Your Essential Knoxville Fall Bucket List

When the humid summer air gives way to a pleasant crispness, you know that fall in Knoxville has arrived. The hills surrounding the city begin their transformation into an amber and crimson canvas, and an energy takes over downtown. From the roar of the crowd at Neyland Stadium to the quiet beauty of a trail in the Smokies, this season offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

With so many options, planning the perfect autumn can be a challenge. We have created this definitive guide to help you navigate the season. This is your checklist for the most memorable fall activities in Knoxville, ensuring you capture the very best of what the city has to offer.

Celebrate the Season at Knoxville's Fall Festivals

The cooler weather brings people together, making it the prime season for community gatherings. You can find a fall festival nearly every weekend in Knoxville, each offering a unique slice of East Tennessee culture.

● Tennessee Valley Fair: For over 100 years, this has been a cornerstone of the East Tennessee event calendar. The fair combines thrilling midway rides and classic fair food with incredible concerts and agricultural exhibits. It is a quintessential fall festival Knoxville experience that offers something for everyone.

● Townsend Fall Heritage Festival: A short, scenic drive from Knoxville, this festival is a celebration of Appalachian culture. You can listen to live bluegrass music, watch craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills like blacksmithing and quilting, and enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountain backdrop. It is one of the most authentic fall festivals in Knoxville.

● Schulz Bräu Oktoberfest: Get a taste of German tradition right here in town. Schulz Bräu Brewing Company hosts an incredible Oktoberfest celebration with authentic German beer, bratwurst, pretzels, and lively music in their festive beer garden.

● Greek Fest: Typically held in late September, St. George Greek Orthodox Church hosts this vibrant festival celebrating Greek culture. It's a fantastic opportunity to enjoy delicious, authentic food like gyros and baklava while watching traditional music and dance performances.

Discover the Region's Breathtaking Fall Colors

East Tennessee is nationally recognized for its autumn scenery, and Knoxville is right in the heart of it all. Seeing the vibrant landscape is a core part of experiencing Knoxville in the fall. While you can see beautiful trees all over the city, a few spots offer truly spectacular views.

● Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Just a short drive away, the Smokies offer world-class vistas. For a memorable drive, take the Cades Cove Loop Road as the leaves begin to turn. For a more active adventure, the panoramic views from the Alum Cave Trail are well worth the hike. This is the premier destination to see fall foliage in Knoxville.

● Ijams Nature Center: You do not have to leave the city for incredible scenery. At Ijams, the reflection of the colorful trees on Mead’s Quarry Lake creates a picture-perfect moment. It is an accessible and rewarding way to see the best fall colors in Knoxville.

● Cherokee Boulevard at Sequoyah Hills Park: For a relaxing and beautiful drive or walk, head to Sequoyah Hills. The grand, mature trees lining the boulevard create a stunning canopy of yellow and orange, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the city.

Unforgettable October Events

October is peak season for autumn activities, with a calendar full of exciting opportunities. There is no shortage of things to do in Knoxville in October. You will find that this is the month when the spirit of fall in Knoxville is at its most vibrant.

Experience Game Day in Big Orange Country

There are few experiences more quintessentially Knoxville than a University of Tennessee football game day at Neyland Stadium. The entire city buzzes with energy. To get the full experience, arrive hours before kickoff to witness the Vol Walk, a beloved tradition where fans line the street to cheer on the players as they enter the stadium. For a truly unique Knoxville spectacle, take a stroll along the Tennessee River to see the Volunteer Navy, a massive flotilla of boats where fans host elaborate tailgate parties on the water.

Even if you don't have a ticket, being near campus to see the sea of orange and white is an absolute must. This is one of the top fall things to do in Knoxville for sports fans and newcomers alike.

Find the Perfect Pumpkin at a Local Farm

A trip to a pumpkin patch is a timeless autumn tradition. Farms in the Knoxville area host some of the most anticipated October events in Knoxville.

●nOakes Farm: A local favorite, Oakes Farm is famous for its massive, intricate corn maze and giant slides. It's an action-packed destination perfect for those seeking a lively farm experience.

● Narramore Farms: Located in Kingston, this farm offers a classic, picturesque autumn setting. Beyond the pumpkin patch, their beautiful sunflower and zinnia fields provide a perfect backdrop for fall photos.

● Maple Lane Farms: Operating in Greenback for decades, Maple Lane Farms offers a wonderfully authentic experience. You can enjoy a hayride and pick a pumpkin with the knowledge that you're visiting a real, working farm.

Explore Knoxville's Fun and Spooky Side

As Halloween approaches, many unique October events pop up.

● Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours: For those who love a good ghost story, the Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours offer a historically rich and spooky walk through the city's most haunted downtown locations.

● Dead Man's Farm: If you are looking for a more intense thrill, a well-known haunted attraction like Dead Man's Farm in Lenoir City provides terrifying trails and haunted houses.

● Boo! at the Zoo: For family-friendly fun that is more delightful than frightful, Boo! at the Zoo at Zoo Knoxville is one of the most popular October events, offering trick-or-treating in a safe and festive environment.

Make Room for Your Autumn Adventures

Getting your home and life organized for the new season makes enjoying all these activities much easier. As you swap your swimsuits and lake gear for flannel and hiking boots, you might find yourself running out of space. That is where StoreEase can help.

Placing your summer items like kayaks & canoes, outdoor furniture, and pool toys in a clean, secure self-storage unit frees up immense space in your garage and closets.

With our modern, hassle-free rental process, you can get organized in minutes and get back to enjoying everything on your fall bucket list. Get your home ready for fall today. Reserve a storage unit at our nearby Oak Ridge facility or find a StoreEase location near you to get started!