The trees may not be changing color just yet, but fall fun is starting to ramp up already. This big list of things to do in Knoxville in September is filled with great festivals and activities that will get you excited for the fantastic autumn days ahead.
Related Read: Best Ever Guide to Family Fun in Knoxville TN
Things to Do in Knoxville in September
Apple Orchards
Apple picking has a long season that lasts throughout the fall, but it really starts ramping up in August and September. If you can’t make it this month, don’t worry.
Pick a farm now to visit when the weather gets cooler. Or, go early in the morning to beat the lingering summer heat.
Kid-Friendly Hot Spots
Looking for something to wow the kiddos? Check our big list of 100 things to do in Knoxville with kids.
Free Outdoor Concerts
Most of these popular concert series are wrapping up this month. So, if you haven’t already caught a show, there’s no better time than the present.
Free Fun
Is there ever a bad time for free fun? These awesome activities are great ways to round out your monthly calendar without breaking the bank.
Plan a Date Night
There’s no better time to plan a romantic night on the town for you and your honey. Mom and Dad deserve a night away from the kids every once in a while.
September Events
Makebreak Art Activities
Sundays in September 2023
Michaels Crafts Stores (All Locations)
FREE
This September kids can paint fall-themed rocks, make yarn trees, and create a watercolor leaf painting. These activities are completely free and all the supplies are included.
The store is also hosting a pumpkin fest where you purchase a craft foam pumpkin and they provide all the decorating supplies.
Family Baking Classes
Weekends in September 2023
The Cutting Edge Classroom, Knoxville
Prices Vary by Class
This month’s family baking and cooking classes include a rainbow sprinkle cake, fall-flavored donuts, fall-decorated sugar cookies, fluffy croissants, homemade pasta, and more!
For these classes, parents and kids get to work together to make these scrumptious creations.
Ancient Sounds Music Festival
September 1-2, 2023
Ramsey House, Knoxville
$35-$90 Per Person
This unique music festival celebrates the rich Celtic roots of traditional Appalachian music. Food and craft vendors will also be on-site.
Thunder in the Park
September 2, 2023
Wilson Park, Maynardville
FREE Admission
At Thunder in the Park, visitors will celebrate Labor Day weekend with a boom! There will be fireworks, live music, food vendors, and more!
Build Your Own Microscope
September 2, 2023
Home Depot (All Locations)
FREE
Kids will use real tools to build their own working microscopes that they get to take home. All the supplies are included and this activity is completely free.
Monroe Life Hot Air Balloon Festival
September 2-3, 2023
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Vonore
$10 Per Person, Children 3 and Under Are FREE
Billing itself as the largest balloon festival in East TN, this popular event will have a fun kids’ zone, live music, food vendors, and more.
If wind conditions allow, the balloons will fly in over Tellico Lake. Regardless of the wind, there will be a group balloon glow after dark.
Guests will also be able to purchase additional tickets for tethered balloon rides.
Big Kahuna Wing Festival
September 3, 2023
World’s Fair Park, Knoxville
$20/Advanced Purchase, $30 at the Gate
This is a HUGE wing tasting festival. Need we say more?!
Okay, okay. There will be over 10,000 pounds of wings, a fantastic kids’ zone, live music, a wing-eating competition, and an after-dark fireworks show.
Labor Day Sunflower Project
September 4, 2023
Knoxville Botanical Gardens
Join in this community art project to create a stunning arch of living sunflowers.
Tennessee Valley Fair
September 8-18, 2023
Chilhowee Fairgrounds, Knoxville
$8/Adults, $6/Children + Cost of Food, Rides, Games, Etc.
This is the largest fair in East TN and it truly brings all your fair dreams to life. The rides, the cows, the juried art shows, the giant pumpkins, the funnel cakes, the music, it’s all there. Just come on out and get your fill.
Meet Me at the Market
September 9, 2023
Knoxville Expo Center
$5/Ages 13 and Up, FREE/12 and Under
This fall-themed vendor expo is a great place to find adorable fall crafts and decor.
Cherokee Fall Festival
September 9-10, 2023
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Vonore
$10/Adults, $5/Children 13-18, FREE/Children 12 and Under
This tribally-owned museum hosts a fantastic fall festival each year with live demonstrations of Cherokee crafts, music, and dance. There will also be a variety of vendors and traditional food available for purchase.
Second Sunday Art Activity
September 10, 2023
Knoxville Museum of Art
FREE
Bring your kids out to participate in a free hands-on art activity. All the supplies are included.
Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival
September 14-16, 2023
525 E Dumplin Valley Rd, Kodak
$40 – $110 Per Person
A fun-filled weekend of rockin’ bluegrass concerts.
Moss Walk
September 16, 2023
Knoxville Botanical Gardens
$4
On this unique nature walk guests will explore moss, an underrated garden addition.
Build Your Own Football Cardholder
September 16, 2023
Lowes (All Locations)
Kids will use real tools to build an adorable football card holder. All supplies are included and this activity is completely free. Advanced registration is encouraged.
National Public Lands Day
September 16, 2023
Multiple Locations
Volunteer Hours
Is your kiddo looking for community service hours? On National Public Lands Day, volunteers come out to help local parks maintain their trails with weeding and other tasks.
Seven Islands Birding Park is hosting a volunteer event as well as many other parks in the greater Knoxville area.
The Great Pumpkin Festival
September 16-17, 2023
Putnam County Fair Grounds, Cookeville
Join Charlie Brown and Snoopy in welcoming the Great Pumpkin this season. Kids will get to paint a pumpkin, pick a pumpkin from the patch, and even get a picture with Charlie and Snoopy.
Unicorn World
September 16-17, 2023
Knoxville Convention Center
$30 Per Person
This unicorn-themed festival will blow your kiddo’s mind with life-size animatronic unicorns, unicorn rides, unicorn bounce houses, unicorn-themed food, photo ops, and so much more!
Hola Festival
September 16-17, 2023
World’s Fair Park, Knoxville
$3 Per Person
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Hola Festival. There will be traditional food vendors, live music, dancing demonstrations, a kids’ zone, and more.
FREE Family Night
September 22, 2023
Muse Knoxville
FREE Admission
Enjoy free after-hours admission to the children’s museum on the 4th Friday of every month.
Bluegrass Festival
September 22, 2023
Leconte Center, Pigeon Forge
$25-$35 Per Person
Enjoy fantastic bluegrass music from 9 popular bands.
Community Work Day
September 23, 2023
Beardsley Community Farm, Knoxville
FREE Admission
Beardsley Community Farm grows and distributes free food to local charities that help at-risk community members.
Once a month visitors are invited to take a free tour of the farm in exchange for work hours. Guests will help with the weeding and other simple farm chores.
This is a great way for kids to learn about farming while helping neighbors in need.
Down South Craft Market and Vendor Show
September 29 – October 1, 2023
6547 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville
This South Knoxville craft show will feature vendors from Knox, Sevier, and Blount counties.
It’s a great place to find all the fall crafts and decor you’ve been dreaming of.
Fall Heritage and Bluegrass Festival
September 29-30, 2023
Townsend Visitors Center
$10 Per Car
Townsend’s annual Heritage Festival will have a variety of craft vendors, food vendors, tons of traditional music, dancing demonstrations, and fun kinds’ zone.
Scots Irish Festival
September 30, 2023,
Downtown Dandridge
FREE Admission
Break out your bagpipes and get ready to boogie at Dandridge’s Scots-Irish Festival. This event will feature tons of traditional music and dancing demonstrations, craft vendors, Scottish clan tents, and so much more!
There will also be a unique children’s area featuring old-fashioned yard games of days gone by.
Smoky Mountain Bike Week
September 30 – October 7, 2023
Smoky Mountains
If you are a biker, this is your jam. There will be tons of motorcycle-themed events and activities all week.
If you aren’t a biker, this is your warning that our local mountains are going to be extra crowded all week. Come on back around October 8th.
Did we miss something in our guide to the best things to do in Knoxville in September? Please send us the details so we can add it to the list.
Erica has lived in East TN for over 9 years. She enjoys exploring this gorgeous region with her husband and 3 lively children. As a former teacher turned homeschool mom, she loves finding fun and affordable activities the entire family will love, especially if they cultivate a love for learning!