With the seasonal change and transition into October, our love for sweaters, pumpkins, crisp flavors and all things spooky shine through. From fall-themed festivals and pumpkin houses to scary celebrations and costume parades, we think you’ll be well-equipped for a festive month in Nashville. Here are this month’s top 28 events.
Join Cheekwood Harvest and its Pumpkin House to get in the spirit of autumn!
Through Sunday, October 27, 2019: 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 1, 2019: Whiskey, Wine & Cider Festival
Join the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition for the Whiskey, Wine and Cider Festival at the Bedford on Tuesday, October 1. This themed event will kick off breast cancer month while providing the opportunity to taste over 20 different whiskeys, wines and ciders. In addition to sampling various drinks, dinner will be provided. Tickets to the event cost $40 ($60 if you purchase two tickets). All proceeds from the event will go directly to the TBCC’s Emergency Access Fund to help breast cancer patients with mortgage or rent, utilities and insurance premiums. TBCC.org
October 2 through October 5, 2019: Ironware International’s Annual Warehouse Sale
For 30 years, Ironware has been the internationally respected source for French hand-forged iron. For three days in October, Ironware’s stunning collection of crafted pieces for your home is on sale for up to 80% off. This includes beds, chandeliers, sconces, lanterns, lamps, tables, barstools, mirrors and fire accessories. The sale is “trade only” on October 2, but opens to the public from October 3 through October 5! This sale only comes once a year, so don’t miss it. ironwareinternational.com.
October 3 through October 29, 2019: Jack’s Pumpkin Glow
On October 3, Jack’s Pumpkin Glow is returning to Nashville! The month-long celebration will be open to the public every Thursday through Sunday in October. This year’s event will feature a pumpkin wonderland with more than 5,000 decorative jack o’ lanterns, a pumpkin patch, live carving demonstrations and many more fun activities! Head over to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage for this year’s Jack’s Pumpkin Glow event. For admission prices, visit glowpumpkin.com.
October 3, 2019: Outdoor Voices Endorphin Hour X Jogger’s Club
Get moving with Outdoor Voices on Thursday, October 3, for its Endorphin Hour x Jogger’s Club mashup. The class will involve a quick 30-minute jog around the 12South neighborhood, followed by shopping and cocktails from BarBees. The fun gets started at 5 p.m. and all levels are welcome! events.outdoorvoices.com.
October 3 through October 12, 2019: Nashville Film Festival
The Nashville Film Festival will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on October 3 through 12. Experience several of the United States and world premieres, an enthralling Creators Conference and a cultural experience that not only honors the talent of Music City but all those who inspire the film industry. VIP Badges are available, starting at $295 for an elevated film festival experience. For more information, visit nashfilm.org.
October 4, 2019: 7th Annual Pearls & Pinstripes Gala
Join the Tennessee Coalition’s initiative to end domestic violence and sexual violence with its 7th annual Pearls & Pinstripe Gala on Friday, October 4. The annual celebration serves as a launch event for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. Starting at 6 p.m., the Gala includes a night of dinner and drink as well as dancing to live music from Burning Las Vegas. In addition, there will be a wine grab and a silent auction. Tickets start at $125. All proceeds raised help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Tennessee. tncoalition.org
October 5, 2019: 23rd Annual Historic Belmont-Hillsboro Home Tour
If you love spending your days reading home and architecture magazines, you won’t want to miss the 23rd Annual Historic Belmont-Hillsboro Home Tour on Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s tour will feature 11 historic homes and contemporary homes, plus four homes on Belmont Boulevard. Tickets can be purchased online for $10. Grab your HGTV-loving friend and head over to Belmont-Hillsboro for an afternoon filled with gorgeous homes. belmont-hillsboro.com
October 5, 2019: Nashtober Fest
As we move into October, there’s plenty of beer festivals to attend … Nashtober Fest is one that should be at the top of your list! This free event in Richland Park features a Biketoberfest around Sylvan Park to kick off the festivities, a Beerlympics (including a stein-holding contest) and other fun games to test your might, including a bratwurst-eating contest! In addition to these festive events, Nashtober Fest will host 11 beer vendors as well as brats from Daddy’s Dogs. There’s also an option to purchase a VIP ticket for $60 which includes unlimited free beer tasting, a commemorative t-shirt and tote, plus a free brat and food! Nashtoberfest.com
October 5, 2019: 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 that features 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 experiencing a multitude of cultures, and it makes for a colorful and fun Saturday afternoon! The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. celebratenashville.org
October 5 and 6, 2019: 7th Annual Fall Fest at the Hermitage
Join the Hermitage for its 7th Annual Fall Fest on Friday, October 5 through Saturday, October 6, for a weekend filled with art, music and the history of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. This year’s event includes live music, vintage baseball and some fabulous vendors. Gather the family and head to the Hermitage for this year’s Fall Fest! fallfestatthehermitage.com
October 5 through October 26, 2019: Glow in the Park
Throughout October, the Adventure Park in Nashville will be hosting Glow in the Park every Saturday from 5 p.m.to 9 p.m.! This one-of-a-kind experience allows you to climb and zipline through the trees, which are lit from lights strung along the course. In addition to the exciting adventure, each night has a special theme from country music to superheroes. Gather the whole family and attend Glow in the Park this October! mynashvilleadventurepark.org
October 6, 2019: Nashville Harvest Festival
The 2nd annual Nashville Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday, October 6, at City Winery. This 21+ event will host an exciting afternoon filled with live music, wine tastings, grape-stomping stations and much more! In addition to the various activities, patrons will be able to meet City Winery’s local winemakers. Tickets are available online and start at $45, plus there are VIP options available. nashvilleharvestfestival.com
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October 10 through October 13, 2019: 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 toast to fall at this free celebration! thenashvilleoktoberfest.com
October 10, 2019: Dancin’ in the District
Dancin’ in the District is back! Longtime Nashville residents will reminisce the great days of Dancin’ in the District as it returns for one night only on Thursday, October 10. Dancin’ in the District will take place at Nashville’s Riverfront Park and include food trucks from Daddy’s Dogs, Eighth and Roast and Ole Smoky Moonshine. Dancin’ goers will be able to groove to the live music from Leftover Salmon, Alanna Royale, Space Capone featuring KK, and Slim Wednesday featuring JoJo Hermann. The event takes place from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and benefits Music Health Alliance, an organization that helps connect professional musicians with medical and financial solutions. nashvillesdancin.com
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October 11 through October 13, 2019: Southern Festival of Books
The 31st annual Southern Festival of Books is set to return to Nashville on Friday, October 11. This free, weekend-long celebration brings together more than 200 authors and sessions, 60 exhibitors and 25,000 book lovers each year, to give readers a chance to interact with some of their favorite authors and cultural voices. Grab your whole book club and bring them out to one of the most popular literary events in the country! It’s hosted right in downtown Nashville at War Memorial Plaza and the Downtown Nashville Public Library, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (6 p.m. on Saturday). humanitiestennessee.org
October 12, 2019: Fall Makers Market
Shop local vendors this fall at the Hendersonville Makers Market on Saturday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vendors include Babycakes Design, Natural Redefined Beauty Company and many more! Admission is free of charge, however, the Makers Market is accepting non-perishable food items to donate to the Veteran’s Food Pantry. HendersonvilleMakersMarket.com
October 18 & 19, 2019: Songwriters Under the Stars
Cheekwood will open the beautiful Swan Lawn and invite guests to hear favorite songs written by Nashville hit-makers. Only in Nashville can you hear these chart-topping songwriters in such a lovely setting! For your $55 ticket, you’ll get an evening of music at one of the best outdoor venues in town while enjoying food and drinks from Daddy’s Dogs, Puckett’s and The Tennessee Cobbler Company, which will all be available for purchase. Doors will open at 6 p.m. each evening, with the show starting at 7 p.m. cheekwood.org
October 19, 2019: Achilles Nashville’s 6th annual Hope & Possibility® Race
This is the signature race of Achilles International and each year, this race inspires us all as it includes people with various disabilities running alongside their able-bodied running partners. The race is either a one or 5-mile race, your choice, and is for everyone from the elite runner to those who would rather walk. It’s for people who use crutches or a walker or a wheelchair. This race is for ALL! Join together for a race that is bound to move you like no other race you’ve ever participated in before. $40. For more information, see: achillesnashville.org
October 19, 2019: Fall into Science
Join the Adventure Science Center for their fall festival, Fall Into Science, this October 19. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be hands-on activities for kids and adults alike to explore. Activities include candy carnival games, spooky science demos, punkin’ chunkin’ and more. Nashville Parent’s STEAM Festival and Nashville Creative’s Day will also be on-site to help Adventure Science Center celebrate the fall season. Admission to the festival is free of charge. Gather the whole family (in your favorite costumes) and fall into science with the Adventure Science Center! adventuresci.org
October 19, 2019: 10th Annual Tennessee Beer & Wine Festival
This Donelson community event brings folks together in celebration of beer and wine on the grounds of Two Rivers Mansion. Get your 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! Tickets range from $15-$45. tnbeerfestival.com
October 19 & 20, 2019: 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 24 through October 26, 2019: Artclectic
As the seasons change and we transition into fall, it’s time for Artclectic — an event filled with elegant art, festive parties and artsy events designed for the entire family! The three-day celebration, hosted by University School of Nashville, kicks off Thursday evening with an elegant Patrons Party. It continues in the Gallery on Friday with a book-signing by photographer Anouk Krantz, followed later that evening by ARTBash, a casual cocktail party. Saturday’s events include a full day of art in the Gallery, children’s art activities and POPclectic, a pop-up artisan market featuring crafts under $200. Admission to the event is free, except for the Patrons Party, for which tickets start at $125. Event proceeds support the Fund for Innovative Teaching at the University School of Nashville, promoting curricular innovation and classroom excellence. Gather the entire family and join the three-day excursion at the University School of Nashville. artclectic.org
October 26, 2019: 36th Annual Pumpkinfest
Historic downtown Franklin is back to host one of the community’s favorite street festivals, for the 36th 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 7 p.m., are free and open to all. historicfranklin.com
October 26, 2019: The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Once in a Blue Moon
In its 19th year, Once in a Blue Moon returns to Glen Leven Farm on October 26 for the Land Trust for Tennessee’s largest fundraising event of the year. During the celebration of the organization’s mission to conserve the unique character of Tennessee’s natural and historic landscape, guests are invited to an entertaining night filled with a farm to table dinner, live music, craft cocktail, and even a bonfire to roast marshmallows! The event is 21+ and has a boot and jean dress code to pair. landtrusttn.org/bluemoon.
October 27, 2019: Gather at the Farm
Back for its second year, Gather at the Farm presented by Experience Nashville and Bloomsbury Farm promises an evening of fall fun. With the beautiful farm as a backdrop, guests will enjoy delicious bites by beloved Nashville chefs Jess Bennefield and Trey Burnette of Green Pheasant and Two Ten Jack and Katie Coss of Husk, alongside handcrafted cocktails by Freddy Schwenk, the beverage director and mixologist at Geist Restaurant and Vandyke Bed & Beverage. After tasting and mingling, Dave Barnes will serenade the crowd beneath the stars making this a night you do not want to miss. The event is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and tickets prices and packages vary, starting at $95/person with an option to add transportation. eventbrite.com
October 27, 2019: Flavors of Nashville
Experience the culinary experience of Flavors of Nashville this October, as a local chef prepares your courses table-side, unlike your typical gala event. The evening will be paired with signature dishes, and it will transport you beyond the traditional culinary fare. Enjoy this incredible cause from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Franklin Marriott in Cool Springs. Proceeds from the evening will impact the research, education and advocacy efforts of the American Liver Foundation. alfflavors.org
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