Ready for sweater weather, Chattanooga? From Oktoberfest and apple orchards to pumpkin patches and outdoor concerts — fall is one of our favorite seasons in the Scenic City.
Get ready to come alive — or play dead at fall-tastic haunted houses like Dread Hollow — with this guide featuring 20+ fall events happening now through November.
🎃 Farms, orchards + frights
Flat Top Mountain Farm
Head to this farm through Sunday, Oct. 27 for its Fall Festival. Your ticket includes a hayride through the farm, access to two corn mazes, and one small pumpkin to take home. Tickets are $12 per person.
Weaver Tree Farms
This North Carolina-based farm pops up on Signal Mountain Road during the fall to sell pumpkins, gourds, corn, straw, and fall decor — just keep an eye out for the giant inflatable pumpkin.
Fairmount Orchard
This Signal Mountain Orchard is open through January offering apples, cider, jams, and jellies.
Dread Hollow
Our local haunted house is back for another season with the theme of “Vengeance.” Explore the three sections (Rosemore Sanatorium, Camp Dread + Dread Hollow High School) and the escape rooms — if you’re brave enough. Tickets start at $25.
Chattanooga Ghost Tours
This company is known for its award-winning ghost tours. Pick from the Murder & Mayhem, UTC/Cemetery, or Walking Ghost Tours to learn more about the haunted sites in Chattanooga. Tickets start at $20.
Ringgold Haunted Depot
Every Friday and Saturday from Oct. 11-26, you can head to the Ringgold Depot for hayrides, ghost tours, bonfires, and so much s’more. You can purchase an all-access ticket for $23 or pay for the activities separately.
🍁 Fall fun for all
Fall Colors
Through Friday, Nov. 8, you can enjoy daily programming inspired by the season + the scenic views as the leaves change on Lookout Mountain when stopping at Rock City. We’re talking pumpkin painting, going on a gnome quest, and seeing hanging lanterns — tickets start at $34. Pro tip: Buy online for a discounted rate.
Signal Mountain Nursery Fall Festival
Head to this local shop to enjoy sales on fall greenery, go through a “spooky maze” + eat free hot dogs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28
East Ridge Fall Festival
Stop by Camp Jordan Arena from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28 to play yard games while enjoying live music and food + arts vendors.
Oddtober
The Tennessee Aquarium hosts a month-long celebration of the strange creatures from around the world Tuesday, Oct. 1 through Thursday, Oct. 31. Plus, you can catch underwater pumpkin carving demos on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Regular admission rates apply.
Boo in the Zoo
For select nights in October, enjoy this family-friendly celebration that includes candy, decorations, costume shows, a bounce house, and a scavenger hunt. Tickets start at $11.
Chattanooga Oktoberfest
Get a peek at German culture when joining the Chattanooga Market at the First Horizon Pavilion for the return of this fest on Saturday, Oct. 12 + Sunday, Oct. 13. You’ll want to don your best German attire to see who will be crowned Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest.
Fall Forever Bluegrass Festival
Travel to Mountain Cove Farms in nearby Chickamauga, GA for this three-day festival that kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 7. Attendees will see over 15 bluegrass bands perform, shop a vendor market + be able to camp on site. Early bird tickets start at $15.
Hamilton County Fair
Save the dates for Friday, Nov. 8-Sunday, Nov. 10, and get out the McDonald Farm for the county’s annual fair. Featuring all the classics, from competitions and live music to food and rides, you’ll want to hit the fairgrounds running. Tickets start at $8 — check out the presale deals.
Soddy-Daisy Fall Festival
Head out to Soddy Lake Park on Saturday, Nov. 23 to join the city for its annual fundraising festival. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the whole family can enjoy food vendors, live music, and plenty of activities for the kids.
🎭 Autumnal arts
Cirque du Soleil “OVO”
From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, you’ll witness the whims of imagination at the McKenzie Arena on Thursday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 6. Tickets start at $55.
Between the Bridges Festival
This annual art festival on Saturday, Oct. 19 + Sunday, Oct. 20 will feature 50 local artists displaying their work in Coolidge Park. Bonus: Check out 15 clay artists from Scenic City Clay Arts who will display their work in Potters Alley. Admission is free.
Fire Up the Fields
Pull up a chair for Sculpture Field’s largest bonfire event of the year on Saturday, Oct. 19. This free event from 5 to 9 p.m. will feature the burning of a large wooden sculpture + new to this year, giant screens set up during the festivities for the football fans.
👟 Fall fitness
Cycle Sequatchie Century + 3 MTN Challenge
Cyclists can head to nearby Sequatchie County on Saturday, Oct. 5 for a choose-your-own-adventure challenge featuring 19 different route combinations. Participants will end the challenge with a farm-to-table lunch and outdoor expo. Registration starts at $35.
Swim the Suck
This 10-mile open-water swimming race will be on Saturday, Oct. 5. Participants will start at the Suck Creek Boat Ramp + finish at the Tennessee River Gardens with an awards party.
Triple Crown Bouldering Series
Climbers can participate in or watch the bouldering competition at Stone Fort on Saturday, Oct. 19 while enjoying live music and food. Looking to climb? Registration is $80.
ChattaJack31
This paddleboard + kayak race slated for Saturday, Oct. 26 is already sold out, but you can still cheer on the racers as they take on the 31-mile course through the Tennessee River Gorge.
