Autumn has arrived in the Great Smoky Mountains, and there’s no better place to experience the season and the changing leaves than at Anakeesta: Gatlinburg’s award-winning theme park. During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival which runs from September. 9 – October. 31, visitors can enjoy Halloween themed décor throughout the park. For an additional add-on, sample drink specials, from several local and regional craft breweries. 

Make your way to Vista Gardens and stroll through stunning nature inspired pumpkin carvings. As day changes to night, and the sun dips below the mountains in the distance, our lights come on for you to experience Anakeesta at Night. The whole village becomes awash in colors of orange, purple, and a mystical green. Around every corner is another whimsical piece of nature-themed Halloween décor. We can’t wait to see you.

FALL IN LOVE WITH OUR ALL-NEW BEER TASTING EXPERIENCE

A wonderful experience awaits during Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival as guests are greeted by some of the spirts of the season. This year, you can purchase an additional add-on Beer Tasting Experience to your general admission tickets for $21.99.

With each pass, guests will be allowed to taste six 8 oz. pours of beer from multiple locations around the park.

Anakeesta has partnered with four prestigious local breweries to bring a one-of-a-kind beer sampling experience to the Smoky Mountains including Gypsy Circus, Blackhorse Brewing, Tailgate Brewery, Highland Brewing, and Blackberry Farms.

TASTE OF AUTUMN

Check out the flavors of Fall with specialty seasonal food offerings at food and beverage locations throughout the park.  Try a Pork Schnitzel with brussels and smashed potatoes at Cliff Top Restaurant, A GIANT Turkey Leg from Smokehouse Bar and Grill, Soft Pretzels at the Watering Can, Bratwurst and Kraut at Kephart Café or indulge in sweet German Chocolate Cake Funnel Fries at the Snack Shack. You won’t want to miss all of our Bear-Varian themed dishes expertly created and prepared by in-house chefs!

DELIGHTFUL DÉCOR

Each village at Anakeesta is transformed into a magical realm filled with autumnal décor that will leave you spellbound. Discover pumpkins, scarecrows, seasonal photo-ops and more, around every corner while looking out at the cascading red, orange, and golden leaves over the Great Smoky Mountains.

FALL FAMILY FUN

NEW THIS YEAR: Join our Anakeesta band, “The SkeleTones”, as they perform all of your favorite Halloween hits! With songs from yesterday and today, they are sure to have you dancing in your seat as they set the mood for the season.

Come along with Stitches and Patches, our pair of “corny” scarecrow brothers, as they work to repair their third brother Stuffy, who has found himself in a bit of a situation and needs your help in putting him back together again so that they can fulfill their dream of performing for you. Join our Anakeesta witches through song, dance, potions, and a little bit of help from our guests, to create the perfect brew guaranteed to bring the Fall Festival to life!

SEE THE CHANGING LEAVES

Anakeesta is the best place to experiencing the changing leaves and colors in the Great Smoky Mountains! Take a trip to the top of AnaVista Observation Tower and get 360 degree views of the beautiful Fall Foliage atop the highest point in downtown Gatlinburg.

Or, stroll through the Treetop Skywalk and immerse yourself high in the tree canopy and walk amongst the treetops as the beautiful foliage changes right before your eyes!

Buy Tickets

Date : September 9, 2023 - October 31, 2023

Location :

Anakeesta Plaza

576 Parkway

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

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