October brings cozy sweaters, apple cider, bonfires and of course, Halloween. The following list of Happenings will help you fill your days before this big, spooky holiday. With celebrations of Nashville, live music and family-fun, these annual happenings will keep you busy this month! For even more events, including concerts, trunk shows and more, check out the StyleBlueprint calendar of events. We will update the events listed below with 2016 dates as they become available.
River Swing | October 3, 2015
Spend your evening dining, drinking, dancing and bidding at Harpeth River Watershed Association’s River Swing. The Silent Auction will feature pieces for the stylish, outdoorsy and adventuresome and proceeds benefit the association. Have a great time in a beautiful setting for $150/person. www.harpethriver.org
Taste of Nashville | October 23, 2015
Celebrate Nashville’s restaurants, bars, brewers, distillers, dessert-makers and other fine food and beverage creators who have helped Music City evolve as a premier culinary destination at Taste of Nashville. Food and libations will be provided by local eateries (past participates have included: Acme Feed & Seed, Etch, Silo, Sinema, 1808 Grille, The Local Taco, Moto, Lucky Belly and Union Common, just to name a few). General admission: $125. tasteofnashville.com/tickets
Dinner on the Bridge | October 1, 2015
Celebrate the Greenways of Nashville for their success in linking economic, health, recreational and environmental benefits for our city during this year’s Annual Dinner on the Bridge. The event will bring the community together to enjoy a spectacular dinner, cocktails and stunning views on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The event raises funds to support the growth of the Greenways of Nashville. Individual Seats are $175 each. Casual attire. greenwaysfornashville.org
The Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival | October 3, 2015
Celebrate the diversity of Nashville at The Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival. It is a celebration and reminder of what makes Nashville unique. With a variety of dance, musical performances, food vendors offering authentic and exotic tastes, children’s activities, an area for teens and a marketplace, this festival opens the opportunity for intercultural dialogue and a great Saturday afternoon! This event is free. celebratenashville.org
Nashville Oktoberfest | October 9-11, 2015
Celebrate fall with the The Nashville Oktoberfest, which takes place in the heart of Germantown. This three day event will feature live music, authentic German food, family-fun activities and of course, beer. Over 100,000 people will be filling the streets of Germantown for this event, which is Nashville’s oldest running festival. Raise your stein and cheers to fall! thenashvilleoktoberfest.com
The Southern Festival of Books | October 9-11, 2015
Join 200 of the nation’s and region’s most prominent authors at this year’s Southern Festival of Books, held at the War Memorial Plaza. Every author on the program takes part in a session, either a solo reading or a panel discussion, followed by a book signing. The festival hosts popular book exhibitors and performances on three stages throughout the weekend. Special events for children, book sales, and other literary performances will be offered during the event to offer something for everyone. With mystery writers, debut novelists, poets, biographers, chefs and children’s authors, the Nashville community will come together to celebrate a love for literature. The festival is free and open to the public. humanitiestennessee.org
Franklin Wine Festival | October 16, 2015
This month, The Factory in Franklin will house The Franklin Wine Festival, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters in Middle Tennessee. This Grand Food and Wine tasting event will feature more than 300 wines from around the world and will showcase culinary offerings from 30 of Middle Tennessee’s finest restaurants. In accord with the wine and food tastings, guests will be treated to live music and the option to partake in the silent auction. Tickets $89/advance; $100/at the door. We suggest you get them in advance because they are anticipated to sell out early! franklinwinefestival.com
City Farmhouse Pop Up Show | October 16-17
Expect to find great vintage items, artisan goods and antiques as this show is host to more than 80 vendors. This event attracts people from all over the country and its in our own backyard. Enjoy an amazing weekend of curated art, music, food and more! Each year brings new celebrity talent, so check back for updates and information. Day passes are sold for $10 and weekend passes are sold for $15. cityfarmhousefranklin.com
Boo at the Zoo | October 16-18, 23-25 and 29-30, 2015
Calling all Nashville ghosts, goblins and monsters. Your little creatures are invited to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes and make their way to the Nashville Zoo! Boo at the Zoo, an annual Halloween tradition, is designed to provide delightful and frightful fun for children ages 12 and under (so not super scary!). Enjoy trick-or-treating, games, hayrides, a scary-go-round, dance party, animal showers and so much more. Tickets are $12 for zoo members and $15 for non-members. nashvillezoo.org
Girls on the Run Fall Fundraising Dinner | October 22, 2015
Enjoy live music, tasty eats and a silent auction at this annual fall event that benefits Girls on the Run Nashville. This non-profit program inspires girls while educating them on their limitless potential. Take part in an evening that promotes the role of young girls and their future in our community. https://www.gotrmiddletn.org
Songwriters Under the Stars | Dates, TBD
Picture a cool crisp evening, Cheekwood’s picturesque gardens and live musical performances. Sounds perfect, right? In addition to the music, you can hear stories behind the recording artists. Embrace everything that is uniquely Nashville during this evening under the stars. Bring a blanket, a picnic basket and drinks–but leave the alcohol at home. No worries, cash bars will be on hand to fill your cups with adult beverages. cheekwood.org
Once in a Blue Moon | October 10, 2015
Join the Land Trust of Tennessee for a memorable evening full of bluegrass, bonfires, starry skies and friends at Glen Leven Farm. This Preservation Celebration is a sophisticated shindig (but wear your boots and jeans) hosted on a gorgeous 65-acre farm, which is perfect for the celebration of Nashville’s natural beauty and historic landscapes. $250/person landtrusttn.org
Pumpkinfest | October 24, 2015
Historic Downtown Franklin plays host to one of the community’s favorite street festivals each October. Join in on family-friendly performances, free children’s activities, The Franklin Tomorrow Chili Cook-Off, pumpkin carving, The Great Pumpkin, a costume contest and more than 75 arts and crafts booths featuring handcrafted fall and holiday products! Friday’s event will give patrons the opportunity to sample local dishes and products (tickets are $25-$30). Saturday’s events are free. historicfranklin.com
Music City Bacon and Barrel Festival | October 10, 2015
Join the Nashville Farmers’ Market to celebrate two southern traditions: hearty food and distilled spirits. Bringing together 30 of Nashville’s top restaurants and a large selection of distilled spirits, the Music City Bacon and Barrel Festival promises a savory weekend. The offerings of bacon and BBQ will pair perfectly with the delicious samplings of bourbon. $49/person. baconandbarrel.squarespace.com
First Saturday Art Crawl | First Saturday January – December
From January –through December, we find ourselves looking forward to the first Saturday of each month, when we have an excuse to check out our favorite galleries around downtown. Each month, we will be stopping by The Arts Company, Rymer Gallery, Tinney Contemporary, Hatch Show Print’s Haley Gallery, and dozens of additional galleries for their new exhibits! This event is free. www.nashvilledowntown.com
Nashville Flea Market | Third Saturday January – December
Each month, the Tennessee State Fairgrounds fills with dealers and vendors from more than 30 states to sell gifts, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, arts and crafts, tools, housewares, handmade clothing, furniture and hundreds of other items. Held the third Saturday of each month, you never know what treasures you will find at the Nashville Flea Market! styleblueprint.com/nashville-flea-market
Full Moon Pickin’ Party | Fridays closest to the full moon, May – October
Our Friends of Warner Parks are inviting us all to participate in the annual Full Moon Pickin’ Parties! The parties started in May and run through October. Make June 13 your night to relax and soak up some Bluegrass tunes. All funds raised by the Pickin’ Parties will go directly toward protecting the Warner Parks as well as funding educational programs and special projects that benefit park-goers of all ages. www.friendsofwarnerparks.com
Bluebird on the Mountain | Saturdays May – October
The Bluebird Cafe is famous for showcasing Nashville songwriters, both emerging and well-known. Take that experience and add the beautiful ground of the Dyer Observatory and you have Blue Bird on the Mountain. Held each May through October, tickets sell out fast and are $120/per carload of no more than eight people. Bring a picnic! dyer.vanderbilt.edu/entertainment/concerts