Top 10 Things to Do in Nashville in October
Top 10 Things to Do in Nashville in October
Fall is one of the best times to visit Nashville. Crisp mornings, golden leaves, and a city calendar packed with festivals, live music, and cultural events make October a perfect month to experience Music City.
Whether you’re here for pumpkins, pints, or playlists, here are the top 10 things to do in Nashville in October—with insider Tourbase tips to help you make the most of your trip.
1. Experience Cheekwood Harvest
Every fall, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens transforms into an autumn wonderland. Stroll through Pumpkin Village, see 5,000 blooming chrysanthemums, and check out special events like the Pooch Parade and Día de los Muertos Festival.
👉 Tourbase Tip: Pair your visit with a Golf Cart City Tour to also see Centennial Park and The Gulch in the same day.
2. Celebrate Artober Nashville
October is Artober, Nashville’s month-long celebration of the arts. Galleries, museums, and public spaces across the city host exhibits, performances, and festivals showcasing every kind of creativity.
🎨 Insider Pick: Add a food tour through Midtown or 12South to experience Nashville’s art and flavor scenes in one outing.
3. Raise a Stein at Nashville Oktoberfest
Held in Germantown, Nashville Oktoberfest is one of the South’s largest German festivals. Expect bratwursts, steins of beer, parades, polka bands, and even a 5K run.
🍻 Tourbase Tip: Keep the party going on the Nashville Tractor, an open-air party wagon with music, dancing, and BYOB fun.
4. Goblins & Giggles at Opryland
From mid-September through Halloween, Gaylord Opryland Hotel becomes a Halloween playground with trick-or-treat trails, scavenger hunts, spooky boat rides, and themed cocktails at the SpookEasy pop-up.
👻 Great For: Families during the day, adults at night.
5. Tennessee Titans & College Football Games
October is prime football season in Nashville, and the energy is electric. Catch the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, or cheer on the Vanderbilt Commodores or TSU Tigers for a true Southern fall Saturday. Even if you don’t follow the sport, the tailgating, live bands, and city-wide buzz make it an unforgettable experience.
🏈 Tourbase Tip: Start game day with a Nashville Pedal Tavern ride. It’s the perfect way to pre-game with friends, music, and drinks before heading to the stadium
6. Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival
Head to Centennial Park on October 4th for the Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival, a free event with global food, music, crafts, and cultural performances.
🌍 Don’t Miss: While you’re there, visit the Nashville Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, Greece.
7. Southern Festival of Books
Bookworms will love the Southern Festival of Books (mid-October) at War Memorial Plaza and the Nashville Public Library. Expect author talks, panels, and signings, along with a children’s stage and teen-centered sessions.
📚 Family-Friendly: Great for kids and teens who love stories or need a break from the party scene.
8. Tennessee Honey Festival
Celebrate all things sweet at the TN Honey Festival (early October) in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Explore honey vendors, sip honey-inspired drinks, enjoy live music, and check out family-friendly activities.
🐝 Insider Pick: Grab dinner afterward at Assembly Food Hall, just a short walk away.
9. Music in the Vines at Arrington Vineyards
On Saturday evenings, Arrington Vineyards hosts free concerts set among rolling hills and autumn leaves. With wine, food, and live music, it’s one of Nashville’s most relaxing fall outings.
🍷 Tourbase Tip: Skip the drive and book the Arrington Vineyards Wine Shuttle—you’ll get roundtrip transportation and plenty of time to sip and soak in the sunset.
10. Haunted Tours & Halloween Thrills
October is spooky season, and Nashville delivers. Join a ghost tour to hear chilling tales of haunted mansions and eerie saloons, or take your Halloween to Broadway with a festive Pedal Tavern ride.
Perfect For: Friends’ trips, couples, or anyone who loves a little fright with their fun.
Tips for Visiting Nashville in October
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Pack Layers: Highs are in the 70s, evenings dip into the 50s—bring a light jacket.
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Book Early: Oktoberfest, Cheekwood Harvest, and Brew Fest often sell out.
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Get Around Easily: Parking during events is tough—our Golf Cart Tours, Pedal Tavern, and Wine Shuttle are stress-free ways to explore.
From pumpkins to pints to playlists, Nashville in October has something for everyone. Whether you’re here for the festivals, the fall colors, or the haunted fun, these top 10 picks guarantee you’ll experience Music City at its best.
Angie Gleason is a pillar in Nashville’s tourism scene, best known for leading one of the city’s most iconic experiences—Nashville Pedal Tavern. She’s also the co-founder of Beve Boutiques, a luxury experience company that curates one-of-a-kind adventures across the city, from boutique shopping and designer styling to private cocktail lounges and art galleries. With over a decade of hands-on experience in Nashville’s tour and hospitality industry, Angie knows how to craft moments that are effortlessly unforgettable.
Beyond her work creating standout guest experiences, Angie is a passionate supporter of women entrepreneurs through Braintrust, and a proud mom who brings heart, creativity, and hustle to everything she does. Whether she’s leading the charge on Broadway or behind the scenes building experiences from scratch, Angie’s deep local knowledge and visionary approach make her one of Nashville’s most trusted voices in travel.
Brian Gleason is the co-founder of multiple Nashville tour companies and the Head of Operations at Nashville Pedal Tavern, one of the city’s most iconic group experiences. A longtime local with years of experience behind the scenes of Music City tourism, Brian knows what it takes to deliver unforgettable outings—from bachelor parties to birthday blowouts. His day-to-day involves crafting seamless, high-energy group adventures that capture the spirit of Nashville.
Before building experiences for visitors, Brian lived the Nashville dream himself as a singer-songwriter—giving him an insider’s perspective on the music, culture, and rhythm of the city. His passion for people, planning, and pedal-powered fun makes him a trusted voice for anyone looking to explore Nashville the right way: with a local’s touch and a whole lot of heart.
All of our content at Nashville Tourbase is written by experienced travel writers who have visited all of the locations we recommend. And our review board of local tourism experts ensure that all the information we provide is accurate, current and helpful
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