Fall is a wonderful time to visit the Southeast and enjoy one of the many fall festivals that take place in the region. If your travel plans make it difficult to attend one of the one day or weekend events, here are some of the popular seasonal fall festivals that last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, offering plenty of flexibility for planning your visit.
Stone Mountain Park - Annual Pumpkin Festival
Photo of carved pumpkins at Stone Mountain Park's Pumpkin Festival: Courtesy of Stone Mountain Park
October 2 - 31, 2009 (Fridays - Sundays)
Stone Mountain, Georgia
This favorite fall festival, now in its 7th year, takes place during October weekends, offering seasonal attractions, entertainment, activities and fall decorations that are fun for all ages. A few highlights include a Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt, Pie Eating Contests, the new Pumpkin Tumbler and much more.
Stone Mountain, Georgia
This favorite fall festival, now in its 7th year, takes place during October weekends, offering seasonal attractions, entertainment, activities and fall decorations that are fun for all ages. A few highlights include a Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt, Pie Eating Contests, the new Pumpkin Tumbler and much more.
Callaway Gardens - AutumnFest
Photo Credit: © Copyright Callaway Gardens - All rights reserved
October 2 - 31, 2009
Pine Mountain, Georgia
Have fun exploring the delights of nature during AutumnFest at Callaway Gardens, featuring seasonal activities and family fun, plus special AutumnFest hotel packages.
Pine Mountain, Georgia
Have fun exploring the delights of nature during AutumnFest at Callaway Gardens, featuring seasonal activities and family fun, plus special AutumnFest hotel packages.
Dollywood National Gospel and Harvest Celebration
October 2 - 31, 2009Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Head to Dollywood for the biggest Southern gospel festival in the Smokies, featuring four weeks of more than 250 free concerts. Throughout the park, an array of artisans offer demonstrations of handmade crafts and artwork. Special fall dishes highlight some of the most celebrated tastes of the season, including Dollywood’s signature fried green tomatoes.
Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train Halloween Festival
Photo of the always popular annual Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train: Courtesy of Tweetsie Railroad
Friday and Saturday Nights: October 2 - 31, 2009
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Enjoy seasonal fun for all ages in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a spooky ride with Engineer Casey Bones and his ghostly crew on the popular Ghost Train, or enjoy some seasonal mischief-making at the haunted house or with other fun activities. Some attractions are more suitable for adults and older children, although there are plenty of shows and attractions for younger family members as well, such as face painting and trick-or-treating. A limited number of tickets are available for each evening and advance tickets are required. Regular Park hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Ghost Train Festival gates open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale beginning July 6, 2009.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Enjoy seasonal fun for all ages in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a spooky ride with Engineer Casey Bones and his ghostly crew on the popular Ghost Train, or enjoy some seasonal mischief-making at the haunted house or with other fun activities. Some attractions are more suitable for adults and older children, although there are plenty of shows and attractions for younger family members as well, such as face painting and trick-or-treating. A limited number of tickets are available for each evening and advance tickets are required. Regular Park hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Ghost Train Festival gates open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale beginning July 6, 2009.
Oktoberfest - Helen, Georgia
Photo of Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia: Courtesy of the Georgia Department of Economic Development
September 10 - 27, 2009 (Thursday - Sunday) and October 1 - November 1, 2009 (Daily)
Helen, Georgia
Attracting thousands of visitors to the area, Oktoberfest is Helen's number one tourist draw and one of the biggest parties in the Southeast. Lasting for two months every fall, Oktoberfest features authentic German bands, food, beer, dancing and lots of German-style fun at Helen's enormous Festhalle.
Helen, Georgia
Attracting thousands of visitors to the area, Oktoberfest is Helen's number one tourist draw and one of the biggest parties in the Southeast. Lasting for two months every fall, Oktoberfest features authentic German bands, food, beer, dancing and lots of German-style fun at Helen's enormous Festhalle.
Huntsville Botanical Garden Scarecrow Trail
August 29 - October 31, 2009Huntsville, Alabama
Enjoy scarecrows of all personalities and lots of fall fun at the Huntsville Botanical Garden's Scarecrow Trail. Explore the Enchanted Forest or make your way through the sorghum maze, and have some family fun with music and hayrides on the weekends. Other special events add to the fun throughout the season.
