Fall may be the best season in Nashville. The weather is usually superb and there are so many things to do. Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint which events are worth attending, though. Fret no more—Nashville Guru has you covered. Here are the 15 fun fall events you need to know about, including a lot of free options, in chronological order.
15 Fun Fall Events You need to Know About in Nashville
Pilgrimage Festival
September 25-26
Pilgrimage Festival, the popular two-day music and cultural festival in Franklin, is Saturday and Sunday, September 25-26, 2021, at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm. The 2021 lineup includes Dave Matthews Band, The Black Keys, Maren Morris, Cage The Elephant, and many more!
Nashville Film Festival
September 30 – October 6
The Nashville Film Festival is Thursday to Saturday, September 30, 2021, to October 6, 2021, at Rocketown, Belmont University, Marathon Music Works, and The Belcourt Theater. Over 150 films from around the world sharing diverse stories through the art of filmmaking will be shown during the week-long celebration. Various levels of passes are available. Individual film tickets are $20. VIP tickets vary from $335-$525.
Nashville Brew Fest
October 1
The annual Nashville Brew Festival is on Friday, October 1, 2021, from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at First Horizon Park. There will be over 50 breweries, 150 beers, food trucks, lawn games, and music. General admission tickets are $50 and VIP tickets are $60, which grant access to the event an hour early starting at 7:00pm. The event is 21 and over only.
Celebrate Hillsboro Village
October 2
Celebrate Hillsboro Village, a daytime festival celebrating 101 years of Hillsboro Village, is Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 10:00am to 5:00pm on 21st Avenue South. There will be live music, food, drinks, vendors, a family area, and dragon parade.
Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival
October 2
*FREE*
The annual Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival is on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Centennial Park. This festival celebrates the many cultures represented throughout the city. There will be over 30 globally-inspired food vendors, captivating performances, a world market with handcrafted and imported items, children activities, and entertainment. Admission is free.
Tennessee Honey Festival
October 3
The Tennessee Honey Festival is Saturday, October 3, 2021, from 10:00am to 5:00pm at First Horizon Park. This educational, family-friendly event will feature honey vendors, food trucks, live music, interactive bee keeping classes, and more! Tickets are $10 and children under 5 are free. Event parking is available.
Taste of West Nashville
October 5
Taste of West Nashville is Tuesday, October 5, 2021, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at Fat Bottom Brewing Company. The event will feature restaurants from The Nations, Sylvan Park, and Charlotte Avenue as well as performances by local artists and a silent auction. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 day-of, and include tastings from each restaurant. Children under 12 are free. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the West Nashville Dream Center.
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Whiskey, Wine, & Cider Festival
October 7
Kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Whiskey, Wine, & Cider Festival on Thursday, October 7, 2021, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at The Bedford Nashville Event Venue. Guests can expect tastings of over 20 whiskeys, wines, and ciders with dinner. Tickets are $50 for one guest and $80 for two guests. Proceeds from this event benefit the event’s Emergency Access Fund to help breast cancer patients with mortgage or rent, utilities, and insurance premiums.
Fall Tennessee Craft Fair
October 8-10
The annual Fall Tennessee Craft Fair is Friday through Sunday, October, 8-10, 2021, at Centennial Park. Over 200 craft artists will fill the park, so stop by to do a little shopping. There will also be live demonstrations, kids’ activities, and food. Admission and parking are free.
Boo at the Zoo
October 15-30
Boo at the Zoo at the Nashville Zoo begins on Friday, October 15, 2021, and takes place on 14 select dates through Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. The nights feature carnival games, bounce houses, a corn pit, a hayride, trick-or-treating, animal shows, science shows, and more. Tickets are $20 on Fridays through Sundays and $18 on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Children under age 2 are FREE.
Light the Nations
October 16
*FREE*
The annual Light the Nations is on Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 2:00pm to 10:00pm on 51st Avenue in West Nashville. The event will feature local businesses, art, and vendors. There will be a kids area, music, food trucks, and live entertainment. This event is free and open to all ages.
Tennessee Beer, Wine & Shine Festival
October 16
The Tennessee Beer, Wine & Shine Festival is Saturday, October 16, 2021, from noon to 5:00pm at Two Rivers Mansion. Attendees can expect a selection of over 90 beers from over 30 breweries, wine and high gravity beer samples, artisan booths, seminars, and local entertainment.
Dog Day Festival
October 16
Nashville Humane’s annual Dog Day Festival presented by Mars Petcare is on Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Centennial Park. There will be a live broadcast, food trucks, fun events, contests, a beer garden, and surprises throughout the day. Advance tickets range from $8-$49.
Bacon Eggs & Kegs
October 23
Bacon Eggs & Kegs, Nashville’s boozy brunch fest, returns to First Horizon Park on Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Attendees can expect brunch dishes from some of the best restaurants, chefs, and food trucks in Nashville, plus Bloody Marys, mimosas, and other tasty beverages to pair with your bites. Early bird tickets are $45.
Pumpkinfest in Franklin
October 30
*FREE*
The annual Pumpkinfest is on Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 10:00am to 6:00pm in downtown Franklin. The street festival attracts over 65,000 attendees and features costume contests, children’s activities, food and drink vendors, artisans, and live entertainment. Admission is free.
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