As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, October in Nashville transforms into a magical time filled with fun, family-friendly events! From Halloween festivities to autumn festivals, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of exciting happenings in Music City this October that your family won’t want to miss! 1. Nashville Pumpkinfest Date: October 5, 2024Location: Public Square ParkKick off the month with the Nashville Pumpkinfest! This delightful festival features pumpkin carving contests, hayrides, live music, and a variety of food trucks. Kids will love the carnival games, face painting, and the chance to meet friendly farm animals. Don’t forget to pick out a pumpkin to take home! 2. Nashville Zoo’s Halloween Festival Date: October 11-13 & 18-20, 2024Location: Nashville ZooThe Nashville Zoo transforms into a spooky wonderland for its annual Halloween Festival! With themed activities, trick-or-treating, and animal encounters, it’s a perfect outing for young ghosts and goblins. Be sure to dress in costumes for a night of frightful fun! 3. Oktoberfest at Germantown Date: October 11-13, 2024Location: GermantownCelebrate German culture at Nashville’s Oktoberfest! This family-friendly event features traditional music, dancing, delicious food, and activities for kids, including crafts and games. Enjoy a fun day filled with laughter, and maybe even some dancing in the streets! 4. Fall Fest at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Date: October 12-13, 2024Location: Cheekwood Estate & GardensJoin Cheekwood for a spectacular Fall Fest that includes hayrides, a corn maze, and seasonal crafts. Explore the beautiful gardens adorned with fall foliage, and don’t miss the chance to visit the scarecrow trail! This event is perfect for a day of outdoor family fun. 5. Halloween at the Nashville Public Library Date: October 26, 2024Location: Nashville Public LibraryCelebrate Halloween with a day full of activities at the Nashville Public Library! Enjoy storytimes, crafts, and spooky science experiments. Kids can wear their costumes, and there will be plenty of treats to go around. It’s a wonderful way to foster a love of reading while having some Halloween fun! 6. Monster Mash Halloween Party Date: October 26, 2024Location: The Factory at FranklinGet ready to dance and have a blast at the Monster Mash Halloween Party! This family-friendly event features live music, games, a costume contest, and plenty of activities for kids. Bring the whole family for a spook-tacular evening filled with fun and laughter! 7. Trick or Treat on the Green Date: October 27, 2024Location: The Green at RiverNorthBring the kids for a festive afternoon of trick-or-treating, games, and community fun at the Green at RiverNorth. Local businesses will set up booths for trick-or-treating, and there will be live music and food vendors to keep the whole family entertained. 8. Haunted Nashville Tours October is a vibrant month in Nashville, bursting with family-friendly activities that celebrate the season. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, enjoying local festivals, or embarking on spooky adventures, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Mark your calendars, grab your family, and get ready to create unforgettable memories this fall in Music City! 9. Pumpkinfest Date: October 26, 2024Location: Downtown FranklinTime: 10 AM – 7 PM Kick off the fall season at the annual Franklin Pumpkinfest! This beloved festival transforms downtown into a pumpkin paradise filled with family activities. Enjoy a day of live music, delicious food, arts and crafts vendors, and, of course, pumpkins! Kids will love the costume parade, hay rides, and various games. Don’t forget to grab a pumpkin to take home and carve! 10. Haunted Franklin Ghost Tours Dates: October 1-31, 2024 (Various Times)Location: Franklin, TNCost: Varies by tour For families looking for a little thrill, consider the Haunted Franklin Ghost Tours. These guided walking tours explore the spooky side of Franklin, with tales of its haunted history. Kids who enjoy a good ghost story will love the adventure, and the tours are designed to be fun and appropriate for all ages. 11. Franklin Farmers Market – Fall Harvest Celebration Date: October 12, 2024Location: The Factory at FranklinTime: 8 AM – 1 PM Celebrate the fall harvest at the Franklin Farmers Market! Local farmers and artisans will showcase fresh produce, homemade goodies, and unique crafts. Kids can participate in fun fall-themed activities, such as pumpkin painting and scarecrow making. This is a great way to support local businesses while enjoying the season’s bounty. 12. Historic Carnton Plantation’s Fall Festival Date: October 19, 2024Location: Carnton PlantationTime: 10 AM – 4 PM Step back in time at Carnton Plantation’s Fall Festival. Families can enjoy historic demonstrations, storytelling, and guided tours of the plantation. There will be craft activities for kids, including corn husk doll making and apple bobbing. This event is a fantastic way to combine history and fun! 13. Franklin Art Scene Date: October 4, 2024Location: Various galleries in downtown FranklinTime: 6 PM – 9 PM On the first Friday of October, the Franklin Art Scene offers a unique opportunity for families to explore local art galleries and meet local artists. Many venues will feature kid-friendly activities, including hands-on art projects and interactive installations. It’s a great way to spark creativity while enjoying a stroll through the charming downtown area. 14. Halloween Storytime at the Library Date: October 30, 2024Location: Williamson County Public LibraryTime: 10 AM – 11 AM Gather the little ones for a spook-tacular Halloween storytime at the library! Children can come in costume and enjoy festive tales read by local storytellers. This is a wonderful way to encourage a love for reading while celebrating the Halloween spirit. Be sure to arrive early to snag a good seat! 15. Trick-or-Treat on the Square Date: October 31, 2024Location: Downtown FranklinTime: 5 PM – 7 PM Wrap up the month with the much-anticipated Trick-or-Treat on the Square! Local businesses will open their doors to distribute candy and treats to little ghosts and goblins. It’s a safe and festive environment for families to enjoy Halloween festivities together. Don’t forget to take pictures of your kids in their costumes against the picturesque backdrop of downtown Franklin! The post October Happenings appeared first on The Nashville Mom.