Another summer has flown by and now it’s time for Autumn. Fall slides in with spectacular color changes and lower temperatures, making it the perfect time of year for festivals! Carolina Ocoee has put together 10 fall festivals near the Ocoee River, so you can go white water rafting, then enjoy one of the many fall events in the area.
Fall & Flags Festival – November 11-12, 2023
Two locals purchased the Ducktown School in Ducktown, Tennessee and are busy renovating it into an event venue. They are currently seeking vendors for their Bluegrass Festival in November. If you love bluegrass music, come out and enjoy some good music at the old Ducktown school! It’s conveniently located in the Ocoee River area so you don’t have to drive far to enjoy some fall fun after a white water rafting trip with Carolina Ocoee! Check the Ducktown School’s Facebook page for updates on their fall festival.
Cherokee Fall Festival – September 9-10, 2023
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum will host the Cherokee Indian Fall Festival in Vonore, Tennessee which is less than an hour from the Ocoee River. Native Americans will celebrate their culture and tradition through arts and crafts demonstrations, music, and food. The Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa will provide traditional dancing of the Cherokee Nation. The museum demonstrates the 1800s Acorn Printing Press during the festival. Blacksmith demonstrations, displays of Cherokee life in the 1700s and a Civil War encampment can also be experienced.
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival – September 20-Oct. 30, 2023
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, presented by Humana, is about two hours from the Ocoee River, but worth visiting if you’re headed in the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee direction after a white water rafting trip with Carolina Ocoee. The best time to see the Harvest Festival is at night when everything is lit up. It’s truly a magical sight to behold! Come visit for a celebration of fall in all its glorious colors, pumpkins, and food of all sorts. Don’t miss a visit to the enchanting Hoot Owl Hollow!
Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival – September 16, 2023
Who can resist a BBQ Festival in the fall and some awesome bluegrass music? Blue Ridge, Georgia will celebrate its 11th annual Blues & BBQ Festival on September 16, 2023. A portion of the net proceeds from the festival will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of North Georgia, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children and teens in Pickens, Gilmer, and Fannin Counties.
Etowah Arts and Crafts Fall Festival – October 7, 2023
Etowah’s Fall Arts & Crafts Festival will have plenty of artisans, vendors, and food to celebrate the magic of fall in the foothills of Eastern Tennessee. Visit this small rural town for a quiet celebration away from the bustle of the city. Purchase and bring home crafts handmade by local artists for something truly unique from the experience.
The Fall Market at The Greenway – September 9-10, 2023
150 vendors, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo, pony rides, and trackless train rides will be at the Greenway Park & Pavilion for their Fall Market. Celebrate fall with food, fun, and entertainment as you check out the vendors!
ScreamFest ’23 Paranormal Festival – September 23, 2023
How about an early Halloween celebration at the Screamfest Paranormal Festival in Athens, Tennessee? It’s only a 30 minute drive from the Ocoee River for some spooky fun! Celebrate fall and the spooky season for 15 nights (check their calendar for dates) starting September 23, 2023 with live music, contests, food,vendors and more! Prepare to be scared as you go through the haunted house! Learn the history of the Cleage Family with a tour of the mansion. Sounds like a screaming good time to us!
Sugarloaf Jeep/Off Road 4×4/Arts/Crafts Festival – Sept. 23, 2023
The Sugarloaf Jeep Show in Benton, Tennessee September 23-24, 2023 will have music, arts and crafts, a dog show, pony rides, inflatables for the kids, entertainment, and much more. The Night Glow Off will start when it gets dark. Come on out and admire some Jeeps and off road 4X4s!
Cherry Log Festival – October 7-15, 2023
For two weekends in Cherry Log, Georgia beginning October 7, 2023 they will host the Cherry Log Fall Festival. Lots of good food, baked goods, canned goods, arts and crafts, bluegrass, gospel, and country music, and much more! Plenty of free parking and fun for the whole family. Come on out and celebrate fall with them!
Harvest Sale of Blue Ridge – October 21-29, 2023
The Harvest Sale of Blue Ridge will run for two weekends in October. This annual Fall Festival includes arts and crafts from talented local artisans. Shop til your heart’s content for gifts ideal for Christmas, birthdays, and whatever gift-giving day you celebrate. Or treat yourself!
Though we are sad to see the summer go and the end of another Carolina Ocoee white water rafting season (mid October), we also love fall, cooler weather, and the many festivals to enjoy through October. There is still plenty to do in Western North Carolina, so book one more white water rafting adventure with Carolina Ocoee, and have a great time in our beautiful Great Smoky Mountains straight through fall!
