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15+ things to do in Chattanooga this fall

From pumpkin patches to porch concerts, these fall events are the perfect way to enjoy the season.

NOOGAtoday | 3 sisters

Ross’s Landing fills up quickly for 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival.

Photo by Skye Blair Photography

Fall is coming, Chattanooga. With the first official day of the season less than a week away, we’ve rounded up the top festivals, events, and activities to help you make the most of it.

Festivals + fairs

Bacon & Barrel Festival | Sept. 26 | First Horizon Pavilion
Guests 21+ can enjoy bacon-themed dishes and 12 whiskey samples from local restaurants.

3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival | Oct. 3-4 | Ross’s Landing
This free downtown music festival features both traditional and modern bluegrass acts.

Apple Festival | Oct. 5 | First Horizon Pavilion
As the name suggests, it’s all about apples — from sweet treats to candles, lotions, and more.

Porchfest | Oct. 11 | Highland Park
This is a neighborhood‑based festival where front porches become stages for live music.

Chattanooga Oktoberfest | Oct. 11-12 | First Horizon Pavilion
Enjoy German‑inspired food, music, and brews at this free event — bonus points if you wear a costume.

Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair | Nov. 7-9 | McDonald Farm
This fair is fun for the whole family with delicious food, rides, lumberjack shows, live music, agricultural exhibits, and more.

NOOGAtoday | Hamilton County Fair

Take a ride on the Ferris wheel at the Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair.

Screenshot via Waterhouse Public Relations

Halloween events

Enchanted Pumpkin Patch | Sept. 26-Oct. 31 | Rock City
The beloved Chattanooga attraction will transform into a glowing autumn wonderland with towering pumpkins, spooky décor, and festive fun for the family.

Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk Edition | Select nights through Oct. 31 | Ruby Falls
With nothing but lanterns to light your way, walk through the eerie underground passageways while listening to ghost stories and Chattanooga legends.

Boo in the Zoo | Select weekends in October | Chattanooga Zoo
Families can enjoy trick-or-treat stations, costume contests, bounce houses, character meet-and-greets, and plenty of Halloween fun with animals.

ODDtober | Oct. 1-31 | Tennessee Aquarium
Celebrate the strange and fascinating side of nature with eerie animal programs, underwater pumpkin carving, and fun surprises all month long.

Monster Bash | Oct. 10-11 | Creative Discovery Museum
Get ready for kid-friendly Halloween fun with costumes, critters, a pumpkin toss, s’mores, and a spooky scavenger hunt.

Haunted Market | Oct. 26 | First Horizon Pavilion
Families can trick-or-treat and participate in a costume parade at the Chattanooga Market.

NOOGAtoday | Chattanooga Fall roads

The Scenic City really shows off for the fall.

Photo by @zippydj

Fall foliage views

Scenic drive or hike | Oct. 27-Nov. 3 (peak leaf color window)
Check out our lists of Chattanooga’s best scenic drives and hiking trails to get the best views of fall foliage.

Fall foliage river cruise | Sept. 2-Nov. 16 | Southern Belle
This classic Chattanooga riverboat offers three-hour fall foliage cruises of the Tennessee River Gorge.

Fall train rides | Now through Nov. 28 | Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Glide through Tennessee’s fall colors on a cozy train ride. Pro tip: The Hiwassee Loop, which leaves from Delano, TN (about a one-hour drive from Chattanooga), is considered one of the best routes for peak fall foliage.

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