TENNESSEE TOURISM UNVEILS WHAT’S NEW THIS FALL

APPALACHIAN AUTUMN FESTIVAL, IMPRACTICAL MAGIC, PARANORMAL TOURS, METAL SCULPTURES, FULL THROTTLE MUSEUM, MOTORCYCLE INN AND MORE

Cheekwood Harvest in Nashville

Cheekwood Harvest in Nashville courtesy Caitlin Harris. Photos for media use courtesy Tennessee Tourism unless otherwise noted in copyright.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 16, 2026) – Crisp air, the glow of red, orange and yellow leaves, the echo of ghost stories and the fun of a fall festival make autumn one of the most memorable times of year to explore Tennessee. With new festivals, museums and unique places to stay, and outdoor adventures to explore, here’s what’s new and happening in Tennessee this fall.

NEW ATTRACTIONS, EXHIBITS & EXPERIENCES

Memphis – The newly opened Metal Museum at Overton Park, includes exhibits, live metalworking demonstrations, hands-on activities, classes and an outdoor sculpture garden.

Nashville (Now-Oct. 31) – Noelle’s Hidden Bar has transformed into an immersive Practical Magic-inspired Halloween pop-up, running daily through October 31. Tucked behind a hidden storage door, the experience transports guests into the Owens family home with candlelit décor, witchy touches, bubbling potions and themed cocktails, including midnight margaritas. Guests can walk in without a reservation, while dining at Lona offers a skip-the-line pass to the pop-up.

Springfield (Sept. 25) – Colorful, sparkling and joy-filled, Common Thread presents Dolly Day (Sept. 25) in the downtown square with a movie screening, fun activities, themed specials at local businesses and Dolly Day on the Farm at Honeysuckle Farm. Proceeds benefit Robertson Co. Imagination Library.

Clarksville – Relive the glory days of classic American muscle cars at the Clarksville Throttle Museum, opening Oct. 3. The museum features a collection of classic cars and vintage motorcycles dating back to 1911.

Knoxville (Sept. 27) – A new festival celebrates jazz culture and its deep roots in Knoxville, Sept. 27 in Market Square. Silk Jazz Fest features a full day of music, educational talks and an open jam session.

Chattanooga – Miles of hiking trails, paddling on the Tennessee Riverwalk, biking on Raccoon Mountain, rock climbing and more, here are ways to experience fall colors outdoors in Chattanooga.

Greeneville (Oct. 24) – A new fall tradition surrounded by small-town charm and mountain scenery, the first Appalachian Autumn Festival, Oct. 24 in the historic downtown, features Appalachian crafts, artisan market, live music, fall festivities, food trucks, kid’s zone and Sundown on Depot Car Show.

Pigeon Forge – Slick City Action Park is a new indoor thrill park, built for every age and every kind of adventurer, featuring more than 20 slides, air courts, arcade games and a candy shop.

NEW HOTELS & PLACES TO STAY

Franklin – Yardstick Dog Hotel is expanding, bringing a new boutique dog hotel location to Franklin this fall, partnering with Williamson County Animal Hospitality on the project. Yardstick features dog suites, small-group daycare, 24/7 on-site supervision, groom and room service.

Kodak – A unique place to stay in your gateway to the Smoky Mountains, The Motorcycle Inn is a themed motel with unique rooms and motorcycle décor. Behind every door is a different motorcycle with the nostalgic motel atmosphere meant to create new memories.

NEW RESTAURANTS, BUSINESSES & MUSIC VENUES

Clarksville – Jack Brown’s is slated to open downtown this fall, serving creative burgers and a lengthy list of beers in a casual, funky space. The new restaurant joins other Tennessee locations in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga and Memphis.

Knoxville – From the same owners as the MICHELIN-recommended Potchke, the neighborhood bistro, Au Bon Coin opens this fall. The ever-changing menu reflects the decadence associated with French technique and character married with Eastern European eccentricities and ideas.

Pigeon Forge – Rocket Fizz Candy & Soda Shop is now open at The Mountain Mile at The Island, featuring hard-to-find candy from around the world, retro sweets from decades past, novelty fizzy sweets and collectible treats.

A GHOSTLY ADVENTURE

Memphis – Take the walking tour at the 80-acre Elmwood Cemetery, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and hear stories of the past and who lies beneath the ancient elms, oaks and magnolias.

Robertson Co. – The Bell Witch Fall Festival brings a legend to life through immersive Spirit productions. Bell Witch Cave is a must-see for those wanting a first-hand experience with the supernatural. For thrill seekers, don’t miss the Paranormal Investigation experience.

Rugby – The historic village of Rugby started as a utopian colony in the 1800s, and has paranormal lore that’s spanned for decades. Listen to the stories and find out what you can discover on a tour or paranormal investigation during Historic Rugby After Dark.

Chattanooga (Now-Oct. 31) – Hear cryptic tales by the light of hand-held lanterns and visit sites of peculiar encounters, mischievous mayhem and tragedy during the after-hours Lantern Tour of Ruby Falls featuring ghost stories from the 98-year history of the falls and Chattanooga legends.

Sevierville – Step inside the historic Blowing Cave Mill’s shadowed rooms, listen to haunting stories and conduct research during new after dark paranormal investigations. Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the mill was built in 1795 and houses a museum and general store.

ICONIC ANNIVERSARIES

Bristol – Bristol celebrates the centennial of the legendary 1927 recordings with Bristol session Bristol Sessions Nights: Road to 100, a yearlong 12-night cultural music and storytelling series at the Bristol Listening Room downtown, running now through April 2027.

Memphis – Overton Park Shell marks its 90th anniversary with a free concert series through the end of September, a series of upcoming special events and programming to celebrate being the heartbeat of the city since 1936.

NEW OR POPULAR FALL FESTIVALS

Pigeon Forge (Now-Oct. 31) – Dollywood’s Harvest Festival Featuring the Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Humana is where crisp autumn days burst with vivid color and fall glows. Soak in the sounds of live music and thrill rides, the scent of fall treats, wander through the enchanting Hoot Owl Hollow and marvel at the towering 40-foot pumpkin tree.

Gatlinburg (Now-Nov. 1) – Autumn comes alive at Anakeesta during the Bear-Varian Fall Festival. Celebrate the season with colorful mountain views, festive décor, live entertainment, hearty eats, seasonal brews and family-friendly fun, high above the Smoky Mountains.

Nashville (Sept. 19-Nov. 1) – Cheekwood Harvest returns with a brand-new Marigold River, more than 100,000 pumpkins, more than 2,400 orange, red and yellow blooms, Harvest NIGHTS, Pumpkin Village, Scarecrow Trail and seasonal programming for all ages.

Memphis (Sept. 24-27) – Goner’ Records beloved underground music blowout, GonerFest, returns, taking over Wiseacre Brewery for three nights of don’t miss music sets, before wrapping up with the traditional, free finale at Overton Park Shell. Passes range from $50–$175.

Jonesborough (Oct. 2-4) – Storytellers spin their tales during the National Storytelling Festival scattered in tents and the International Storytelling Center in the historic downtown. Livestream the festival. Beyond general admission, Ghost Stories, After Hours, workshops, and events that happen in a theater require a separate ticket.

Pelham (Oct. 10-11) – Enjoy music above and below ground, on-site camping, glamping, open underground jam session, cave tours, food trucks, local craft vendors, workshops, kids’ activities, surprise performances and more at CaveFest at The Caverns. A special highlight of the fest will be the 1927 Bristol Sessions 100th Anniversary Celebration featuring Carlene Carter, Jim Lauderdale and Ashley Monroe.

Leiper’s Fork (Oct. 25) – Fork Fest blends music and community in the historic, charming village of Leiper’s Fork. Come early, shop in the village, have lunch at specialty food trucks and local eateries and enjoy inspiring music in the Lawnchair Theatre.

Photos

Photos for media use courtesy Tennessee Tourism unless otherwise noted in copyright.

About Tennessee Department of Tourist Development

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNVacation.com and follow @TNVacation on social media for travel inspiration.

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Media Contacts:
Amanda Murphy
amanda.murphy@TN.gov

Jill Kilgore
jill.kilgore@TN.gov

Chelsea Trott
chelsea.trott@TN.gov

Shelby McAuley
shelby.mcauley@TN.gov