As of writing, kids are back in school and many families, even those without school-age children, are returning home as part of the overall feeling that Summer has ended. Actually, we’re only halfway through the Summer season as Fall doesn’t begin until September 22nd.
What does this have to do with the Harvest Festival in the title? Well, imagine getting the best of both seasons: celebrating Appalachian culture, crafts and atmosphere while it’s still warm and won’t get dark until late in the evening. Add to that an incredible selection of events going on/starting in September and Pigeon Forge becomes an unbeatable 9th month, early Autumn destination for fun and planting the seeds for the Harvest Festival spirit. In this article, you’ll see a selection of recommended special events and their official information for September 2024.
Let’s take a look:
Dollywood Harvest Festival/Pumpkin LumiNights
September 9th – October 28th, 2024
“Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana provides bushels of fall fun thanks to everyone’s favorite Smoky Mountain tradition, Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Dollywood stays open late each evening giving families more time to enjoy the glow of thousands of carved pumpkins throughout the park.
Dollywood guests also can enjoy the spectacular artistry of visiting crafters from across the country or sample the special harvest-themed food items from Dollywood’s award-winning foods team. Each day is a picture-perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the experiences of a Smoky Mountain harvest.
Named as the country’s best fall theme park event last year by USA Today readers, the annual Dollywood Harvest Festival is a must-see experience during the fall season. Below are some of the fun and exciting things to see and do at this year’s festival, you won’t want to miss. The award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights returns to light up the night with thousands of creatively carved pumpkins and larger-than-life pumpkin icons that will delight families and visitors of all ages. Visiting artisans from across the country share their talents through an array of handmade wares, spanning from functional to decorative. Each day is a picture-perfect opportunity for your family to enjoy the traditional experiences of a Smoky Mountain harvest!
Dollywood is open 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. each day of operation during the Harvest Festival. The park is closed on Tuesdays throughout the festival.”
See these events online at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/harvest-celebration.
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/dollywood-great-pumpkin-luminights.
Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run
September 12th – September 14th
“A spectacular 3-day event for any car enthusiast! $8,000 cash giveaway, Top 25 Awards, Ultimate 5 Awards and King of the Hill. Huge swap meet with hundreds of show cars and car corral.
Join the many automotive enthusiasts and come on out to the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, the area’s largest automotive event! Don’t miss this incredible car show! For registration and show information contact MCS Promotions at (865) 687-3976.”
See this event online at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/pigeon-forge-fall-rod-run/.
Pigeon Forge Bluegrass Festival
September 20th – September 21st
“The Pigeon Forge Bluegrass Festival is a first-class production featuring an all-star lineup of some of the nation’s top Bluegrass talent! Make plans now to come out to the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge for great music and fun.
Festival starts at 6pm (doors open at 5pm).
For tickets, call 1-800-965-9324 or visit the Bluegrass Festival website.”
See this event online at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/pigeon-forge-bluegrass-festival/.
National Quartet Convention
September 22nd – September 28th
“Gospel Music’s largest annual event drawing 40,000 people from over 40 states and a half dozen countries to a week-long Gospel Music festival, featuring the very best in the world of traditional Gospel Music.”
See this event online at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/national-quartet-convention/.
Rotary Club Fall Crafts Festival
September 27th – October 26th
“Visitors to Pigeon Forge have the opportunity to see and purchase handmade items from some of the area’s most talented artists and crafters. Stop by the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Crafts Festival in Patriot Park. Admission and parking is free, however, a freewill donation will be distributed to local and area charities.
Hours: Open Daily from 10am – 6pm
Location: Patriot Park, located right along Old Mill Avenue”
See this event online at:
https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/rotary-club-fall-crafts-festival/.
