Ready for an early dose of autumn?
Labor Day weekend means it's time for the Chattanooga Times Free Press' annual list of fall festivals, art shows, craft fairs, tasting parties and other seasonal events that will keep your weekends booked for the next 3 1/2 months.
The calendar won't agree that it's fall until Sept. 23, and daytime temperatures in the 80s and 90s are a daily reminder that summer is still bringing the heat. But kids in school, college football underway and pumpkin spice lattes on every corner already have us feeling autumnal.
The following list features more than 150 events within a two-hour drive of Chattanooga. They start in September and go through mid-December, so you'll notice the lineup transitions to a holiday focus as we go through the season.
A couple of entries are premiering or rebranding this year. Rock the Ridge, a conservation festival showcasing Walden's Ridge, will debut Sept. 16. The Collegedale Apple Festival, once held at the Commons, is now known as the Chattanooga Apple Festival and will move to Camp Jordan. In Alabama, the Mentone Fall Festival replaces Colorfest. Some events, marketing for wider appeal, may just be new to this listing.
You'll find many old favorites taking their traditional spots on the calendar, including the return of Labor Day at the Post in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, on Monday. In October, two longtime favorites, the Prater's Mill Country Fair and New Salem Mountain Fair, will take place, as usual, on the second weekend. Ketner's Mill Country Arts & Crafts Fair will follow on the third weekend.
Staff file photo by Robin Rudd/ Fort Oglethorpe will mark the return of a favorite event, Labor Day at the Post, on Monday. This was the scene in 2018.Two high-profile events are moving to new venues. The Hamilton County Fair will debut at McDonald Farm in Sale Creek. With the Walnut Street Bridge scheduled for repairs, Wine Over Water is moving to the Hunter Museum of American Art.
A couple of events are off the calendar. The Harvest Festival at Oren Wooden's Apple House near Pikeville, Tennessee, is sitting out this year. The Fried Pickle Festival, which has hopscotched around Southeast Tennessee, will return in 2024 in North Georgia.
Festivals that are focused exclusively on music or Halloween are not included in this list.
If you missed the deadline to be included here, you can still be added to the list online by emailing information to Life@timesfreepress.com. We'll also feature each weekend's events in other coverage as we go through the season.
2023 FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE
SEPT. 16-OCT. 29
— Fall Festival: Flat Top Mountain Farm, 638 Cemetery Road, Soddy-Daisy. Two corn mazes, hay rides, pumpkin picking, carving and decorating, live music, market, children's games, you-pick flowers, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $12 ages 4 and up. flattopmountainfarm.com
SEPT. 20-OCT. 30
— Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights: Dollywood, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Artistic sculptures, elaborate fall scenes including more than 12,000 pumpkins, artisans, seasonal food, entertainment including Crystle Elam of East Ridge Oct. 13-14 and 18. $89 ages 10-61, discounts for younger and older guests. dollywood.com
SEPT. 23-OCT. 28
— Copper Creek Farm: 1514 Reeves Station Road SW, Calhoun, Ga. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, pig races, pony rides, bubble barn, fireworks, haunted maze in October, noon-10:30 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays (10 a.m.-7 p.m. Columbus Day). $14 weekdays ages 3-59, $22 weekends, $2 discount for seniors. coppercreekfarm.com
— Grandaddy's Farm: 454 Highland Ridge Road, Estill Springs, Tenn. Pumpkin patch, hay rides, pig races, animal corral, fall market, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. Activity area $16 ages 3 and up Tuesday-Friday, $18 Saturday (discounts online); season passes available. grandaddysfarm.com
SEPT. 23-OCT. 29
— Ocoee Valley Farms: 1371 Highway 64, Benton, Tenn. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, you-pick flowers, hay rides, games and attractions. Times and ticket prices to be announced. ocoeevalleyfarms.com
SEPT. 23-NOV. 4
— Fall Festival: Mayfield Farm Park, 257 Highway 307, Athens, Tenn. Three corn mazes, pumpkin patch, hay rides, zip lines, pig races, you-pick flowers, more than 40 family farm activities, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 1-7 p.m. Sunday (open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. during fall break, Oct. 9-13), weather permitting. $17-$25 online, $20-$28 at gate ages 3 and up. mayfieldfarmpark.com
SEPT. 29-OCT. 28
— 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. mypigeonforge.com
SEPT. 30-OCT. 29
— 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. Sunday. $19 ages 2 and up. guthriepumpkinfarm.com
OCT. 1-29
— 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 family games and tractor-pulled hay rides running continuously noon-5 p.m. on Sundays this year. Free but donations appreciated; $5 parking. friendsofcloudlandcanyon.org
OCT. 5-8
— National Storytelling Festival: World-class stories by 20 featured tellers, workshops, Mary Gauthier concert, wine and beer garden, marketplace. $110 adults Friday-Saturday, $60 Sunday; $145 two days, $170 three days; discounts for children and seniors; separate ticket required for some activities. Virtual attendance available. storytellingcenter.net
OCT. 5-22
— Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair: Convention Center, 234 Airport Road, Gatlinburg, Tenn. Exhibit and demonstrations by 200-plus crafters, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. opening day, then 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. $10 adults (ticket can be registered for unlimited returns). craftsmenfair.com
OCT. 6-7
— Boaz Harvest Festival: Old Mill Park, 100 E. Bartlett Ave., Boaz, Ala. Street fair with arts and crafts, children's area, live music, classic car, truck and Jeep show, cornhole, pumpkin contest, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT. Free admission. boazareachamberofcommerce.org
— Morris Hill Craft Market & Quilt Show: Morris Hill Baptist Church gym, 1804 Morris Hill Road. Fifty craft booths, quilt show and Quilts of Valor presentation to veterans, breakfast and lunch available, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Free admission and parking. morrishillbaptist.org
OCT. 6-14
— Georgia Mountain Fall Festival: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hiawassee. Arts, crafts and food vendors, pig races, carnival, cowboy circus (select dates), old-ways demonstrations, country, classic rock and gospel artists, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays. $6 arts and crafts access, $16 to add most nightly concerts; free for ages 12 and under. free admission to fair with separate concert ticket on Oct. 7 (Jo Dee Messina, $35) and Oct. 14 (Trace Adkins, $80). Separate charge for carnival rides. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
OCT. 6-31
— 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). Special events: Fest-of-Ale, each Thursday-Saturday in October; Fall Family Fun, Saturdays and Sundays in October; Goblins in the Garden, Oct. 22; Great Pumpkin Carving Fest, Oct. 26. $27 adults, $24 (ages 3-12) weekdays; $3 more on weekends; timed tickets required. atlantabg.org
OCT. 7
— Bake and Craft Sale: Cloud Springs Baptist Church, 210 Cloud Springs Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Hours: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 423-718-2352
— Bluff Park Art Show: Bluff Park Community Park (change in venue), 517 Cloudland Drive, 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, hay rides, duck derby, children's activities, 3-6 p.m. CDT. catoosarec.com
— Etowah Arts & Crafts Fall Festival: L&N Depot, 727 Tennessee Ave., Etowah, Tenn. Arts, crafts and food vendors, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Free admission. eventbrite.com
— Fall Festival & Gospel Singing: First Presbyterian Church of Soddy-Daisy, 10612 Dayton Pike. Craft and food vendors, music, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 214-578-0205
— Fall Harvest Fest: Horse Haven of Tennessee, 2477 Ford Road, Lenoir City, Tenn. Craft fair, pumpkin patch, pony rides, live entertainment, silent auction, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., rain or shine. $10 all-access wristbands; $10 parking. horsehaventn.org
— Phoenix Fest Music Festival: Greenway Park & Pavilion, 755 Raider Drive NW, Cleveland, Tenn. Music on two stages, 150-plus vendors, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Free admission and parking. touchtheskyevents.com
— Wine Over Water and Best Cellars: Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View. Reimagining of Preserve Chattanooga's primary fundraiser goes indoors for tasting of wines and wine cocktails paired with food from Amada and Whitebird, with live music, 6-9 p.m. in the museum's Modern Wing; $125. Best Cellars, a curated collection of premium wines, with food tastings and live music, 5-9 p.m. on the River Terrace; $225. preservechattanooga.com
OCT. 7-29
— 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. $20-$30. Reserved timed-entry tickets recommended. seerockcity.com
OCT. 13-14
— Lake City Fallfest: Downtown Guntersville, Ala. Vendor market and food trucks, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. CDT both days, with live music, pumpkin bowling, train rides, hay rides and games Saturday only. lakeguntersville.org
OCT. 14
— Fall in Love Hippie Festival: Walden's Ridge Community Center, 5364 Dayton Mountain Highway, Dayton, Tenn. Live music, vendors, food, Walden's Ridge Quilt Club show, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. allevents.in
— Fire Up the Fields: Sculpture Fields at Montague Park, 1800 Polk St. Live music, fire cabaret, giant sculpture burn, food trucks, craft beer and wine, 6-9 p.m. Free for general access, $75 VIP with drinks and parking privileges. sculpturefields.org
— Food Truck Festival & Fall Market: Putnam County Fairgrounds, 155 Fairgrounds St., Cookeville, Tenn. Handcrafted and handpicked merchandise, home decor, local artistry, candles, baked goods, woodworking, food trucks, car show, children's activities, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. CDT. Free admission and parking. uppercumberlandevents.com
— Liberty Square: A Lester Flatt Celebration: Downtown Sparta, Tenn. Bluegrass music, crafts, classic cars, food vendors, 11:15 a.m.-7 p.m. CDT. Free admission. spartatn.gov/lesterflatt
Staff File Photo / A monument honoring Lester Flatt is located outside the courthouse in downtown Sparta, Tenn. A bluegrass celebration on Oct. 14 honors the memory of the bluegrass pioneer, a former Sparta resident.— Pumpkintown: 106 S. Jackson St., Athens, Tenn. More than 250 arts, crafts, food and merchandise vendors, powwow, quilt show, mutt strut, children's activities, pumpkin painting, music on two stages, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. friendlycityfestivals.com/pumpkintown
— Scottsboro BBQ Festival: Downtown square, 316 S. Broad St., Scottsboro, Ala. Award-winning pit masters and locals in sanctioned contest to raise funds for charity, dog parade, cornhole, car, truck and motorcycle show, beer garden, arts and crafts vendors, children's activities, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. CDT. $10 for samples of up to 10 butts and up to 10 desserts. scottsborobbqcookoff.com
OCT. 14-15
— Between the Bridges Festival: Coolidge Park, 150 River St. Forty artists via the Association for Visual Arts, potters alley by Scenic City Clay Arts, two Hart Gallery participants, live music, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sharing the park with 7 Bridges Marathon and Chattanooga Vegan Festival. avarts.org
— Chattanooga Oktoberfest: First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 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 Saturday. Free. chattanoogaoktoberfest.com
— Chattanooga VegFest: Coolidge Park, 150 River St. Showcase for plant-based diets expands to two days, with merchandise vendors, live music, magician, family games, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free; $10 suggested donation; $25 VIP swag bag. Sharing the park with 7 Bridges Marathon and Between the Bridges Festival. chattanoogavegfest.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 13 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. 21-22). $10 ages 13 and older; civic and school groups handle parking with requested donation. georgiaapplefestival.org
— 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
— 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, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, rain or shine. $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 arts and crafts, historic displays and demonstrations, food, entertainment, pony rides, face painting, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $10 per day ages 13 and older (cash only; 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 13 and older, $5 ages 3-12; hand car, $2 per person; mini hand car, free. Repeats Nov. 24-25. tsmri.org
— Sorghum Festival: Meeks Park, 490 Meeks Park Road, Blairsville, Ga. Sorghum making and sampling, arts and crafts vendors and demonstrations, log sawing, pole climbing, rock and hatchet throwing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (repeats Oct. 21-22). $5. blairsvillesorghumfestival.com
— Taste & Brews Fall Festival: Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, Ga. Family festival with food and libations, arts and crafts, farmers market, children's activities, live music, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. tasteandbrews.com
OCT. 20-21
— Oktoberfest: Knights of Columbus, 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). Ticket price to be announced. crossvilleoktoberfest.com
OCT. 21
— Appalachian Brew, Que & Stew Festival: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, Ga. Unlimited tastings of beers from 60-plus regional craft breweries and new beer garden, arts and crafts, food, music on two stages, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $50 in advance online, $55 at gate. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
— Mentone Fall Festival: Moon Lake Village, 5866 E. River Road, Mentone, Ala. Arts, crafts and food vendors, local musicians, children's area for event replacing paused Colorfest, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. CDT. Free admission; $5 parking. facebook.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
— Upper Cumberland Bigfoot Festival: 1398 Livingston Road, Crossville, Tenn. Guests include cast members from Travel Channel's "Mountain Monsters" and Cliff Barackman of Animal Planet's "Finding Bigfoot," plus music, food, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CDT $5. ucbigfoot.com
OCT. 21-22
— Chattanooga Apple Festival: Camp Jordan, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. New name and venue for former Collegedale Apple Festival, with 150 craft and food vendors, entertainment, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train rides, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. touchtheskyevents.com
— 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 $8 adults, $5 seniors/children 3-12; family pass (two adults, up to four children) $25 (cash only). clevelandapplefestival.org
— Georgia Apple Festival: See Oct. 14-15 listing.
— 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 ages 13 and older (cash only). ketnersmill.org
— 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; $60 for patron preview party on Friday. riverclay.org
— Sorghum Festival: See Oct. 14-15 listing.
— Webb Art and Craft Show: Sawney Webb lot on Maple Street, Bell Buckle, Tenn. More than 100 fine arts and crafts, other vendors, food trucks, live music, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (all times Central). bellbucklechamber.com
OCT. 27-28
— Fredonia Mountain Craft Fair: Fredonia Mountain Community Center, 5242 Fredonia Road, Dunlap, Tenn. Second annual event, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. CDT Friday and Saturday. lizvan29@aol.com
OCT. 28-29
— 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
— Dancing Goats Folk Fest: Gilmer County River Park, 1361 S. Main St., Ellijay, Ga. Juried fine and folk art, 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
NOV. 1-5
— Christmas Village Festival: Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, 1 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, Ala. Some 720 booths with arts, crafts, clothing, food, jewelry and other gifts. VIP Day, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, $25; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday (all times Central). $15 adults, $5 children 6-12. Parking information online. christmasvillagefestival.com
NOV. 4
— Kolectic Jam Festival: 4406B McClellan Blvd., Anniston, Ala. Arts, crafts, antiques, live music, children's activities, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. CDT. Free admission. 256-624-6995
NOV. 4-5
— Tangled Tinsel Holiday Market: Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn. Handmade crafts and food vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. 423-650-1388 touchtheskyevents.com
NOV. 4-JAN. 6
— Smoky Mountain Christmas: Dollywood, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Award-winning festival features more than 6 million lights, themed shows, food, fireworks set to Christmas music. $89 ages 10-61 (discounts for children/seniors). dollywood.com
NOV. 9
— Holiday Stroll: Market Street, downtown Dayton, Tenn. Merchants and eateries along Market and connecting streets offer discounts and extended hours, Santa visits, 5-8 p.m. Tree lighting on Rhea County Courthouse lawn at 6 p.m. mainstreetdayton.org
NOV. 10-11
— Gingerbread Shoppe: Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 East Brainerd Road. Handmade crafts and home decor, homemade concessions, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. facebook.com/gingerbreadshoppe1
NOV. 10-12
— Christmas Made in the South: Dalton Convention Center, 2211 Tony Ingle Parkway, Dalton, Ga. Fine arts and crafts in debut event, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $9 ages 12 and up (good all three days with hand stamp); discounts online. madeinthesouthshows.com
— 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 (select hours), 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday (all times Central). $15 online ages 10 and older, $10 return tickets; $10 parking. christmasvillage.org
— Hamilton County Fair: McDonald Farm, 16705 Coulterville Road, Sale Creek. Debut at 2,100-acre farm includes arts, crafts and food vendors, amusement rides, games, livestock and agricultural exhibits, lumberjack shows, rodeo, farm tours, concerts by Lauren Alaina and Brandon Davis, fireworks finale, 5-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $12 three-day pass online, $14 at gate; $7 adults, $5 children 11-17, seniors, military, first responders and teachers for single day. hamiltontnfair.com
NOV. 10-JAN. 1
— Ice!: Gaylord Opryland, 2800 Opryland Drive in Nashville, Tenn. Resort's 40th annual Country Christmas features sculptures from 2 million pounds of ice depicting scenes from "The Polar Express" and the Nativity, dinner show with singer Darryl Worley & Friends, ice skating, ice tubing, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. ChristmasatGaylordOpryland.com
NOV. 11
— Christkindlmarkt: Collegedale Commons, 4750 Swinyar Drive, Collegedale. German Christmas Market, authentic food and drink. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. eventbrite.com
— Christmas Village: New Hope Presbyterian Church, 7608 Shallowford Road. Arts and crafts vendors, direct sales, small-business products, food trucks, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Proceeds support church's mission work. newhopechattanooga.org/christmas_village
— Fall Color Cruise Festival: Coolidge Park, 150 River St. Arts, crafts, direct sales and food vendors, live music, carnival booth, children's activities, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. eventswithkimk.com
NOV. 11-12
— Spirit of the Veteran & Warrior Pow Wow: City Point Park, 230 Chickamauga Drive, Dayton, Tenn. Traditional gathering to showcase different American Indian cultures, drum and flute music, living-history demonstrations, vendors. facebook.com/windofthewolves
NOV. 14-18
— 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 ages 3 and up. chattanoogaaudubon.org
NOV. 17
— Old-Fashioned Downtown Christmas: The Lite House, 3 W. College St., Athens, Tenn. Shopping, dining and entertainment, Christmas tree lighting, 5-8 p.m. mainstreetathens.org
NOV. 18
— Christkindlmarkt: Mountain Arts Community Center, 809 Kentucky Ave., Signal Mountain. German Christmas Market, authentic food and drink. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. eventbrite.com
— Pumpkin-Pa-Looza: Walker County Agricultural Center, 10052 Highway 27, Rock Spring, Ga. Handmade crafts, direct-sales products, car show, food trucks, pumpkin bowling, pie eating contest, children's activities, live music, line dancing, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. eventswithkimk.com
NOV. 18-19
— Chattanooga Christmas Village Holiday Market: Camp Jordan, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. More than 130 vendors, free photos with Santa, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $5 admission ages 13 and up. touchtheskyevents.com
— Mistletoe Market Arts & Craft Show: Union County Schools Agriscience Center, 22 Lovell Road, Blairsville, Ga. Arts, crafts and food vendors, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. mountainartscrafts.org
NOV. 18-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, train rides and live music, 5-11 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (open select Mondays). Special events: Botanical St. Nick, Nov. 25; Carols in the Garden, Dec. 2; Winter Wonderland Days, Dec. 18. $27 adults, $24 (ages 3-12) weekdays; $3 more on weekends; timed tickets required. atlantabg.org
NOV. 19
— Chattanooga Market's Thanksgiving Market: First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 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. Last outdoor market of the season. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
NOV. 23-DEC. 23
— Mountain Country Christmas in Lights: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, Ga. Holiday light show, music, arts and crafts, food, visits with Santa Claus, 6-9 p.m. most nights (schedule varies), 4-9 p.m. Saturdays with craft shows. $7 ages 12 and up. georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
NOV. 24-25
— Ride the Rails Festival: See Oct. 14-15 entry.
DEC. 2
— Christmas Bazaar: Shelton Farms, 2124 U.S. 41, Pelham, Tenn. Seventy handmade arts and crafts vendors, small businesses, food vendors, photos with Santa, letters to Santa, children's craft corner, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. CDT. eventbrite.com
— Christmas at the Courthouse: Rhea County Courthouse, 1475 Market St., Dayton, Tenn. Horse-and-carriage parade, vendors, entertainment, Santa visits, 1-8 p.m. mainstreetdayton.org
File Photo / Christmas at the Courthouse in Dayton, Tenn., includes an old-fashioned horse-and-carriage parade. This year's event is Dec. 2.— Christmas on the Square: 62 Blue Ridge St., Blairsville, Ga. Kris Kringle Market, photos with Santa, children's activities, nighttime parade, 4-7 p.m. visitdowntownblairsville.com
— 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. Free but donations appreciated. tnstateparks.com
— K&S Vendor Market & Chili Lunch: Heritage Park, 1428 Jenkins Road. Arts, crafts and merchandise vendors, $5 chili lunch to raise funds for Christmas gifts for students at a local school. eventswithkimk.com
— Whispering Giants Intertribal Pow Wow: Museum Center at Five Points, 200 E. Inman St., Cleveland, Tenn. Gathering of nations with music, dancing, storytelling, food, vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. museumcenter.org
DEC. 2-17
— 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. 10. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
DEC. 9
— Happy Craftmas Christmas: Walker County Civic Center, 10052 Highway 27, Rock Spring, Ga. Handmade crafts, carol singing, ugly sweater contest, food vendors, bake sale, coloring contest, Santa visits, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. eventswithkimk.com
DEC. 9-10
— Mistletoe Market: Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Parkway, Cleveland, Tenn. Arts, crafts and food vendors, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. touchtheskyevents.com
DEC. 16
— Tennessee Festival of Vendors: Hixson Community Center, 5401 School Drive. Holiday shopping from crafts, home goods, sweets, clothing, gift baskets and candles, with live music, door prizes, giveaways, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission and parking. vonzarainc.com
Old events
SEPT. 1-4
— 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. $10 ages 11 and up; $10 carnival admission ages 10 and up, $30 unlimited rides. pioneerdaysga.com
SEPT. 2-3
— Monroe Life Balloon Festival: Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, 576 Highway 360, Vonore, Tenn. Tenth year of festival featuring tethered balloon rides, live music by Dusty Leigh Huston, 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
— Mountain Heritage Festival: Town square, 62 Blue Ridge St., Blairsville, Ga. More than 60 arts, crafts and food vendors, plus music on the porch and Appalachian skills demonstrations including wood whittling, chair weaving, gold panning, quilting, blacksmithing, Dutch oven cooking and buck dancing at Mountain Life Museum, 25 Veterans Memorial Parkway, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission. blueridgemountains.com
Staff file photo / The Mountain Heritage Festival, scheduled Labor Day weekend in Blairsville, Ga., will fill the square around the historic Union County Courthouse with more than 60 arts, crafts and food vendors. Music and Appalachian skills demonstrations will take place nearby.
SEPT. 2-4
— Art in the Park: Marietta Square, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta, Georgia. Nationally recognized festival in 37th year 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. Saturday-Monday. 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. Family attractions open 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Monday (includes BMX stunt shows); $20 admission. New Music Across America Drone & Light Show, honoring everyday working heroes, starts at 9:30 p.m. with extended fireworks finales; included with attractions ticket; light show only $5-$20 ages 3 and up. Parking permits $20-$40.stonemountainpark.com
SEPT. 3
— Art Sunday: King Caldwell Park, 1004 S. Broad St., Scottsboro, Ala. Fiftieth anniversary event by Scottsboro Three Arts Club includes juried works by 80+ artisans and crafters, music, children's activities, photography contests, food and beverage vendors, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CDT Sunday, rain or shine. $2-$3 admission. Proceeds fund community and educational projects. facebook.com/scottsboro3arts
— Chattanooga Market's Fall Food Truck Rally: First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Street party with dozens of local and regional food trucks, plus arts, crafts and produce vendors, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
SEPT. 4
— Hooray for Harriman Labor Day Festival: North Roane Street, downtown Harriman, Tenn. Street festival celebrating history of city founded in 1890 includes arts, crafts, food and merchandise vendors, children's activities, live music, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday. cityofharriman.net
— Labor Day at the Post: 6 Barnhardt Circle, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. A favorite community event marks return with vendors, music, food, cars and games, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday. Free admission. fortogov.com
— Section Labor Day Festival: Section Park, 72 Dutton Road, Section, Ala. Music, bingo, horses, car show, food vendors, free children's games and rides, 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT Monday. facebook.com/townofsection
SEPT. 7-10
— Yellow Daisy Festival: Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain, Ga. Nationally recognized event includes more than 400 artists and crafters, including 100 new this year, plus craft demonstrations, food, antiques and collectibles, live music and beer garden, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, rain or shine. Admission included in venue's $20 daily parking fee. stonemountainpark.com
SEPT. 7-OCT. 29
— Oktoberfest: Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse (Street), Helen, Ga. Event in 53rd year features multiple weeks of traditional music, dancing, food and beer, Thursday-Sunday first three weekends, daily Sept. 28-Oct. 29; 6-10:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, 1 p.m.-midnight Saturday, 1-7 p.m. Sunday. Opening weekend includes parade through downtown at noon Sept. 9, immediately followed by tapping of the first keg. $10 Monday-Thursday, $12 Friday or Saturday, $20 two-day pass, free Sunday; half price ages 6-12; free for younger children and active and retired military with ID. helenchamber.com
SEPT. 8-10
— Mountaineer Folk Festival: Fall Creek Falls State Park, 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, Tenn. Ninety booths of handmade crafts, pioneer demonstrations, old-time competitions, traditional music on two stages, 6-10 p.m. Friday (some craft booths open by 1 p.m.), 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday (all times Central). tnstateparks.com
SEPT. 8-16
— Northwest Georgia Regional Fair: Cherokee Capital Fairgrounds, 1060 Liberty Road SW, Calhoun, Ga. Nightly concerts, livestock show, pageants, school band performances, petting zoo, carnival midway, comedy circus, gates open at 5 p.m. daily. $25 unlimited carnival rides. Grand parade through downtown Calhoun, 11 a.m. Sept. 9. northwestgeorgiaregionalfair.com
Sept. 8-17
— Tennessee Valley Fair: Chilhowee Park, 3301 E. Magnolia Ave., Knoxville. Showcase of East Tennessee heritage and agriculture, plus carnival midway, rodeo, tractor pull, pro wrestling, demolition derby, beer garden, fireworks, 4 p.m.-midnight Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-midnight Sept. 9, noon-11 p.m. Sept. 10, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 11-12, 5-11 p.m. Sept. 13-14, 5 p.m.-midnight Sept. 15, 10 a.m.-midnight Sept. 16, noon-midnight Sept. 17; midway hours vary. Tickets at the gate: $12 ages 12-64, $9 seniors and children 6-11; early bird discounts through Sept. 7; $15 parking; carnival and nightly concerts cost extra. tnvalleyfair.org
SEPT. 9
— Bootleg Bash: Ruby Falls, 1720 S. Scenic Highway. Whiskey from more than 25 Tennessee distilleries, live bluegrass music, food trucks, talks on the history of caves and whiskey, 3-6 p.m. $50 in advance, $60 day of, $20 designated driver. Parking at 321 Browns Ferry Road with free shuttles. rubyfalls.com
— Fried Green Tomato Festival: Niota Depot, 201 Main St., Niota, Tenn. Live entertainment, food trucks, craft vendors, kids zone, pageant, 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.-5 p.m., followed by Emily Ann Roberts concert. $5 admission for all events (18 and older). cowpeafestival.com
Photo by Summer Simmons / Country singer Emily Ann Roberts will close out the International Cowpea Festival in Charleston, Tenn., on Sept. 9.
— Smoke on the Square: Dade County Courthouse square, 12371 Main St., Trenton, Ga. Third annual backyard barbecue contest, plus food trucks, local craft vendors, live entertainment, raffle, children's activities, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Proceeds go to A Hand Up Ministries. Free admission. smokeonthesquare.org
— Sunflower Festival: Chattanooga Green, 140 Riverfront Parkway. Food, music, crafts, inflatables, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. eventswithkimk.com
— Valley Fest: Chattanooga Valley Church of the Nazarene, 2853 Chattanooga Valley Road, Flintstone, Ga. Craft fair, music, food vendors, inflatables, car show hosted by Chattanooga Valley Lions Club, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 423-432-7404
SEPT. 9-10
— Cherokee Fall Festival: Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, 576 Highway 360, Vonore, Tenn. Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance, authentic food, blacksmithing, Civil War encampment and battle reenactments at 2 p.m., living-history demonstrations including an 1800s acorn printing press, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. $10 adults, $5 ages teens 13-18, $25 family rate. sequoyahmuseum.org
— Fall Market at the Greenway: Greenway Park & Pavilion, 755 Raider Drive, Cleveland, Tenn. More than 150 vendors, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train rides, live entertainment, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. touchtheskyevents.com
— 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. 12-16
— Jackson County Agricultural Fair: Veterans Memorial Park, 220 Cecil St., Scottsboro, Ala. Agricultural and commercial exhibits, carnival rides, flower house, entertainment, food vendors, 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. facebook.com/JCeventsAL
SEPT. 15-16
— 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 Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday; kickoff with music by Chasing Payne and Bob Seger tribute band Night Moves, 6-9:30 p.m. Friday (all times Central). Free admission. boomdays.com
— Sunflower Stables Barn Sale & Market: Collegedale Commons, 4750 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. facebook.com/sunflowerstablesbarnsaleandmarket
SEPT. 15-17
— Fall Heritage Festival: 101 Cumberland St. East, 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. fallheritagefestival.org
SEPT. 16
— Blue Ridge Blues and BBQ Festival: 400 W. Main St., Blue Ridge, Ga. Blues music, barbecue and other food vendors, plus beer and wine, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday. $10 admission (ages 13 and up). $5 parking with shuttles from Blue Ridge Farmers Market, 787 Summit St., and Fannin County Middle School, 4560 Old Highway 76. Proceeds support community and children's organizations. Preliminary events: Kickoff party, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at Smokin E's BBQ & Tipping Point Brewery, 322 W. Main St.; train ride and block party, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday at Blue Ridge Railway, 241 Depot St. blueridgebluesandbbq.com
— Celebration of the Nations: The Lite House, 3 W. College St., Athens, Tenn. Multicultural festival featuring authentic food, cultural entertainment, children's area, marketplace, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. mainstreetathens.org
— Depot Days Festival: 110 Railroad St. SW, Hartselle, Ala. Tribute to the railroad industry includes art show, craft vendors, car, truck and motorcycle show, tractor and engine show, live music, children's entertainment and activities, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. CDT. Free admission. hartselledepotdays.com
— For the Culture Community Festival: Southside Community Park, 3504 E. 36th St. Food, music and family games, noon-6 p.m. thenetresourcefoundation.org
— Hello Fall Market: Bramble Berry Cafe, Antiques & Gifts, 2446 Genesis Road, Crossville, Tenn. Outdoor market with variety of vendors, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CDT. Free admission. 931-200-2598
— Marsh House Heritage Day: 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
— Rock the Ridge: Walden's Ridge Civic League, 2501 Fairmount Pike, Walden. Inaugural event celebrating rich environment of Walden's Ridge includes conservation exhibitors, six native plant vendors, lectures, music, food trucks, children's activities, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. facebook.com/events
— Walker County Ag Festival: Walker County Ag Center, 10052 N. Highway 27, Rock Spring, Ga. Vendor booths, livestock shows, beekeeping, cooking and canning classes, bingo, soap making, music by Seth David Coley, inflatables, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. walkercountyagfestival.com
SEPT. 16-17
— 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 (cash only). roselawnmuseum.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. 15; $55 ticket. creativeartsguild.org
SEPT. 21
— Bacon & Barrel Festival: First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Food and spirits from Chattanooga restaurants, live music, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $44 (more at the gate) includes unlimited samples of bacon-themed dishes and 15 whiskey samples; cash bar for more. Benefits Chattanooga Market. chattanoogafestivals.com/bacon
Contributed Photo / Tickets for the Bacon & Barrel Festival, scheduled Sept. 21 at First Horizon Pavilion, will included unlimited samples of bacon-themed foods from Chattanooga restaurants and 15 whiskey samples.
SEPT. 21-OCT. 1
— North Georgia State Fair: Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta, Ga. Carnival, concerts, circus, demolition derby, monster trucks, bull riding, petting zoos, flower shows, chainsaw carving, 4-11 p.m. Sept. 21, 4 p.m.-midnight Sept. 22, 10 a.m.-midnight Sept. 23, 12:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 24, 4-11 p.m. Sept. 25-28, 4 p.m.-midnight Sept. 29, 10 a.m.-midnight Sept. 30, 12:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 1. $10 gate admission ages 11 and up; ride tickets cost extra; discounts in advance (cash or card); $5 parking (cash only). northgeorgiastatefair.com
SEPT. 22-23
— Sizzle & Smoke: Ingalls Harbor, 802 Wilson St NW, Decatur, Ala. Sanctioned steak cook-off, plus ribs, dessert and Jack Daniel's cocktail categories, youth pork chop competition, live music, car show cruise-in, food trucks, raffle prizes, silent auction, 4:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday (all times Central). facebook.com/mosaicsizzleandsmoke
SEPT. 22-24
— 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 for either include show admission): Margaritas & Mistletoe, with silent auction, 4-8 p.m. Friday; Muffins & Mimosas, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Regular admission: $10 one day, $18 three days. midsouthmediagroup.com
SEPT. 23
— 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
— Crush Wine and Food Festival: Huntsville, Ala. Celebrity chefs, live music, vendor booths, 1-5 p.m. CDT. $100-$175; separate ticket available for VIP access Friday and Saturday. crushwinefestival.com
— Fall Festival: Cambridge Square, 9453 Bradmore Lane, Ooltewah. Live music, vendors, food and beer, noon-6 p.m. cambridgesquare.events
— 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
— Rickman Harvest Festival: Rickman Event Center & Memorial Park, 114 Claudine Qualls Road, Rickman, Tenn. Live music, food and craft vendors, children's activities, petting zoo, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission and parking. uppercumberlandevents.com
— Shrine Club Car Show and Street Festival: Downtown Lenoir City, Tenn. More than 200 show cars, dozens of vendors, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; food, arts and crafts until 4 p.m. loudoncountychamberofcommerce.com
SEPT. 23-24
— Chattanooga Taco Festival: Camp Jordan, 323 Camp Jordan Parkway, East Ridge. More than 150 vendors, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train rides, live entertainment, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission and parking. touchtheskyevents.com
— 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. $30 in advance, $35 day of. cartecayvineyards.com
— 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. $10 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. $7 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
— Sugarloaf Festival: Sugarloaf Mountain Park, 2144 Interstate 40/Highway 64, Benton, Tenn. Jeep, off-road and 4x4 show, arts, crafts, food, live music, pony rides, inflatables, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Free admission. eventbrite.com
SEPT. 24
— Chattanooga Market's Makers Market: First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 Reggie White Blvd. Demonstrations of pottery, knitting, painting, woodcarving, leather working and other crafts, plus food trucks, live music and arts, crafts and produce vendors, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. chattanoogamarket.com
SEPT. 25-30
— DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair: VFW Hall, 151 18th St. NW, Fort Payne, Ala. Includes chainsaw carving, agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival midway and music all week, headlined by The Sharps and Gold City on final night; Gates open at 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday (all times Central). $5 ages 6 and older; extra charge for carnival; $5 parking. dekalbcountyvfwfair.com
SEPT. 28-OCT. 1
— American Mule & Bluegrass Festival: Cooper Steel Arena, 721 Whitthorne St., Shelbyville, Tenn. Mule displays, educational exhibits, homesteader demonstrations, live music, crafts, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. CDT. Admission by donation. americanmuleandbluegrassfestival.com
SEPT. 29-30
— Bird & Barn Sale: Black Fox Farms, 2724 Varnell Road, Cleveland, Tenn. Event in 10th year features 28 vendors with handcrafted products, coffee truck, popcorn bar, cakes, 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); $10 Saturday. Proceeds support Project Free 2 Fly. projectfree2fly.com
— Smoke on the Mountain: Walden's Ridge Civic League, 2501 Fairmount Pike, Walden. Barbecue contest (and anything but barbecue contest the night before), live music, concessions, hay rides, arts and crafts, games, 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, noon-9:30 p.m. Saturday. waldensridgecivicleague.org'
SEPT. 29-OCT. 1
— 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
— Blue Ribbon Country Fair: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, 123 Cromwell Drive, Townsend, Tenn. Women's skillet throwing contests, living-history demonstrations of open-hearth cooking, spinning, weaving, wood turning and blacksmithing, livestock and agricultural displays, historical games and old-timey chores, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $8-$12. gsmheritagecenter.org
— Crafters Fall Festival: Walker County Agricultural Center, 10052 Highway 27, Rock Spring, Ga. Craft vendors, food trucks, children's activities, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. eventswithkimk.com
— Fall Garden Festival: Hamilton County Extension, 6183 Adamson Circle. Master Gardeners of Hamilton County present exhibits and demos, children's 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
— 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. facebook.com/familycornerstones
— Show & Sell: Rock Spring United Methodist Church, 3477 Peavine Road, Rock Spring, Ga. Arts and crafts booths, bake sale, food trucks, live music, pony rides, inflatables, quilt exhibit in sanctuary, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission and parking. facebook.com/rockspringunitedmethodistchurch
— Soddy-Daisy Fall Festival: Soddy Lake Park, 197 Durham St. Keep Soddy-Daisy Beautiful celebration with arts, crafts and food vendors, live music, family activities, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. cbaip.org
OCT. 1
— Chattanooga Market's Scenic City Wings: First Horizon Pavilion, 1801 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
Contact Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6181.