Sevierville’s signature fall celebration returns with haunted history, family activities, costume contests and an evening fireworks finale in the heart of downtown.
Information and event assets courtesy of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce
Written by Christopher L. Antie
Fall in the Smokies is often associated with colorful mountain views and cool autumn evenings, but in downtown Sevierville, the season also brings a few ghosts along for the ride.
On Thursday, October 22, historic downtown Sevierville will welcome the return of History & Haunts, an annual celebration that blends local history, Halloween traditions and family-friendly entertainment beneath the backdrop of the Sevier County Courthouse. The ninth annual event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and is free to attend.
What makes History & Haunts different from a typical Halloween festival is the way it uses Sevierville’s past as part of the evening.
Throughout the night, guests can join haunted historical walking tours through downtown, where costumed storytellers share darker stories and legends connected to the community’s history. According to the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, the event is the only night of the year these haunted history tours are offered downtown.
For families looking for lighter fall fun, the evening offers plenty beyond the ghost stories. Wagon rides will travel through downtown, while a pumpkin patch, children’s face painting and trick-or-treating add traditional Halloween activities to the celebration. Costume competitions will also take place throughout the evening, with categories for children, adults, families and groups—and even four-legged visitors.
Dogs get their own moment early in the evening with the Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at 6:15 p.m., followed by a dog-and-owner look-alike competition at 6:30. Children’s costume and dance contests follow, with family, adult costume and adult dance competitions continuing through the evening.
The schedule begins with wagon rides at 6 p.m., while historic walking and ghost tours start at 6:15 p.m. and depart every 15 minutes. The festivities culminate at 8 p.m. with fireworks over downtown Sevierville, presented by SkyLand Ranch.
The location adds to the atmosphere. Centered around the Sevier County Courthouse, History & Haunts encourages visitors to explore the surrounding downtown shops, restaurants and attractions while learning more about the stories that helped shape one of Tennessee’s oldest communities.
Amanda Marr, director of marketing and communications for the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, describes the event as a tradition that brings the entire community into the celebration—from children and adults to the family dog.
That combination is what gives History & Haunts its personality. It is part Halloween celebration, part history lesson and part community gathering, all wrapped into two hours in the center of Sevierville.
For visitors spending fall in the Smokies, it also offers something a little different from the region’s daytime attractions: an opportunity to experience downtown after dark, hear stories tied to the town’s past, dress up for Halloween and finish the evening beneath a sky filled with fireworks.
History & Haunts takes place Thursday, October 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. in historic downtown Sevierville, centered around the Sevier County Courthouse at 125 Court Avenue. Admission is free.
Source: ChrisWill Media
About the Authors: Christopher L. Antie and William Antie are podcast journalists and media personalities covering entertainment, travel, culture, events, and stories from across a wide range of industries. Together, they bring a conversational and experience-driven approach to the stories they share. Follow more from Chris & Will through their podcast, What About Our Life?, on iHeartRadio and at chrisandwill.com.