It’s that time of year when festivals pop up as often as pumpkin spice products and haunted Halloween houses. Here are some festivals set for the next two weeks:
Fall Craftsmen’s Fair in Gatlinburg — Through October 24
The annual Fall Craftsmen’s Fair at the Gatlinburg Convention Center features 200 booths of handmade products by skilled craftspeople. You’ll find, among other things, leather pieces, pottery, candies and jams. Live entertainers provide some toe-tapping accompaniment. Concessions available.
Lakeside of the Smokies Hot Air Balloon Festival, White Pine — October 23-24
Hot air balloon rides and nightly balloon glows are the centerpieces of this festival on a White Pine farm with scenic views, but you’ll also find lots of food trucks, kids’ activities, a wine garden featuring local wineries, live music and an antique tractor show.
Mountain Makins Festival, Morristown — October 23-24
Mountain Makins is an Appalachian Folk Life Festival at the Rose Center in Morristown. It celebrates Southern Appalachian culture and features high-quality arts and crafts, regional musical performers, kids’ activities and food.
Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum Fall Festival, Knoxville — October 24
Drop by the Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum for a relaxing day of crafts, music, food vendors and hay rides. And while you’re there enjoy a stroll around the grounds.