Top Fall Festivals

Posted by Jenni Barnett on Monday, September 27th, 2021 at 2:32pm.

Autumn’s cool air and crisp scents are just around the corner, and we at Parks Realty are more than ready to enjoy the fun fall activities throughout Middle Tennessee. Do you have your festival destinations lined up? If not, we’re here to help you get started with 10 of our top fall festivals. From Pumpkinfest to the Pooch Parade, you just can’t beat autumn in our neck of the woods—or the delicious seasonal foods our community serves up! 


A NOTE ON COVID-19

We do everything possible to bring you accurate, up-to-date information in each of our blog posts. However, due to continuous changes venues and event coordinators may make in light of the COVID-19 challenges we continue to face, some festivals may make changes or cancellations at any time. 

We encourage you to check social media or place a phone call before you travel to your destination. We know how disappointing and frustrating it can be to arrive at an event that has been canceled, and we would hate for you to experience anything similar.

Please note that some venues have placed restrictions on entry, limiting access to those who have been vaccinated or can present a recent negative COVID-19 test. If you have questions about a festival’s rules, please check in with the venue prior to your arrival. 

Nashville Oktoberfest has been rescheduled for 2022.

Stay safe, remain positive about the future, and we’re sure to have a great fall festival season! 


Nashville Pumpkin Festival 

When: Th - Sun, September 18 - October 30

Where: Lucky Ladd Farms | Eagleville

Purchase Tickets Here

Lucky Ladd Farms hosts the activity-packed Nashville Pumpkin Festival annually, and in 2019, it was voted Best Fall Festival! The Travel Channel calls this farm the #1 Pumpkin Patch in the state, so it’s clearly a can’t-miss seasonal destination. 

There's fun for the whole family here. You will want to spend a whole day wandering the corn maze, noshing on handmade treats (like pumpkin and apple cider donuts, kettle corn, caramel apples, and more), petting the farm’s adorable animals, visiting exotic livestock, partaking in pony and wagon rides, flying down the mega slides, learning through the educational exhibits, and shopping in the gift shop. 

Did you know that Lucky Ladd Farms has thousands of pumpkins for sale? The farm’s offerings range from miniature decorations and flavor-packed pie varieties to huge-’n-hollow jack-o-lantern potentials. 

If you arrive early in the season, you’ll have the chance to pick up gorgeous mums, gourds, corn shocks, straw bales, porch and yard ornamentations, and more—but these beautiful items do sell out quickly, so head over soon.

Accessibility: Lucky Ladd Farms is wheelchair accessible. The wagon ride, barnyard, and playground are accessible to wheelchairs and scooters, and the playground features an accessible swing.


Cheekwood Harvest

When: September 18 - October 31 

Where: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens | Nashville

Purchase Advance Tickets Here 

Cheekwood Harvest is the Estate & Garden’s annual celebration of autumn in all its natural splendor. Soak in the changing of the leaves as the maples, dogwoods, oaks, and many others (for there are thousands of trees here) surrender to the coming cold while you enjoy this family-friendly festival. 

Cheekwood Harvest is thoughtfully designed, permitting families with young children to engage in kid-friendly activities, while solo visitors and couples are able to wander the peaceful grounds at their own pace. 

Hot apple cider will be available, which will be just the thing to warm your hands as you enjoy the many art exhibits. 


Boo at the Zoo

When: October 15 - 17 | October 19 - 24 | October 26 – 30 | 5PM to 9PM

Where: Nashville Zoo at Grassmere | Nashville

Purchase Advance Tickets Here

Boo at the Zoo is back and better than ever! Children can dance at the Monster Mash, visit 10 trick-or-treat stations, tour magical illuminated scenes, meet Gourdon the Talking Pumpkin, take a whirl on the Scary-Go-Round carousel, master the Haymaze, pose for your camera at Pumpkin Town, delight in the animal shows, and head home with their own glow-in-the-dark souvenir zoo cup.


Nashville Dog Day Festival

When: October 16, 9AM to 6PM

Where: Centennial Park | Nashville

Bring your beloved canine companion and join the Nashville Humane Society for their annual Dog Day Festival! It’s your dog’s day to strut their stuff in the pupper parade, have their portrait taken, visit demonstration areas, and compete in the costume contest. Kids can play in the children’s area, and the whole family is invited to enjoy live music and entertainment, visit the fun zones, feast at the food trucks, and more! 


Oktoberfest 

When: October 16, 17, 23 | 11AM to 4PM

Where: Wilson Bank and Trust – Main Office | Lebanon

Dive into the spirit of fall at Wilson Bank’s annual Oktoberfest! Whether you’re attending for the food and beverages, craft vendors, the region’s largest antique car show, or to give your kids a romp through the inflatables and carnival games, you’ll have a blast. 

Admission is free, but inflatables and games are paid activities.


Halloween Pooch Parade 

When: October 23, 9AM to 5PM

Where: Cheekwood Museum and Gardens | Nashville

Advanced Tickets Required   

Why settle for autumn when you can join in the pawtumn fun? The annual Halloween Pooch Parade is back at Cheekwood! Bring your costumed canine pal, don a matching themed outfit, and enroll in the parade for the chance to win one of several prizes—and maybe the grand prize as well. Vendors will have tasty treats and adorable photo opportunities will be arranged throughout the Pumpkin Houses.


Halloween In the Park 

When: October 23, 11AM to 3PM

Where: Charlie Daniels Park | Mt. Juliet 

You and your children are invited to Halloween in the Park. This complimentary event is a great place to take a hayride, play in the inflatables, trick-or-treat, visit vendors, ride the trackless train, and take a tour through the petting zoo. Costumed kiddos can take part in the costume contest—and so can the family pet! Be sure to arrive early to sign up for the costume contests.


36th Annual Pumpkinfest 2021 

When: Saturday, October 30, 10AM to 7PM

Where: Main Street, Downtown | Franklin 

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County is hosting Middle Tennessee’s largest family fall festival again this year! This massive celebration extends down Main Street and through many side avenues, ensuring this event will be bursting with fun for the nearly 70,000 people of all ages who are projected to attend. 

Pumpkinfest will include autumn-themed food, treats, and drinks, activities for children, live music, a costume contest for people and their pets alike, and an extensive arts & crafts selection of seasonal and artisanal gifts.


El Día de los Muertos

When: October 30-31, 9AM to 5PM

Where: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens | Nashville

Purchase Advance Tickets Here 

In Mexico and throughout Latin America, the Day of the Dead is celebrated with vibrant colors, ornate decorations and art installations, traditional music, and most of all, reverent remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens invites you to tour the gardens, visit the pop-up marketplace to shop and eat, and tour gorgeous altar displays crafted by local Latin Americans.


Haunted Canoe the Caney

When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 1 through November 13 | Hourly 6PM to 10PM 

Where: Caney Fork River | Silverville

Purchase Advance Tickets Here

If you’re hankering for a spine-chilling outdoor adventure, Haunted Canoe the Caney has just what you’re looking for. This spooky, narrated ghost tour will take you on a walk past the old cemetery and near the abandoned military base. You’ll then board your canoe and glide through the moonlit waters to Cemetery Cove, where you’ll float just above the remains of the sunken 19th-century graveyard lost beneath the river.

Jay’s Famous BBQ will be on-site serving up BBQ platters each night, so arrive ready to eat!


If you can’t get enough of Middle Tennessee’s festivals, we understand! There’s just so much to get out and enjoy this time of year. In addition to the many fall-inspired festivities, consider checking out the following events, too: 

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