Things to Do in Nashville in October 2026 | Events Guide

The Best Things to Do in Nashville in October 2026

October might be Music City's most beautiful month. The heat breaks, the leaves turn, and the calendar fills up with festivals, football, and spooky fun. Here's what not to miss this year.

Raise a Stein at Nashville Oktoberfest (Oct. 1–4)

Kick off the month with German and local beers, live music, and German food at Bicentennial Capitol Mall, Oct 1–4, 2026. Budget tip: Thursday and Friday until 4 PM are complimentary, but you must request a ticket online. Nashville Oktoberfest 2026 Tickets | Oct 1–4 +2

Build Something at the LEGO Fan Expo (Oct. 3–4)

Families with young builders should check out the Brick Fan Event Nashville - LEGO® Fan Expo at NASH Fairgrounds, Oct 3-4, 2026. Eventbrite

Celebrate the Harvest at Fall Ball, Y'all (Oct. 10)

The Nashville Farmers' Market's free festival takes place on Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Expect live music on two stages, free pony rides and a petting zoo, live cooking demos, plus a kids' zone and fall produce. Parking is free too. Nashville Farmers MarketNashville Farmers Market

Catch a Titans Home Game (Oct. 11 and Oct. 25)

The Titans host Houston on Oct. 11 and Cleveland on Oct. 25, both at noon. This season is extra special because it's the team's last in the current stadium; if the Titans do not earn a home playoff game, the final game in the 27-year history of Nissan Stadium will be in Week 17, Jan. 3 against the Steelers. Grab a seat while you can. nashvillepostpaulkuharsky

Sip and Trick-or-Treat at BOOze at the Zoo (Oct. 15)

Grown-ups get their own Halloween party. BOOze at the Zoo, an adults-only Halloween event, is Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Nashville Zoo. Expect unlimited BOOze samples, trick-or-treating, a live DJ, animal encounters, and more. Nashville GuruNashville Guru

Bring the Kids to Boo at the Zoo (Oct. 16–Nov. 1)

The family version runs nightly from Friday, October 16, 2026, through Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Tickets are $23 Friday through Sunday and $19 Monday through Thursday. Children under age 2 are FREE. Costumes are encouraged, but keep them family-friendly. Nashville GuruNashville Guru

Browse the Southern Festival of Books (Oct. 17–18)

Book lovers, mark your calendars. The 38th annual Southern Festival of Books will take place Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18, 2026, at the Bicentennial Mall, Tennessee State Museum, and Tennessee State Library. It features more than 175 authors, signings, readings, discussions, food trucks, book vendors, and more. Admission is free and open to all ages. Local favorites like Ann Patchett, Margaret Renkl, Lamar Alexander, Silas House and Emily Lordi are on the lineup. Southern Festival of Books | Nashville Guru +2

Groove at the Nashville Jazz Festival (Oct. 24–25)

End the month on a smooth note. Saturday's lineup includes Giovanni Rodriguez and 12 Manos, Sofia Goodman Septet, The Day Drinkers, Dara Starr Tucker and more. Sunday brings David Williford, Chester Thompson, Rod McGaha, Kirk Whalum. SongkickSongkick

Classic Nashville All Month Long

Between the big events, don't miss the timeless experiences. See a show at the Ryman or the Grand Ole Opry, both of which have busy October calendars. Hike Radnor Lake or Percy Warner Park while the leaves are turning. Take a scenic drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Nashville in October is hard to beat.

Dates and details can change, so check each event's official website before you go.