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 Nashville 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.
Fall Holiday Weekends to Plan Around:
- Labor Day Weekend: September 4-7, 2026
- Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day & Canadian Thanksgiving: October 12, 2026
- Veterans Day: November 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Thanksgiving: November 26-29, 2026
Nashville Fall Events:
- Tennessee Titans Football – The NFL season is in full swing all fall at Nissan Stadium. Check the Titans schedule for home dates.
- Musicians Corner Fall Series – Free outdoor concerts on Saturdays in Centennial Park throughout September.
- Wine on the River – Saturday, September 12, 2026, 3-7pm, on the Pedestrian Bridge and Riverfront Park downtown.
- St. Jude Walk/Run Nashville – Saturday, September 12, 2026, 7:30am-12pm.
- Cheekwood Harvest – September 19-November 1, 2026. Pumpkins, a scarecrow trail, and a new Marigold River display at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
- AmericanaFest – September 15-19, 2026. Nashville’s flagship Americana/roots music showcase, with shows across dozens of venues citywide.
- Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival – Heads up: Pilgrimage, previously a late-September fixture in nearby Franklin, is sitting out 2026 entirely. Organizers just announced it’s returning April 10-11, 2027 instead – a shift from its traditional fall slot to spring. Mark your calendar for next year rather than this fall.
- Nashville Film Festival – September 24-30, 2026, screening at venues around the city.
- Nashville Predators Hockey – Puck drops on the 2026-27 season October 1 at Bridgestone Arena.
- Nashville Oktoberfest – October 1-4, 2026, in Germantown on the Bicentennial Capitol Mall.
- Fall Tennessee Craft Fair – October 9-11, 2026, at Centennial Park. Family- and pup-friendly, with juried craft vendors from across the region.
- Nashville Half Marathon & 5K – Saturday, October 24, 2026.
- Christmas at Gaylord Opryland – Opens November 6, 2026, if you’re visiting late in the season.
- Cheekwood Holiday Lights – Typically opens mid-November; exact 2026 dates to be announced.
More Fun in Fall:
Listen to Live Music: Nashville’s music scene is legendary! Whether you’re strolling down Broadway, exploring cozy neighborhood venues, or stepping into iconic honky-tonks, the magic of live music fills the air year-round in Music City. From the twang of country classics to the rhythm of rock ‘n’ roll, the tunes are diverse and offer something for every music lover. Dive into our live music guide and discover the hottest gigs, upcoming performances, and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
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:
- Warner Parks
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
- Radnor State Park
- Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
- Nashville Greenways
- Centennial Park (be sure to visit the Parthenon)
Stroll through some of Nashville’s most popular neighborhoods and people watch: 12 South, East Nashville and Germantown are among our favorites. If you prefer a guided tour instead of venturing through these areas on your own, we suggest the Fat Tire Electric Bike tour.
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).
Nashville’s 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 Nashville, we would love the opportunity to host you at one of our Nashville Airbnb / vacation rentals. You can view our availability and book directly right here on our website.
PS: Nashville fun isn’t limited to fall! Be sure to check out our What to Do Nashville guide for year-round inspiration.
Quick Answers: Nashville in Fall 2026
What are the biggest events in Nashville this fall? AmericanaFest (Sept 15-19), Cheekwood Harvest (Sept 19-Nov 1), Nashville Film Festival (Sept 24-30), Nashville Oktoberfest (Oct 1-4), and the Fall Tennessee Craft Fair (Oct 9-11) are the highlights.
Is Pilgrimage Music Festival happening in fall 2026? No. Pilgrimage is skipping its usual September slot in 2026 and returning April 10-11, 2027 in Franklin, TN – its first shift from a fall date to spring.
What’s the best weekend to visit Nashville in fall 2026? Early-to-mid October tends to have the mildest weather and overlaps with Nashville Oktoberfest, the Fall Tennessee Craft Fair, and peak Cheekwood Harvest color.
Where can I see fall foliage in Nashville? Warner Parks, Radnor Lake State Park, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, and Centennial Park all offer easy access to fall color within the city.
NOTE: Dates above reflect confirmed 2026 event schedules where available; a few dates had not yet been officially announced at time of writing and will be updated once released.