodeo, ax throwing, circus acts, tractor show, beer garden, nightly concerts and fireworks, 4 p.m.-midnight Sept. 9, 10 a.m.-midnight Sept. 10 (rides open at 11 a.m.), noon-11 p.m. Sept. 11 (rides open at 1 p.m.), 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 12-13, 5-11 p.m. Sept. 14, 5 p.m.-midnight Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-midnight Sept. 17 (rides open at 11 a.m.), noon-midnight Sept. 18 (rides open at 1 p.m.). Tickets at the gate: $12 adults, $9 seniors 65+ and children 6-11; early bird discounts through Sept. 8; $15 parking; carnival and concerts cost extra. tnvalleyfair.org
SEPT. 10
-- Fall Market: Collegedale Commons, 4950 Swinyar Drive. Arts, crafts, specialty products and food vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission and parking. 423-650-1388
-- Fried Green Tomato Festival: Niota Depot, 201 Main St., Niota, Tenn. Live entertainment, green tomato cook-off, tractor show, food booths, craft vendors, kids zone with petting zoo and pony rides, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; 5K run at 8 a.m. Free admission. cityofniota.org
-- International Cowpea Festival: Hoyt Berry Municipal Park, Market Street NE (between Wool Street NE and Worth Street NE), Charleston, Tenn. Includes cook-off by professional chefs (buy a $5 souvenir spoon to sample and vote), photo competition, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., followed by Suzy Bogguss concert. $5 admission for all events. cowpeafestival.com
SEPT. 10-11
-- Cherokee Fall Festival: Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, 576 Highway 360, Vonore, Tenn. Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance, authentic food, blacksmithing, living-history demonstrations, Civil War encampment, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. $10 adults, $5 ages teens 13-18, $25 family rate. sequoyahmuseum.org
-- White Oak Craft Fair: Arts Center of Cannon County, 1424 John Bragg Highway, Woodbury, Tenn. More than 75 artisans with traditional and contemporary works, children's activities, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (all times Central). Free admission; $3 parking donation. artscenterofcc.com
SEPT. 10-17
-- Sequatchie County Fair: 103 Heard St., Dunlap, Tenn. Quilt show, handicrafts and agriculture exhibits open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Party Animals petting zoo Friday-Saturday, Game Day by community organizations 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday (all times Central). Free admission. sequatchiecountyfair.com
SEPT. 13-17
-- Jackson County Fair: Veterans Memorial Park, 220 Cecil St., Scottsboro, Ala. Livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, carnival, exotic petting zoo, gates open at 5:30 p.m. daily, carnival opens at 6 p.m. (all times Central). $5 admission ages 6 and up; carnival rides cost extra; $5 parking. 256-437-8280
SEPT. 16-17
-- Boom Days Heritage Celebration: Downtown Fort Payne, Ala. (main stage at 201 Fifth St. NE). Music, art and heritage activities, with arts, crafts and food vendors, Depot Museum tours, train rides, model railroad, wine tasting, headliner concerts by Billy Dean and Joe Nichols, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday; kickoff with music by Dad Company and Credence Clearwater Revival tribute band Midnight Special 6-9:30 p.m. Friday (all times Central). boomdays.com
-- Sunflower Stables Barn Sale & Market: Collegedale Commons, 4950 Swinyar Drive. Upscale, vintage-inspired market with 60 vendors selling antiques, handmade crafts, boutique clothing, jewelry, pottery, produce, baked goods, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. sunflowerstablesbarnsale@gmail.com
SEPT. 16-18
-- Fall Heritage Festival: Tennessee Avenue and Front Street in downtown Cowan, Tenn. Arts and crafts, food and music, 5-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday (all times Central). Fireworks at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Free admission and parking. fallheritagefestival.org
SEPT. 16-OCT. 30
-- Harvest Celebration on the Mountain: Flat Top Mountain Farm, 638 Cemetery Road, Soddy-Daisy. Corn maze with "Tennessee Road Trip" design (go through by flashlight at night), hay rides, pumpkin patch, fall flowers, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. $10 ages 4 and up. Facebook.com/flattopfarmTN
SEPT. 17
-- Blue & Grey BBQ: Gordon Lee Mansion, 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga, Ga. Barbecue contest, plus food, craft and novelty vendors, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission; $5 to tour the mansion, completed in 1847. friendsofthegordonleemansion.org
-- Celebration of the Nations: Market Park Pavilion, 106 S. Jackson St., Athens, Tenn. Multicultural festival featuring authentic food, cultural entertainment, children's area, marketplace, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. facebook.com/celebrationofthenations2019
-- Depot Days Festival: 123 W. Main St., Hartselle, Ala. Art show, craft vendors, tractor and engine show, car, truck and motorcycle show, live music, children's entertainment and activities, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. CDT. Free admission. hartselledepotdays.com
-- Fall Plant Sale & Festival: Crabtree Farms, 1000 E. 30th St. Sale of fall garden and landscape starts, fruit trees and shrubs, with local artists and vendors, children's activities, live music, food trucks, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. crabtreefarms.org
-- Heritage Day: Marsh House Museum, 308 N. Main St., LaFayette, Ga. Heritage bake sale, gift shop, vintage yard sale, arts and crafts, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission; $5 for tours of the historic house, circa 1836. marshhouseoflafayette.org
-- Valley Fest: Chattanooga Valley Church of the Nazarene, 2853 Chattanooga Valley Road, Flintstone, Ga. Craft fair, music, food vendors and car show hosted by the church and Chattanooga Valley Lions Club, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 423-521-0861
-- Walker County Ag Festival: Walker County Ag Center, 10052 N. Highway 27, Rock Spring, Ga. Vendor booths, livestock shows, beekeeping class, quilting, cooking and wildflower arranging demos, free inflatables, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. walkercountyagfestival.com
SEPT. 17-18
-- Arts Festival at Rose Lawn: Rose Lawn Mansion, 234 W. Cherokee Ave., Cartersville, Ga. Fine art and heritage crafts, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission to festival, $5-$7 to tour historic mansion. roselawnmuseum.com
-- Chattanooga Taco Festival: Camp Jordan, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. Twenty-four food vendors, 100 merchandise and children's activity vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. 423-650-1388
-- Crush Festival: Cartecay Vineyards, 5704 Clear Creek Road, Ellijay, Ga. Grape stomping, wine tastings, vineyard tours, live music, arts, crafts and food vendors, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 12:30-6 p.m. Sunday. $20 in advance, $25 day of. cartecayvineyards.com
-- Festival!: Creative Arts Guild, 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, Ga. Outdoor art market, indoor patron exhibit, self-guided tours of sculpture garden, live performances, multicultural children's activities, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; free admission. Opens with preview party and Taste of Dalton, 7 p.m. Sept. 16; $55 ticket. creativeartsguild.org
-- Hello Fall Market: Bramble Berry Cafe & Antiques, 2446 Genesis Road, Crossville, Tenn. Outdoor market with variety of vendors, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (all times Central). 931-200-2598
SEPT. 17-OCT. 29
-- Grandaddy's Farm: 454 Highland Ridge Road, Estill Springs, Tenn. Pumpkin patch, hay rides, pig races, animal corral, fall market, noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, noon-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. Activity area $16 ages 3 and up Tuesday-Friday, $18 Saturday; season passes available. grandaddysfarm.com
SEPT. 18
-- Chattanooga Market's Apple Festival: First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. Fresh apples from several orchards, prepared recipes and apple-themed products by the nearly 200 arts, crafts and food vendors, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
SEPT. 22-OCT. 2
-- North Georgia State Fair: Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta, Ga. Carnival, concerts, petting barns, flower shows, blue-ribbon competitions, chainsaw carving, bull riders, fair foods, 4-11 p.m. Sept. 22, 4 p.m.-midnight Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-midnight Sept. 24, 12:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 25, 4-11 p.m. Sept. 26-29, 4 p.m.-midnight Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-midnight Oct. 1, 12:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 2. $10 gate admission ages 11 and up; ride tickets cost extra; discounts in advance. northgeorgiastatefair.com
SEPT. 23-25
-- Mistletoe Merchants: Farm Bureau Expo Center, 945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, Tenn. More than 100 merchants, market cafe, door prizes, 9 a.m.-8 p.m, Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Special shopping opportunities ($20 tickets include show admission): Margaritas & Mistletoe, with silent auction, 4-8 p.m. Friday; Muffins & Mimosas, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, $20. Regular admission: $10 one day, $18 three days. midsouthmediagroup.com
SEPT. 23-OCT. 29
-- Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights: Dollywood, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Artistic sculptures, elaborate fall scenes, artisans, seasonal food, entertainment including the Lee University Campus Choir on Sept. 24 and Crystle Elam of East Ridge Oct. 7-8. New this year: Hoot Owl Hollow. $89 ages 10-61, discounts for younger and older guests. dollywood.com
SEPT. 24
-- Blue Ribbon Country Fair: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend, Tenn. Rooster crowing and Lodge ladies skillet throwing contests, woodworking, blacksmithing, hearth cooking and agricultural exhibits, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 adults, $8 ages 60 and up, $7 children 5-12. gsmheritagecenter.org
-- Fall Garden Festival: Hamilton County Extension, 6183 Adamson Circle. Master Gardeners of Hamilton County present exhibits and demos, kids activities, plant vendors, yard art, food trucks and baked goods, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 (free for children under 12); free parking. mghc.org
-- Fried Pickle Festival: Athens Regional Park, 2405 Decatur Pike, Athens, Tenn. Arts, crafts, food and business vendors, music, pickle ice cream eating and pickle juice drinking contests, carnival rides, petting zoo, pony rides, dog costume contest, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission. southeasttennessee.com
-- Pick’n & Get’n Market: Tennessee Riverpark, 4301 Amnicola Highway. Arts, crafts and merchandise vendors, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission and parking. Followed by concert by Seth David Coley and the Rabbit Valley Boys, 4-8 p.m. $5. eventswithkimk@gmail.com
-- Show & Sell: Rock Spring United Methodist Church, 3477 Peavine Road, Rock Spring, Ga. Arts and crafts booth, food trucks, tractor show, kids zone with inflatables, pony rides, live music, quilt raffle, quilt display in the sanctuary, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission and parking. 706-810-8199
SEPT. 24-25
-- Finster Fest: Howard Finster's Paradise Garden, 200 N. Lewis St., Summerville, Ga. Sixty-plus folk, craft and fine artists, guest speakers, music on three stages, food, children's activities, property tours, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 admission; free handicap parking on site; others park at Walmart, 13427 Highway 27, and ride free shuttle. paradisegardenfoundation.org
-- Homesteads Apple Festival: Cumberland Homestead Tower and Museum, 96 Highway 68, Crossville, Tenn. More than 100 craft booths, live music, fried apple pies, antique tractors, storytelling, quilts, weaving, basket making, woodcarving, jewelry makers, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (all times Central), rain or shine. $5 admission ages 11 and up, good both days and includes free tour of Homesteads Tower Museum. cumberlandhomesteads.org
-- Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival: Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, Ga. Over 150 arts and crafts vendors, live music, children's area, tailgating area with football broadcasts, concessions, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $5 ages 11 and up. serviceleague.net/fundraisers/riverfest
-- Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Arts Festival: 6100 Lake Forrest Drive, Sandy Springs, Ga. Outdoor festival includes children's play area, local musicians, interactive art stations, up to 150 artists and crafters, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. sandyspringsartsapalooza.com
SEPT. 24-OCT 30
-- Fall Festival: Mayfield Farm Park, 257 Highway 307, Athens, Tenn. Three corn mazes, pumpkin patch, zip lines, pig races; new this year, obstacle course and rope mountain, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays, 1-7 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays (schedule varies). $17 online, $20 at gate all visitors ages 3 and up; individual and family season passes available. mayfieldfarmpark.com
-- Fun on the Farm: Guthrie Farms, 490 County Road 67, Riceville, Tenn. Corn maze, hay rides to pumpkin patch, animal petting barn, bounce pad, games, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sundays. $15 ages 2 and up. guthriepumpkinfarm.com
SEPT. 26-OCT. 1
-- DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair: VFW Hall, 151 18th St. NW, Fort Payne, Ala. Includes agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival midway and music all week, headlined by The Sharps and Brian Free & Assurance on final night; Wallenda family's Circus Incredible in two shows nightly. Gates open at 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday (all times Central). $4 ages 6 and older; extra charge for carnival; $3 parking. dekalbcountyvfwfair.com
SEPT. 30-OCT. 1
-- Morris Hill Craft Market & Quilt Show: Morris Hill Baptist Church gym, 1804 Morris Hill Road. Fifty craft booths, quilt show, breakfast and lunch available, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission and parking. morrishillbaptist.org/craft-market2022
SEPT. 30-OCT. 2
-- Great Locomotive Chase Festival: 116 Public Square, Adairsville, Ga. Parade, pageants, arts and crafts, entertainment, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. $5 ticket good all weekend. adairsvillega.net
SEPT. 30-OCT. 29
-- Rotary Club Craft Fair: Patriot Park, 186 Old Mill Ave., Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Handmade arts and crafts show, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Free admission and parking; freewill donations distributed to local charities. pigeonforge.com
OCT. 1
-- Bluff Park Art Show: Hoover Met Complex (change in venue), 5500 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover, Ala. Works by 150 artists, food, live entertainment, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. bluffparkartassociation.org
-- Catoosa County Fall Festival: Jack Mattox Park, 941 Pine Grove Road, Ringgold, Ga. Food and craft vendors, children's activities, 3-6 p.m. catoosarec.com
OCT. 1-2
-- Hamilton County Fair: McDonald Farm (change in venue), 16705 Coulterville Road, Sale Creek. "Miniature version" of fair in new location will focus on livestock and agriculture until infrastructure is added; times and admission fees tba. parks.hamiltontn.gov
OCT. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
-- Fall Fun: Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, Ga. (Pavilion 6 near the start of the disc golf course). Friends of Cloudland Canyon present tractor-pulled hay rides running continuously noon-4 p.m.; family activities including corn hole and temporary tattoos, noon-5 p.m., food available noon-3 p.m. Free; $5 parking (free with Georgia State Park pass). friendsofcloudlandcanyon.org
OCT. 1-30
-- Rocktoberfest: Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Ga. German music, food, specialty beer, Birds of Prey shows, costumed characters, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in October. $18-$28. Reserved timed-entry tickets required. seerockcity.com
-- Scarecrows in the Garden: Atlanta Botanical Garden, 345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. See scarecrows created by artists, crafters, youth groups and businesses, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (last entry at 8 p.m., closed Mondays except for Columbus Day). With Fest-of-Ale beer festivals 5-8 p.m. nightly; Goblins in the Garden for children, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 23; Great Pumpkin Carving Contest, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 27. $25 adults, $22 (ages 3-12) weekdays; $3 more on weekends; timed tickets required, nonmembers must buy tickets online in advance. atlantabg.org
OCT. 7-8
-- Boaz Harvest Festival: Old Mill Park, 100 E. Bartlett St., Boaz, Ala. Street fair with arts and crafts, children's area, live music, contests, classic car, truck and Jeep show, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. CDT. Free admission. boazareachamberofcommerce.org
-- Wooden Family Harvest Festival: Oren Wooden's Apple House, 6351 New Harmony Road, Pikeville, Tenn. Crafts, food, pumpkin patch, family activities, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. EDT. 423-447-6376
OCT. 7-9
-- National Storytelling Festival: World-class stories by 22 featured tellers, workshops, concert, wine and beer garden, noon-11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 3-6 p.m. Sunday. $150-$170 three days, $125-$145 two days, $105-$115 one day; separate ticket required for some activities, including prefestival events Oct. 5-6. Virtual pass $95 per household for the weekend. storytellingcenter.net
OCT. 7-15
-- Georgia Mountain Fall Festival: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee. Arts and crafts vendors, country, classic rock and gospel artists, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. New this year, carnival midway with cowboy circus and tiger show. $12 day pass includes most concerts (2 and 7 p.m.); free admission to fair with separate concert ticket on Oct. 8 (Oak Ridge Boys, $45) and Oct. 15 (Ashley McBryde, $50). georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
OCT. 8
-- K&S Christmas in October Market: Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. Vendor booths, selfie stations, children's activities, live music, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission and parking. eventswithkimk@gmail.com
-- Pumpkin Palooza: Greenway Park and Pavilion, 755 Raider Drive, Cleveland, Tenn. Family festival with arts and crafts, product vendors, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo, music, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. familycornerstones.wordpress.com
-- Pumpkintown: 106 S. Jackson St., Athens, Tenn. More than 250 vendors, powwow, quilt show, mutt strut, flower show, children's activities, music on two stages, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dexter Thomas Band closes out Sounds of Summer concerts at 7 p.m. friendlycityfestivals.com/pumpkintown
-- Wine Over Water: Walnut Street Bridge, 1 Walnut St. Preserve Chattanooga's primary fundraiser features 200 wine varieties, food from Chattanooga restaurants and three stages of music on the pedestrian bridge spanning the Tennessee River. $125 ticket includes souvenir wine glass (must be at least 21, ID required). preservechattanooga.com
OCT. 8-9
-- Chattanooga Oktoberfest: First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. A two-day Chattanooga Market celebration with German food, more than 100 seasonal beers, oompah bands, chicken dances, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. All-ages Chattanooga Oktoberfest costume contest at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Free. chattanoogaoktoberfest.com
-- Fall Arts in the Park: City Park, 350 Gray St., Blue Ridge, Ga. Displays and demonstrations by 170-plus artists and crafters, food vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 ages 12 and older. blueridgeartsinthepark.com
-- Georgia Apple Festival: Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 S. Main St., Ellijay, Ga. More than 300 arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations, parade, antique car show, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays (repeats Oct. 15-16). $10 ages 13 and older; civic and school groups handle parking with requested donation. georgiaapplefestival.org
-- New Salem Mountain Festival: New Salem Community Center, 12477 Highway 136, Lookout Mountain, Ga. Arts and crafts vendors, live music, food prepared by New Salem United Methodist Church. $5 ages 12 and older. newsalemmountainfestival.com
-- Prater's Mill Country Fair: Prater's Mill Historic Site, 5845 Highway 2, Dalton, Ga. Fair centered on functioning 1855 mill at Coahulla Creek, with 160-plus artists and crafters, traditional craft demonstrations, homemade Southern foods, live entertainment, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $10 per day (cash only) ages 13 and older (free with military ID); free parking and shuttle service. pratersmill.org/fair
-- Ride the Rails Festival: Historic L&N Depot, 150 Railroad Ave., Mineral Bluff, Ga. Tri-State Model Railroaders fundraiser with 5-mile ride to Murphy Junction and back, railroad hand cars, model railroad exhibit, noon-4 p.m. both days. Motor car, $15 ages 18 and older; hand car, $2 per person; mini hand car, free. Repeats Nov. 25-26. blueridgemountains.com
OCT. 13-30
-- Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair: Convention Center, 234 Historic Nature Trail, traffic light No. 8 on Gatlinburg Parkway, Gatlinburg, Tenn. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Exhibit and demonstrations by 200-plus crafters, music at noon and 3 p.m. daily. $10 adults (cash only, unlimited returns). craftsmenfair.com
OCT. 14-15
-- Bird & Barn Sale: Black Fox Farms, 2724 Varnell Road, Cleveland, Tenn. Distinctive handcrafted products, 5-9 p.m. Friday (preview party), 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. $50 Friday (includes exclusive shopping privileges, live music and hors d'oeuvres); $12 Saturday. Proceeds support Project Free 2 Fly. projectfree2fly.com
-- Harvest of Art: Rhea County Welcome Center, 107 Main St., Dayton, Tenn. Fine art show and sale by Dayton Arts League, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. 423-775-5122
-- Oktoberfest: 2892 Highway 70 E, Crossville, Tenn. Traditional music and dancing, imported and domestic beverages, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Food served 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (all times Central). crossvilleoktoberfest.com
OCT. 15
-- Christmas for Kids: Tennessee Riverpark, 4301 Amnicola Highway. Handmade crafts and food trucks with portion of vendor sales providing Christmas gifts for children at a local school, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. eventswithkimk@gmail.com
-- Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue: Wiseman Park, 301 Wiseman Park Road, Lynchburg, Tenn. More than 85 teams from around the world compete in "The Jack," 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Other festival events throughout town, starting at 11 a.m. Distillery open for tours 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission donations go to Moore County schools; $10 parking at Moore County High School, 1502 Lynchburg Highway; shuttles run 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (all times Central). jackdaniels.com
-- October Sky Festival: 419 Kingston Ave., Oliver Springs, Tenn. Historical booths and demonstrations, live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, car show and children's activities in the town where the 1999 movie "October Sky" was filmed, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. octoberskyfestivaltn.org
-- Soddy-Daisy Fall Festival: Soddy Municipal Park, 197 Durham St. Twenty food vendors, live music, art vendors, CHI Memorial mammogram mobile, free face painting, bounce houses and games, pumpkin carving and costume contests, professionally made family photos, prizes and giveaways, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. https://cbaip.org/fall-festival-great-pumpkin-chase-5k-run-walk/
-- Taste & Brews Fall Festival: Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, Ga. Family festival with music, food and libations, arts and crafts, farmers market, children's activities, live music, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. tasteandbrews.com
-- Upper Cumberland Bigfoot Festival: 1398 Livingston Road, Crossville, Tenn. Guests include cast members from Travel Channel's "Mountain Monsters" and Ben Hansen of Syfy's "Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files," music, food, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $5. ucbigfoot.com
OCT. 15-16
-- Cleveland Apple Festival: Bradley County Courthouse Square, 155 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland, Tenn. Arts and crafts, specialty vendors, apple dessert contest, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday. One-day pass $7 adults, $5 seniors/children 3-12; family pass (two adults, up to four children) $25 (cash only). clevelandapplefestival.org
-- Colorfest: Moon Lake Village (new location), 5866 E. River Road, Mentone, Ala. Arts, crafts and food vendors, local musicians, children's area, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (all times Central). Parking at Mentone Arts Center field on Highway 117; $5 donation requested. mapamentone.com/colorfest2022.html
-- Georgia Apple Festival: See listing for Oct. 8-9.
-- Ketner's Mill Country Arts & Crafts Fair: 658 Ketner Mill Lane, Whitwell, Tenn. Arts and crafts displays and demonstrations, Southern foods, live music, family activities, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday (all times Eastern). $7 (cash only) ages 13 and older. ketnersmill.org
OCT. 21-22
— Fredonia Mountain Craft Fair: Fredonia Community Center, next to the Fire Hall, 5216 Fredonia Road, Dunlap,Tenn. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. CDT each day.
OCT. 22
-- Appalachian Brew, Que & Stew Festival: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, Ga. Unlimited tastings of beers from 60-plus regional craft breweries, arts and crafts, food, music on two stages, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $35 in advance online, $40 at gate. Separate $47 ticket required for concert by 38 Special with special guest Tommy Townsend. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
-- Fall Colors Spooktacular: Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, Tenn. Leaf peeping, boat rides, campsite decorating competitions, hayrides, campground trick-or-treating, times tba. tnstateparks.com
OCT. 22-23
-- Chiaha Harvest Fair: Coosa Valley Fairgrounds, 1400 M.L. King Jr. Blvd., Rome, Ga. Juried arts and crafts show, demonstrations, musicians, food vendors, children's crafts, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, rain or shine. $5 adults, $4 students/seniors, $1 children 11 and under (free with online coupon). chiaha.org
-- Collegedale Apple Festival: Collegedale Commons, 4950 Swinyar Drive. More than 150 craft and food vendors, entertainment, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. 423-650-1388
-- Dancing Goats Folk Fest: Hefner River Park, 1557 S. Main St., Ellijay, Ga. Juried folk art show, crafts, mountain music, storytelling, traditional foods, goat beauty pageants, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. dancinggoatsfolkfest.com
-- River Clay Fine Arts Festival: City Hall, 402 Lee St. NE, Decatur, Ala. Juried fine arts, demonstrations, musical performances, children's activities, chalk art, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (all times Central). $5 weekend pass ages 13 and up. riverclay.org
OCT. 23
-- Chattanooga Market's Scenic City Wings: First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. Competition to determine Chattanooga's best wings to benefit Chattanooga Area Food Bank, plus arts, crafts and produce vendors, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission; nominal fee to sample and vote. chattanoogamarket.com
OCT. 28-29
-- PumpkinFest: Rhea County Courthouse square, 1475 Market St., Dayton, Tenn. Shopping, food and craft vendors, music, games, costume contest, trick-or-treating and Meet the Heroes, times tba. Free admission. mainstreetdayton.org
OCT. 29
-- Spook-tacular at the River: Tennessee Riverpark, 4301 Amnicola Highway. Trunk or treat, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; craft vendors, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; costume contest, 2 p.m.; plus selfie stations and live music. Free admission and parking. eventswithkimk@gmail.com
NOV. 2-6
-- Christmas Village Festival: Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, 1 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, Ala. Some 750 booths with arts, crafts, clothing, food, jewelry and other gifts. Time and ticket information tba. christmasvillagefestival.com
NOV. 4-5
-- Gingerbread Shoppe: Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 East Brainerd Road. Handmade crafts and home decor, homemade concessions, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission.
NOV. 5
-- Kolectic Jam Festival: 4406B McClellan Blvd., Anniston, Ala. Arts, crafts, live music, children's activities, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. CDT. Free admission. 256-624-6995
NOV. 5-6
-- Tangled Tinsel Holiday Market: Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway (change in venue). Handmade crafts and food vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. 423-650-1388
NOV. 5-JAN. 1
-- Smoky Mountain Christmas: Dollywood, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Award-winning festival features more than 5 million lights, themed shows, food, fireworks set to Christmas music, hours vary. $89 ages 10-61 (discounts for children/seniors). dollywood.com
NOV. 10
-- Holiday Stroll: Market Street, downtown Dayton, Tenn. Merchants and eateries along Market and connecting streets will offer discounts and extended hours, Santa visits, all day. Grand tree lighting on Rhea County Courthouse lawn at 6 p.m. mainstreetdayton.org
NOV. 12
-- Christmas Village: New Hope Presbyterian Church, 7608 Shallowford Road. Arts and crafts vendors, direct sales, small-business products, food trucks, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. newhopechattanooga.org/christmas_village
NOV. 11-13
-- Christmas Village Holiday Market: Tennessee State Fairgrounds, 500 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville. More than 250 merchants selling gift items, toys, clothing, jewelry, pottery, collectibles and food, free make-your-own photos with Santa (hours tba), 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday (all times Central). $15 ages 10 and older, $5 return tickets; $5 parking fee. christmasvillage.org
NOV. 12-13
- Christmas Village Holiday Market: Greenway Park & Pavilion, 755 Raider Drive, Cleveland, Tenn. More than 100 craft commercial and food vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. 423-650-1388
NOV. 12-JAN. 14
-- Garden Lights, Holidays Nights: Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. Millions of lights and displays with the gardens as a backdrop, plus s'mores, model trains and live music, 5-11 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (open select Mondays). atlantabg.org
NOV. 15-19
-- Walker Farm Pioneer Days: Audubon Acres, 900 N. Sanctuary Road. Hands-on historical demonstrations geared to elementary-age students and families, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. daily. $7.50 children, $5 chaperones and members. chattanoogaaudubon.org
NOV. 19-20
-- Christmas Village Holiday Market: Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. Craft and commercial vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $5 ages 13 and older. 423-650-1388
-- Mistletoe Market Arts & Craft Show: The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge, 3499 U.S. Highway 76, Young Harris, Ga. Arts, crafts and food vendors, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. mountainartscrafts.org
NOV. 20
-- Chattanooga Market's Thanksgiving Market: First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. Arts, crafts and produce vendors, plus suppliers of meats, cheeses and breads to prepare for holiday kickoff, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
NOV. 25-26
-- Ride the Rails Festival: See Oct. 8-9 entry.
DEC. 2-3
-- Christmas on the Mountain: Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer Tenn. Handmade crafts, live music, Christmas decorations, breakfast with and nightly visits by Santa Claus, times tba. Free but donations appreciated. tnstateparks.com
DEC. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18
-- Chattanooga Market's Holiday Market: Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza. Arts, crafts and food products for gift-giving, music performances, plus Lodge Cast Iron Cook-Off 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 11. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
DEC. 10-11
-- Mistletoe Market: Camp Jordan Park, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge (change in venue). Over 150 arts, crafts and food vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free pictures with Santa. Free admission and parking. 423-650-1388
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6281.