Nashville, often dubbed "Music City," is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a plethora of fun and unique activities for both locals and tourists. Here’s a look at some of the exciting things to do in Nashville, including events happening this week and popular attractions.
### Music and Live Performances
Nashville is renowned for its rich musical heritage, and there are numerous venues where you can experience live music. This week, you can catch performances by notable artists such as Shawn Mendes at the Ryman Auditorium on October 14, or Badflower with Slothrust and MISSIO also at the Ryman Auditorium on October 22. For a more classical experience, Tower of Power will be performing with the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on October 22.
### Festivals and Events
October is a festival-filled month in Nashville. The Nashville Oktoberfest, held in Historic Germantown, is one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the Southeast. It features traditional German music, food, and beer, along with activities like the Dachshund Derby, stein hoisting competitions, and a family-friendly area with face painting and carnival rides. This event runs from September 20 to October 27.
Another notable event is the Cheekwood Harvest at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, which includes beautiful fall displays, live music, and family activities. This event is ongoing until October 27.
For Halloween enthusiasts, the Boo at the Zoo event at the Nashville Zoo offers free rides, storytime, trick-or-treating, and more from October 11 to 31. There’s also a BOOze at the Zoo event for adults on October 10, featuring food, drinks, and a costume contest.
### Sports
If you're a sports fan, Nashville has plenty to offer. You can cheer on your favorite teams during the fall season. The city is home to the Tennessee Titans (NFL) and the Nashville Predators (NHL), among other teams. Check out upcoming sporting events, such as the 7th President 7k at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage on October 19.
### Art and Culture
Nashville is rich in art and cultural experiences. The Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival on October 5 in Centennial Park is a free event that celebrates the city's diverse cultural landscape with music, dance performances, and educational activities for kids. You can also explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, and various historical sites and unique attractions.
For a unique art experience, visit the Hatch Show Print Block Party on October 19, which features live music, food, and activities centered around this historic print shop.
### Outdoor Adventures
Nashville offers several outdoor activities to enjoy the fall season. The Fall Festival at Lucky Ladd Farms includes a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and other family-friendly activities from September 21 to November 1. You can also visit the Nashville Zoo, which is not only a great place for Halloween festivities but also a year-round attraction with a variety of animals and educational programs.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is another beautiful outdoor spot, especially during the fall season, with its stunning gardens and seasonal events.
### Food Experiences
Nashville is famous for its culinary scene, particularly its barbecue, hot chicken, and Southern comfort food. The Nashville Oktoberfest offers a wide variety of traditional German foods like bratwurst, schnitzel, and strudel, along with German beers.
For a more local experience, the Farm to Table(aux) event at Marathon Music Works on an unspecified date in October celebrates Nashville’s vibrant arts community with farm-to-table cuisine, artisan cocktails, and craft beer. This event supports STARS Nashville and features tableaux vivants and a Mystère Box Raffle.
### Hidden Gems
One of the hidden gems in Nashville is the historic Germantown neighborhood, which hosts the Nashville Oktoberfest. This area is known for its charming streets and historic architecture, making it a picturesque setting for exploration.
Another gem is the Nightly Spirits Nashville Haunted Booze & Boos Tour, which takes you through the city’s spookiest haunts and offers a unique blend of history and nightlife. This tour is available throughout October.
In summary, Nashville offers a diverse range of activities that cater to all interests, from music and sports to art, outdoor adventures, and unique food experiences. Whether you're visiting for a week or just a day, there's always something exciting to do in Music City.
