With autumn activities in full swing, there are plenty of fun things to do in Tri-Cities TN in October.
From apples and pumpkins to fall festivals and fall craft fairs, there’ll be enough to keep your family entertained all month long. Of course, the list below has plenty of non-fall-themed events and activities too.
There’s no better time to start planning your perfect October in Johnson City, Kingsport, and beyond!
October Activities
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
For a fun-filled day of outdoor adventure, check out these Tri-Cities’ pumpkin farms. With playgrounds, hayrides, jump pillows, corn mazes, and more, you’ll be able to entertain the kids for hours.
Go Apple Picking
In East TN and the surrounding states, apple season lasts through October. Whether you are looking for pre-picked goodies or want to pick your own, our neighboring orchards have got you covered.
Plan an Awesome Halloween
In our best-ever guide to Halloween fun in Tri-Cities, TN, you’ll discover tons of fun haunted houses, trick-or-treat events, spooky snack ideas, and more!
Fall Festivals
For all the fall-themed fun you’ve been dreaming of, check out these adorable fall festivals in Tri-Cities TN.
October Events
PLAYtime in the ARTspace
Saturdays in October 2024
Theatre Bristol’s ARTspace
$5 Per Family
Kids ages 0-5 will enjoy a variety of educational songs and rhymes while parents connect over coffee and bagels.
29th Annual Quilt Show
Canceled Due to Damage From Helene
Sycamore Shoals State Park
At the annual quilt show, shoppers can find bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday quilts, baby quilts, and much more!
Family Storytime
October 5, 2024
Johnson City Public Library
FREE
This fun storytime event is designed to be a family affair.
DIY Fire Rescue Truck
October 5, 2024
Home Depot (All Locations)
Kids will build a fire rescue truck toy using real tools. This activity is free and all supplies are included.
Fall Mercantile
October 6, 2024
Kingsport Farmers’ Market
FREE Admission
Support small businesses at this local vendor event. In addition to arts and crafts tents, there will also be kids’ activities, face painting, and food trucks.
Glow Crazy Family 5K
October 7, 2024
Greater Kingsport Family YMCA
$45/Adults, $10/Kids
Put on your best 80s outfits and bring the whole family out for a nighttime fun run complete with plenty of glow to go ’round.
READing Paws
October 7, 2024
Johnson City Public Library
FREE
Help your children (ages 5-12) improve their reading skills by signing them up for a 15-minute slot to read to a trained listening dog.
Funky Pumpkins Canvas Painting Class
October 11, 2024
Master Piece Mixers, Johnson City
$30 Per Painter
Come on out to paint an adorable scene with 2 funky pumpkins. The gorgeous final product can decorate your home for years to come.
Heritage Days Festival
October 11, 12, & 13, 2024
Downtown Rogersville
FREE Admission
Celebrate Rogersville’s historic heritage with traditional Appalachian music, juried crafts, vendors, food trucks, kids activities, and more!
Fire Dog Bank
October 12, 2024
Lowes (All Locations)
Kids will use real tools to build an adorable fire dog “piggy” bank that they can take home. This event is free and all supplies are included. Pre-registration is required.
A Taste Around the World For Kids (Cooking Class)
October 12, 2024
Serenity Knoll Farm, Jonesborough
$50 Per Person
This fun-tastic cooking class is for kids ages 8 and up. This month, kids will learn some neat facts about Germany and learn to cook Schnitzel.
Duck Dash
October 17-19, 2024
Appalachian Fair Grounds, Gray
FREE Admission
Tri-Cities Tennessee’s premier children’s consignment sale.
Scarecrow Skedaddle
October 20, 2024
Kings Commons Park, Johnson City
$10 Per Person
This fall-themed fun run is a fundraiser for the Niswonger Children’s Hospital. All ages and abilities are welcome and costumes are encouraged.
Encanto: The Sing-along Film Concert
October 23, 2024
Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville
FREE Admission
At this unique event that supports the Greene County Humane Society, guests will watch the new Disney classic Encanto while they sing along with all the memorable songs. Be sure to bring pet food, toys, or other items to donate.
The Moors
October 24-27, 2024
ETSU Martin Center for the Arts
$10-$20
This play features two sisters and their dog who wistfully dream about love and power from their gloomy home in the English moors. Their 3 lives are set on a new and dangerous path after the arrival of a hapless governess and a quirky moorhen. This dark comedy is a twisted tale of desperation, love, and visibility.
Open Bluegrass Jam
October 26, 2024
Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol
FREE Admission
This is a free, all-ages bluegrass jam session, come to play or simply just to enjoy the music.
In addition to the run, there will also be photo props, a book bus, kid-friendly vendors, and more.
Pick and Paint
Throughout October 2024
The Pumpkin Barn, Jonesborough
Varies Based on Chosen Pumpkin
Buy a pumpkin and have fun painting it in the barn. All supplies will be provided.
If you’d like to add an event to our list of things to do in Tri-Cities TN in October, please send us the details so we can get it added in.
Erica has lived in East TN for over 10 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!