Upcoming Fall Events in Nashville You Won't Want to Miss
Nashville, TN, is world renowned for its music and honky-tonk scenes. It has earned its moniker the “County Music Capital of the World,” by being the location for budding country artists.
Of course, although it might be most known for its contributions to the country music world, it is much more than a collection of honky-tonks.
It is actually a richly historic cosmopolitan city that enjoys a diverse population and appeals to a wide variety of demographics. Case in point, the city is home to some of the most amazing events and festivals that draw thousands of visitors from all over to visit Nashville and explore all the city has to offer.
The following is a list of 8 upcoming events in Nashville you won’t want to miss out on, categorized for your convenience by Stay Local Nashville:
1.) 47th Annual Fall Tennessee Craft Fair
October 10–12 at Centennial Park
The Tennessee Craft Fair is a Nashville favorite and suited to all ages. The event is hosted by Tennessee Craft, a nonprofit that supports the local fine art movement. It features local vendors where you will find one-of-a-kind crafts including jewelry, pottery, and textiles as well as artwork from award-winning artists.
This goes beyond a mere craft fair though, as there are also live demonstrations as well as local food and kids activities. This is a great way to connect with the local art community and see some amazing paintings in person and perhaps even purchase one to support the art circle of Nashville.
2.) Southern Festival of Books
October 18–19 at Bicentennial Mall State Park
This amazing event is presented by Humanities Tennessee and Vanderbilt University. It is a two-day event that is appropriate for all ages. The Southern Festival Of Books celebrates authors through readings, panels, book signings, and open discussions, but also has vendors, food trucks, and more.
This event is designed to celebrate the joy of reading by featuring over 60 publishers, authors, and booksellers, allowing writers and readers alike to share their passion for reading and the enchanting worlds created in the pages of beloved books. This event also features stages with performers. If you love books, you will love this event!
3.) Tennessee Beer, Wine, and Shine Festival
October 18th at Two Rivers Mansion
The Tennessee Bar, Wine, and Shine Festival is a 21 year and older, paid event that is in its 15th year. This fun one-day event features sample beers and wines from more than 30 local wineries and breweries (90–100 different beers and wines) as well as local entertainment, such as live music by Hypnotoad, artisan booths and the elegant grounds of the Two Rivers Mansion.
Guests of the event get a commemorative glass, 3 oz. samples from the best local, national, import and regional breweries, 2 oz. high gravity samples, 1 oz. shine sample and 1 oz. wine samples. At this event, you will get to taste all the best local beers but also explore brews that aren’t normally available in the area. There is plenty of free parking.
4.) Pups and Pints Howl-Oween
October 25th at The Yard @ oneC1TY
This pet-friendly event benefits the Nashville Humane Association with every beer sold. The entire Pups and Pints Howl-Oween event is dog-centric with activities, local pet vendors, a biergarten and food trucks. There is even an off-lease area for your pup to cut loose in the pop-up dog park.
Bring your pup dressed in its best Halloween get-up and let them participate in the HOWLoween costume contest for a chance to win a prize and a tail-wagging good time. There is also a puptastic photo booth to enjoy.
All of this and the best part is that there will be adoptable dogs there from the local shelter, so even if you don’t have a dog of your own, you can come and possibly meet your new furever friend!
5.) Turnip Green Festival
November 1st at the Nashville Farmers’ Market
The 2025 iteration of the Turnip Green Festival is proudly in its 27th year. This festival, as you might guess from the name, offers all things turnip greens. This includes the obvious greens from Smiley’s famous cast iron cauldron, but also includes live funk and soul music from the Nashville All Stars Band.
You can also enter your own turnip greens if you think they are worthy of showing by entering the Turnip Green Cook Off (you must preregister to enter the contest).
This event will feature a fun area for kids, food trucks with additional food options, fall produce at the market, Thanksgiving-themed vendor specials, and Chef Tandy’s catfish, braised green and cornbread plates. Let’s just say, you better come hungry to this scrumptious event! Free parking on site is available.
6.) El Dia De Los Muertos “Day of the Dead”
November 1-2 at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in West Nashville
The El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead Festival, is one of the most important celebrations within Latin America and Mexico. The festival is known for its energetic music, cultural displays and dramatic, colorful decorations.
This two-day event is the largest in the region and includes Day of the Dead murals that were created by area middle and high school students, ofrendas (memorial altars honoring those who have passed), Aztec and Latin dance performances, authentic cuisine and handmade goods, hands-on activities, and traditional music performances.
7.) Ceremony Music Festival
November 8th at Cannery Hall
This fun festival spans all three rooms of Cannery Hall and includes a dynamic lineup of both local and national talent. This includes a wide range of genres such as indie, emo, pop-punk, alternative, and more. There will be plenty of live performances as well as live art installations by Visual Minds.
The Ceremony Music Festival will also host a tattoo pop-up by Nashville’s Kind Tattoo Parlor. So, come listen to some amazing music and get some fresh ink!
8.) Zoolumination Festival of Lights
November 13-January 4th at the Nashville Zoo
This event is the largest Chinese lantern festival in the entire country, and you can see it at the Nashville Zoo. Zoolumination Festival of Lights features more than 1,000 custom silk lanterns, illuminated creatures, and holiday scenes to transform the zoo into a light-filled, magical experience.
The festival also includes live performances, food and drinks, an ice-rink and Santa’s Village.
Experience all Nashville has to Offer
As you can see from the list above, Nashville has plenty to offer in the way of events and Nashville festivals. This is just a small sampling of the fall and winter offerings, so there are many additional events to come.
Stay Local Nashville encourages you to check out the local events anytime you are in the area because there is likely something you will want to experience when visiting!
