Fall time in Middle Tennessee means several things to me: changing leaves, cooler temps, football, pumpkin spice flavored everything and apple cider. It is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of nature, and participate in the many events and festivals that surround Nashville. Happy fall y’all!
Nashville Fall Fun Festivities and Events
The Nashville Fair
Parking Address:
320 Wedgewood Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
Rideshare & Accessibility Address:
174 Rains Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
September 8-17th
Rooted in history and tradition, The Nashville Fair brings a nostalgic fair experience with a modern spin to Nashville’s urban core. Enjoy culturally diverse events, agriculture, arts, and entertainment at The Fairgrounds Nashville—home to Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway & GEODIS Park. Take part in our 10-day fair featuring everything from thrilling midway rides to wrestling, axe throwing, balloon sculpting, nightly live music, and more. We “Got a Good Thing Growing” at The Nashville Fair
Wine on the River Nashville
Riverfront Park
100 1st Ave N
Nashville, TN 37201
September 9th, 3pm-7pm
Travel the world without leaving Nashville! Join us as we taste from different regions spanning the globe. All beverage samples of wine, beer, and spirits are included in admission. Food is available for purchase. Take a break from your travels and enjoy the soothing sounds of live music while taking in the beautiful views of the skyline, river and bridges from Riverfront Park. Wine On the River is a rain or shine event and no refunds will be given.
Goodlettsville Arts, Antiques and Music Festival
105 S. Main Street
Goodlettsville, TN 37072
September 9, 10A-4P
The Goodlettsville Arts, Antiques and Music Festival in Goodlettsville is a family fun event featuring original art, fabulous antiques, live music, food trucks, a handmade artisan market, antique appraisals, quilt show and contest, magician, kid zone and more. All proceeds from this event help support the Goodlettsville Help Center and other local charities.
Cheekwood Harvest
1200 Forrest Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37205
September 16- October 29
Tuesday-Sunday 9AM-5PM
Thursday Night Out 5-9PM
*Cheekwood opens early for members at 8AM on Wednesdays
Cheekwood Harvest is a wonderful place for the family to visit. In the fall, you can see the changing leaves in the gardens, as well as pumpkins, scarecrows, and mums. There will be a beer garden for the adults, and kids activities to keep the littles happy.
Music in the Vines
Arrington Vineyards
6211 Patton Rd.
Arrington, TN 37014
Weekends, 3-7P, now through the fall
Visit the beautiful Arrington Vineyards for Music in the Vines, on weekends, running now through December. This is a family friendly event, with live jazz and bluegrass music. Also, on Friday nights, they have good trucks and live music. You can check the calendar on their website for specific info. You can bring your own food, but only AV wines are permitted on the property.
Musician’s Corner and Fall Market
Centennial Park
2500 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
*corner of 27th Ave N & West End
Fridays in September, 5-9PM
Market- Saturday September 30th, 12-6P
September Sundown is sponsored by Musician’s Corner, and is a family friendly event hosted at Centennial Park. You can expect musical performances, food trucks, local artisans and Kidsville. Kidsville is a great area for the kids to enjoy fun, fitness, crafts and music activities.
Full Moon Pickin’ Parties
Percy Warner Park
50 Vaughn Road
Nashville, TN 37221
September 15th, 6-10P
Per the website: This unique bluegrass music series is one of Nashville’s most popular outdoor events, attracting families, friends, and dog lovers from all over to hear local musicians play together under the full moon in one of Nashville’s more picturesque settings: Percy Warner Park. You can enjoy traditional bluegrass music, fare from local food trucks, craft beer, and more. B.Y.O. blanket or chair, a dog if you’d like (on a leash no longer than 6 ft), and snacks if you wish (no alcoholic beverages permitted).
La Vergne Fall Festival
Veterans Memorial Park
115 Floyd Memorial Drive
La Vergne, TN 37086
September 16th, 10A-3:30P
The La Vergne Fall Festival for 2023 is scheduled for Saturday, September 16. We will have the traditional parade on Saturday morning followed by a day of fun and entertainment.
- Parade Grand Marshal: Luis Vera
- When: Saturday, September 16, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Veterans Memorial Park, 115 Floyd Mayfield Drive
The La Vergne Fall Festival is an opportunity for people to gather together to celebrate the changing of the seasons, while also taking part in games and enjoying good food. There are also new crafts for sale from local and regional vendors.
The parade starts at 10:00 a.m. It begins at Bicentennial Park at City Hall and ends at Veterans Memorial Park, at which time opening remarks will be given from our Board of Mayor and Aldermen and Parks and Recreation staff.
Jazz on the Cumberland
Nashville Cumberland Park (located by the Titans Stadium)
592 S. 1st Street
Nashville, TN 37213
September 17th, 5:30-8p
October 15th, 5:30-8p
This is a free family friendly concert series featuring food trucks and jazz music! Bring a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy food trucks and music with your family. Dogs are permitted. Parking is available for $10 in parking in lots R&T. There will also be a Kid’s Fun Play Zone. This event features some of the best local, regional, and national jazz artists performing live. They also feature local, regional, and national acts including a “Youth Segment” as part of our Continuing Music Education Series in area schools and colleges.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 17, 2023 –Features Our Season Finale’…..A JAZZY CHRISTMAS on the CUMBERLAND aboard the historic General Jackson Showboat. Enjoy This Exciting Evening Of Elegance (Concert, Dinner, Cruise) that includes a 3 Course Delicious Dinner w/Dessert, 3 Live Acts Performing Jazz and Holiday Favorites inside the cozy 2 Story Victorian Theater, and a 3 Hour Scenic Cruise through the Brights City Lights of Downtown Nashville. Boarding begins at 4pm, with a Pre-Boarding DJ Party at 5pm. We Depart at 6pm for Fine Dining, Live Music, and Dancing while you enjoy the Sites, Sounds, Breathtaking Views and Scenic Backdrop of Downtown Nashville . We Return at 9pm. Tickets Are Available Here By Clicking EVENTS. (Benefiting Our Continuing Youth Music Education in S.T.E.A.M. Science, Technology, Engineer, Arts, Music) in area schools and colleges.
Cumberland River Dragon Boat Festival
Cumberland Park East Bank Landing
2 Victory Ave
Nashville, TN 37213
September 23rd, 10A-5P
This beloved-tradition event is a fundraiser for the Cumberland River Compact, who work to provide clean water. Teams from around the area will race for the Grand Champion title. You can watch them compete, and enjoy food, drinks, and goods from local vendors. Dragonland is also a fun area for the kids!
Depot Days in Smyrna
98 Front Street
Smyrna, TN 37167
September 23
Depot Days is celebrating their 16th year of this event in Smyrna. You can expect live musical performances, inflatables for the kids (no charge), and train rides for $1. This family-friendly event will be packed with numerous other activities and there will plenty of vendors and food to enjoy as well.
Kidsville Family Festival
Centennial Park
2500 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
September 23rd, 10A-3P
Join the Kidsville Family Festival. A fun fall day filled with activities including: live music, costumes, arts & crafts, mascot photo station, musical meet & greets, inflatables & lawn games, obstacle course, painting, etc. More details to be announced.
Nashville Greek Festival
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
4905 Franklin Pike
Nashville, TN 37220
September 29-October 1
The Nashville Greek Festival is a great experience for the entire family, to learn about and experience Greek hospitality and culture. You can expect savory cuisine, music, dancing, and educational tours. I suggest trying the baklava! It is one of my favorite desserts. There will also be plenty of vendors with beautiful Greek items.
Hispanic Heritage Festival at Nashville Zoo
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
3777 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211
September 30th
Nashville Zoo is excited to partner with Conexion Americas to host Hispanic Heritage Festival, presented by Twice Daily, for a celebration of culture and community. The festival will include dance performances, a puppet show, and a variety of musicians. The Zoo will also offer animal shows and tours of the Grassmere Historic Home in Spanish at various times throughout the day as well as a special-themed concessions menu.
This event is included with general admission or membership. Advance timed-entry reservations are required for all guests, including members. Learn more about why reservations are required here. Get tickets or make a reservation here.
Main Street Festival
Historic Downtown Gallatin Square
Gallatin, TN 37066
October 7th, 10A-5P
Main Street Festival is an annual event in downtown Gallatin. Though it is the older of our two events, it has grown in size to over 200 vendors and in excess of 30,000 visitors! The Main Street Festival is a rain or shine event. We are the host for over 200 arts, crafts, non-profit and a few commercial vendors, have local entertainment performing throughout the day on our two stages, have a large children’s area and a food and eating area for the community to purchase something to eat and sit and enjoy the event.
Nashville Oktoberfest
600 James Robertson Pkwy,
Nashville, TN 37243
October 5-8th
Thursday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday and Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
The Nashville Oktoberfest has been a Nashville tradition since 1980. It is Nashville’s oldest festival and America’s 2nd largest Oktoberfest. This event is family friendly with music, vendors, food and other activities. Oktoberfest has something for EVERYONE! Delicious German foods from dozens of restaurants & vendors, world-class beer, tons of events, Arts & Crafts vendors, live German music, the Dachshund Derby, and the 2nd largest 5K Race & Run in Tennessee – plus so much more!
Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival
Centennial Park
2500 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
October 7th, 10A-6P
In a city where one in six residents is foreign–born, the Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival is not only one of Nashville’s favorite and most vibrant festivals, but also a celebration and reminder of what makes Nashville a great place to live. This FREE Festival provides an opportunity for intercultural dialogue through a Nashville festival experience and features a variety of dance and musical performances on different stages, food vendors offering authentic and exotic tastes from around the world, hands-on children’s activities, an area just for teens, a marketplace, and so much more!
Tennessee Craft Fall Fair
Centennial Park
2500 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
October 13-15, 10A-6P
Artists from across the nation will exhibit their handmade craft on the Great Lawn adjacent to the Parthenon, showcasing fine craft from clay, jewelry and leather to wood, glass, painting and more. The Kids’ Tent offers the experience for families to craft together or enjoy take-and-make activities.
This free event is accessible to the public – with free parking and free shuttle service on Saturday and Sunday. Shuttles will run in 15-minute loops from the HCA Parking Lots located on Park Plaza to the entrance of the Tennessee Craft Fair.
Boo at the Zoo
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
3777 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211
October 13-29
Enjoy fall themed scenes and activities, trick or treating for the kids, special animal shows, and more at Nashville’s favorite Halloween event!
Festive Features
- Plenty of magical lit scenes and Instagram-worthy photo ops
- Enchanting giant hay creatures
- Spooktacular tunes on the Monster Mash Dance Floor
- Free rides on the Scary-Go-Round Carousel
- Special animal shows nightly at 5:45, 6:45 & 7:45 pm
- 10 trick-or-treat stations + a souvenir bag for kids ages 2-12
- Visit with costumed characters in Unseen New World Plaza
- Purchase & paint a pumpkin at our pumpkin patch
- Take a “Dying Superstitions and Traditions” tour at the Grassmere Historic Home
Tickets go on sale August 23 around 10 am.
Good Coffee Fest
The Outfield in Wedgewood Houston
416 Chestnut Street
Nashville, TN
October 14th, 10A-6P
Good Coffee Fest is just what its name says–a coffee-forward festival happening October 14th, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. Hosted by Humphreys Coffee & Harvest Hands, we’re bringing communities together to have fun for a greater cause, and we want you to be there! We exist for coffee people of all kinds and those who love spirits, music, food, and fun! The first event of its kind in Tennessee, we are uniting the service industry so you can feel the joy and celebrate the good stuff; all for the good.
Southern Festival of Books
Downtown Nashville
October 21-23rd
The Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word is a free, three-day literary Festival held annually the second full weekend of October in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The event welcomes more than 200 authors, and over 60 publishers and booksellers. There will also be performance stages, and events for children.
Light the Nations
51st Avenue N.
Nashville, TN 37209
October 21st, 2-10P
Light the Nations, is an event in West Nashville that highlights the area by featuring local food, music, businesses and art. A percentage of the festival funds will go to support Thistle Farms. There will be plenty of kids activities available, including face painting. For more information, and a schedule of events, be sure and check out their website.
Dog Day Festival
Centennial Park
2500 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
October 21st, 10A-4P
Nashville Humane’s Dog Day Festival, presented by Mars Petcare, is an event where our four-legged friends rule the day! Bring your dogs and participate in costume contests, pet portraits, a parade and more. There will also be a children’s area, food trucks, music, and other entertainment. This is a ticketed event, and proceeds will support the Nashville Human Society. Tickets will be available soon for purchase, so be sure and follow their website for up-to-date information.
Webb School Arts & Craft Show
Downtown Bell Buckle- Maple Street
October 21-22, 9A-5P
This arts and craft show, located in historic Bell Buckle, is a favorite! There will be over 100 booths of vendors, displaying the best of the best handmade arts and crafts. Also, you can expect food trucks offering cuisines from all over the world!
Rutherford Parent’s Fall Kids Fest
The Avenue Murfreesboro
2615 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(Behind Belk)
October 21, 10A-2P
This FREE ADMISSION event is a wonderful place to take the kids and let them get out loads of energy. There will be inflatables, a climbing wall, and other activities and games. Local vendors and live entertainment can also be expected.
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s 37th Annual PumpkinFest
Main Street, Downtown Franklin, TN
October 28th, 10A-6P
This event is the largest fall festival in Middle Tennessee. Join in on a fun day of fall-inspired food and drinks, children activities, live music, pet and children’s costume contests, and arts and crafts. There will be no shortage of family fun!
Zoolumination
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
3777 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211
November 17th-February 4
See the zoo in a whole new light! Visit the country’s largest Chinese lantern festival featuring magical scenes of more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns! With all new designs and over a thousand colorful lanterns, this walkthrough experience is sure to delight all ages. Chinese artists have reimagined Chinese folklore in bright and colorful scenes throughout the Zoo. And during November 25- December 24, North Pole Village will be added. This festive area is a must-see, full of lights, trees and holiday fun! Santa will visit each night. Tickets go on sale September 13.
