October Events in Middle Tennessee

Whether you’re ready to celebrate Halloween or you’re just looking to enjoy the beautiful Fall weather in Tennessee with a nice cold beer, there’s something going on in Middle Tennessee next month for you! October is always a busy time for Tennesseans, and with new events and returning favorites to fill your calendar, this year may be the most eventful yet!

October 5-8: Oktoberfest
Historic Germantown | Nashville

If you’re interested in attending the second-largest Oktoberfest celebration in the country, then look no further than Nashville. Like any good Fall festival, the event will include arts and crafts, delicious foods, competitions, and a parade. This one just so happens to also include a few special touches like German beer tastings, a bratwurst eating contest, and a Dachshund Derby.

October 7: Nashville Cultural Festival
Centennial Park | Nashville

This fun and free event provides a peek into the many cultures that make Nashville unique and beautiful. It features a variety of dance and music performances, activities for the kids, a teen area, plus authentic food vendors providing exotic tastes from around the world.

October 13: Franklin Wine Festival
The Factory | Franklin

If you’re a vino lover, be sure to make plans to attend the Franklin Wine Festival. The evening event will feature 300 wine varieties, tasty samples from 30 local restaurants, three live bands, and a silent auction.

October 13-30, Thursdays-Sundays only: Glow Nashville
Fontanel | Nashville

If you’re looking for a family-friendly Halloween event, the Glow might be the perfect event! Featuring more than 5,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins arranged into incredible figures and structures along a 1/3 mile trail, the event is sure to be enchanting for all who attend.

October 20 & 21: Tennessee History Festival
Bicentennial Mall State Park | Nashville

If you’ve enjoyed the Tennessee History Festival in the past, or if you’ve never been, mark your calendars because 2017 will be the last one! The event brings together the statewide history community and allows guests to immerse themselves in living history demonstrations from Tennessee’s long history. Though this is the last year of the annual festival, organizers are encouraging us to keep our eyes out for a fun new event beginning next year.

October 20-22: Native American Indian Association of Tennessee Powwow
Long Hunter State Park | Hermitage

This educational event offers visitors the opportunity to personally experience Native American life. Indians from different Nations gather to share their culture and guests can expect to see traditional dances, try authentic foods, and see demonstrations and storytelling.

October 21: Haunted Museum
Tennessee State Museum | Nashville

This history based ghost story event features prizes, crafts, and refreshments as you wander along the ghost trail. Chilling stories from Tennessee’s past await you around every corner and visitors are encouraged to wear costumes!

October 21: Tennessee Beer and Wine Festival
Two Rivers Mansion | Nashville

This event, held in front of the beautiful historic mansion, will feature samples from 34 breweries, plus select wineries and distilleries. Enjoy some live music as you browse the craft vendor booths, then attend one of the three planned seminars.

October 28: Pumpkinfest
Historic Downtown Franklin

Enjoy a day in picturesque downtown Franklin for one of the area’s favorite annual events. Pumpkinfest includes arts and craft vendors, live entertainment, a costume contest, a kids zone, and lots to eat and drink. Of course, you’ll also see lots of pumpkins including extreme pumpkin carvings and giant pumpkins brought in on trailers.

October 28: El Día de los Muertos
Cheekwood | Nashville

Also known as the Day of the Dead, El Día de los Muertos celebrates Mexican and Latin American heritage with a fun festival full of colorful decorations, cultural demonstrations, fun music and dance, plus authentic cuisine. This isn’t just a fun day at Cheekwood, it’s also a learning experience!