10 Scary Good October Holidays to Celebrate in Gatlinburg

Start the month on a healthy – and caffeinated – note, celebrating International Coffee Day and World Vegetarian Day. Our cozy mountain town loves a good cup of joe, and we have the coffee shops to prove it. Settle in to sip, or grab a mug to go at Maddi Mae’s Café and Creamery, Gatlinburg Grind or Coffee & Company. Fill your plate with colorful vegetarian fare at LeConte Tapas & Grill, The Baht, Split Rail Eats and Whole Earth Grocery.

No wonder these two things share a day – heaping piles of tacos make everybody smile. We may be Appalachian, but we love our Mexican restaurants around here. You can’t go wrong at Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina, El Sonador Mexican Restaurant, No Way Jose’s Cantina or Rocky Top Canteen at Anakeesta. Keep the smiles going all day long, with a plethora of fun attractions to choose from throughout Gatlinburg.

Celebrate American history on October 9, which marks both Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day. Our region was once home to the mighty Cherokee, famous for their strength and culture. Explore Native American treasures from tribes throughout the U.S. at The Silver Galleon before setting out on your own discovery of what’s new to do in Gatlinburg.

Disconnect from the grind and enjoy some Smoky Mountain rejuvenation on World Mental Health Day. Scientists have confirmed what mountain folks have known for years – spending time in nature can decrease anxiety, reduce stress, and lower depression risk. Why not hit the Gatlinburg Trail for a relaxing hike or go fishing in downtown Gatlinburg? Settle into St. Somewhere Spa at Margaritaville for extra pampering and renewal.

Life is sweet, and National Dessert Day takes the cake. Smoky Mountain pastry bakers and candy makers are far from cookie-cutter. Whether your sweet tooth craves old fashioned delights or fanciful flavors, Gatlinburg serves something to satisfy. Our mountain town is chock-full of sweet shops and restaurants known for their desserts. Treat yourself at The Caramel Candy Company, Byrd’s Famous Cookies or Smoky Mountain Creperie, just to name a few!

Mountains and pasta…it’s amore! Comfort foods hit the spot when the temperatures drop in the fall. National Pasta Day is perfectly timed for a cozy autumn meal in Gatlinburg. Whether you’re looking to wine-and-dine or grab-and-go, we have an Italian restaurants here to suit you. Go all out at Best Italian Café & Pizzeria, or enjoy your meal with a side of comedy at Jersey Hustle Pizzeria & Bistro.

Where better to celebrate International Artist Day than a town whose culture was significantly shaped by self-taught artists and artisans? Folks have long flocked to the Smokies, and the draw of locally made arts and wares have only added to our area’s allure. Check out our many galleries and artisan shops, or spend the day immersed in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.

October saves its most festive – and frightful – holiday for last. Who could turn down an all-around-town Smoky Mountain Halloween party? We know how to have spooky fun in Gatlinburg, whether you’re hunting for haunted houses or thrilling adventures. Bonus: You don’t have to miss trick-or-treating while you’re on vacation in Gatlinburg! Ripley’s Trick or Treat Kick Off Karnival will fill your buckets with fun for the whole family. And if Halloween is your favorite holiday, you can celebrate it any time of year with spooky fun visiting haunted houses like Mysterious Mansion and Ripley's Haunted Adventure or taking a lantern lit night tour at Appalachian Ghostwalks.