Summer may be winding down, but the calendar in Clay County, Tennessee is just getting busy.
Fall and early winter bring festivals, shopping events, competitions, live entertainment and holiday traditions to the communities surrounding Dale Hollow Lake. For visitors, that means an event can be the perfect excuse to plan a day trip, weekend getaway or longer stay in Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland.
Come for an event, then leave time to enjoy Dale Hollow Lake, explore local history, visit area shops and restaurants or simply relax and enjoy the season.
Check out our events here: Events in Clay County
Start Fall With Treasure Hunting
The Clay County & Celina Rollcaster Yard Sale runs Oct. 1-3, 2026, with residents and sellers setting up along the route throughout the area.
Booth spaces will also be available at the Clay County Fairgrounds, giving shoppers a centralized stop where they can search for antiques, collectibles, crafts, household items and other unexpected finds.
Another shopping opportunity follows with the Southern Marketplace Barn Sale Oct. 2-3.
For visitors who enjoy antiques, vintage finds and bargain hunting, this is an easy weekend to build into a fall road trip. Take a break from shopping for lunch at a local restaurant, explore more Clay County businesses or spend part of the weekend enjoying Dale Hollow Lake.
Bring Your Appetite to the Chili Cook-Off
The 15th Annual Clay County Chili Cook-Off returns Saturday, Oct. 10, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on the Historic Clay County Courthouse Square.
Visitors can purchase a $5 sampling bowl and taste entries competing for cash prizes. The event will also include the Cow Patty Contest sponsored by the Cattlemen’s Association.
Fall weather, homemade chili and the historic courthouse square make this an especially fun October stop.
Celebrate the Season at the Clay County Harvest Festival
Family fall fun continues with the Clay County Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Clay County Fairgrounds.
The festival is planned to include a horse show and costume party, cornhole tournaments, marble tournaments, food vendors, other vendors, a 4-H chicken show and sale, kids activities, a petting zoo, cake walk, scarecrow competition and more.
Live music by Gary Gentry and a Halloween maze add even more to the day.
Admission is $5 per person with children age 6 and younger admitted free.
For families considering a fall trip to Dale Hollow Lake, the Harvest Festival provides a great reason to choose this particular weekend.
See Who Becomes a Star on the Cumberland
Performers take center stage during Stars on the Cumberland Oct. 24-25 at the Clay County Fairgrounds.
The two-day talent competition welcomes singers, dancers, musicians, bands and performers with other talents from Clay County and beyond.
The Showcase begins at noon Saturday, Oct. 24, followed by the Finals at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Youth and adult divisions will each offer a $1,000 grand prize along with additional cash awards.
Visitors can come cheer on the performers while enjoying another fall weekend in Clay County.
Halloween Fun Continues
Clay County’s October calendar also includes Trick-or-Treat in Celina on Oct. 30.
Families visiting during the final weekend of October can enjoy the community celebration while adding daytime activities around the lake, local attractions and restaurants.
November Brings Christmas Shopping and Celebration
The holiday season begins early in Clay County.
Christmas Open Houses are scheduled for Nov. 14-15, giving shoppers a chance to visit participating local businesses and begin their holiday shopping close to home.
The Southern Christmas event follows Nov. 19-21, adding another seasonal shopping and holiday experience.
Then, on Nov. 28, the Christmas Parade brings the community together to welcome the holiday season.
These events make November a good time for a quieter Dale Hollow Lake getaway. Visitors can enjoy local shopping and holiday activities while experiencing the lake and countryside during a completely different season.
December Brings More Holiday Tradition
Clay County’s holiday season continues during the second week of December with Christmas Jubilee and Courthouse Christmas.
The historic courthouse and surrounding community provide a particularly fitting setting for celebrating the season and experiencing the small-town atmosphere that visitors often remember long after a trip.
Plan Around an Event — Then Explore
An event may give you the date for your trip, but it does not have to be the only reason you come.
Spend part of your visit at Dale Hollow Lake, explore the Obey River, visit Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, learn about Clay County history, browse local shops or enjoy a meal at one of the area’s restaurants.
Visitors staying overnight can choose from cabins, marina lodging, campgrounds and other accommodations throughout the area.
Check the Clay County events calendar for the latest information, then explore places to stay, restaurants, attractions, marinas and things to do while planning your visit to Clay County and Dale Hollow Lake.