Celebrating the one of the world’s largest festivals, Ober Gatlinburg is joining in the German celebrations, too! From mouthwatering Bavarian-style foods and crisp German-style brews to authentic folk music and dances and fun activities for the whole family, head to the Smoky Mountains and experience OktOBERfest! You can also host your own Oktoberfest party in your Pigeon Forge, TN Cabin with growlers from Smoky Mountain Brewery, games in the yard, and time spent with friends while grilling bratwurst on your cabin’s grill. As if you needed even more of a reason to head to the Smokies in the fall, but here is your excuse to get together with friends in a mountain cabin!
When
September 27, 2019 to November 3, 2019
Festivities for the whole family:
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Free face painting on Saturday and Sundays!
Bier Garten:
Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where
Ober Gatlinburg
You can take the Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg or drive up the summit in your personal vehicle.
What to Wear
I am not saying you have to dress up, but when the opportunity presents itself… There will be plenty of people joining in the traditional fun of wearing lederhosen and dirndl! Get into the Bavarian spirit and wear most traditional German costume. But, if you aren’t into it, do bring layers because autumn in the mountains and higher elevations meanS some colder temperatures, even on sunny afternoons.
Music, Food, Games, and of course, BEER
The original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, wasn’t even really a festival. It was a wedding celebration for the Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Bavaria on October 17, 1810. In a large meadow, the party turned into horse racing, music, drinking, and dancing that lasted for days. Imagine: a wedding party so epic, the city decided to do it every year… for over 200 years – and it grew to 6 million people attending!
With Ober Gatlinburg already having a few roots in German traditions, they began their own commemorative festival to honor the large festival in Munich. For over a month, Ober hosts traditional Bavarian and German performers, musicians, and artists, and serves up authentic cuisines including German wurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, strudel, pretzels, and more! You can even pick up some pretty unique souvenirs to commemorate your attendance!
For festival-goers over the age 21, featured breweries will be sampling and selling German beers each weekend during OktOBERfest in the Outdoor Bier Garten. Drink out of a “boot” or pick up a beer card that provides four 16 oz. beers, or eight 7 oz. beers if you like to try all of the different brews.
Ober’s other attractions will also be open, too, like the indoor ice skating rink, ice bumper cars, and more! For more information and tickets visit the event page!
Other Events in the Area
Dollywood’s Harvest Festival
The South’s premier theme park kicks off their fall festivities on September 27 through November 2, too! Visit Dollywood for delicious pumpkin and apple treats, pumpkin-carving contests and artists, and LumiNights, the family-friendly Halloween exhibit.
Townsend Fall Festival and Old Timers Day
On the weekend of September 27 and 28, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the Townsend Visitors Center hosts its annual Fall Festival and Old Timers Day to celebrate the city’s Appalachian Mountain heritage with art exhibitions, live bluegrass music, theatrical storytelling, an antique tractor show, and food vendors. So, if you are staying in a Pigeon Forge, TN Cabin, take the short, scenic drive on over to nearby Townsend for this fun, free festival!
Chalkfest at The Island
This free event is hosted on the sidewalks of The Island! On Saturday October 5, visit The Island for the 3rd Annual Chalkfest to see some of the most intricate sidewalk chalk art you will ever see! The kids can even join in the fun in designated free-hand chalk areas. While you are here, ride the huge Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, watch the kids navigate the awesome Ropes Course, and enjoy a theatrical aquatic event around the Show Fountains!
Rocky Top Chocolate Wine Trail
It’s a Halloween celebration just for adults on Saturday, October 26! Visit Mountain Valley Winery, Hillside Winery, and the Sugarland Cellars Winery for free tastings and a perfectly paired sweet treat along with a souvenir wine glass. You will need a ticket, so visit the event website, here, starting September 30, 2019 for discounted early bird tickets!
