By Hanna Saylor, Special to the Journal
During the fall season, many people look for fun local events to attend. Knoxville, Tennessee offers a variety of events for college students, families, and friends. Whether someone is looking for a date night, an affordable outing, family time, or a chance to get outdoors, events such as Boo at the Zoo, Oaks Farm, and Fall Festival and Plant Sale offer something for everyone.
Boo at the Zoo is an annual Halloween event located at Zoo Knoxville. The event takes place several nights throughout October and offers Halloween fun for all ages. Visitors can enjoy spooky snacks, a haunted cemetery, and trick-or-treating. Children get to dress up in their favorite costume, collect candy, and enjoy the Halloween decorations. I personally attended this event as a child, and I remember the welcoming atmosphere, as well as the kindness and politeness of the workers. The Zoo is beautifully decorated for Halloween, creating an exciting experience for children and families. This event is perfect for anyone looking to celebrate Halloween with younger children.
Another popular event is Oakes Farm, an annual fall event located in Corryton, TN. Oakes Farm is perfect for adults and kids of all ages. Activities visitors can enjoy include a huge jumping pillow, corn mazes, animal exhibits, hayrides to the pumpkin patch, and much more. Their general store includes gifts, home décor, toys, apparel, and more that guests can purchase. The variety of food, including homemade fudge, funnel cakes, burgers, and chicken tenders, is all high quality and incredibly tasty.
My family and I have attended Oakes Farm for the past two years, and I plan to visit again this year. My favorite activity is the hayride to the pumpkin patch and the corn maze, and I always look forward to their homemade fudge. They offer so many different activities that there will be something fun for everyone. Their staff is sweet and attentive, much like Boo at the Zoo. Oakes Farm offers the perfect cozy fall atmosphere, with pumpkins, hay bales, and the crisp autumn air. There are plenty of beautiful spots that are perfect for taking photos. This is one of my favorite places to visit in the fall.
The Fall Festival and Plant Sale is another annual fall event located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The event includes music, crafts, games, hayrides, food, and much more. The festival also includes a plant sale that features shrubs, trees, and natives for fall planting, with proceeds from the plant sale supporting their nonprofit garden. This year’s festival will take place on October 18, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., plus it offers something for everyone and is free to attend.
Although I haven’t ever attended this one, I plan to attend this year since I enjoy these kinds of fall festivals. This is a perfect event for college students, families, and friends. The festival offers so many different activities; there is something fun for everyone to do, while also supporting the local community.
Overall, each of these fall events is great for having fun, affordability, and spending time outdoors. Whether someone is looking for Halloween fun, a day at the pumpkin patch, or a day of shopping and music, these local events offer something for everyone with a variety of activities and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for the fall season!
