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.
Tip: Use our long weekend getaway itinerary to help plan your 4-day Labor Day vacation in Pigeon Forge.
Foodees Fest: Food, Music, & Family Fun
When: Sep 5 – Sep 7
Where: The Mountain Mile
The Foodees Food and Culture Festival returns to Pigeon Forge this September. For three delicious days at The Mountain Mile, you can sample your way through 40+ gourmet food trucks—serving up everything from smoky barbecue and sizzling tacos to indulgent desserts and irresistible treats. The festival also features:
- Live music and cultural performances
- Handcrafted art, jewelry, and home décor from local artisans
- Kid-friendly activities and free admission
Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run: Cars, Celebrity Guests, & Prizes
When: Sep 11-13
Where: LeConte Center & Parkway
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:
- Over 500 show cars on display
- Huge automotive swap meet
- Celebrity guest appearances
- “Ultimate 7” and Top 25 Awards
- $10,000 cash giveaway
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival: Pumpkins, Crafts, & Fall Treats
When: Sep 12 – Oct 27
Where: Dollywood
Kick off autumn with bushels of seasonal fun at 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.
National Quartet Convention: Gospel Music’s Largest Event
When: Sep 21-27
Where: LeConte Center
This September, the National Quartet Convention brings the inspirational sounds of Southern Gospel to the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. This week-long festival showcases the nation’s top gospel artists and draws fans from more than 40 states. Enjoy powerful performances, uplifting harmonies, and warm fellowship at gospel music’s largest annual event.
Fall Crafts Festival: Local Gifts, Décor, & Keepsakes
When: Sep 26 – Oct 25
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 free fall event is the perfect way to enjoy crisp fall days and support local makers.
Craveyard Nights: Family-Friendly Halloween Putt-Putt
When: Sep 26 – Oct 31
Where: Crave Golf Club
Join the Halloween fun at Crave Golf Club with Craveyard Nights, a spooky, family-friendly event that takes place every Saturday at the end of September through the end of October.
- Play Halloween-themed putt-putt
- Meet creepy Crave characters
- Get supernatural face painting
- Snap spooky selfies with decorated photo ops
Alcatraz East Crime Museum: New Exhibits to Explore
Step inside one of Pigeon Forge’s most unique attractions, Alcatraz East, and explore fascinating new exhibits:
- The Kennedy Conspiracy – discover new details and newly declassified documents tied to President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
- Natalee Holloway Exhibit – marking the 20th anniversary of her disappearance, explore Natalee’s keepsakes and the long pursuit of justice with case details.
- The Case Against James Earl Ray – explore the MLK Jr. assassination through prison cell artifacts and newly released government records tied to James Earl Ray.
Fall Adventures in Pigeon Forge & the Smoky Mountains
From scenic drives, like Cades Cove or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, to family-friendly outdoor hikes, Pigeon Forge in September is one of the best times to explore 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.
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!
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