We all know that the second we hit October 1, we enter a new mindset. As we welcome cozy sweaters back to our wardrobe, pumpkins back to our doorsteps, crisp flavors back to our recipes and Halloween festivities to our list of priorities, we’re also looking forward to enjoying a new lineup of fall activities on our October calendar. Between whiskey tastings, pumpkin houses (yes, you heard that right), book fairs and costume parties, we think you should be well-equipped to take on a fun and festive month in Nashville.
Grab your stein and head to Homestead Manor’s Oktoberfest celebration on October 6! Image: Homestead Manor
Nashville Events: October 2018
Through October 21, 2018: Cheekwood Harvest, Presented by FirstBank
Throughout the month of October, Cheekwood is alive with Harvest cheer! Stop by one of your favorite festivals of the year to see the renowned pumpkin house, nearly 5,000 chrysanthemums and community-made scarecrows throughout the gorgeous grounds. Adults can enjoy the beer garden with live bluegrass music each weekend while the whole family will love the themed activities and entertainment each Saturday. Check the calendar to see the breakdown of specific events you won’t want to miss! cheekwood.org
October 2, 2018: “Here Come The Mummies” Concert for Cumberland Heights
A featured performance from “Here Come The Mummies” at Ryman Auditorium? We are intrigued. On October 2, rock out with this mysterious funk-rock band of eight “5,000-year-old Egyptian mummies” for an evening that doesn’t promise to disclose identities but does promise a great party. The concert serves as the biggest fundraiser of the year for the John Hiatt Fund for Adolescent and Young Adult Treatment at Cumberland Heights. Get your tickets now, starting at $29.50, with the option to enjoy a dinner and pre-concert preferred seating in a $200 package. ryman.com
October 4-6, 2018: Ironware Warehouse Sale
For 30 years, Ironware has been the internationally respected source for French hand-forged iron. For three days in October, shop beds, chandeliers, sconces, lanterns, lamps, tables, barstools, mirrors and fire accessories in Ironware’s stunning collection of crafted pieces for your home, on sale for up to 80% off. This sale only comes once a year, so don’t miss it. styleblueprint.com
October 4-7, 2018: Wine Over Water Wine & Food Festival — Chattanooga, Tennessee
Wine Over Water, sponsored by Publix, is back for the 24th year with a plethora of events taking place throughout Chattanooga in some of the city’s most beautiful historic buildings! Chattanooga promises to treat you to a weekend of fun that will be well worth the trip. Events include a kick-off party, brewery tour, wine dinners, yoga brunch and of course, Wine of Water on Walnut Street Bridge from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. wineoverwater.com
October 4 & 23, 2018: Gus Mayer’s Fall Fashion Series sponsored by The Cross Chair at Lipscomb University
You don’t want to miss your chance to meet two incredible designers in Gus Mayer’s Fall Fashion Series. Hear from Kevan Hall on October 4 and milliner Christine Moore on October 23 at the First Learning Center at Cheekwood. From 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. both nights, hear these two talk about their design process and where they find inspiration. Passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided and an open time for questions begins at 7 p.m. Reserve your spot for Kevan here and RSVP for Christine here.
October 6, 2018: Oktoberfest at Homestead Manor
Join Homestead Manor for its inaugural Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the beautiful Thompson’s Station property. Add this festive fall event to your October calendar and enjoy a true German gathering, featuring Bavarian-inspired food and steins of delicious, local beers. Executive chefs from A. Marshall Hospitality concepts will present German-style food as you enjoy brews from over 30 breweries. General admission tickets are $35, VIP access is $45 per person and designated drivers can attend for $20. Reserve your spot here: eventbrite.com.
October 6, 2018: Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival
Enjoy the incredible diversity of Nashville at the Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival and embrace all that makes Music City unique! Centennial Park hosts this vibrant festival featuring dance and musical performances, food vendors offering authentic and exotic tastes, children’s activities, an area for teens and a marketplace. This free festival will have you dipping your toes into a multitude of cultures for a colorful and fun Saturday afternoon! The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. celebratenashville.org
October 6, 2018: Corkdorks 2018 Nashville Whiskey Festival
Join the Corkdorks 2018 Nashville Whiskey Festival in celebrating this beloved spirit through an exploration of whiskey from around the world. Held at the Omni Nashville Hotel Grand Ballroom from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the event will invite spirits enthusiasts to taste, learn and experience varieties of whiskeys from around the world in an evening of true, handcrafted whiskey appreciation. General admission tickets are $100, VIP tickets are $150 and designated driver tickets are $50. VIP ticket holders will be granted early entry, access to the special tastings and a VIP gift. nashvillewhiskeyfestival.com
October 7, 2018: Shelby 6-Miler
Nashville Running Company presents another year of this six-mile race, starting and finishing at Cornelia Fort Airpark in Shelby Bottoms. Exercise your speed on this soft, well-groomed track! A portion of the race proceeds will be donated to Friends of Shelby Bottoms. Kids can also participate in the second annual Kids Fun Run before the main race at 8 a.m. Lace up, head across the river and get to racin’. Register for $45 now until October 5 at midnight. nashvillerunning.com
October 8, 2018: Woodwind Quintet
Join the Blair Woodwind Quintet for an evening of sonic color and character! The quintet features Jared Hauser, oboe; Bil Jackson, clarinet; Leslie Norton, horn; and Peter Kolkay, bassoon and flutist Molly Barth in her debut performance with the BWQ. The program will include Jennifer Higdon’s evocative and lyrical Autumn Music, the premiere of David Sartor’s Aspirations for Woodwind Quintet and Carl Nielsen’s Wind Quintet Op.43, a delightful classic from the quintet literature. The event is free and open to all, beginning at 8 p.m. at the Blair School of Music’s Steve & Judy Turner Recital Hall. events.vanderbilt.edu
October 11, 2018: Champagne & Chardonnay and The Men’s Event
The Nashville Wine Auction presents the eighth annual Champagne & Chardonnay on October 11. This sparkling evening just for the ladies is a yearly fundraiser benefitting efforts to fight cancer. The fun cocktail party will feature champagne donated by The Wine Shoppe in Green Hills, a selection of Chardonnay, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction featuring wine and other fabulous luxury items. Grab your gals for a great evening and get your $250 tickets now! nashvillewineauction.com
And don’t worry guys, there is a gathering of gentlemen, as well! Reserve your spot now for $250 at The Men’s Event, also on October 11. This year’s evening will be held at Josephine, as guests will enjoy fine red wines and delicious steaks through a cocktail party and decadent four-course dinner. nashvillewineauction.com
October 11-14, 2018: Nashville Oktoberfest
It’s only fitting to celebrate the time-honored tradition of Oktoberfest in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood. This four-day event features live music, authentic German food, family-fun activities and, of course, beer. Over 250,000 people will fill the streets of Germantown to enjoy a lineup of brews as part of Nashville’s oldest running festival. Raise your stein and cheers to fall at this free celebration! thenashvilleoktoberfest.com
October 12, 2018: Franklin Wine Festival
On Friday, October 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Factory at Franklin will house the Franklin Wine Festival, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. This grand food and wine tasting event will feature more than 300 wines from around the world and showcase culinary offerings from dozens of middle Tennessee’s finest restaurants. Guests also will enjoy live music and a silent auction. Get your general admission ticket for $89 and designated drivers can get theirs for $35. franklinwinefestival.com
October 12-14, 2018: Southern Festival of Books
Join more than 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 and Main Public Library. Authors of every genre take part sessions that include either a solo reading or a panel discussion, followed by a book signing. Celebrate literature with the entire community in a weekend of discussions, readings, dramatic literary performances, children’s storytellers and more! The festival is free and open to the public, happening from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. humanitiestennessee.org
October 12 & 13, 2018: Cheekwood’s Songwriters Under the Stars, presented by FirstBank
October 13-November 3, 2018: Nashville Repertory Theatre presents A Doll’s House, Part 2
It was the door slam heard around the world. When Nora left her husband in Henrik Ibsen’s classic A Doll’s House, an entirely new conversation was started about women and their roles in society. Now, contemporary playwright Lucas Hnath imagines what it would be like if Nora came back 15 years later, and the conversation begins again. This fast, funny, and thought-provoking play was Broadway’s hottest ticket last season, now making its Nashville debut. Get your tickets now, starting at $25 at cart.tpac.org.
October 14, 2018: Tennessee Titans Home Game
Grab your best Titans gear and head to Nissan Stadium as the Tennessee Titans host the Baltimore Ravens. Cheer for your Nashville team as they kick off on their own turf at 3:25 p.m. for a solid Sunday afternoon of football. Ticket prices start at $57, but prices and availability are subject to change. titansonline.com
October 18-20, 2018: Artclectic
The University School of Nashville presents another year of its annual fundraiser art event, Artclectic, that showcases local, regional and emerging talent in a festive gallery setting. You can purchase a ticket for $125 to the Patrons Party on Thursday night or attend Friday night’s ArtBash for free, which includes a gallery party, light fare and a cash bar. Saturday is open to the public and includes POPclectic, with artisan crafts under $200 and a farmers’ market by Green Door Gourmet! artclectic.org
October 18-20, 2018: Nashville Ballet’s Seven Deadly Sins
For three nights this October, the Nashville Ballet’s Seven Deadly Sins will take audiences on a wild ride through temptation as the ballet’s protagonist confronts inner demons. Celebrate the Halloween season with this theatrical exploration of the forbidden, presented alongside Jennifer Archibald’s electrifying Superstitions. This production promises to leave viewers haunted long after the curtain falls. Get your tickets now, starting at $30 at cart.tpac.org.
October 19 & 20, 2018: City Farmhouse Pop-Up Fair
Enjoy two days of curated art, music, food and more at the Factory at Franklin in this highly-anticipated fall fair. Shop antiques and vintage, holiday decor, jewelry, handmade items, food and more from 75 awesome vendors. On Friday morning, get your $35 ticket to shop the preview party from 8 a.m. to noon, featuring your two-day pass, complimentary mimosas and Southern bites. Or, purchase general passes for shopping from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. General two-day passes are available for $15 and single day passes are available for $12. cityfarmhousefranklin.com
October 20, 2018: Centennial Craft Fest
The Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park invites you to celebrate the craftsmanship of local food, drinks, musicians and artisans in this free fall event. Held at Centennial Park, the event will showcase food from local restaurants and food trucks, beer at the Oktoberfest Pub, crafts and handmade goods from local artisans, live music and activities for the kids including face painting and pumpkin decorating. The free fun happens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. centennialcraftfest.com
October 20, 2018: Tennessee Beer and Wine Festival
This Donelson community event brings folks together in celebration of beer and wine on the grounds of Two Rivers Mansion. Get your $35 ticket now to enjoy 4 oz. tastes from the best breweries around the world, special gravity beer and wine samples. Sip local, regional and imported beverages, enjoy live music and explore a variety of artisan goods from noon to 5 p.m. on this great fall day, hosted just 15 minutes from downtown Nashville! tnbeerfestival.com
October 21, 2018: Saint Paul Christian Academy’s Open House and All Saints Festival
Beginning at 2:45 p.m. on October 21, head to Saint Paul Christian Academy in Green Hills for a prospective parents Open House. Learn about the inter-denominational, Christ-centered school for junior fours through sixth grade in an information session, check out the campus for an hour, then stick around to participate in the All Saints Festival from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Register now at stpaulchristianacademy.org.
October 22, 2018: March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction
March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction is an annual culinary event bringing together some of Nashville’s top chefs for an evening of delicious food, fine wines and silent auction fun at OZ Arts Nashville. Join in on this celebration of culinary talent while raising money for the March of Dimes mission for healthy moms and babies. Get your ticket by donating at signaturechefs.marchofdimes.org.
October 23 & 24, 2018: Jude Frances In-Store Event at Cindi Earl Fine Jewelry
For two days this October, head to Cindi Earl Fine Jewelry to check out the Jude Frances in-store event, featuring the line’s fall collection. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 23 and 24, shop the collection’s new and unique pieces, chat with the Jude Frances experts and enter for your chance to win a pair of Jude Frances huggies (small diamond hoops). instagram.com
October 26, 2018: Fall to Table
Join Harvest Hands CDC for their fall fundraiser, Fall to Table, on October 26 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This fall-themed gathering will include seasonal cocktails and small plates and live jazz performances, all benefitting the after-school programs and job opportunities for youth in under-invested communities in South Nashville. Get your general admission ticket for $50 now! harvesthandscdc.com
October 27, 2018: Once in a Blue Moon
The Land Trust of Tennessee hosts a memorable evening full of bluegrass, bonfires, starry skies and friends at Glen Leven Farm for the 18th celebration of Once in a Blue Moon. This preservation celebration is a sophisticated shindig (but wear your boots and jeans) taking place on a gorgeous 65-acre farm, perfect for the celebration of Nashville’s natural beauty and historic landscapes. The Luminary Reception starts at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 and entertainment lasts until 11:00. Tickets to the event are $250, and tickets to the Luminary Reception are an additional $125. landtrusttn.org
October 27, 2018: Blair String Quartet
Join the Blair String Quartet at Blair School of Music’s Ingram Hall at 8 p.m. to celebrate the birthday of American iconic composer George Rochberg with a performance of his Quartet No. 6. Also on the program will be Beethoven’s Op. 59 E minor quartet, the second quartet from his revolutionary opus that reimagined the dramatic possibilities of the string quartet. The performance is free and open to all! events.vanderbilt.edu
October 27, 2018: Pumpkinfest
Historic downtown Franklin is back to host one of the community’s favorite street festivals for the 35th year of Pumpkinfest. Join in on family-friendly performances, children’s activities, all your favorite street festival foods, pumpkin carving, The Great Pumpkin, a costume contest and more than 75 arts and crafts booths featuring fall and holiday products! The day’s events, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., are free and open to all. historicfranklin.com
October 29, 2018: Blair Brass Quintet
Join the Blair School of Music at the Steve & Judy Turner Recital Hall on October 29 to experience the Blair Brass Quintet. Founded in 1995, the group has concertized throughout the Southeast and is very involved in exposing young people to their music through school concerts and their repertoire ranges from traditional to contemporary. The performance begins at 8 p.m. and admission is free and open to all! events.vanderbilt.edu
October 30, 2018: Halloween Movie Night: Phantom at the Opera
Celebrate all the thrills of Halloween with the Nashville Symphony in a screening of the 1925 classic, Phantom of the Opera. Accompanied by the Schermerhorn’s Martin Foundation Concert Organ to add an entirely new level of eery, this showing is just the evening to keep you on edge. Get your ticket starting at $18 and come in your costume for an unforgettable celebration of Halloween at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. nashvillesymphony.org
Happy October, Halloween and trick-or-treating! Get out there, embrace the cool weather and enjoy the beginning of fall in Nashville! Check out our Insider tips for trick-or-treating around town.
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