From lively music festivals to cultural celebrations and craft fairs, Nashville’s vibrant scene offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a film buff or simply someone seeking new adventures, this guide has you covered. Here’s a look at some of the can’t-miss happenings this fall.
Nashville Film Festival
The Nashville Film Festival showcases a wide range of films, from independent movies to documentaries and short animation. The 55th annual festival focuses on first-time producers and directors and will run from Sept. 19 to 25. Belcourt Theatre, Regal Green Hills and The Franklin Theatre will host the screening of 150 movies from around the world. Belcourt Theatre holds a special place in my heart, thanks to its cozy atmosphere and its convenient location near Vanderbilt’s campus. In addition to film screenings, the Nashville Film Festival offers discussions with filmmakers, panels, networking events and parties, providing ample opportunities to meet industry professionals and socialize.
African Street Festival
The African Street Festival is a three-day cultural experience at Hadley Lillard Park from Sept. 20 to 22. For the past 42 years, the festival has celebrated African culture through free music, ranging from gospel to rap, ensuring that everyone can find their place at the festival. If you are a shopaholic, the festival features a marketplace where you can shop for colorful, patterned clothing and one-of-a-kind jewelry, all while savoring delicious cuisine from across Africa. The festival also hosts a children’s village where you can enjoy artistic experiences like African drum lessons, mask-making and cave painting. They also offer educational experiences such as learning about African flags.
Full Moon Pickin’ Party
For Friends of Warner Parks, nature is an outdoor classroom that creates a community where members can celebrate culture and history. The organization is committed to preserving and protecting Percy and Warner Parks. They host a variety of events from May through November, including cave tours, nature walks featuring discussions about local plants and animals and bird watching opportunities in the vibrant fall meadows. To combine the beauties of music and nature, Friends of Warner Park is organizing a Full Moon Pickin’ Party that features a bluegrass music series to be enjoyed by people of all ages. The fall festival’s tickets cost $25, which includes three alcoholic beverages. Join them on Sept. 27 for some good tunes.
Oktoberfest
Since 1980, beer lovers have gathered in Germantown to celebrate German culture. Draft beer imported from Germany will be poured at multiple stations throughout the festival from Oct. 3-6. If beer is not a beverage that excites you (or you’re not 21), do not miss the opportunity to attend the Pup Parade, where dogs will be marching in adorable costumes down the streets of 6th and Jefferson. Additionally, there is a Dachshund Derby, a fundraising event where you can watch how fast a dachshund’s tiny legs can carry them. My favorite event is the Brat Eating Contest, where brave, responsible adults compete to eat two loaded brats accompanied by a stein of beer. The first contestant to finish both wins a stein and two beer tokens!
Tennessee Craft Fair
Even though I’ve switched up the arrangement of my posters and photos, my dorm decor has remained the same for the past four years. If you’re also looking for fresh inspiration to liven up your space, take a stroll through Centennial Park from Oct. 11 to 13 for the 46th Annual Fall Tennessee Craft Fair. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover unique pieces to hang on your walls! More than 170 artists will set their tents under the shade of the Parthenon to showcase and sell their art, featuring fine crafts made from wood, clay, metal and glass. If you are an aspiring artist, take a moment to chat with the vendors and learn more about what drives their inspiration.
Southern Festival of Books
If you are a bookworm and a fan of the world of literature, one of the oldest literary festivals in the country will take place on Oct. 26. Stroll through the booths and flip through the pages of poetry, memoirs and novels. This is your chance to meet with your favorite authors and explore new ones. The festival is free, open to the public and promises a great time with live performances and food.
