Growing up in Florida, we didn’t get much in the way of seasons so getting to experience a true fall season is one of the many things to love about visiting Leiper’s Fork in autumn. Seeing the colorful fall leaves change, football games, experiencing all things pumpkin… It’s just a dream! Be sure to add some (or all) of these things to your itinerary if you’re visiting in the fall.
Holiday Weekends in Fall:
- Labor Day Weekend
- Columbus Day / Canadian Thanksgiving
- Veteran’s Day Weekend
- Thanksgiving Day / Weekend
Leiper’s Fork, Franklin & Nashville Fall 2026 Events:
AmericanaFest (September 15–19, various Nashville venues): Celebrate American music and culture at iconic Nashville venues across five days.
Cheekwood Harvest (September 19 – November 1): Check out their annual display filled with pumpkins throughout the gardens. There’s a Pumpkin Village, scarecrow trail, weekly Harvest Nights (Thursdays, Sept 24–Oct 29), and a beer garden.
ForkFest in Leiper’s Fork (2026 date TBA — recent years have shifted this free, bring-your-lawn-chair live music event from September into November; the 2025 edition ran November 9): Check Visit Franklin’s events page closer to fall for the confirmed date.
Farmstead Roots Creek Dinner Series at Wines in the Fork: Creek-side dining with a multi-course meal paired with wine, live music, cocktails, and local artisan demonstrations — runs periodically through the season; check their site for 2026 dates.
Tennessee Titans Football (September – January, Nissan Stadium in Nashville): Catch the Tennessee Titans in action throughout the fall season.
Predators Hockey (October – April, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville): NHL action with the Nashville Predators throughout the fall and winter.
PumpkinFest, Downtown Franklin (October 24–25 — now a two-day event): Enjoy the festive season of fall with food and drinks, live music, activities for children, arts and crafts, and costume contests for both pets and families.
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland (November 6, 2026 – January 2, 2027): Get into the holiday spirit with this magical, multi-week experience.
Cheekwood Holiday Lights (2026 dates TBA — the 2025–26 season ran mid-November through early January, so expect a similar window): Don’t miss the dazzling Cheekwood Holiday Lights display.
Heads up: Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, previously a late-September fixture here, is skipping its usual fall slot in 2026. Organizers just announced it’s coming back in April 2027 instead — a shift from fall to spring.
More Fun in Fall:
Don’t sweat it if you can’t make it here during one of the festivals (or if they’re already sold out). There’s still plenty of things to do that aren’t date specific.
Walk, Hike or Bike: The mild fall weather is a great season to go walking, hiking or biking and soak in the views of colorful fall foliage. Some of the best views are:
- Natchez Trace State Park
- Timberland Park
- Owl’s Hill Sanctuary
Visit a Pumpkin Patch: Pumpkin patches are always fun for children and adults alike to get you in the fall spirit. These are our favorite spots:
- Gentry Farms
- Walden Pumpkin Farm
- Lucky Ladd Farms
- Cheekwood Estate & Gardens (this is not a pumpkin patch but an annual display filled with pumpkins throughout their gardens. There’s a Pumpkin Village, scarecrow trail and beer garden).
The Middle Tennessee fall season is brimming with exciting events and things to do that will create lasting memories for you and your friends and family. If you are still in the planning phases of booking your trip to Leiper’s Fork, we would love the opportunity to host you at our Leiper’s Fork Airbnb / Vacation Rental Home, Lyric at Leiper’s Fork. You can view our availability and book directly right here on our website.
PS: Leiper’s Fork fun isn’t limited to fall! Be sure to check out our What to Do Leiper’s Fork guide for year-round inspiration.
Quick answers:
What events are happening in Leiper’s Fork in fall 2026? AmericanaFest runs September 15–19, Cheekwood Harvest runs September 19 through November 1, and PumpkinFest in Downtown Franklin runs October 24–25. ForkFest typically follows in the fall, though the exact 2026 date wasn’t confirmed as of this writing.
Is the Pilgrimage Music Festival happening in 2026? No — Pilgrimage is skipping its usual September slot in 2026. Organizers just announced it returns in April 2027 at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, a move from fall to spring.
When do the leaves change near Leiper’s Fork, TN? Color typically peaks in late October through mid-November, overlapping nicely with PumpkinFest and the pumpkin patch season.