September in East Tennessee kicks off the festive fall season with a bang. From seasonal attractions and events to outdoor fun, there are tons of great options for things to do in Knoxville in September.
And don’t worry. If you aren’t really interested in pumpkins and apples, there are tons of regular events and activities for you to enjoy. For even more ideas, check out our complete guide to fall in Knoxville.
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Things to Do in Knoxville in September
1. Visit a Local Sunflower Field
Though many varieties of sunflowers bloom in the summer, many of our local sunflower fields hit peak bloom in the fall.
2. Meander Through an Apple Orchard
September is the first great month for apple picking in East Tennessee. From pick-your-own orchards to pre-picked apple farms, there are plenty of options to help you satisfy all your apple cravings this fall.
3. Pick a Pumpkin
Most of our pumpkin farms open up in mid-late September. If you want to avoid the larger crowds and get the first choice of pumpkins, this is definitely the best time to go. Next month, the farm traffic kicks into high gear, which means wait times will be much longer.
4. Visit a Fall-Themed Festival
Fall festival season kicks off in September with autumn-themed craft fairs, apple festivals, and more!
Spectacular September Events in Knoxville and Beyond
If you really can’t stand the thought of pumpkin spice or apple fritters, this list is for you. None of the events below are fall-themed in any way. Instead, they offer a wide variety of family-friendly fun that is sure to keep you busy all month long.
5. Concerts on the Square
Tuesdays in September
Market Square
These free outdoor concerts are kid and pet friendly.
6. Sevier County Fair
August 30 – September 5, 2022
Sevier County Fair Grounds
The Sevier County Fair has all your favorites including food, music, vendors, rides, entertainers, farm animals, juried shows, and more!
7. Ancient Sounds Celtic and Appalachian Music Festival
September 2-3, 2022
Historic Ramsey House, Knoxville
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy one of the last warm days with good friends and great music!
8. Thunder in the Park
September 3, 2022
Wilson Park, Maynardville
Food, fireworks, a car show, and plenty of live music!
9. Monroe Life Balloon Fiesta
September 3-4, 2022
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Vonore
Claiming to be the largest hot air balloon festival in the state, this fiesta features a variety of balloons flying in over the water and landing to treat guests to an after-dark balloon glow. For an extra charge, guests can also visit the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum.
10. Big Kahuna Wing Festival
September 4, 2022
World’s Fair Park, Knoxville
At Big Kahuna, tasters will enjoy live entertainment, vendors, and 25 sample wings included with the cost of admission.
11. Hooray For Harriman
September 5, 2022
Harriman, TN
Come celebrate the rich history and traditions of Harriman at this fun street festival, which boasts food, music, arts and crafts vendors, and more!
12. 18th Annual Taste of Blount
September 8, 2022
325 S. Court Street, Maryville
At Taste of Blount, guests will sample delicious offerings from over 25 local vendors!
13. Glow Party
September 9, 2022
Nicholas Ball Park, Knoxville
This free event is hosted by Knox County Parks and Rec. Dance along to your favorite party music from throughout the decades while you make your way through a giant foam pit. Of course, there will be plenty of glow sticks and neon body paint to go around.
14. Great Smoky Mountain Half Marathon
September 9-10, 2022
Talley Ho Inn, Townsend
Enjoy gorgeous scenic views as you run a half marathon or 5K. Earn really awesome mountain and black bear medals for your time!
15. Tennessee Valley Fair
September 9-18, 2022
Chilhowee Park, Knoxville
At this traditional country fair, you’ll enjoy all your favorite fair attractions including, rides, live music, entertainers, food trucks, juried art, farm shows, arts and crafts vendors, and much more! This is the largest fair in East TN.
16. Fly-in/Drive-in
September 10, 2022
Morristown Regional Airport
At this fun fly-in, you can admire a variety of aircraft, while enjoying entertainment, kids’ activities, food vendors, and more. Short flights around the festival area will be available for purchase.
17. Ride Like an Animal Motorcycle Ride
September 10, 2022
Maynardville, TN
This ride benefits the Union County Humane Society.
18. Smoky Mountain Air Show
September 10-11, 2022
Tyson McGee Airport, Knoxville
This air show will feature acrobatic acts as well as historic planes. Admission is free, but upgraded tickets are available. It can get loud, so don’t forget ear protection for the kiddos.
19. Cherokee Fall Festival
September 10-11, 2022
Sequoyah Birth Place Museum, Vonore
At this fun Native American festival, visitors will enjoy traditional Cherokee food, music, arts and crafts, and more! Living history demonstrators will also be present.
20. Hummingbird Banding
September 11, 2022
Seven Island State Birding Park, Kodak
Enjoy a short 1-mile hike followed by up-close wild hummingbird banding demonstrations with park rangers. The program will incorporate tons of fun facts about hummingbirds and migration.
21. Second Sunday Art Activity
September 11, 2022
Knoxville Museum of Art
Children in grades K-6 can participate in a free art activity led by a certified art teacher.
22. Twilight at IJAMS
September 11, 2022
IJAMS Nature Center, Knoxville
This is IJAMS’ largest fundraiser of the year and all proceeds go towards keeping the nature center up and running. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, cocktail hour, live music under the stars, and more.
23. Knoxville Film Festival
September 16-18, 2022
Regal Downtown West Cinema 8, Knoxville
Don’t miss our region’s largest independent film festival.
24. White Lightning Trail Festival
- Date: September 17, 2022
- Location: Cumberland Gap
This fall festival boasts a variety of food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, kids’ activities, and a variety of traditional Appalachian entertainment.
25. Fall Rod Run
September 17, 2022
Leconte Center, Pigeon Forge
Car enthusiasts can swoon over their favorite vehicles all weekend long!
26. Dancing Bear Bike Bash
September 17, 2022
Townsend, TN
Choose from 3 different bike rides. Then enjoy an after-ride lunch with live music and a free beer!
27. Butterfly Foray and Monarch Tagging
September 17-18, 2022
Seven Islands State Birding Park, Kodak
Adults and kids of all ages are invited to help rangers catch and tag wild monarch butterflies on a short hike through the park.
28. Art Fest
September 18, 2022
Farragut Community Center
This fantastic children’s art festival provides a ton of stations for kids to create a wide variety of process art.
29. Kids’ Triathalon
September 18, 2022
Alcoa Duck Pond
Kids will be separated into 2 different age groups, Tiny Tot (Ages 3-6) or True Trooper (Ages 7-9), for a fun afternoon of physical challenges at their level.
30. Movies Under the Stars
September 23, 2022
IJAMS Nature Center, Knoxville
The feature at this family movie night is the classic 1994 version of Disney’s The Lion King.
31. Free Family Night
September 23, 2022
Muse Knoxville
Enjoy free admission to the children’s museum on the 4th Friday of every month.
32. Sevier Day
September 24, 2022
Marble Springs State Historic Site, Knoxville
Marble Springs comes to life with costumed reenactors performing living history demonstrations throughout the property.
33. Fried Pickle Festival
September 24, 2022
Athens Regional Park
Join Mr. Pickle at this unique food festival featuring all things salty and fun. In addition to pickles served in every way imaginable, there will also be pickle-flavored snow cones, a pickle juice drinking contest, and so much more.
Of course, the festival will also have tons of kids’ activities, live music, photo ops, and a doggie costume contest.
34. Butterfly Foray and Monarch Tagging
September 24-25, 2022
Seven Islands State Birding Park, Kodak
Join park rangers on a short hike, where adults and kids of all ages are invited to help rangers catch and tag wild monarch butterflies.
35. Craft Beer Festival
- Date: September 24, 2022
- Location: Morristown, TN
In addition to a variety of fabulous beers, you can enjoy live music and a cornhole tournament. This is an all-ages event featuring a full kids’ zone with bounce houses, games, and more!
36. Blue Ribbon Country Fair
- Date: September 24, 2022
- Location: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Townsend
This competitive fall festival features a variety of juried categories including poultry, vegetables, honey, flowers, needlepoint, photography, and more!
37. Jurrasic Quest
September 30 – October 2, 2022
Knoxville Convention Center
Jurrasic Quest bills itself as the largest, most realistic dinosaur show in North America.
Did we miss one of your favorite things to do in Knoxville in September? Send us the details so we can add it to the list.
More East TN Family Fun
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!