It’s officially fall in Nashville, which means a jam-packed lineup of local events to enjoy this month — everything from food festivals and wine dinners to fundraisers, fun runs, and more. Whether you’re looking for date night ideas or something on the spookier side, here are my top picks for can’t-miss events in October.
Through October 29, 2023: Goblins & Giggles
Goblins & Giggles once again returns to the Gaylord Opryland Resort! Attendees can enjoy an array of family-friendly Halloween fun — from the brand-new Spook-tacular Scavenger Hunt, a trick-or-treating expedition, haunted riverboat rides, and more. (SB Tip: If you want to make your experience a fun staycation, the hotel also offers a special Goblins & Giggles package!) marriott.com
Through October 29, 2023: Cheekwood Harvest
There’s no better way to celebrate fall in Nashville than at Cheekwood Harvest. Stroll through the gardens and witness the beauty of changing leaves on oaks, maples, dogwoods, and many other trees. The event includes the beloved pumpkin village, live music in the beer garden, seasonal workshops, and more. Entry is included with garden admission. cheekwood.org
October 5, 2023: Whiskey, Wine, and Cider Festival
Kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this annual festival offers over 20 different whiskeys, wines, and ciders. Appetizers can also be enjoyed, and attendees receive a complimentary tasting glass. General admission tickets are $75. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at The Bedford. (Note: Designated driver tickets are also available.) eventbrite.com
October 5, 2023: River Rounds at Studio 154
Kick off Nashville’s Oktoberfest at Studio 154’s first-ever River Rounds series! The free event includes live music rounds by talented singer-songwriters and one-of-a-kind craft beers. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply enjoy live music, this event is perfect for everyone. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m. eventbrite.com
October 5 – 8, 2023: Nashville Oktoberfest
An annual tradition since 1980, Nashville Oktoberfest is the longest-running party in the Southeast! Taking place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, attendees can enjoy draft beer, a pup parade, delicious German food, arts and crafts vendors, and more. To see a complete list of events, visit thenashvilleoktoberfest.com.
October 6, 2023: Caymus Wine Dinner
Join The Union Station Nashville Yards for an evening of luxury and flavor at the Caymus Wine Dinner. Savor 10 gourmet dishes curated by Stationairy’s Executive Chef Brian Kersey. Five of the courses are paired with the renowned wines of Caymus Vineyards from Napa Valley. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Big Table, a local nonprofit that cares for restaurant and hospitality workers in crisis. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $175 per person. opentable.com
October 8, 2023: Witch Please, It’s A Drag Brunch
Prepare to be taken for a ride (by bubble or broomstick) at Ellington’s Witch Please, It’s A Drag Brunch. In partnership with RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Jaidynn Diore Fierce and Fairlane Hotel’s Emerald City pop-up bar, this captivating event takes traditional brunch to new heights. Nashville’s top Queens come together for an unforgettable, spooky, and sassy experience. Tickets start at $20. eventbrite.com
October 11 – 29, 2023: Wicked
Wicked is a Broadway sensation, and the iconic musical is coming to TPAC this fall! Taking place in the famous Land of Oz, the story follows the relationship of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glenda (the Good Witch). To see the complete performance schedule and to purchase tickets, visit tpac.org.
October 12, 2023: BOOze at the Zoo
Put on your best Halloween costume and head to the Nashville Zoo to celebrate the start of spooky season with unlimited beer and cocktail samples, trick-or-treating, and live music. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., and general admission tickets are $75 for zoo members and $80 for non-members. nashvillezoo.org
October 13 – 15, 2023: 45th Annual Fall Tennessee Craft Fair
Shop pieces handcrafted by artisans who honor the rich history and tradition of Tennessee Craft during this three-day event at Centennial Park. Attendees can peruse everything from jewelry to clay pieces, leather goods, paintings, and more. The free juried fair also includes food vendors, family-friendly activities, and live demonstrations from artisans. Event hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tennesseecraft.org
October 14, 2023: Brunch & Bowl Against Breast Cancer Tournament
Round up your friends, rock your best pink shirt, and bowl your best game for a good cause. Bowling is free with a donation to the American Cancer Society’s Rock The Pink Campaign, which raises funds to fight against breast cancer. Each member of the team with the highest score of the day wins a Brooklyn Bowl merch pack and a pair of tickets to a show of their choice. The event begins at 11 a.m. brooklynbowl.com
October 14, 2023: Good Coffee Fest
Calling all coffee enthusiasts! Good Coffee Fest is the first event of its kind in Tennessee, offering unique coffee and food to the Nashville community. The festival also includes live music, craft cocktails, and art vendors. The event begins at The Outfield in Wedgewood-Houston at 10 a.m. General admission is $50. eventbrite.com
October 15, 2023: Rescue Puppy Yoga Halloween Class
Practice yoga at this all-level Halloween-themed yoga class while puppies run, play, and sleep around your mat. The best part? Puppies are in costume, and you have 15 minutes after class to take pictures, play, and fill out adoption applications. Classes are non-heated, and sessions begin at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is $30. rescuepuppyyogatn.com
October 15 – 22, 2023: 35th Annual Southern Festival of Books
Join Southern readers and writers for the annual Southern Festival of Books. The free event celebrates the joys of reading and features panels with over 100 authors, including Ann Patchett, Lee Smith, Margaret Renkl, Kami Ahrens, Bill Carey, and more. The event takes place throughout Nashville — including Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Tennessee State Library & Archives. Events begin Sunday, October 15, but the main events are on Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22. For additional information, visit sofestofbooks.org.
October 18, 2023: Rally In The Round
Rally In The Round, a songwriters’ night benefitting the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, takes place at Marathon Music Works. This year’s featured songwriters include Tyler Reeve, Trannie Anderson, Cole Taylor, and Track 45. Tickets are $250, and the event begins at 6 p.m. rallyintheround.org
October 21, 2023: 2nd Annual 7th President 7K
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage and Fleet Feet Mt. Juliet once again host the 7th President 7K. The race takes runners across paved pathways and fields as they take in the rolling hills and beautiful landscape of The Hermitage property. Runners also get the chance to see Tulip Grove mansion, the home of Rachel Jackson’s nephew, as well as the Hermitage Church. The race ends at the Hermitage mansion. Registration for those 16 and older is $40 and $25 for those 15 and younger. thehermitage.com
October 21, 2023: Dog Day Festival
Grab your dog and head to Nashville Humane Association’s Dog Day Festival at Centennial Park. The event includes a costume contest, puppy parade, beverage garden, pet portraits, and more. The fun begins at 10 a.m.; general admission tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. nashvillehumane.org
October 21, 2023: Stephens Valley Oktoberfest 0.5K
Celebrate Oktoberfest at this unique race at Stephens Valley! Beginning at noon, participants can enjoy an early afternoon run or walk, bratwurst, pretzels, polka dance lessons, and more. Registration starts at $35, and all participants receive a free T-shirt. stephensvalley.com
October 21, 2023: Harding’s Fall Festival
Join Harding Academy for an afternoon of games, food, and fun for all ages at its Fall Festival! The fun begins at 2 p.m. at Kever Park, and the event is free to attend. hardingacademy.org
October 27, 2023: Nashville Tequila Festival
Cheers, Nashville! Tequila lovers can choose from over 50 types of tequila and mezcal at this unique festival. From 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., you can enjoy tequila tastings, a photo booth, face painting, costume contests, and more. Tickets start at $49, and the fun takes place at oneC1TY. 615festivals.com
October 28, 2023: 38th Annual PumpkinFest
Dubbed “Fall’s Finest Festival,” PumpkinFest is an annual event that offers a full day of autumn-inspired fun. Attendees can enjoy over 150 arts and crafts vendors, a children’s zone, live music, costume contests, and more. The fun begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Franklin. williamsonheritage.org
October 28, Pups & Pints HOWL-oween Fest
Head to The Yard at oneC1TY to enjoy some Halloween-themed fun with your pup! From noon to 4 p.m., the free event offers pet vendors, food trucks, a costume contest, and more. pupsandpints.com
October 28 & 29, 2023: Halloweekend at Adventure Science Center
Join Adventure Science Center for Halloweekend on Saturday, October 28, and Sunday, October 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event includes themed activities, and attendees are encouraged to wear their costumes and participate in trick-or-treating. Entry is included with general admission. For additional details, click HERE.