Nashville Fall Bucket List
Nashville may not be considered a fall destination, but the city doesn’t let that slow it down. The weather does eventually start to get cooler, and I think that Nashville is particularly lovely in fall.
While I already have guides to what to do in Nashville in September, October, and November, I’ve put together a general fall bucket list of experiences you won’t want to miss if you love all things fall.
Things to Do in Nashville in Fall
Local Coffee Shops
Sure, Starbucks has the PSL, but local coffee shops have their own seasonal drinks that are just as obsession-worthy.
A few on my radar this year are Elegy Coffee with its pumpkin honeybear, Retrograde with a banana walnut oak milk latte, and Momento with a maple cloud coldbrew. I just know that Forevermore Coffee is going to have the cutest drinks when they announce their fall menu, too.
Of course, there are plenty of other coffee shops around Nashville to try as well!
Musicians Corner
Musicians Corner is a free outdoor concert series that takes place in both the spring and the fall. The series takes place in Centennial Park and features artists from a range of genres.
Musicians Corner is on Fridays and Saturdays from August 28 until September 25. There are food vendors on-site, and families will enjoy the Kidsville activities.
Impractical Magic Pop-up at Hidden Bar
Hidden Bar at Noelle always has great pop-up themes, and this fall is no exception. From September 2 until October 31, the bar even more cozy and magical than usual as it is transformed into the Owens family home.
Fans of Practical Magic will love the witchy menu that includes Midnight Margaritas, The Elixar, Love Potion No. 9, and more nods to the movie.
Guests must be 21+. Reservations are not accepted.
Be sure to read my Downtown Nashville guide for more ideas on what to do while you’re in Printers Alley.
Light the Nations
Light the Nations is one of my favorite neighborhood festivals in Nashville. The festival includes live music, local vendors, and family-friendly fun.
This year the festival is taking place on October 17, so be sure to mark your calendar.
Cheekwood Harvest
Nashville’s favorite botanical garden and estate goes all out for fall. It is incredibly fun and magical. This year’s theme is Once Upon a Harvest. You’ll find story-book inspired creations throughout the gardens.
On Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 2 pm, you can bring a blanket or chairs to enjoy live music. Cheekwood Harvest runs from September 19 until November 1.
Nashville Farmers’ Market
The Nashville Farmers’ Market is always worth visiting, but it’s especially fun in the fall when you’ll find a pumpkin display for fall photos. There’s also a Fall Ball, Y’all Festival on October 10 that’s free to attend that has live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, and other fun activities.
Nashville Farmers’ Market Website | 👉 Read my full guide to the Nashville Farmers’ Market
Boo at the Zoo
Boo at the Zoo is a popular annual event for families. The event at the Nashville Zoo takes place from 5 pm until 9 pm each night October 16 through November 1.
The event includes special animal shows, trick-or-treat stations for kids, rides on the carousel, costumed characters, and more Halloween fun.
Nashville Fall Festival
The Nashville Fall Festival has all the classic things you expect from a pumpkin patch like a corn maze, hayrides, family-friendly games, a petting zoo, and of course, pumpkins.
However, this farm in Bellevue typically has a few more unique experiences you can try as well. This year, there are hot air balloon rides happening every Saturday morning plus sunflower picking and pony rides as well.
The Nashville Fall Festival happens on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 18 until November 1.
Nashville Fall Festival Website
Warner Parks
Once you get there, it’s hard to believe that Warner Parks are actually located in Nashville because it feels miles away from any city. The parks have over 60 miles of trails that are perfect for walking and enjoying the views as the leaves change colors.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway
Another great spot for leaf peeping is the Shelby Bottoms Greenway. The ecosystem along the river is completely different from Warner Parks, so it’s worth taking a stroll at both parks during the fall.
Of course, as a mom, I love the Nature Play area and the Nature Center in Shelby Bottoms as well, and I’ve got plenty of recommendations for additional things to do in East Nashville while you’re here.
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center Website
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a great place to see the leaves change in the fall. While the parkway is 444 miles long, you can just drive as many miles as you’d like and make some stops at a few scenic viewpoints.
However, if you’re looking for a fall road trip, you can spend a couple days taking the parkway all the way from Nashville to Natchez. There are tons of cool stops in between, and it’s a beautiful drive.
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Thanks for reading my Nashville fall bucket list! Let me know in the comments what must-dos you would add.
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