Townsend Fall Heritage & Bluegrass Festival

The foothills of the Smoky Mountains come to life with Bluegrass music, arts and crafts, time honored traditions and Appalachian cooking at the Townsend Fall Heritage and Bluegrass Festival sponsored by Blount Senior Care Partners, Leaf Filter, Coca-Cola, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, Rocky Branch Mountain Music and Tennessee Farm Table.

Scheduled for September 29-30, at the Smoky Mountain Visitor Center in Townsend (7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy.), the Fall Festival provides an atmosphere where family and friends of all ages can partake in time-honored Appalachian traditions at the free community event that begins at 10 a.m. both days. Parking is $10 per day with proceeds benefiting the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department.

For everyone’s convenience, a free shuttle service provides transportation to and from the different Townsend sites participating in the weekend’s festivities from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days.  

“The festival provides an opportunity for our community to share the area’s history and heritage with families, friends and visitors. We all cherish our traditions, and there is no better way to celebrate them than to showcase them during the beautiful fall weather at the festival,” said Jeff Muir, Blount Partnership Communications Director.

An event for all ages, the festival centers around traditional and contemporary Bluegrass and mountain music; along with clogging and square dancing; art and craft booths; numerous Appalachian demonstrations; old-fashioned kids’ games; and Southern food, such as fried pies and kettle corn.

In addition, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is hosting the Blue Ribbon Country Fair on Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m..

Festival-goers can take the opportunity to enjoy an interactive walking tour featuring a full-sized engine, coal and water tank at the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum, as well as a unique shopping experience at Townsend’s downtown – Trillium Cove.

Whether you are searching for an Appalachian piece of artwork for your home, hungry for some delicious barbeque or just looking to enjoy the many Bluegrass performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this special two-day event.