One of the major perks of attending school in an “it city” is that Vanderbilt students are constantly surrounded by numerous fun events and activities. Halloween weekend in Nashville is no exception. Whether your ideal holiday includes clean family fun and pumpkin farms or you prefer a spookier, horror-filled Halloween, Nashville has it all.

Pumpkin Picking

Pumpkin picking is a great way to spend an afternoon with friends. A few of Nashville’s popular pumpkin patches include Bradley Kountry Acres and Walden Pumpkin Farm. Other farms such as Honeysuckle Hill Farm and Lucky Ladd Farms include corn mazes as well. Boo at the Zoo, open through October 29th at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, is another event that is sure to provide lots of laughs and long-lasting memories. Another event open through October 29th is the Cheekwood Harvest at the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. The estate provides 55 acres for guests to meander and explore the beautiful scenes and colors of the season. Their Museum of Arts, full of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts, is also open to guests. During this month, guests can also spend time in their Pumpkin House and Beer Garden, as well as participate in the Halloween Pooch Parade, where dog owners parade their costumed pups throughout the gardens.

Haunted Houses

There are also several events for those who appreciate the spookier things in life. Nashville Haunted Woods at Priest Lake, open through Halloween, is an outdoor haunted house. Witches, maniacs, cannibalistic clowns and a headless horseman haunt the woods, stalking guests as they travel between “Fear Zones.” Be prepared for a terrifyingly good time.

You may encounter a few spirits of your own on one of Nashville’s many Halloween Tours. If events of the supernatural and paranormal are what you’re looking for, Hermitage Ghost Tours and Nashville Ghost Tours are just the thing. Tour the Hermitage or other famous destinations in Nashville after hours, learn about their non-dominant histories, and hear tales about the Battle of New Orleans, the Bell Witch, and many others.

Festivals

On a slightly less frightening note, Pavilion East is kicking off Halloween weekend with a Day of the Dead Tequila Festival on Oct. 27. Here you can find skeleton face painting, DJs and 15 different tequilas. The event, which benefits the Fannie Battle Day Home for Children, is sure to lift your spirits.

Concerts

Of course, Music City will also be celebrating Halloween with concerts by The Weeknd, Macklemore, Bon Iver and several others. No matter where your interests may lie or how you plan to celebrate, Nashville’s plethora of events is sure to satisfy even your most dreadful desire.  

Recap of Upcoming Events:

• Bradley Farms
• Walden Pumpkin Farm
• Honeysuckle Hill Farm
• Lucky Ladd Farms
• Boo at the Zoo @ the Nashville Zoo at Gassmere (October 13th – 29th)
• Cheekwood Harvest @ the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens (September 23rd – October 29th)
• Nashville Haunted Woods at Priest Lake (September 22nd – October 31st)
• Day of the Dead Tequila Festival @ Pavilion East (October 17th)
• Hermitage Ghost Tours
• Nashville Ghost Tours
• The Weeknd @ Bridgestone Arena (October 29th)
• Macklemore @ War Memorial Auditorium (October 29th)
• Bon Iver @ Ryman Auditorium (October 29th & 31st)