August
29
To
November
2
AUTUMN ADVENTURES AWAIT AT THE BEAR-VARIAN FALL FESTIVAL
Autumn has arrived in the Great Smoky Mountains, and there’s no better place to experience the season and the changing leaves than at Anakeesta!
During Anakeesta’s Bear-Varian Fall Festival, visitors can enjoy autumnal décor throughout the park, seasonal entertainment for the whole family, and delicious Bavarian inspired eats. For an additional add-on, sample beers from several local and regional craft breweries using our Bear Tasting Card. We can’t wait to see you in the mountains!
BEER TASTINGS & SEASONAL FOOD
Anakeesta has partnered with local breweries to bring a one-of-a-kind beer sampling experience to the Smoky Mountains! Once you’ve worked up an appetite, try some of our seasonal favorites including Giant Pretzels or a Black Forest Crepe!
Entertainment
This fall, our stages come alive with an unforgettable cast of characters including steampunk zombies, 60s vampire vixens, rollicking polka trios, and acoustic duos, bringing you live music, spooky vibes, and Bear-Varian fun all season long!
Special Offer
BEAR-VARIAN BEER TASTING CARD
Purchase an add-on Beer Tasting Card for only $22.99. With each card, guests can try six 8-oz. pours of beer from multiple locations around the park. Guests must be 21 years or older to redeem alcohol in the park.
Includes
- Your choice of six 8-oz. beers
- Souvenir commemorative lanyard
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I redeem my tasting pass?
Visit our tasting pass redemption kiosks inside the park to redeem your online tasting pass purchase by providing the QR code on your confirmation ticket.
Can I use my un-used tasting pass samples on my next visit?
Yes! As long as you visit between August 29 and November 2, 2025 and keep your pass, your tasting card will still be able to be used during this time period.
What are the hours of the beer tasting locations?
All participating locations are open 11am-9pm unless stated otherwise in the park.
INDULGE IN THE FLAVORS OF FALL
Savor seasonal delights like giant pretzels and delicious pork belly platters and explore our beer tasting card featuring six 8-oz pours of craft beer, perfect for pairing with your festive feast. Cheers to a delicious autumn celebration!
Brewery Lineup
Blackhorse
Clarksville, TN
Since opening in 2001, Blackhorse has become a mainstay in Clarksville, TN as a gathering place for friends and family. It is known for both its comfortable atmosphere and willingness to break new ground.
HIGHLAND BREWING
ASHEVILLE, NC
Highland Brewing Company is the largest independent, family-owned brewery native to the Southeast. With a portfolio of beers that honor tradition and blaze new trails, they are proud to be Asheville’s pioneer in craft and a leader in southern beer.
PEACEFUL SIDE
Maryville, TN
Peaceful Side Brewery produces quality beer with intentionality. Located on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” their unique beers bring a little peace to each of their customers.
TAILGATE BREWING
NASHVILLE, TN
A fiercely independent Tennessee craft brewery, TailGate Brewing has called Nashville home since 2014. Since then, they have grown to seven taprooms in the greater Nashville area, and one in Chattanooga, many with their own dedicated production facility.
GYPSY CIRCUS
KNOXVILLE, TN
Tennessee’s Original Cidery, Gypsy Circus uses locally sourced fresh pressed apples to brew their one of a kind ciders.
IRON FORGE
SEVIERVILLE, TN
Established in April 2023, Iron Forge Brewing Company is a testament to their love for the Smoky Mountains and the desire to create a space where nature meets exceptional libations.
Brewery Lineup
Special Offer
BEAR-VARIAN BEER TASTING CARD
Purchase an add-on Beer Tasting Card for only $22.99. With each card, guests can try six 8-oz. pours of beer from multiple locations around the park. Guests must be 21 years or older to redeem alcohol in the park.
Includes
- Your choice of six 8-oz. beers
- Souvenir commemorative lanyard
Seasonal Food
GLAZED PORK BELLY PLATTER
AT SMOKEHOUSE
Smoked pork belly with Dunkel BBQ glaze, your choice of two sides, and a soft pretzel roll.
WARM APPLE STRUDEL CRUMBLE
AT MIMI’S CREAMERY
Aromatic apple compote with buttery shortbread topping, butter pecan ice cream, caramel sauce, and strudel crisps.
BAVARIAN JUMBO PRETZEL
AT PRETZEL HAUS
Classic soft pretzel served with warm beer cheese.
LOADED GERMAN BAKED POTATO
AT TATER TAVERN
Baked potato topped with beer-braised sausage, crispy onions, chive butter, sour cream, and beer cheese.
HONEY MUSTARD PORK DRUMSTICKS
AT THE HUNGRY HOG
Braised pork ribbettes tossed in a whole grain honey mustard glaze.
BEER BRAISED BRAT
AT KEPHART CAFE
German-style bratwurst with beer-braised sauerkraut on a pretzel bun, served with whole grain mustard.
PORK SCHNITZEL PLATE
AT CLIFFTOP
Crispy breaded pork cutlet with caper butter sauce, smashed potatoes, braised red cabbage, and beer cheese.
GERMAN STYLE FONDUE
AT CLIFFTOP
Mini soft pretzels, grilled sausages, assorted vegetables, and German Rye served alongside a smoked Gouda & cheddar beer cheese.
GERMAN NACHOS
AT TAPS & TACOS
Mini pretzel bites topped with fried pork belly, scallions, and warm beer cheese.
BLACK FOREST CRÊPE
AT CLOUD 9 BAKERY
Fresh crêpe filled with cherry compote. Topped with whipped cream, white chocolate sauce, and chocolate shavings.
STEP INTO THE MAGIC OF BEAR-VARIAN FALL FESTIVAL
Enjoy live music, festive dancing, interactive games, and quirky characters as part of our seasonal entertainment lineup during the Bear-Varian Fall Festival.
CHECK OUT THE DAILY ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
The Lineup
THE UNDEAD HEADS
Get ready to rock with The Undead Heads, a high-energy zombie steampunk band playing all your favorite Halloween-inspired hits with a ghoulish twist!
THE VAMPIRETTES
Sink your teeth into nostalgia with The Vampirettes, a 1960s-inspired vampire girl group singing and dancing to spooky remixes of classic pop tunes.
THE PEAK!
Enjoy laid-back mountain vibes with The Peak!, our resident acoustic duo performing crowd-pleasing covers of your favorite pop, rock, and country songs live at the new Vista Plaza Stage.
BEAR-VARIAN CHARACTER EXPERIENCE
Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with our towering stilt-walking Bear-Varian Characters—they’re larger than life and full of fall flair!
KEVIN MCGUIRE
Tap your toes to the sounds of Kevin McGuire, our special weekend guest bringing authentic Bavarian flair to the festival with lively tunes and festive favorites!
Plan Your Trip
Don’t miss out on the fun, purchase your tickets and beer tasting card today!
