Updated 7/15/2026
Summer may be filled with warm weather and exciting activities, but there is something special about fall in Nashville. Cooler temperatures, colorful scenery, and a full calendar of seasonal celebrations make it a wonderful time to explore the city. Discover some of the best fall festivals and events Nashville has to offer in 2026.
Nashville’s fall 2026 calendar includes family-friendly festivals, live music, seasonal markets, Halloween celebrations, cultural events, and Thanksgiving activities. Whether you are planning a family outing, date night, or afternoon with friends, Curcio Dermatology can help you discover exciting ways to enjoy fall in Nashville.
Support local businesses, artists, musicians, and community organizations by attending one of these seasonal events. Explore our list of must-see Nashville fall events for 2026 below.
Before attending, please visit the event’s official website to confirm its date, time, location, admission price, and other important information. Event details are subject to change.
Fall Festivals
Searching for the best fall festivals, pumpkin patches, seasonal markets, and family activities in Nashville? Our 2026 guide features confirmed events happening throughout the city. From live music and local vendors to fall food, children’s activities, and community celebrations, Nashville offers plenty of ways to enjoy the season with family and friends.
2026 Fall Ball, Y’all Festival
Location: Nashville Farmers’ Market, 900 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 am–2:00 pm
Admission: Free admission and free parking
What’s Included: Live music on two stages, free pony rides, a petting zoo, live cooking demonstrations, children’s crafts, tractor climbing, fall-themed artisan goods, fresh fall produce, and vendor specials
Details: Celebrate the harvest season at the Nashville Farmers’ Market’s free annual Fall Ball, Y’all Festival. Families can enjoy live entertainment, hands-on children’s activities, animals, cooking demonstrations with Nossi College of Art & Design, seasonal shopping, fresh produce, and more fall fun.
Additional event information will be announced closer to the date.
Website: https://www.nashvillefarmersmarket.org/event-calendar/2026-fall-ball-yall-festival
2026 Boo at the Zoo
Location: Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
Dates: October 16–November 1, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm–9:00 pm nightly
Admission: Ticketed event with advance purchase required. The official page currently lists admission at $19 Monday through Thursday and $23 Friday through Sunday for guests ages 2 and older. Children under 2 are free. Parking is $10, while zoo members receive free parking and save $3 per ticket.
What’s Included: Ten trick-or-treat stations for children ages 2–12, souvenir treat bags, fall-themed scenes, photo opportunities, special animal shows, costumed characters, carnival games, storytelling, and free carousel rides
Details: Celebrate Halloween with a family-friendly evening at Nashville Zoo. Boo at the Zoo features festive displays, trick-or-treating, special animal presentations, costumed characters, the Fall Fun Zone, Carn-Evil Carnival Games, and Storytime with the Old Oakley Tree.
Guests can also celebrate Día de los Muertos on November 1 with themed entertainment, cultural activities, specialty food, and opportunities to honor loved ones. Some attractions and food purchases cost extra. The event takes place rain or shine.
Website: https://www.nashvillezoo.org/boo
2026 Haunted Museum Storytelling Festival
Location: Tennessee State Museum, Bill Haslam Center, 1000 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 am–2:30 pm
Admission: Free admission; activities are available on a first-come, first-served basis
What’s Included: Spooky stories from Tennessee’s past, Halloween games, children’s crafts, prizes, costumes, and family-friendly activities
Details: Celebrate Halloween at the Tennessee State Museum’s 28th Annual Haunted Museum Storytelling Festival. The museum will be decorated for the season as children and families enjoy games, crafts, prizes, and spooky stories inspired by Tennessee history.
Children are encouraged to wear costumes. The festival offers a fun, safe, and family-friendly Halloween experience for all ages. A complete activity schedule will be announced closer to the event.
Website: https://tnmuseum.org/calendar-of-events/event/5818108
2026 Sunset Safari at Nashville Zoo
Location: Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm–10:00 pm; VIP admission begins at 6:00 pm
Admission: Main Event tickets are $175 per person. Patron tickets are $300, Benefactor admission is $1,000 for two guests, and Champion admission is $5,000 for two guests. This is an adults-only event for guests ages 21 and older.
What’s Included: Unlimited samples from Nashville restaurants, complimentary adult beverages, live music, entertainment, animal encounters, and access to selected animal habitats
Details: Sunset Safari is Nashville Zoo’s signature fundraising gala and an exclusive after-hours culinary experience. The 2026 “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” theme invites guests to follow the yellow brick road through an evening filled with Nashville food, live entertainment, animal encounters, and whimsical zoo experiences.
Proceeds support Nashville Zoo’s conservation and educational mission. Comfortable shoes and stylish event attire are recommended. Sunset Safari takes place rain or shine, with no refunds or rain checks.
Website: https://www.nashvillezoo.org/sunset-safari
2026 Nashville Margarita Festival
Location: The Yard at oneC1TY, 8 City Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37209
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm–9:00 pm
Admission: Ticketed event with general admission, VIP, and designated-driver options. Ticket prices vary and are available through the official event website. Guests must be 21 or older and present a valid photo ID.
What’s Included: Twelve miniature margarita samples from a choice of more than 20 recipes, live DJs, salsa dancing, photo opportunities, food trucks, and voting for Nashville’s best margarita
Details: The 13th Annual Nashville Margarita Festival brings together local bars and restaurants for an evening of creative margaritas, music, dancing, and food. Guests can sample a dozen margaritas and vote for their favorite drink of the night.
VIP admission includes expedited entry, access to a dedicated lounge, reserved seating, light bites, unlimited water, and additional samples. Food and extra beverages will be available for purchase. The festival takes place rain or shine and benefits TennGreen Land Conservancy.
Website: https://www.fwpublishingevents.com/margarita-festival
57th Nashville Film Festival
Location: Multiple arts venues throughout Nashville. The 2026 Creators Conference will be held at the National Museum of African American Music.
Dates: September 24–30, 2026
Time: Screening and event times vary
Admission: Ticketed event. Individual tickets, ticket packages, and VIP badges are available. Prices vary according to the screening, program, or package selected.
What’s Included: Nearly 150 films, filmmaker question-and-answer sessions, industry panels, workshops, networking opportunities, special guests, live events, parties, and the NashFilm Creators Conference
Details: The 57th Nashville Film Festival celebrates film, music, and culture with nearly 150 movies from Tennessee and around the world. Audiences can attend narrative features, documentaries, short films, filmmaker discussions, industry programs, parties, and creative networking events at venues across Nashville.
The 2026 Creators Conference takes place September 25–27 and includes workshops, panels, and networking opportunities for filmmakers, screenwriters, musicians, students, industry professionals, and the public. Additional films, venues, and schedule information will be announced closer to the festival.
Website: https://nashvillefilmfestival.org/2026-festival/
2026 Artville
Location: Walk of Fame Park in Downtown Nashville, with additional art events in Wedgewood-Houston, The Arcade, Germantown, and the Neuhoff District
Dates: September 25–27, 2026
Time: Friday, 11:00 am–6:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am–6:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm. Hours for additional evening events may vary.
Admission: Free admission
What’s Included: Large-scale public art installations, murals, contemporary art, immersive experiences, the American Artisan Festival, local music, food vendors, children’s activities, and opportunities to meet artists
Details: Artville is a free, three-day visual arts festival celebrating Nashville’s creative community. Walk of Fame Park serves as the festival’s primary location, featuring temporary public art, interactive installations, local and national artists, and the long-running American Artisan Festival.
Additional art-focused events and installations will appear throughout Downtown Nashville, Wedgewood-Houston, Germantown, and the Neuhoff District. Visitors can explore and purchase original artwork, experience large-scale installations, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in family-friendly activities.
Website: https://artville.org/
Prepare Your Skin for Fall With Curcio Dermatology
The end of summer does not mean you should stop protecting and caring for your skin. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, fluctuating UV levels, and drier air can affect your skin throughout the fall. Curcio Dermatology can help you create a personalized fall skincare routine that keeps your skin healthy, comfortable, and protected while you enjoy Nashville’s outdoor events.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
UV exposure continues throughout the fall, even when temperatures become cooler or the sky appears cloudy. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before attending outdoor festivals, concerts, markets, and other seasonal activities.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
As temperatures and humidity levels decrease, your skin may become dry or irritated. Consider replacing a lightweight summer moisturizer with a richer, hydrating formula that helps support your skin barrier and retain moisture.
Schedule a Dermatology Appointment
After months of intense summer sun and heat, fall may be a good time to have your skin evaluated or discuss treatments such as chemical peels, laser procedures, or other medical and cosmetic dermatology services.
The experienced team at Curcio Dermatology can assess and treat concerns including:
- Acne
- Acne scars
- Benign growths
- Birthmarks
- Brown spots and freckles
- Excessive sweating
- Moles
- Precancerous growths
- Rosacea
- Skin cancer
- Visible veins
- Warts
- Wrinkles
Curcio Dermatology also provides Mohs micrographic surgery and surgical treatment for skin cancer and benign lesions.
Enjoy everything Nashville has to offer this fall while giving your skin the care it deserves. Contact Curcio Dermatology through our online form or call (615) 679-9011 to schedule an appointment.
