Chattanooga, TN, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga is gearing up for a festive fall season with a variety of events starting this September. Major festivals include the Bell Buckle Arts & Crafts Festival and the New Salem Mountain Festival. Families can look forward to activities ranging from live music to crafts and seasonal programming. Halloween-themed events are also scheduled in October, making this a vibrant time for both residents and visitors. As the season progresses, additional events like the Hamilton County Fair and the Soddy-Daisy Fall Festival will add to the excitement.
Chattanooga Welcomes Fall with a Lineup of Exciting Festivals for 2024
Chattanooga residents and visitors can look forward to a vibrant season filled with various fall festivals commencing this September. As Labor Day weekend kicks off in late August, the community is preparing for a slate of events to celebrate the arrival of autumn.
The first day of fall is set for September 22, which marks the beginning of a season filled with cultural and recreational activities. Key festivals include the Bell Buckle Arts & Crafts Festival scheduled for the third weekend of October, specifically on October 19 and 20. This festival will showcase the creative works of local artists and craftsmen.
The New Salem Mountain Festival will also take place on October 12 and 13, hosting around 100 talented artisans. Families can enjoy the Ketner’s Mill Country Arts and Crafts Fair on the same weekend, October 19 and 20, which will feature live music and activities designed for children and families to enjoy together.
Another attraction is the Georgia Apple Festival in nearby Ellijay, Georgia, running over two weekends (October 12-13 and October 19-20), which will host more than 300 vendors and an array of apple-related contests and crafts.
For fans of outdoor activities, the Flat Top Mountain Farm Fall Festival will be held every weekend until October 27, featuring corn mazes and flower picking, with tickets starting at $12. Lookout Mountain’s Fall Colors event runs until November 8, showcasing seasonal activities aimed at all age groups, with tickets starting at $34.
Chattanooga is also gearing up for various Halloween-themed events, with updates expected as October approaches. Oddtoberfest at Oddstory Brewing Co. is planned for September 21-22, which will include live music and competitions to entertain attendees.
Families can enjoy the Signal Mountain Nursery Fall Festival on September 28, which will feature special activities and free hot dogs, while the East Ridge Fall Festival on the same day will last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include live music and diverse food vendors.
The cultural calendar for October is packed, with Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO” performance at McKenzie Arena from October 3 to October 6, offering tickets starting at $55. The Chattanooga Oktoberfest is scheduled for October 12-13 at the Chattanooga Market, celebrating German culture with food and entertainment.
The Witch & Warlock Paddle event on the Tennessee River is set for October 19, while the Sculpture Field will host its largest bonfire event on the same day, featuring a range of fun activities suitable for all ages. The Cleveland Apple Festival occurs on October 19-20, offering live entertainment and apple-themed contests, with entry tickets starting at $8.
As the fall progresses, the Fall Forever Bluegrass Festival at Mountain Cove Farms will take place on November 7, featuring bluegrass bands and a vendor market, with early bird tickets priced at $15. The Hamilton County Fair will then occur from November 8-10, expanding the festive atmosphere with entertainment suitable for the entire family. Finally, the Soddy-Daisy Fall Festival is scheduled for November 23 at Soddy Lake Park, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Key Festivals and Events in Chattanooga this Fall
| Festival/Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bell Buckle Arts & Crafts Festival | October 19-20 | Bell Buckle |
| New Salem Mountain Festival | October 12-13 | New Salem |
| Georgia Apple Festival | October 12-13 & 19-20 | Ellijay, GA |
| Flat Top Mountain Farm Fall Festival | Fridays-Sundays until October 27 | Flat Top Mountain |
| Chattanooga Oktoberfest | October 12-13 | Chattanooga Market |
| Fall Forever Bluegrass Festival | November 7 | Mountain Cove Farms |
| Hamilton County Fair | November 8-10 | McDonald Farm |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major fall festivals in Chattanooga for 2024?
Major fall festivals include the Bell Buckle Arts & Crafts Festival on October 19-20, New Salem Mountain Festival on October 12-13, and Chattanooga Oktoberfest on October 12-13.
When does fall officially start in Chattanooga?
Fall officially starts on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
What activities will be featured at these festivals?
Festivals will feature arts and crafts, live music, food vendors, family activities, and seasonal programming like corn mazes and ghost tours.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: 2025 Fall Festival Guide
- Wikipedia: Fall
- Chattanooga Moms: Fall Festivals
- Google Search: Chattanooga Fall Festivals
- Nooga Today: Plan Ahead Fall Festivals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
- Local 3 News: Fall Festivals in the Tennessee Valley
- Google News: Tennessee Fall Festivals

Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton 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 Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.


