6 Spooktacular Ways to Spend Halloween in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
If you’re a fan of spooky thrills and chills, Halloween is one of the best times to visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! Our Smoky Mountain towns always get into the holiday spirit in a big way, so visitors can expect frighteningly good entertainment during the entire month of October. Visit My Smokies has put together a convenient guide to all of the ways you can celebrate Halloween in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Let’s go ahead and explore some of the best ways to spend Halloween in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge this year:
1. Ripley’s Fright Nights
If you are looking for a spooky experience here in Gatlinburg, look no further than Ripley’s Haunted Adventure. This 10,000 square foot haunted house is open throughout the year, but when Halloween rolls around, the attraction takes its scream-worthy fun to the next level! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening in October, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure hosts its annual Fright Nights. Monsters and maniacs lurk around every corner, so guests should prepare to have the fright of their life! Visitors to Ripley’s Haunted Adventure must be at least 6 years old, and kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The show is geared towards preteens, teenagers, and adults. There is no additional fee for the Fright Night experience; everything is included with admission to the attraction. Ripley’s also puts on an Annual Trick or Treat Kickoff event outside the aquarium on Halloween itself from 11am to 3pm.
2. Dollywood’s Great Pumpkin LumiNights
Another great way to have some Halloween fun here in the Smoky Mountains is by heading over to Dollywood for their popular Great Pumpkin LumiNights! As part of the theme park’s Harvest Festival, the night will light up with the glow of thousands of creatively carved jack-o’-lanterns, presenting a fantastic experience for the whole family. You can also check out Hoot Owl Hollow, home to a giant, glowing owl and its many friends. This event is particularly great for families with younger kids, as it presents the opportunity to enjoy some Halloween fun that isn’t too spooky for children to enjoy.
3. Halloween at The Island
Families definitely won’t want to miss The Island in Pigeon Forge’s annual Halloween event! This popular area attraction will feature an evening of trick-or-treating on October 31st from 5pm until 7pm, with lots of the shops getting in on the fun. You will have a great time exploring The Island in Pigeon Forge in costume, getting some delicious treats, and more! Plus, parking is free at this event and there is no admission charge, so you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a fantastic Halloween in Pigeon Forge. This event is popular, however, so make sure to show up on the earlier side to make sure you can find parking easily.
4. Craveyard Nights
Yet another of the best things to do for Halloween in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is to stop by Crave Golf Club for 35 nights of spooky mini-golf holes, pumpkin painting, and more at Craveyard Nights! With lights, decorations, and photo ops, there is fun for the whole family at this festive event. You can even show up in costume to interact with some of the Halloween characters and take your experience to the next level! If you are looking to enjoy some friendly competition around the time of Halloween, don’t miss out on Craveyard Nights in Pigeon Forge from September 27th until October 31st.
5. Sheriff’s Halloween Block Party
For some Halloween fun that is free, safe, and family-friendly, check out the Sevier County Sheriff’s Halloween Block Party on October 31st from 5pm until 9pm! This event will take place around the courthouse in downtown Sevierville, and will include games, costumes, and more. Your kids will also have the chance to meet firefighters, EMS personnel, and other essential workers here in Sevier County, all while participating in some great Halloween fun!
6. Fun at Cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
When you stay at one of the many cabins in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, you’ll have lots of opportunities to participate in fun Halloween activities. Virtually all of the cabins for rent in the area come with a fully equipped kitchen, so you can whip up some tasty Halloween treats with the whole family. Be sure to pick up a pumpkin from one of the area’s many local farms so you can carve a jack-o’-lantern and use the insides to make pumpkin cupcakes, iced pumpkin bars, or roasted pumpkin seeds. Other great dessert ideas include caramel apples, chocolate spiders, and “mud and worms” (crushed Oreos, chocolate pudding, and gummy worms). Many cabin rentals in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also come with theater rooms, featuring huge projection screens and cinema style seating. These home theaters are the perfect place for a horror movie marathon – and don’t forget to enjoy some of the Halloween snacks you prepared during the movie!
If you are ready to get in on all of the Halloween fun here in the Smoky Mountains, you can check out our complete listings of cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to start planning your October getaway. We can’t wait to see you this Halloween in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge!
