Middle East Tennessee covers the largest area and has the most going on. I’m still double-checking some details and will be adding to this list of Middle East Tennessee festivals and events for September 2021 once I’m more sure I’ve got the correct information. You might also want to check out the lists for Northeast Tennessee and Southeast Tennessee.

With Covid-19 still very active we advise checking websites or Facebook pages, or calling ahead to make sure any of these you plan to attend haven’t been canceled or decided to change times and dates. For your own and everyone else’s protection please wear your masks in crowded areas and follow any safety rules these events have in place.

The Event List (in calendar order)

August 31 through September 6th

The Sevier County Fair is a 7-day event taking place at the fairgrounds in Sevierville. All the things you expect at a fair; livestock, exhibits, music, food, and rides; plus lots more. There will be laser tag, a butterfly haven, magician shows, a Mainstreet market, and numerous contests including a cosplay one. Tickets are $6 a day for five of the days. They are $12 on the 4th and 5th when admission includes a rodeo. Children 10 and under get free admission every day. Unlimited ride wristbands are $20 each. Free parking and free wagon rides from remote parking lots.

3rd through 5th

Harper Bros. Mountain Labor Day Event is going on the 3rd through 5th at Harper Brothers Mountain in Sevierville. A carnival-like event with games for the kids a dunking booth and free popcorn. There will be a petting zoo at the bottom of the mountain. Friday and Sunday will have live music at the top of the mountain while Saturday is college football day with two big-screen TVs at the top.

The Monroe Life Balloon Festival will be held on the 4th and 5th at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore. It features tethered balloon rides, music, food, and games. The finale each night starts at dusk as is a balloon glow set to music. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Monroe County.

The Ramsey House in Knoxville is having an Ancient Sounds Celtic & Appalachian Outdoor Music Festival on the 5th. Bring your own chair or blanket and listen to regional musicians perform. Food and drinks will be available. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the festival.

9th

You can attend a Symphony on the Square Concert put on by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra at Market Square in Knoxville. The concert will include classical and more modern music and admission is free. Parking will be free in several nearby parking garages if you arrive after 6 PM. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy.

10th through 19th

The Tennessee Valley Fair will be at the Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center in Knoxville for over a week. Livestock, produce, and craft competitions, carnival rides, food and merchandise vendors, and more. Free entertainment will include tractor pulls, rodeos, nightly fireworks, and even acrobats. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for seniors and children 6-11. Children under 5 are free. Discounts are available when you preorder and various types of discount days will get certain people discounts at the gate. Concerts and ride passes cost extra.

11th

A Pup-a-palooza will take place at the Roane State College Expo Center in Harriman. Besides the dog show contests, there will also be vendors, demonstrations, a photo booth, dog house auctions, and food. Admission is $5 and the Contest Entry Fee is $10. Proceeds go to the Roane County United Way.

11th and 12th

A Cherokee Fall Festival will take place at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore. Take the opportunity to step back in time and see a demonstration of the Acorn Printing Press or a blacksmith at work. There will be other craft demonstrations, Native American food, music, and dance. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for 13-18 year-olds, and 12 and under are free. A family rate of $25 is also available.

16^th through 18^th

The Fall Rod Run will take place at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. Join other automotive enthusiasts at the biggest automotive show in the area. Free parking is available. Admission is $15 per day or $35 for a 3-day pass.

24th through 26th

Fall Heritage Days will take place on the 24th and 25th in Townsend. This festival centers around bluegrass and mountain music and a schedule of performers is posted on the site. There will be clogging and square dancing, art and craft booths, old-fashioned kids’ games, and Southern food. Admission is free but nearby parking costs $10 for one day or $15 for both with the proceeds going to the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department.

The Secret City Festival will take place from the 24th through the 26th at the A.K. Bissell Park in Oak Ridge. This event combines several different types of festivals into one, adding science and technology to the history, crafts, and food at many fall festivals. There are food vendors and craft booths, a juried arts and crafts fair, a petting zoo, kids’ zones, history presentations at the library, reduced or free admission at local museums and so much more. Saturday looks like the biggest day but there is plenty to do any of the three days. Admission is free except for the 2 headline concerts.

On the 25th and 26th, the Homestead Apple Festival will take place at the Homestead Tower and Museum in Crossville. This event includes over 150 craft, antique, or boutique vendors and lots of live music. Don’t miss the Spinning Yarns storytelling or the fried apple pies. The $5 admission price covers both days and includes a free visit to the Homestead Tower Museum.

The HoLa Festival 2021 will be at the Performance Lawn of the World’s Fair Park in Knoxville on the 25th and 26th. This festival celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and will include lots of music, dancing, food, Hispanic heritage booths, and artisan crafts. There will be a fireworks show Saturday night and a Parade of Nations on Sunday. Admission is $1. Children 11 and under and current HoLa Hora Latina members enter free.

Ending Thoughts

There are so many great Middle East Tennessee festivals and events for September 2021 no one would be able to attend them all (even if it was safer right now to try). I’m hoping these lists will make it easier for people to decide which one or two to attend.

I will try to add to this post and update information (especially about cancelations) at least once a week.

I plan to write posts like this (and its Northeast Tennessee and Southeast Tennessee counterparts) every month on the last weekend to inform people about the upcoming months’ events.

If you are the organizer or publicity manager of an upcoming event contact me at LucindaBrown@TravelEastTennessee.com to have your event added to this or any future monthly posts.

Are you planning on attending any of these Middle East Tennessee festivals and events for September 2021? Did I miss an event you would recommend others attending? Let us know in the comments.