Looking for a Halloween outing that works for the whole family, costumed dog included? Sevierville’s History & Haunts is back this Thursday, October 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. in historic downtown Sevierville. It’s free to get in, it wraps up with fireworks, and it’s an easy drive from Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.
The basics
- When: Thursday, October 22, 2026, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with fireworks at 8:00 p.m.
- Where: Court Avenue and Bruce Street in downtown Sevierville, around the Sevier County Courthouse. For GPS, use 125 Court Avenue, Sevierville.
- Cost: Free admission. Organizers note there may be a small charge for some activities.
- Host: The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce puts on the event each year.
What’s going on
According to the official History & Haunts event page, the evening packs a lot into two hours:
- Haunted walking tours that share tragic tales from Sevierville’s past. Actors in costume play historic figures along the way. The organizers say the tour isn’t meant to be scary, so it’s a good pick for kids who like a spooky story but not a jump scare. Tours leave every 15 minutes from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.
- Trick-or-treating at community booths in the Candy Commons area, presented by Hometown Pediatric.
- A pumpkin patch from East Tennessee State University where kids can take home a free pumpkin.
- Wagon rides and a s’mores fire pit, both presented by Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster.
- A dance party with classic Halloween songs, plus costume contests for kids, families and grownups.
- Two Howl-O-Ween contests for dogs, including a Doppelgänger Duo category for dogs and owners in matching costumes. Dogs need to stay on a leash, and owners are expected to clean up after them.
- A fireworks finale presented by SkyLand Ranch.
Contest schedule
If someone in your group is entering a contest, here’s when to be there. The organizers say times can change, so check the event page before you head out.
- 6:00 p.m. Booths open
- 6:15 p.m. Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest
- 6:30 p.m. Howl-O-Ween Doppelgänger Duo Contest (dog and owner)
- 6:30 p.m. Children’s Costume Contest, ages 0 to 5
- 6:45 p.m. Children’s Costume Contest, ages 6 to 12
- 7:00 p.m. Children’s Dance Contest
- 7:30 p.m. Family or Group Costume Contest
- 7:45 p.m. Adult Costume Contest
- 7:55 p.m. Adult Dance Contest
- 8:00 p.m. Fireworks
Street closures and parking
The City of Sevierville has issued a traffic advisory for the event. From 2 to 10 p.m. on October 22, Court Avenue will be closed from Joy Street to Commerce Street, and Bruce Street will be closed from the Courthouse parking lot to the exit of the City Municipal Parking Lot. If you’re just passing through downtown that afternoon, plan on a short detour.
Parking close to the courthouse will be tight with those streets closed, so give yourself a few extra minutes and expect a short walk. Getting there around 6 p.m. is also a good way to catch the first tours and the dog contests.
What to wear
The weather looks great so far. The National Weather Service forecast for Sevierville calls for a sunny Thursday with a high near 73 and a clear night with a low around 43. It will cool off quickly once the sun goes down, so bring a jacket for the fireworks, especially for little ones in thin costumes.
Make an evening of it
Since you’ll already be downtown, come a little early and walk the free, self-guided In Dolly’s Footsteps tour. It opened October 16 and has nine stops tied to Dolly Parton’s early years, starting right by the courthouse where her statue stands. Downtown restaurants and shops will be open during the event too, so dinner before the fireworks is an easy add.
It’s a short, sweet evening and a nice break from the bigger crowds on the Parkway. Bring the kids, bring the dog, and stay for the fireworks.
Sources: History & Haunts event page (Sevierville Chamber of Commerce), City of Sevierville traffic advisory and the National Weather Service forecast for Sevierville.