15 Fall Festivals

Each year the temperature cools in Music City and that means it's time to celebrate with a great festival. We have food, cultural, craft, and music festivals happening the entire fall. All you need to do is plan the trip and come join in the festivities.

Fall in Nashville
November 11-13
Christmas Village

The annual event at The Fairgrounds Nashville showcases a variety of unique seasonal and gift items as well as holiday arts and crafts from more than 260 merchants.

November 18, 2022-January 8, 2023
Zoolumination

See the Zoo in a whole new light! Chinese artists have reimagined dozens of mythical creatures in bright and colorful scenes throughout the Nashville Zoo. Visit the country's largest Chinese lantern festival featuring colorful scenes of more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns.

August 17-26, 2023
Tennessee State Fair

The Tennessee State Fair is an annual event that highlights everything that makes Tennessee a great place to live. Over the span of 10 days, visitors can experience arts and crafts, agriculture, competitions, rides, and more.

Labor Day Weekend 2023
Live on the Green

Live On The Green is a free outdoor concert series, presented by Lightning 100, at Public Square Park in downtown Music City. The stage is always set up on the steps of the Plaza and the crowd gathers in the grassy area of Public Square Park to watch performances from local, regional, and national artists.

Fridays, September 2023
September Sundown

Musicians Corner presents September Sundown, a free outdoor concert series showcasing local Nashville artists. The series takes place on Friday evenings in September, with a special three-day weekend taking place on September 16-17 in conjunction with AMERICANAFEST. This FREE, family-friendly event is open to the public with musical performances and features a variety of food trucks, local artisans, and Kidsville activities.

September-October, 2023
Cheekwood Harvest

Celebrate the season during Nashville's beloved Cheekwood Estate & Gardens' annual autumn celebration, Cheekwood Harvest. Enjoy viewing more than 5,000 chrysanthemums in deep autumn as hues will take center stage in the gorgeous Robertson Ellis Color Garden. Stop by to see the Scarecrows invading their Turner Seasons Garden. Or pick the perfect pumpkin from their patch!

September-October, 2023
Fall Family Fun Pumpkin Festival

Search for pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colors in the pumpkin patch at Lucky Ladd Farms. Stay the day and explore acres of wholesome family entertainment, get lost in the corn maze, bite into a juicy caramel apple or graze on homemade kettle corn. And don't forget to try the pumpkin and apple cider donuts!

September 19-24, 2023
Americana Music Festival

Each year the Americana Music Association gathers thousands of artists, fans, and industry professionals from all over the world in Nashville. The festival will feature tons of live music performances at various music venues in the vicinity of downtown Nashville.

September 28-October 1, 2023
International Black Film Festival

The International Black Film Festival (IBFF) is an exciting combination of a festival, conference, and marketplace. Guests have the opportunity to attend workshops, masterclasses, and panels or interact with writers, filmmakers, producers, and more.

September 29-October 1, 2023
Nashville Whiskey Festival

The annual Nashville Whiskey Festival is a celebration devoted to the exploration of whiskey from around the world and throughout the centuries. During this festival, you have the opportunity to sample the world's finest international and American-made whiskeys, bourbons, and scotches while interacting with distillers and their representatives. It all takes place at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

October 2023
Artober Nashville

Artober Nashville is a month-long celebration of the arts in Music City. It's one of the single largest celebrations of the arts and culture in the South and includes hundreds of events in visual and performing arts, music, theatre, dance, craft, film, and more.

October 2023
Oktoberfest

Each year Nashville's Germantown area transforms into a celebration of German tradition that is fun for the whole family. There will be live German music, German food, German beer, and even polka dancing.

October 2023
Southern Festival of Books

The Southern Festival of Books is one of the first book festivals of its kind, a true celebration of the written word, which has inspired hundreds of similar book festivals throughout the country. The FREE festival takes place at War Memorial Plaza and Main Public Library which will feature more than 200 of the nation's and region's most prominent authors who take part in readings, panel discussions, book signings, and more.

October 13-14, 2023
Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue

Each year domestic and international championship cook-off teams fight for the Jack Daniel’s title of Grand Champion, and more than 25,000 people descend upon Lynchburg to bask in the aroma of award-winning barbecue and celebrate one of America’s favorite pastimes.

November 2023
CMA Awards
CMA Awards presenters

Each year, country music's biggest night airs live from Music City's Bridgestone Arena. To name a few, 2022's winners included Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Old Dominion, and more.