Your guide to what’s happening in Mountain City and Johnson County, October 23–25, 2026
October is giving us plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Johnson County this weekend!
From a fall festival at the vineyard and a haunted corn maze to the final performances of a royal comedy, church bazaars, dancing, local history and outdoor adventures, there’s something for just about everyone.
And while you’re making those Saturday plans, don’t forget — you can vote this weekend, too!
Here’s what’s happening Around the County.
🍁 Fall Festival at the Vineyard
Saturday, October 24 | 1–8 p.m.
Villa Nove Farm & Vineyard
1877 Dry Hill Road, Butler
Looking for a little fall fun with a mountain view? Villa Nove Farm & Vineyard is hosting its Fall Festival, featuring food, wine, music, local vendors, animals and plenty of autumn activities.
The day’s festivities include:
- Live music with John Sullivan from 4–8 p.m.
- An animal experience with Highland Legacy Farms, featuring Rebel the Highland cow, Nigerian dwarf goats and Great Pyrenees dogs
- Local artisans, boutiques and baked goods
- Pumpkin carving and decorating
- Food, fall treats and vineyard wines
The vineyard will also host a wine club pickup party. Whether you’re coming for the animals, the music or simply to soak up the fall scenery, it promises to be a festive afternoon in Butler.
👑 One Last Royal Weekend — Once Upon a Mattress
Friday and Saturday, October 23–24 | 7 p.m.
Heritage Hall Theatre, Mountain City
It’s the final weekend to catch Johnson County Community Theatre’s production of Once Upon a Mattress, the hilarious musical retelling of The Princess and the Pea.
This year’s production is especially meaningful as the community theatre celebrates its 40th anniversary!
And we have to give a royal shout-out to our own Johnson County Line co-host, Dan Cullinane, who takes the stage as King Sextimus the Silent.
If you haven’t seen the show, here’s your last chance!
Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $5 for youth.
Visit Heritage Hall Theatre for tickets and details.
🎃 Dare to Enter? The Bloody 3rd Haunted Corn Maze
Friday and Saturday, October 23–24 | Gates open at 7:30 p.m.
1251 Antioch Road, Mountain City
Looking for a good scare this Halloween season? The Bloody 3rd: Curse of the Jingling Hole Haunted Corn Maze is ready to send a few chills down your spine!
Admission is $20 per person, with the last group entering at 10:30 p.m.
And while you’re there, you can pick up some pumpkins for your fall decorating.
Visit Bloody3rd.com for more information — if you dare!
🛍️ Fall Bazaar & Silent Auction at First United Methodist
Saturday, October 24 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
128 N. Church Street, Mountain City
A fall favorite returns with bargains, baked goods and the church’s famous chicken dinner!
The First United Methodist Fall Bazaar offers a little something for everyone, including yard sale finds, jewelry, outdoor items, a children’s room, a boutique room and plenty of baked goodies.
The popular chicken dinner includes half a chicken, baked beans, coleslaw and a cookie for $12. Quantities are limited, so order early!
And you don’t have to wait until Saturday to get in on the fun!
The church is also hosting a silent auction, with opportunities to browse and bid ahead of the bazaar:
- Thursday, October 22: 4–5 p.m.
- Friday, October 23: 4–5 p.m.
- Saturday, October 24: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
So if you’re out and about Friday afternoon, stop by and see what’s up for bid!
Chicken dinner tickets are available at Unique Boutique or by contacting Richard Walsh at 423-727-7554 and leaving a message.
🥬 Saturday Morning at the Farmers Market
Saturday, October 24 | 9 a.m.–Noon
Johnson County Farmers Market
There’s something special about a fall morning at the farmers market!
Stop by to see what our local farmers, growers and makers have available, pick up some seasonal goodies and support the folks who help keep our local agricultural traditions alive.
It’s a great way to start your Saturday before heading off to the rest of the day’s activities.
🗳️ Saturday Plans? You Can Vote, Too!
Saturday, October 24 | 8 a.m.–Noon
Johnson County Election Commission
158 Election Avenue, Mountain City
Between the farmers market, fall festivals and other weekend activities, there’s another important stop you can make on Saturday — the polls!
YES! You can vote on Saturday, October 24, from 8 a.m. until noon!
Early voting continues through Thursday, October 29, ahead of the November 3 election, including the Town of Mountain City alderman race.
Remember to bring an acceptable photo ID.
For additional voting hours and election information, visit jctnvote.com or call 423-727-8592.
And if you’d like to hear from the three candidates running for Mountain City alderman, catch our Meet the Candidates special on The Johnson County Line’s YouTube channel.
Fifteen minutes. Same questions. Your candidates.
💃 Saturday Evening — Harvest Hoedown
Saturday, October 24 | 6–8:30 p.m.
Community Church of Mountain City
167 Neatherly Road, Mountain City
Experienced square dancers, here’s one for you!
The Young at Heart Square & Line Dance Club invites dancers to its Harvest Hoedown, featuring caller Terry McGill with mainstream and plus tips.
This event is geared toward experienced dancers familiar with mainstream and plus square dancing calls, rather than beginners.
And take note of the new venue — Community Church of Mountain City.
Visiting dancers are welcome for $8 per person, and refreshments will be provided.
Learn more at youngatheartdance.org.
📸 Advanced Photography at the Center for the Arts
Saturday, October 24
Johnson County Center for the Arts
Gallery on Main Classroom, 129 W. Main Street, Mountain City
For those looking to sharpen their creative skills, the Center for the Arts has the second session of its Advanced Photography course with Chris Durney scheduled for Saturday.
Check with the Center for the Arts for class time, registration and availability.
Johnson County Center for the Arts
🏛️ A Little History Before the Season Ends
Museum of Butler | Butler, Tennessee
There are only two weekends remaining in the Museum of Butler’s 2026 season!
Weekend hours:
- Saturday, October 24: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Sunday, October 25: 1–4 p.m.
Bring the family to explore the fascinating history of Old Butler, discover the community that disappeared beneath the waters of Watauga Lake, and enjoy exhibits that bring our region’s history to life.
Young visitors can participate in the Pioneer Passport program, and the museum’s America 250 exhibits offer another opportunity to explore our nation’s history through a local lens.
Admission is $5 for ages 12 and older; children under 12 are admitted free.
Learn more at Museum of Butler.
🍂 Take the Scenic Route — Doe Mountain
Doe Mountain Recreation Area | Mountain City
If your ideal fall weekend includes fresh mountain air and colorful leaves, Doe Mountain Recreation Area offers an outdoor escape close to home.
Whether you prefer hiking, exploring the trails or taking an off-highway vehicle adventure, this is a beautiful time of year to enjoy the mountain.
The recreation area is open from sunrise to sunset.
Visit Doe Mountain Recreation Area for trail information, passes and updates.
Have an Event We Should Know About?
We’re always looking for community happenings to share with our Johnson County neighbors!
From festivals and fundraisers to concerts, classes, church events and family activities, we’d love to help spread the word.
And if you’re hosting something special, don’t wait until the last minute to tell us! We’d love to include your event in an upcoming edition of Around the County.
Visit TheJohnsonCountyLine.com and follow us on Facebook and YouTube for more local news, conversations and community happenings.
The Johnson County Line
Around the County — Your community. Your stories. Your weekend.
