Knoxville TN, September 28, 2025
News Summary
As autumn arrives, East Tennessee is bustling with various festivals and community events. Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and the Unicoi County Apple Festival are just a couple of highlights. The St. George Greek Fest will showcase authentic Greek culture, while the Tennessee Valley Fair will entertain families with rides and exhibits. Events such as ‘Winnie the Pooh’ at the Knoxville Children’s Theatre and the Market Square Farmers Market also enrich the season. There are outdoor activities like the Kayak Float at Big Ridge State Park to enjoy amidst the fall festivities.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Fall Festivals and Community Events Unfold in East Tennessee
As the vibrant hues of autumn arrive, East Tennessee is set to celebrate with several exciting festivals and community events. This season includes popular gatherings such as Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and the Unicoi County Apple Festival, providing residents and visitors with numerous activities to welcome fall.
The St. George Greek Orthodox Church will host the Greek Fest from September 26 to September 28, 2025, offering an array of authentic Greek food and cultural dance performances. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Valley Fair, which ran from September 5 to September 14, 2025, attracted attendees with its family-friendly rides, competitions, and various exhibits at an affordable $12 admission fee for adults.
Performances at the Knoxville Children’s Theatre showcasing “Winnie the Pooh” are taking place from September 12 to September 28, 2025, enriching the local cultural scene. Alongside this, the Market Square Farmers Market continues to operate every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., allowing shoppers to support local vendors.
As part of the nature experience, the Kayak Float event is scheduled for September 26, 2025, at Big Ridge State Park, starting from 8 p.m. for a fee of $10. On September 27, 2025, enthusiasts can participate in the Plein Air Smokies Quick Draw Competition at Sequoyah Hills Park, beginning at 7 a.m. Moreover, an East Knoxville Community Cleanup will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Caswell Park free of charge.
Families can enjoy the numerous activities hosted by the Museum of Appalachia, which will include hayrides and apple butter making demonstrations. The busyness of fall continues as Oakes Farm prepares to open its pumpkin patch and corn maze on September 20, 2025. Moreover, Zoo Knoxville will celebrate the spooky season with its Boo at The Zoo Halloween event throughout the weekends of October.
The Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum is scheduled to hold its annual fall festival on October 26, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Additionally, the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon will introduce two new challenges for 2026, including the Knox Hills Challenge and the Marble City Challenge. Early registration for lower entry prices is encouraged before October 1, 2025.
In terms of weather, East Tennessee is expected to experience mid-80s temperatures with a chance of rain and thunderstorms throughout the week. Enthusiasts are advised to check for updates, as events are subject to change. Information regarding any missing events can be submitted via email to [email protected].
Upcoming Events Summary
- Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
- Unicoi County Apple Festival
- Greek Fest – September 26 to September 28, 2025
- Tennessee Valley Fair – September 5 to September 14, 2025
- Winnie the Pooh at Knoxville Children’s Theatre – September 12 to September 28, 2025
- Kayak Float – September 26, 2025, at Big Ridge State Park
- Plein Air Smokies Quick Draw Competition – September 27, 2025
- East Knoxville Community Cleanup – September 27, 2025
- Museum of Appalachia events
- Oakes Farm opens on September 20, 2025
- Boo at The Zoo – Halloween weekends in October
- Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum fall festival – October 26, 2025
- Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon challenges for 2026
FAQ Section
What festivals are planned in East Tennessee this fall?
Several festivals are planned in East Tennessee to celebrate the fall season, including Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and the Unicoi County Apple Festival.
When is the Greek Fest at St. George Greek Orthodox Church?
The St. George Greek Orthodox Church will hold Greek Fest from September 26 to September 28, 2025, featuring Greek food and dance performances.
What events are happening on September 27, 2025?
On September 27, 2025, the Plein Air Smokies Quick Draw Competition will be held at Sequoyah Hills Park, and the East Knoxville Community Cleanup event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon at Caswell Park.
What is the weather forecast for East Tennessee this week?
The weather forecast for the week indicates mid-80s with a chance of rain and thunderstorms.
How can I submit information about missing events?
Information can be submitted via email for any missing events to [email protected].
Key Events Features
| Event Name | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollywood’s Harvest Festival | TBA | Dollywood, Pigeon Forge | Seasonal attractions and performances |
| Unicoi County Apple Festival | TBA | Unicoi County | Apple-related activities and vendors |
| Greek Fest | September 26-28, 2025 | St. George Greek Orthodox Church | Greek food and dance performances |
| Tennessee Valley Fair | September 5-14, 2025 | KNOXVILLE | Food, rides, and entertainment |
| Winnie the Pooh | September 12-28, 2025 | Knoxville Children’s Theatre | Theater performance for children |
| Kayak Float | September 26, 2025 | Big Ridge State Park | $10 fee, event starts at 8 p.m. |
| Plein Air Smokies Quick Draw Competition | September 27, 2025 | Sequoyah Hills Park | Art competition starting at 7 a.m. |
| East Knoxville Community Cleanup | September 27, 2025 | Caswell Park | Free event from 9 a.m. to noon |
| Museum of Appalachia Events | TBA | Museum of Appalachia | Hayrides and apple butter making |
| Oakes Farm Opening | September 20, 2025 | Oakes Farm | Pumpkin patch and corn maze |
| Boo at The Zoo | October weekends | Zoo Knoxville | Halloween event for families |
| Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum Fall Festival | October 26, 2025 | Knoxville Botanical Garden | Family-friendly fall activities |
| Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon Challenges | Early registration before October 1, 2025 | KNOXVILLE | Knox Hills Challenge and Marble City Challenge |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Fall into Festivals around East Tennessee
- Knoxville Moms: Fall Fun Festivities & Events
- Kidding Around Greenville: Fall Events in Knoxville
- WBIR: Knoxville East TN Events
- WBIR: Knoxville East TN Events May
- Wikipedia: Fall Festival
- Google Search: Knoxville festivals 2025
- Google Scholar: Autumn festivals East Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
- Google News: Knoxville events
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
