How to Spend Halloween in Nashville, Plus Other Fall Fun

Just because there’s never a bad time to visit Nashville doesn’t mean there’s not a BEST time to visit, either. In our humble opinion, that time is when you can finally sit outside without melting. When the leaf change has made its way to the Smoky Mountain foothills that surround the city. When the events calendar is filled with festive fun. In other words, it’s fall!

This time of year, the city shines with the first inklings of holiday fun. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities like fall festivals, Halloween events, or spooky pop-ups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get the scoop on how to spend Halloween in Nashville, plus other fall fun, with this month’s blog. From live music to unique trick-or-treating, we’ve got it all right here! And don’t forget to secure your vacation rental with Nautical Properties before they’re all booked up for the season. We can’t wait to welcome you to a spooktacular Nashville getaway.

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Halloween Events in Nashville

Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids or you want a night of frights, here are some of the most popular Music City Halloween-themed events to check out.

Lucky Ladd Fall Festival

Voted the #1 Corn Maze in Tennessee, the Lucky Ladd Farms Fall Festival is one of the state’s most beloved fall traditions. Get up close with cuddly farm animals in the petting area, ride ponies, zoom down mega slides, hop on the wagon for a scenic ride, and don’t forget the pick-your-own pumpkin patch! After you escape the maze, be sure to snap some family photos with the beautiful decorations.

Special Dates to Remember:

• Corn Maze runs through November 1
• Pups in the Park Days at the Pumpkin Patch: October 26 – 27
• Meet and Greet / Photo Op with the Hocus Pocus “Sanderson Sisters” on October 27

Boo at the Zoo

Bring the kids (and adults) to a truly unique experience at Nashville’s Boo at the Zoo! Meet costumed characters, ride the “Scary-Go-Round” carousel, sneak through spooky scenes and past towering straw creatures, and don’t forget the 45-foot Ferris Wheel. With 10 trick-or-treat stations throughout the zoo, you’ll score big on candy and get to see adorable zoo animals along the way.

Special animal shows happen nightly at 5:45, 6:45, and 7:45 PM, so be sure to time your visit so you can enjoy all the excitement.

Boo at the Zoo runs nightly from October 11 – 31 from 5 to 9 PM and tickets are $23 + $10 for parking. Children under 2 are free.

All Hallows East

Don’t miss Nashville’s largest Halloween Festival at the all-ages All Hallows East held in 5-Points in East Nashville on October 26 from 2-10 PM. The festival will feature awards for the best costume, tons of activities, a silent disco, live music and entertainment, great food from local vendors and food trucks, plus pumpkin painting and craft stations!

There are two price levels for tickets. Your $10 Frightfully Fun Pass gives you admission to the festival, tickets for three activities, a commemorative cup, special photo ops, and more. For $20, your Ghoul Pass grants you 6 activity tickets, a commemorative cup, a trick-or-treat bag, plus everything that comes with the lower-level admission pass. Leashed pups are also welcome so the entire family can participate.

Nightmare on Music Row

For hair-raising fun, head to Music Row on October 25th and 26th for the Virgin Hotel’s chilling weekend of frights. Nightmare on Music Row will flood the hotel from the Commons Club to the 14th-floor Pool Club with thrilling decorations, themed cocktails and bites, stilt walkers, and of course, live music. Dress to impress in your scariest costume and secure your free RSVP for this can’t-miss Halloween event in Nashville.

• Event runs 8 PM to 2 AM
• RSVP Here

Nashville Halloween Pop-Up Bars

No one does a holiday pop-up quite like Nashville. If you’re looking for some 21+ fun during Halloween, we’ve got you covered with five delightfully scary experiences.

The Raven’s Nest at Holston House’s Bar TENN

Channel your inner Edgar Allan Poe as you step into the Raven’s Nest. Complete with gothic-style décor, special cocktails, and surprise appearances from tarot card readers, this is a great addition to any Halloween in Nashville.

• Dates: Sept. 27 – Oct. 31
• Area: Downtown
• Times: Monday – Wednesday from 2 to 11 PM | Thursday – Sunday from 4 to 11 PM

Black Lagoon at Barrel Proof

This special Halloween pop-up isn’t just local to Nashville. The Black Lagoon will be featured in cities across the US, Mexico, and Canada all October long. With a focus on the macabre, this cocktail experience invites visitors to slink over to the dark side as you sip your way through dungeons of delicious creations.

• Dates: Oct. 10 – 31
• Area: Germantown
• Times: Every day from 4 PM to 1 AM

Halloween at Schulman’s

Inspired by the 1978 film Halloween, this immersive experience will showcase authentic decorations, themed drinks, excellent entertainment, and devilishly designed photo opportunities. Sip on the blood orange frozen Slasher Margarita or try the Dr. Loomis Loaded Lone River or Haddonfield Horror Shot. With a great menu and classic vibe, you’ll be all set for Halloween in Nashville when you visit.

• Dates: Oct. 24 – 31
• Area: East Nashville
• Times: Monday – Friday from 3 PM to 2 AM | Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 AM

House of Voodoo at Tiger Bar

Having just celebrated its first anniversary, Tiger Bar continues to solidify itself as a go-to spot for theatrical cocktails and experiences. This Halloween is no exception. Visit their House of Voodoo, a New Orleans-inspired event, for nightly tarot readings, costume contests, and twisted creations that can only come from the minds behind this 1930s, circus-themed gin joint.

• Dates: Oct. 25 – Nov. 2
• Area: East Nashville
• Times: Nightly from 5 PM to 1 AM

Haunted Distillery at Nelson’s Green Brier

Dig into special menu items and themed drink specials inside a more than 100-year-old building at Nelson’s Green Brier. Real-life ghost stories will be on full display at this 90-minute experience, and with limited space, it’s best to make your reservations now so you don’t miss a second of the seasonal thrills.

• Dates: Oct. 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th
• Area: Marathon Village
• Times: 6:30 – 8:15 PM

Family-Friendly Fall Events in Nashville

If you’re looking to spend more than just Halloween in Nashville, there are plenty of fall events to round out your calendars. Literature lovers can shop the latest bestsellers at the Southern Festival of Books. Local independent shops will be on-site at Bicentennial Mall State Park as well as hundreds of publishers and authors.

As one of the oldest literary festivals in the country, the event draws thousands each year. Don’t miss delicious food trucks, performance stages, and more at this free fall event in Nashville!

For more fall fun, plan a visit to Cheekwood Estate and Gardens Harvest celebration. Running through October 27th, it’s one of the most picturesque places in town. With more than 75,000 pumpkins on display, it’s the epitome of autumnal elegance. Visit three towering pumpkin houses, and don’t miss the photo ops with the nine-foot-tall P’mumkin topiary made of orange mums arranged in the shape of a giant pumpkin!

Add a dash of downtown fun when you head to the Parlour Bar at Dream Hotel for the “It’s Fall, Y’all” event running now through Thanksgiving. Wear your fall best so you can pose with dreamy décor, and be sure to sample the special menu items of fall-inspired drinks and food. The event is open daily, and reservations are encouraged.

Book Your Fall Visit to Nashville Today!

Whether you’re looking to spend Halloween in Nashville or are just planning a fall visit in general, one thing is certain: there’s plenty to keep you entertained! With these top activities, the only thing standing between you and an incredible getaway is finding and booking the perfect vacation rental!

With properties in Nashville’s hottest areas, Nautical Properties has you covered with charming spaces that put you in the middle of it all. Browse our available properties and book your stay directly with us today!