Looking for fun things to do in Pigeon Forge in September? Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge comes alive each fall with vibrant foliage, exciting festivals, and unforgettable adventures. From glowing pumpkin displays to gospel music legends and fun foodie events, here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do this September in Pigeon Forge.
Plan a Pigeon Forge Labor Day Weekend Getaway
Don’t say goodbye to summer fun just yet! Celebrate Labor Day in Pigeon Forge with one last family weekend getaway before fall fully arrives. From kid-friendly attractions and interactive museums to must-visit restaurants, live entertainment, and endless shopping experiences, a fun September adventure is around the corner.
Want to keep the cookout tradition alive? Many of our Pigeon Forge cabins come with outdoor grills and fully-equipped kitchens, so you can fire up the same Labor Day cookout you’d have at home, with the bonus of stunning Smoky Mountain views as your backdrop.
Insider Tip: Use our long weekend getaway itinerary to help plan your 4-day Labor Day vacation in Pigeon Forge.
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival: Pumpkins, Crafts, & Fall Treats
When: Sep 14 – Oct 31
Where: Dollywood
Kick off autumn with bushels of seasonal fun at one of the most anticipated annual fall events in Pigeon Forge, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival, voted America’s #1 Fall Family Event by USA Today readers.
By day
- Shop artisan crafts made by world-class artisans
- Enjoy tasty fall treats from Dollywood’s award-winning culinary team.
By night
- Stroll through the award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights, where thousands of glowing, hand-carved pumpkins and towering displays light up the park.
- Marvel at Hoot Owl Hollow, a 14-foot-tall glowing owl made from more than 150 hand-carved white pumpkins.
Don’t miss these magical moments in Pigeon Forge at this must-see Smoky Mountain tradition.
Cades Cove Vehicle-Free Days
When: Each Wednesday in September
Where: Cades Cove in GSMNP
Each Wednesday in September you can enjoy Cades Cove without motorized vehicles, as these are designated days for pedestrians and cyclists an opportunity to experience the 11-mile Cades Cove in a unique way.
For more information and tips to maximize your experience, check out our event details page.
Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run: Cars, Celebrity Guests, & Prizes
When: Sep 17 – 19
Where: LeConte Event Center
The Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run is one of the largest car shows in Pigeon Forge, attracting thousands of visitors for three days of horsepower and high-octane excitement.
Event highlights include:
- Hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, and muscle cars
- Huge automotive swap meet
- Celebrity guest appearances
- “Ultimate 5” and Top 25 Awards
- $10,000 cash giveaway
Insider tip: Hotel lots fill by Tuesday during the week of the event. It’s worth booking lodging early if you’re in town during the event.
Fall Crafts Festival: Local Gifts, Décor, & Keepsakes
When: Sep 25 – Oct 24
Where: Patriot Park
Discover handcrafted treasures at the Rotary Club Fall Crafts Festival in Patriot Park, a beloved Pigeon Forge fall tradition. Browse booths filled with autumn décor, one-of-a-kind gifts, and seasonal keepsakes from talented local artisans.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., this fall event is the perfect way to enjoy crisp fall days and support local makers.
Chalkfest at The Island: Photo-Worthy Chalk Creations
When: Sep 26
Where: The Island in Pigeon Forge
Free to attend and utterly one-of-a-kind, Chalkfest at The Island transforms the Island into an outdoor gallery of larger-than-life, 3D chalk illusions, a perfect fall outing for multi-generational families, couples, and kids alike. Stroll through and snap photos of the eye-catching creations, colorful murals, and imaginative designs, all brought to life by community artists using nothing but chalk.
Make a day out of this outdoor art experience as you shop, dine, and enjoy endless entertainment and rides around every corner, then vote for your favorite community artwork before heading out.
Run Dollywood Fall Race Weekend: A Race for Every Runner
When: Sep 25 – Sep 27
Where: Dollywood
Kick fall into high gear at Run Dollywood Fall Race Weekend, where runners of all abilities can take on a fun-filled kids’ run, 5K, 10K, or half marathon. Each course winds through Dollywood Theme Park, dressed in Harvest Festival’s fall decor and surrounded by the beauty of the Smokies, a race experience like no other. Live music and on-course entertainment keep spirits high, making for a festive fall race the whole family can enjoy.
National Quartet Convention: Gospel Music’s Largest Event
When: Sep 27 – Oct 3
Where: LeConte Event Center
This September, the National Quartet Convention brings the inspirational sounds of Southern Gospel to the LeConte Event Center in Pigeon Forge. This week-long festival showcases the nation’s top gospel artists and draws fans from across the country. Enjoy powerful performances, uplifting harmonies, and warm fellowship at gospel music’s largest annual event.
Fall Adventures in Pigeon Forge & the Smoky Mountains
From scenic drives at Cades Cove or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to family-friendly outdoor hikes, Pigeon Forge in September is one of the most ideal times to explore the best of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
As vibrant autumn colors and stunning displays of fall foliage begin to form along the 800 miles of Smoky Mountain hiking trails, you will soon discover why this time of year promises unforgettable outdoor fall adventures in the heart of Pigeon Forge.
Pigeon Forge Weather in September: What to Expect
September in Pigeon Forge means trading peak summer heat for cooler, more comfortable days; the average high sits around 81°F to 84°F, with evenings dipping to a crisp 57°F to 59°F.
It’s also historically the driest and clearest month of the year here, with plenty of blue-sky days perfect for exploring the over 100 attractions or the Smokies. Just pack a few light layers for those cooler mornings and evenings, and you’ll be set for whatever the day brings.
Plan Your Pigeon Forge September Getaway
From exciting autumn events to food festivals and countless outdoor adventures, there’s no better place to celebrate the new season. Start planning your trip and see why Pigeon Forge in September is one of the most magical months in the Smokies!
