October brings cozy sweaters, apple cider, bonfires and, of course, Halloween. The following list of Nashville events will help you fill your days before this big, spooky punctuation mark on the 31st. With celebrations of our city, live music and family fun, these fall happenings will keep you busy all month!
Celebrate the season at Oktoberfest! Image: Nashville Oktoberfest
Nashville Events: October 2017
October 3-29, 2017: Cheekwood Harvest
Throughout the month of October, Cheekwood is alive with Harvest cheer! Stop by to see scarecrows, more than 3,000 pumpkins, nearly 5,000 chrysanthemums and community-made scarecrows throughout the gorgeous grounds. Adults can enjoy the beer garden with live bluegrass music on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to ‘ART’ivities and story time, each Saturday will feature themed activities and entertainment. cheekwood.org
October 5, 2017: Champagne and Chardonnay and The Men’s Event
Champagne and Chardonnay: A Sparkling Evening Just for Ladies is a yearly event hosted by The Nashville Wine Auction to raise money to fund the fight against cancer. This year, the event will be held at the home of Caroline and Brandon Jenkins and will feature a cocktail party and silent auction. Tickets are $125 per person and include wine tastings and hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy a night out with the gals! nashvillewineauction.com
And don’t worry men, there is a gathering of gentlemen as well! In its third year, The Men’s Event will be held at Prima, where guests can enjoy a cocktail reception and five-course dinner with wine pairings. Tickets are $250 per person.
October 5-8, 2017: Nashville Oktoberfest
Celebrate fall at the Nashville Oktoberfest, which takes place in the heart of Germantown. This four-day event features live music, authentic German food, family-fun activities and, of course, beer. More than 100,000 people will fill the streets of Germantown for this event, which is Nashville’s oldest running festival. Raise your stein and cheers to fall! This event is free. thenashvilleoktoberfest.com
October 7, 2017: Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival
Enjoy Nashville’s diversity at the Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival, a reminder of what makes Music City unique. With a variety of dance and musical performances, food vendors offering authentic and exotic tastes, children’s activities, an area for teens and a marketplace, this festival offers a great Saturday afternoon! celebratenashville.org
October 7, 2017: 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 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. Tickets to this event are $250 (tickets to the Luminary Reception are an additional $125). landtrusttn.org
October 7-22, 2017: Parade of Homes at Witherspoon
Tour homes by some of the area’s top builders and designers during this annual event. This year, the event is held in Brentwood’s Witherspoon community and six houses will be showcased during the two-week run. Tickets are $15 per person and the homes are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. theparadeofhomes.org
October 8, 2017: Shelby Bottoms 6 Miler
This six-mile race starts and finishes at Cornelia Fort Airpark in Shelby Bottoms. The course is fast and flat, so you can work on your speed! A portion of the race proceeds will be donated to Friends of Shelby Bottoms. Kids can participate in the Kids Fun Run before the six miler begins. Lace up, head across the river and get to racin’. nashvillerunning.com
October 13, 2017: Full Moon Pickin’ Party
If you haven’t had a chance to attend a Full Moon Pickin’ Party, this is your last chance for 2017! The parties started in May and wind up this month. Make October 13, the last pickin’ party event of the year, your night to relax and soak up some bluegrass tunes. All funds raised by the pickin’ parties are designated for protecting Warner Parks, educational programs and special projects. friendsofwarnerparks.com
October 13, 2017: Franklin Wine Festival
On Friday, October 13, 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. Tickets are $89. We suggest you get them in advance because they are anticipated to sell out early! franklinwinefestival.com
October 13-15, 2017: 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. Authors on the program take 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 are planned, providing 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
October 13-15, 20-22 and 26-29, 2017: Boo at the Zoo
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 $13 for zoo members and $16 for nonmembers. nashvillezoo.org
October 14, 2017: Nashville Whiskey Festival
Celebrate whiskey and spirits from around the world during the Nashville Whiskey Festival. Held at the Omni Nashville Hotel Grand Ballroom, the event will invite spirits enthusiasts to taste, learn, explore and experience varieties of whiskeys from around the world. General admission tickets are $100 and VIP tickets are $150. VIP ticket holders will be granted early entry, access to the special tastings and a VIP gift. nashvillewhiskeyfestival.com
October 16, 2017: Tennessee Titans Home Game
The Tennessee Titans come home to Nissan Stadium in October to take on the Indianapolis Colts. Check out the team on their home turf as they compete against these rivals. Ticket prices start at $53 but get yours today because prices and availability are likely to change. titansonline.com
October 19 – November 12, 2017: O’More Designer Show House
Within the new Voce development, designers are working hard to design the rooms in a beautiful home. This event showcases the talent of O’More alums. On Wednesday, October 18, get a first look at the home (while sipping cocktails). The show will run through November. Open tour hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 4:00 p.m. Private groups of 25 or more may call 615-794-4254 to arrange a specific tour time for either Monday or Tuesday. Benefitting O’More College of Design, the ticket price for the Show House is $20 per person. omoreshowhouse.com
October 19-21, 2017: Artclectic
Hosted annually by the University School of Nashville, Artclectic is a fantastic art event that showcases local, regional and emerging talent in a festive gallery setting. You can purchase a ticket ($125) to the Patrons Party on Thursday night or attend Friday night’s ArtBash, which includes a gallery party, light fare and a cash bar (and free attendance). Saturday is open to the public and includes POPclectic, a special market that puts lots of affordable, handmade items at your fingertips and family art activities! artclectic.org
October 20 & 21, 2017: City Farmhouse Pop-Up Fair
Expect to find great vintage items, artisan goods and antiques at the City Farmhouse Pop-Up Fair, featuring more than 80 vendors. This event attracts people from all over the country and it’s 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 $12. On Friday morning, you can shop the show early at the preview party from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tickets for this event are $40 per person and include complimentary mimosas, juice, coffee bar and small bites. cityfarmhousefranklin.com
October 21, 2017: Centennial Craft Fest
The Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park invites you to celebrate the craftsmanship of local food, drinks, musicians and artisans. Held at Centennial Park, this free fall 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 (face painting and pumpkin decorating — just to name a few). centennialcraftfest.com
October 21, 2017: 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. Expect to see wine from a variety of vineyards and brews from regional and local breweries. Early-bird tickets are available through October 20 for $35 then the price jumps to $45 on the day of the event. tnbeerfestival.com
October 26-28, 2017: Ironware Warehouse Sale
Ironware is opening their doors to the public and this is an event you do not want to miss! Items including candelabras, sconces, chandeliers, tables, beds, bar stools and fire accessories will be discounted 50-70%. Shop the items from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. styleblueprint.com
October 28, 2017: Pumpkinfest
Historic Downtown Franklin hosts 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 fall and holiday products! The day’s events are free. historicfranklin.com
October 28, 2017: Acme’s Halloween Party
Acme Feed & Seed’s Halloween Party is back again this year with the funky and festive music and fun. Wear your best costume and head downtown for this Halloween event. General admission tickets are $15. theacmenashville.com
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.
For more daily happenings — updated practically every day — please visit our Happenings page or download the SB App.
