Fall officially starts on September 23, 2023, and it 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
Cumberland River Dragon Boat Festival
September 23, 2023
*FREE*
The annual Cumberland River Dragon Boat Festival is Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 10:00am to 5:00pm at Cumberland Park East Bank Landing. Expect dragon boat races, activities, live music, and community education opportunities. Admission is free and open to all ages.
Pilgrimage Festival
September 23-24, 2023
Pilgrimage Festival, the popular two-day music and cultural festival in Franklin, is Saturday and Sunday, September 23-24, 2023, at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm. The 2023 lineup includes The Lumineers, The Black Crowes, Zach Bryan, Nathaniel Ratliff & The Night Sweats, and many more.
Nashville Film Festival
September 28 – October 4, 2023
The Nashville Film Festival is from Thursday, September 28, 2023, to Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at various venues in Nashville. This week-long celebration will feature 125 films from around the world sharing diverse stories through the art of filmmaking. Various levels of passes are available.
Nashville Greek Festival
September 29 – October 1, 2023
The annual Nashville Greek Festival is Friday, September 29, 2023, through Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. This weekend-long festival features Greek-inspired food, drinks, dancers, vendors, and live music! General admission is $3 but children 12 and under get free admission.
Nashville Brew Festival
September 29, 2023
Calling all beer lovers! The annual Nashville Brew Festival is Friday, September 29, 2023, from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at First Horizon Park. This beer-filled event will feature 50 breweries, 150 beers, food trucks, lawn games, and music. General admission tickets are $50 and VIP tickets are $65 (early entry at 7:00pm). Admission is 21 and over only.
Touch of Brews
September 29-30, 2023
The annual Touch of Brews presented by Terrapin Beer Company is Friday and Saturday, September 29-30, 2023, at Sevier Park in 12 South. This family-friendly event will feature Grateful Dead-themed music, Terrapin beer, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, local food trucks, and a kid zone. General admission tickets are $35 (day-of tickets are $40). Kids ages 10 and under are FREE.
Nashville Food Faire
September 30, 2023
*FREE*
If you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely want to check out the Nashville Food Faire, presented by the Nashville Scene, on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 11:00am to 4:00pm at oneC1TY. This gourmet food market will feature dozens of Music City-based food vendors selling handmade pasta, jams, hot sauces, and more. Admission is free and open to all ages.
Taste of West Nashville
October 3, 2023
Taste of West Nashville is Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at Fat Bottom Brewing Company. Expect delicious food from restaurants based in the West and North Nashville, as well as, performances by local artists and a silent auction. Tickets are $45. Children 12 and under are free.
Whiskey, Wine, & Cider Festival
October 5, 2023
The Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition is hosting the annual Whiskey, Wine, & Cider Festival on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm at The Bedford Nashville Event Venue. This festival will kick off breast cancer awareness month with over 20 whiskeys, wines, and ciders. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $25 for designated drivers.
Nashville Oktoberfest
October 5-8, 2023
*FREE*
The annual Nashville Oktoberfest is Thursday through Sunday, October 5-8, 2023. Up to 300,000 people have attended this free, family-friendly festival in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood over the past years. Attendees can expect food, live music, vendors, beer, and entertainment. Some of the activities will include a Germantown 5k Bier Run, Bratwurst Eating Contest, and a Dachshund Derby.
BOOze at the Zoo
October 12, 2023
BOOze at the Zoo, an adults-only Halloween event, is Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Nashville Zoo. Expect unlimited BOOze samples, trick-or-treating, live music, animal encounters, and more. Dress in your best costume for a chance to win a behind-the-scenes tour! Tickets are $80 (members save $5 per ticket through October 5, 2023). Admission is 21 and over only.
Fall Tennessee Craft Fair
October 13-15, 2023
*FREE*
The annual Fall Tennessee Craft Fair is Friday through Sunday, October, 13-15, 2023, at Centennial Park. Over 150 craft artisans will fill the park, so stop by to do a little shopping! There will also be live demonstrations, kids’ activities, and food. Admission is free and open to all ages.
Dog Day Festival
October 21, 2023
*FREE*
The Nashville Humane Society’s annual Dog Day Festival, presented by Mars Petcare, is Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Centennial Park. Expect food trucks, fun events, contests, and a beer garden! Admission is free and open to all ages.
Tennessee Beer, Wine & Shine Festival
October 21, 2023
The Tennessee Beer, Wine & Shine Festival is Saturday, October 21, 2023, from noon to 5:00pm at Two Rivers Mansion. Attendees can expect a selection of 90-100 beers from over 30 breweries, wine samples, high-gravity beer samples, artisan booths, seminars, and local entertainment. Ticket prices vary from $55-$95 depending on the date of purchase. Admission is 21 and over only.
Pumpkinfest in Franklin
October 28, 2023
*FREE*
The annual Pumpkinfest is Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10:00am to 6:00pm in Downtown Franklin. Over 100,000 people attended last year’s festival! Expect 150+ arts and crafts vendors, 30+ food and drink vendors, costume contests, children’s activities, and live entertainment. Admission is free and open to all ages.
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