Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair in Fall of 2026

The Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair brings over 200 juried artisans to the Gatlinburg Convention Center for 18 days each October (typically October 2-19), transforming the 150,000-square-foot venue into what organizers call “the premier holiday shopping destination” in the Smokies. Running continuously since 1975, this fair was voted 5th All-Time Favorite Fair in the nation by artisans from nearly 400 craft fairs—and the October session draws particularly strong crowds due to its timing during peak fall foliage season and its focus on holiday gift shopping. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, admission runs $10 for adults with children 17 and under free. The indoor setting at traffic light #8 makes it ideal for dodging autumn rain or taking a break from crowded outdoor attractions.

What to Expect

Holiday-Focused Merchandise: Unlike general craft fairs, the October session features extensive holiday-themed offerings specifically timed for Christmas shopping. You’ll find handmade wreaths, ceramic Christmas trees, festive reindeer sculptures, holiday ornaments in dozens of styles, painted wall hangings with seasonal designs, and holiday-themed treats from local candy makers. Many visitors complete significant portions of their gift lists here, finding one-of-a-kind items unavailable in retail stores.

Juried Selection Process: Each artisan undergoes rigorous jury evaluation ensuring both quality and uniqueness—no duplicated work among the 200 booths. Gatlinburg houses the largest community of artists and craftspeople in the country, and this fair draws talent from across the United States. You’ll see exceptional pottery, sculpted leather, copper art, fine jewelry, handwoven textiles, custom furniture, and traditional Appalachian quilts.

Live Demonstrations: Artisans work throughout the day, offering woodturning, blacksmithing, pottery throwing, and weaving demonstrations. They welcome questions and enthusiastically share techniques. Watch raku pottery emerge from kilns, see metal sculptors shape copper, and learn how traditional quilts take form.

Entertainment Included: Daily bluegrass, country, and gospel music shows at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. come with admission, featuring local musicians performing mountain heritage music.

Price Range: Affordable ornaments and candles ($10-30), mid-range pottery and jewelry ($50-200), and high-end furniture and fine art (hundreds to thousands). Many vendors accept custom orders—bring measurements or photos for personalized commissions.

Planning Your Visit

Timing: Plan 2-3 hours minimum for browsing and demonstrations. Serious shoppers return multiple days to revisit booths or collect custom orders. Weekdays see lighter crowds than weekends.

What to Bring:

• Cash (some vendors prefer it)
• Measurements/photos for custom orders
• Reusable shopping bags
• Comfortable walking shoes

Parking: Convention center parking plus nearby public lots. Expect parking fees during peak foliage season.

If You’re Going with Kids: Children enjoy watching blacksmithing and pottery demonstrations. Free hands-on crafts available for young visitors.

Fall Foliage Timing

The October fair coincides with peak or near-peak fall colors in the Smokies, typically mid-to-late October at lower elevations around Gatlinburg. This makes the fair an ideal indoor break during leaf-peeping trips. Between browsing sessions, you can drive to scenic overlooks like Newfound Gap or hike trails showing autumn colors.

Beyond the Fair

The convention center sits just off the Parkway within walking distance of downtown. The Little Pigeon River runs parallel with footbridges offering quick photo stops. The Gatlinburg Trail follows the river into Great Smoky Mountains National Park and allows leashed dogs—an easy flat walk with fall scenery. This combination makes Gatlinburg one of the best national parks destinations for families.

Additional Activities:

• Gatlinburg SkyLift and SkyBridge for panoramic fall color views
• Space Needle observation deck with 360-degree vistas
• Arts and Crafts Community (10 minutes away) with 100+ studios along an eight-mile loop

For couples, see these romantic options in Gatlinburg. You can also explore nearby Pigeon Forge—this comparison guide helps you decide which town to base in.

Where to Eat: Pancake Pantry (founded 1960, Tennessee’s first pancake house) serves breakfast all day at traffic light #6—24 varieties of made-from-scratch pancakes justify the wait. Bennett’s Pit BBQ on River Road offers hickory-smoked meats with generous portions.

Where to Stay

Book early for October—fall foliage season fills Gatlinburg’s lodging by late August. The Glades Road and Upper Middle Creek Road areas put you close to the convention center while offering quieter settings with river views and mountain scenery. Cabins with outdoor decks, fire pits, and hot tubs work well for balancing fair browsing with scenic drives and national park visits.

Lake.com lists properties in Gatlinburg that sleep 4-12, many with easy Parkway access and proximity to walking trails. Properties with mountain views book fastest during fall color season.

Common Questions

When does the Fall Craftsmen’s Fair run?
The fair typically runs for 18 days in October (October 2-19), daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gatlinburg Convention Center at traffic light #8.

How much is admission?
Adults pay $10, children 17 and under enter free with a paying adult. You can get a free multi-day pass with photo ID at the office.

What makes this fair different from other craft shows?
Every artisan undergoes rigorous jury selection, ensuring zero duplication among the 180+ booths. It’s been voted the 5th All-Time Favorite Fair nationally by artisans from nearly 400 craft fairs. You’ll find truly one-of-a-kind pieces unavailable elsewhere.

Is the October fair focused on holiday shopping?
Yes. The fall session is marketed as “the premier holiday shopping destination” with extensive Christmas-themed items, including handmade wreaths, ceramic trees, festive ornaments, and seasonal decorations perfect for gift-giving.

What can kids do at the fair?
Children enjoy free hands-on crafts at the Kid’s Corner, plus watching live demonstrations like blacksmithing and pottery throwing. Live bluegrass, country, and gospel music plays daily at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

What types of crafts will I find?
Exceptional pottery, sculpted leather, copper art, fine jewelry, handwoven textiles, custom furniture, traditional Appalachian quilts, local candy, woodcrafts, and fine art. Prices range from $10 ornaments to thousand-dollar furniture pieces.

Is food available?
Yes, the Gatlinburg Convention Center offers concessions for purchase on-site.