It’s been a hot summer here in East Tennessee, so I think I can speak for all of us when I say we are ready for fall! Fall is a beautiful season in the Lakeside of the Smokies with vibrant leaves, colorful Smoky Mountain views, and cozy weather. This fall, there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the season—live music, festivals and celebrations, fishing tournaments, and more. Grab your calendar and let’s talk about some of the fall events in the Lakeside of the Smokies that you won’t want to miss!  

Pine Fest

White Pine is a charming little town that runs along the shore of Douglas Lake. Each year, the citizens of White Pine and visitors from around East Tennessee gather in downtown White Pine for Pine Fest. Pine Fest is a lively, family-friendly event that celebrates the history and future of White Pine. The event features food and merchandise vendors, crafts, entertainment, and activities for all ages. This year, Pine Fest is excited to welcome Zach Ray as headliner for their entertainment. Visit downtown White Pine on September 28th from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM to take part in the fun! 

Music on the Town Dandridge

Music on the Town 

You don’t have to visit Music City to listen to great live music! Check out Music on the Town this fall in downtown Dandridge. This FREE concert series takes place every Thursday evening from August 29th through October 10th. With a rotation of great food trucks available at every concert, you can enjoy dinner and a show! 

Who is performing? These are a few of the performers on the diverse and star-studded Music on the Town Lineup. 

  • The Tams have been performing R&B and beach music for over 50 years. With Billboard charting songs, several gold records, a platinum single, and decades on tour, this passionate group of industry veterans know how to make great music and put on an entertaining show! 
  • The Appalachian Road Show offers a true Appalachian Experience. From gospel-esque tunes to kick-up-your-heels-and-dance music, their songs invite you to come and sit for a while as they share their stories of the mountains and hollers of Appalachia through song.
  • Balsam Range is a long time favorite of Music on the Town. This group of five gifted friends from Western NC offer elements of jazz, country, gospel, swing, and old-time music fused together to create the unique sound of this Southern band.

Scots Irish Festival

In celebration of the area’s earliest settlers, the 16th annual Scots-Irish Festival kicks off on September 27th in historic downtown Dandridge. Whether you have Scottish or Irish heritage, you want to learn more about these cultures, or you’re simply looking for something fun to do, the Scots-Irish Festival is a can’t-miss fall event in the Lakeside of the Smokies 

Scots Irish Festival Bagpiper

There will be constant entertainment from morning to night that includes a pipe and drum band competition, Celtic and Irish music, storytelling, Irish step dancing, choir performances, Appalachian music, and demonstrations of traditional highland athletic events. You can enjoy a brew from the Celtic ale garden and Scottish and Irish snacks and dishes from local vendors. Classic festival food and food trucks will also be available. You will also find all sorts of merchandise vendors selling and making unique Scots, Irish, and Celtic goods.  

Mossy Creek Festival

Head down to the Historic Mossy Creek District in Jefferson City for a fun fall day of music, food and activities for the whole family.  This Festival has been a long standing tradition for the Jefferson City Community and is the perfect way to celebrate the changing of the seasons.

The festival is set to take place on Saturday, October 5th from 9AM- 5PM. To learn more or to become one of the amazing food or craft vendors contact the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Department at (865) 475-2924.

Fishing Tournaments

The Lakeside of the Smokies is a bass fishing hotspot that attracts fisherman from all over the country. This fall, Jefferson County will be host to several fishing tournaments, including Phoenix Bass Fishing League Super Two Day, Big Bass Tour’s Ott Defoe Classic, White Pine Marine Trail, TN Team Trail, and Morristown Marine Trail.

Balloonfest Lakeside of the Smokies

Balloonfest

Between the changing leaves and the crisp autumn air, fall is the best time of the year to enjoy Smoky Mountain views in Jefferson County. Take your Smoky Mountain viewing experience to new heights at Balloonfest on October 26th & 27th! Lakeside of the Smokies Balloonfest is an event that locals and visitors look forward to all year long. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon and soak in all the natural beauty of East TN from a new perspective. Tethered and untethered hot air balloon rides offer breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. The view from the ground is almost as amazing—a flock of colorful balloons against the blue sky. 

There is more to Balloonfest than balloons. The kids’ fair will keep the little ones entertained with face paint, shows, bounce houses, crafts, and more. You won’t go hungry or thirsty at Balloonfest. Nine Lakes Wine Garden, the craft beer garden, food trucks, and a variety of local vendors will be serving a wide range of cuisine and beverage options. Don’t forget the arts! The festival also includes a craft fair and live musical entertainment  If you’re 21+ and want to make the most of your time at Balloonfest, consider purchasing a ticket for the “Elevated Experience”.   This VIP experience includes the following.  

  • General Admission Tickets for Saturday AND Sunday 
  • Tethered Balloon Ride 
  • VIP Parking  
  • VIP Tented Seating 
  • Catered Meal 
  • Premier Wine Tasting from Local Wineries 
  • Commemorative Wine Glass 
  • Optimal Viewing of the Balloon Activities    

Purchase Balloonfest tickets, add-ons, or Elevated Experience tickets online!* Tickets will be available for purchase at the event as well.  *Presale tickets are available for a discounted rate through September 30th 

Have a Fun-Filled Fall in the Lakeside of the Smokies

Make the most of this fall—soak in the gorgeous views and take advantage of all the fun things to do in the Lakeside of the Smokies. Soar over the Smoky Mountains in a hot air balloon, learn to Irish Step Dance, find your new favorite band, reel in a winning fish, and create memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for a new vacation spot or a day trip destination, the Lakeside of the Smokies is the place to be this fall (and all year round). In addition to a packed event calendar, the lakeside of the Smokies has fantastic lodging and camping options, charming towns to explore, great restaurants, and unique shops. We look forward to seeing you in the Lakeside of the Smokies this fall!