Add These Tennessee Fall Festivals to Your 2025 Calendar

Featured in this Article:

Fall Festivals in and near Nashville
Fall Festivals in and near Chattanooga
Fall Festivals in and near Knoxville
Fall Festivals in and near Sevierville
Fall Festivals in Pigeon Forge
Fall Festivals in Gatlinburg
Fall Festivals in and near Bristol
Fall Festivals in and near Memphis
 

Tennessee's festivals are in full swing with fall festivals quickly coming up. Here's the low-down on what you can experience this season.

*Dates reflect the 2025 calendar year

Cheekwood Harvest at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a multi-week celebration of autumn filled with mums, a community scarecrow trail, Cheekwood Beer Garden with special performances and Pumpkin Village with three pumpkin houses. Special events include a Japanese Moon Viewing, Halloween Pooch Party and El Dia de los Muertos.

Location: AmericanaFest - Nashville, TN

Date: Sept. 9-13, 2025

Thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals will make their way to Americana Music Festival & Conference happening at various venues around Nashville. Neko Case, Waxahatchee, John Oates Acoustic Band, Amy Helm, and Amythyst Kiah are just some of the artists slated to perform this year with more to be announced soon. More than 165 showcases in venues around downtown Nashville give guests an insight on why Nashville truly is Music City.

Location: Hermitage Ghost Tours at The Hermitage - Nashville, TN

Date: Sept. 19-Oct. 25: 6:30 p.m.
          Oct. 26-31: 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Explore the haunted side of history during the Hermitage Ghost Tours. Embark on a distinctly spooky voyage at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage as you experience the mansion, grounds and cemetery by lantern light. Along the way, guides in period clothing will explore tragedies that befell the Jackson family, unusual experiences of Andrew Jackson and unexplained incidents at the site. Hear about strange encounters such as the spirits of the Battle of New Orleans and Jackson’s infamous meeting with Tennessee’s Bell Witch. Beware of eerie encounters, possibly even with President Jackson himself. Tours also include a discounted wine tasting for guests ages 21+ in the Natchez Hills Winery tasting room.

Location: Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival - Franklin, TN

Date: Sept. 27-28, 2025

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival was created to bring a meaningful, music experience to its attendees at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin. The region's best food and drink will be available and merchants selling art and crafts round out the festival's offerings. A wide range of artists including John Mayer, Kings of Leon, Turnpike Troubadours, Young the Giant, Grace Potter, Colony House, Maggie Rose, Better Than Ezra and many more will perform. 

Location: Main Street Festival - Downtown Gallatin, TN

Date: Oct. 4, 2025

Main Street Festival is an annual event in downtown Gallatin. See over 200 arts and crafts vendors, enjoy local entertainment performing throughout the day on two stages and grab something to eat at the food and beverage area. The kids will love the large children’s area, too.

Location: National Banana Pudding Festival - Centerville, TN

Date: Oct. 4-5, 2025

Taste your way through one of the South's decadent desserts - banana pudding at the National Banana Pudding Festival. Choose your favorite along The Puddin' Path and watch the live national cook-off featuring the best pudding chefs around the country whipping up their best recipe for judges. Enjoy shopping, two stages of entertainment and a kid-friendly activities in the Little 'Nanners Kid's area. 

Location: Von Elrod's Oktoberfest - Nashville, TN

Date: TBD

While in Nashville, celebrate Oktoberfest at Von Elrod's featuring local and international Oktoberfest and Marzen beers, live music and a DJ spinning. Pair your stein with a fresh-baked pretzel and house-made sausage. Keep an eye on Von Elrod's website for more information on planned festivities.

Location: Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue - Lynchburg, TN

Date: Oct. 10-11, 2025

Some of the best barbecue teams in the world will come to Lynchburg, Tennessee for the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue. More than 40,000 people attend the two-day event to sample barbecue, see the competition occur at Wiseman Park and shop the booths and displays found around town.

Location: Goats, Music & More Fair - Lewisburg, TN

Date: Oct. 10-11, 2025

Goat shows that celebrate the fainting goat, prevalent in Marshall County, take place at the Goats, Music & More Festival. A grand champion is announced each year. This agricultural-focused event includes family-friendly activities like kids’ games and rides, goat yoga, arts, crafts and a variety of fair food. Free concerts are performed nightly by big-name acts like Darryl Worley at Rock Creek Park.

Location: Tennessee STEAM Festival at Discovery Center at Murfree Spring - Murfreesboro, TN

Date: Oct. 10-26, 2025

Science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) will come to life at events and activities across the state. The festival was founded by the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring and incorporates events hosted by a wide range of museums, schools, community centers and other attractions. 

Location: Nashville Zoo's Boo at the Zoo - Nashville, TN

Date: Oct. 17 - Nov. 1, 2025

Kids can enjoy safe and family-friendly Halloween fun at Boo at the Zoo hosted at Nashville Zoo nightly with magical lit scenes around the zoo, giant hay creatures, special animal shows, 10 trick-or-treat stations, and the Scary-Go-Round carousel.

Can't wait for fall fun? Nashville Zoo has even more fall festivities leading up to Boo at the Zoo including Fall Zzzoofari Slumber Aug. 30, 2025 where you can sleep under the stars a short distance from the animals; the nightlight socail event, Sunset Safari Sept. 19, 2025; Hispanic Heritage Festival Sept. 27, 2025 with a full linep of cultural performances, interactive booths, food and more; and the 21+ BOOze at the Zoo Oct. 16, 2025 with unlimited BOOze samples, trick-or-treating, a live DJ and top-notch vendors.

Location: Liberty Square Celebration & Lester Flatt Memorial Bluegrass Day - Sparta, TN

Date: Oct. 11, 2025

Bluegrass, crafts, classic cars, food and fireworks that all celebrate the music contributions of Lester Flatt during the Liberty Square Celebration and Lester Flatt Memorial Bluegrass Day. Bluegrass bands perform throughout the day. The free event starts at 11:15 a.m. 

Location: Bell Buckle Webb Art and Craft Festival - Bell Buckle, TN

Date: Oct. 18-19, 2025

The popular Webb Art and Craft Festival in Bell Buckle is a juried festival with handmade arts and crafts by local and regional artists. Browse for unique gifts like pottery, metal works, wood working, jewelry, textiles and more. Live music, food trucks serving cuisine from around the world and an additional 700 booths of shopping and exploring downtown.

Location: GOODFest and Fall Market - Goodlettsville, TN

Date: Oct. 25, 2025

GOODFest and Fall Market is a free event and joins several of the Goodlettsville Farmer's Market vendors with additional local artisans and sponsor vendors. A food vendor area is provided along with a children's area of free activities. The Goodlettsville Visitor's Center and Gift Shop is open during the duration of the event.

Location: PumpkinFest Fall Festival - Franklin, TN

Date: Oct. 25, 2025

Middle Tennessee's largest family fall festival, PumpkinFest Fall Festival, stretches along Franklin's picturesque Main Street and side avenues of downtown Franklin with festive fun. Shop and browse more than 140 artisan and craft booths, enjoy the PetZone, KidZone and EndZone themed areas, entertainment, the Whiskey Lounge presented by Leipers Fork DIstillery, the Beer Garden presented by Bavarian Bierhaus, pet and people costume contests and a special pumpkin experience. It's the perfect way to celebrate fall with your friends and family.

Location: Fall-o-ween - Livingston, TN

Date: Oct. 25, 2025

Bring your family to Falloween in downtown Livingston for family fun like the interactive "Night at the Museum" where exhibits come to life. Take part in the Haunted Historic Downtown Walking Tours to hear spine-tingling stories of Livingston's past. Festival activities also include costume contests for all ages, a special fall market, live music, food trucks and more.

Ruby Falls' Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk Edition is a spine-tingling after-hours lantern tour that takes you along the winding cave trails of Ruby Falls. Hear ghost stories from the 96-year history of Ruby Falls and Chattanooga legends. Visit the sites of these encounters, mayhem and tragedy. 

Accessibility: Because of the natural cave formations and trails, Ruby Falls cave is not accessible. 

Parking: Free and on-site

Tickets: Limited availability. Purchase in advance online.

Location: International Cowpea Festival & Cook-Off - Charleston City Park, Charleston, TN

Date: Sept. 13, 2025

The annual International Cowpea Festival & Cook-off is a tradition that brings visitors from around the nation to enjoy culinary cowpea creations and nationally renowned music artists. The Cowpea Cook-off is by invitation only to local, professional chefs. The entrees are judged by anyone who purchases a $5 souvenir spoon 2-5 p.m. in Cook-Off Corner. Children's activities and a Cowpea 5K and 1-mile run as well as a marketplace full of locally and regionally made items round out the entertainment.

Parking: Free

Tickets: $5 for ages 16 and older

Location: ODDtober at Tennessee Aquarium - Chattanooga, TN

Date: October 2025

Tennessee Aquarium's ODDtober is celebrated during the month of October and shines a light on animals who use camouflage, mimicry and other unique survival strategies. The aquarium is decorated with hair-raising decorations to add to the not-so-spooky atmosphere. Kids of all ages can enjoy the return of resident c-eel-ebrity Miguel Wattson’s pumpkin lights and costumed SCUBA divers who will show off underwater pumpkin carving skills each Saturday.

Accessibility: All exhibit galleries at the Tennessee Aquarium are wheelchair accessible.

Parking: There are several paid parking lots near the Aquarium and IMAX Theater and a free shuttle runs daily in downtown Chattanooga.

Tickets: ODDtober is included in general admission with the exception of special events such as Aquascarium, which is a separate ticketed event

Location: 3 Sisters Festival of Bluegrass - Ross's Landing in Chattanooga, TN

Date: Oct. 3-4, 2025

The 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival, named after the three daughters of Fletcher Bright, a bluegrass fiddler legend. The free, two-day festival hosts some of the biggest names in traditional and modern bluegrass. The music festival has been heralded as one of the top five bluegrass festivals in the U.S. The 2025 lineup includes performances by the Brothers Comatose, The Travelin' McCourys, Fireside Collective, Randy Steele and High Cold Wind and many more.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with ramps, accessible entrance as well as an accessible playground for children

Parking: Downtown streets, lots and parking garages. A free, electric shuttle runs until 11 p.m., ending at Broad and 3rd Street, 1 block from Ross's Landing

Tickets: The festival is free, no ticket required

Location: Fall Festival - Downtown Pikeville, TN

Date: Oct. 4, 2025

Experience the finest southern hospitality and embrace the genuine small-town charm during Pikeville's Annual Fall Festival, nestled in the heart of historic Downtown Pikeville starting at 9 a.m. CST. Enjoy a day filled with live music, a captivating vintage car cruise-in, a vibrant kids-zone, an array of diverse vendors, thrilling free giveaways, and top it off with an enchanting glow run in the evening. 

Parking: Free parking for attendees. A map with parking information will be shared soon.

Tickets: Free admission

Location: Fall Adventure at Rock City Gardens - Chattanooga, TN

Date: Sept. 26-Oct. 31, 2025

Rock City transforms into vibrant fall colors and will glow brighter than ever with new, large-scale jack-o'-lantern displays and whimsical pumpkin lanterns. The hand-carved sculptures blends artistry and imagination to create autumnal spectacles. Enjoy hot apple cider while enjoying the flickering lanterns with haybales, cornstalks and bursts of seasonal plantings. 

Accessibility: Rock City is partially handicap accessible. Our entrance at Gardens Gateway leads to an ADA ramp that takes guests to Legacy Lane and the Enchanted Trail that takes guests to the overlook at Lover’s Leap and the Seven States Flag Court. The round trip distance is about 1/2 a mile.

Parking: Free and on-site

Tickets: It's recommended to purchase your ticket at least one day in advance to secure best prices available

Location: Chattanooga Oktoberfest - First Horizon Pavilion in Chattanooga, TN

Date: Oct. 12, 2025

Live oompah music, cultural food and an expanded selection of beer and fun will be featured at the Chattanooga Oktoberfest. You can sample a wide variety of breweries and seasonal offerings in the Biergarten, buy from local farms, artisans and craftsmen, and listen to the Wurstbrats Oompah Band, a fan favorite among other family-friendly entertainment. Festive German attire is highly recommended. 

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Parking: Parking is $2 per hour or $6 for a day pass on Sundays

Tickets: Free event. Festive German attire highly recommended

The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tennessee's only tribally owned museum, hosts the Cherokee Fall Festival. Celebrate Native American culture and tradition through arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance by the Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa and authentic foods. The museum demonstrates the 1800s Acorn Printing Press during the festival. Blacksmith demonstrations, displays of Cherokee life in the 1700s and a Civil War encampment can also be experienced. Meet and speak with representatives from the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Accessibility: The event is ADA accessible. Most activities are held on the grounds of the museum

Parking: Free and on-site

Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for children 13-18 years old; free for children 12 and under. Family rate available for $25

Location: Knox PrideFest at World's Fair Park - Knoxville, TN

Date: Oct. 4, 2025

Knoxville's PrideFest happens in the fall with entertainment, a night parade full of glowing floats and displays and more. Celebrate community at the festival. The entertainment lineup and more information will be announced soon.

Accessibility: Accessible parking, restrooms and paved pathways

Parking: Free parking is available at the North Lot, Locust Street Garage (free on weekends and after 7 p.m. on weekdays), Fort Kid and Blackstock. A free trolley provides shuttle services throughout downtown Knoxvile.

Location: Windrock Park's Fall Jam - Oliver Springs, TN

Date: Oct. 16-18, 2025

All ATV and SxS enthusiasts can mark calendars for the Windrock Park Fall Jam, back after a two-year hiatus and bigger than past celebrations. Be there for haunted trail rides, off-road competitions, bonfires, food vendors and music. More information on all activities will be announced soon.

Accessibility: Contact Windrock Park for accessibility details and questions

Tickets: Ticket information to be announced soon

Location: Halloween Candlelight Tours at Blount Mansion - Knoxville, TN

Date: Oct. 17-18, 24-25

Are you brave enough for the spine-tingling, terror and intrigue you'll hear on a Halloween Candlelight Tour at Blount Mansion? Follow the ghastly guides to the afterlife where you'll hear tales of ghosts, supernatural phenomena and paranormal activity that are prevalent in Appalachia.

Parking: Free and on-site

Tickets: $20

Celebrate the flavors of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains at SkyLand Ranch's Apple Harvest Festival full of seasonal apple-inspired treats and other fall-themed foods, live entertainment and breathtaking mountain views in vibrant shades of fall color.

Location: Sevierville Harvest Fest - Sevierville, TN

Date: Sept. 19-Oct. 31, 2025

Celebrate all things fall in Sevierville as the city hosts a wide arrange of fall-themed events, foods and fun during Smoky Mountain Harvest Fest. The season brings gorgeous displays of pumpkins and gourds at area businesses, leaf-peeping trips along backroads and spooky events throughout time.

Location: Mountain Makins Festival at Rose Center Council for the Arts - Morristown, TN

Date: Oct. 24-26, 2025

Celebrate Appalachian traditions at Mountain Makins Festival that celebrates the region. This folk festival celebrates the region's diverse cuisine, music, fine arts, dancing, and storytelling for an unforgettable, family-friendly festival. The event is hosted at the Rose Center, Morristown's cultural arts center. 

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible elevator, entrance, parking lot and restroom

Parking: Available in the courthouse parking lot on Jackson Street, several city lots downtown and streets surrounding the festival

Tickets: $15; $40 for Preview Party Oct. 24

Dollywood's Harvest Festival presented by Humana has been voted America's No. 1 Fall Family Event by USA Today readers. With the Great Smoky Mountains ablaze in fall color, enjoy apple and pumpkin treats, award-winning Great Pumpkin LumiNights larger-than-life pumpkin displays throughout the park and world-class artisans.

Accessibility: Dollywood offers extensive accessibility services, including wheelchair and ECV rentals, accessible restrooms, and detailed ride accessibility guidelines. Find comprehensive information on the park's website or contact guest services.

Parking: $25 with tax for all cars and motorcycles

Tickets: Included in general admission

Celebrate fall at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg during the Bear-Varian Fall Festival, a two-month culinary extravaganza that celebrates the sights, smells and tastes of the season with food, beer, cider and entertainment. Savor six 8-ounce pours of beer or cider from local and regional breweries. Indulge in pork schnitzel, smoked turkey legs, bratwurst and kraut, soft pretzels and the decadent chocolate cake funnel fries at Anakeesta's various restaurants.

Accessibility: Gondola cabins are 32″ wide and 49″ deep to accommodate both wheelchairs for your ride to the summit. Wheelchair accessible areas inclue Firefly Village shops, dining pavilion, Black Bear Village and scenic viewing platforms. Treetop Skywalk, AstraLumina and AnaVista Tower are not accessible by wheelchair

Parking: Paid paking available near the Chondola ride. Two city parking garages: across the street at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and at Traffic Light #3

Tickets: Bear-Varian Beer Tasting Card is $21.99 and includes your choice of 8 oz. beers from multiple locations around the park

Location: Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain - Gatlinburg, TN

Date: September - November 2025

Experience a Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain. The month-long celebration features German-inspired menus, live music, hay mountains and mazes to explore, a giant pumpkin carving festival, and more. Enjoy the fall color and mild weather in the plethora of outdoor spaces at this renowned Gatlinburg location.

Accessibility: The aerial tramway and most of the Mountaintop Park are wheelchair and scooter accessible, unless limited by individual ride restrictions. Attendant help is always readily available in all areas

Parking: $10 per vehicle downtown

Tickets: Included in general admission

Location: Boo Bash! at Gatlinburg SkyPark - Gatlinburg, TN

Date: Oct. 1-31, 2025

Come enjoy a family-friendly Halloween Boo Bash at Gatlinburg SkyPark. Enjoy the Smoky Mountains bursting in fall color and the beatufiul fall decor around the SkyPark. The Fall Fest features games, face paining, balloon artists, prize pack giveaways, live music and more. Both events are included in your regular ticket cost.

Accessibility: SkyLift, SkyDeck, SkyCenter, SkyTrail and the newest Clayton's Landing are wheelchair accessible. The SkyBridge is not wheelchair accessible. Guests can purchase Restricted Access tickets at the SkyPark ticket window

Parking: Paid parking is nearby at 510 River Road (not included in Gatlinburg SkyPark ticket)

Make your fall a musical one by listening to some of the top roots musicians in America during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. More than 130 artists perform on 20 stages hosted at various venues and on the streets of downtown Bristol. Enjoy live performances by 49 Winchester, Ashley McBryde, The Wallflowers, The Red Clay Strays and many more.

Parking: Free street parking around State Street and festival grounds. Look for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion parking signs for parking locations. Paid parking is available throughout the city. ADA parking is available at Regions Bank at the corner of Volunteer Parkway and Shelby Street. Shuttle service is available at several area hotels

Tickets: Weekend, Thursday kickoff show and day passes are on sale now

Location: Pumpkin Fest - Jonesborough, TN

Date: TBD

Pumpkin Fest takes place in downtown Jonesborough, kicking off a number of fall and Halloween-themed events. Take a stroll and pick up delicious pumpkin treats served by small businesses. There will also be a variety of family-friendly fall activities. The town will host additional fun fall festivals like Halloween Haunts & Happenings featuring trick-or-treating, games, scary-oke (spooky karaoke), a haunted house and more chills and thrills; Brews & Boos with storytellers, seasonal craft beer, hot cider and cocoa held in Jimmy Neil Smith Park, behind the International Storytelling Center; and Made Around Here Market full of locally made treasures.

Location: Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway - Bristol, TN

Date: Sept. 13, 2025

America's Night Race starts when the green flag flies at Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway. The most popular race in NASCAR attracts thousands of race fans to enjoy racing, heart-stopping finishes and clashes of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The world's fastest half-mile plays host to the top racers in the industry as they battle for top honors.

Accessibility: Must apply for accessible parking ahead of the event. Free ADA shuttle bus transportation, wheelchair accessible viewing is available in the Pearson and Waltrip grandstands and in the Earnhardt and Gordon terraces. Accompanying individuals may purchase reserved seats near designated wheelchair accessible viewing areas.

Parking: Ticketed parking. Available at the September Speedway Parking area across the street from the speedway and at the closest parking lot - North Premium Parking

Tickets: Weekend packages and single day Saturday Cup tickets are now available

Location: Fall Folk Arts Festival at Exchange Place Living History Farm - Kingsport, TN

Date: Sept. 27-28, 2025

Travel to Exchange Place Living History Farm in Kingsport where you can spend a perfect autumn weekend at the Fall Folk Arts Festival. This family-friendly event includes tasting kettle corn, Brunswick stew and apple butter, watching demonstrators, meeting live animals like Coswold sheep, Suffolk horses and cows, and hearing bluegrass bands and dulcimer players. Browse the harvest market where you'll find corn, pumpkins and squash for decorating. Watch demonstrations for vegetable dyeing, quilting, basket making, rope making, whittling, canning, blacksmithing, pottery and much more.

Parking: Limited parking on-site, shuttle bus will run from Mountain View United Methodist Church to Exchange Place

Tickets: $5 for guests over 12 years old

Location: Unicoi County Apple Festival - Erwin, TN

Date: Oct. 3-4, 2025

The Unicoi County Apple Festival takes place in charming downtown Erwin. More than 100,000 people from across the country come to the small town for the two-day event. The Apple Festival features more than 350 craft and food vendors, including a fried-to-order apple pie stand. There’s also a baking contest, road race, entertainment, a kid’s zone and other fun activities.

Parking: There are multiple parking lots throughout downtown Erwin that surround the Festival including free and fee-based parking.

Tickets: Free to the festival

Location: National Storytelling Festival - Jonesborough, TN

Date: Oct. 3-5, 2025

Travel to Jonesborough, the Storytelling Capital of the World, for the National Storytelling Festival, considered to be the most prestigious storytelling event in the U.S. Stories from around the world are told throughout the town featuring famous tellers like Donald Davis, Mary Gauthier, Kevin Kling, Minton Sparks and Regi Carpenter. Immerse yourself in the stories performed on stage and under tents. Ghost stories, the Yarnspinners' Party and pre-festival workshops and concerts are fan favorites.

Accessibility: A few, first-come, first-served accessible parking spaces are available on Festival grounds for guests who carry valid disabled parking credentials on their vehicle. If parking in town cannot be found, the driver can drop off their passengers at the Jonesborough Visitors Center, drive to Jonesborough Elementary School located at 306 Forest Drive and ride the shuttle back.

Parking: $5 per car. Park at Jonesborough Elementary School located at 306 Forest Drive, then ride a shuttle ($1 per person each way) to the Jonesborough Visitors Center where Festival Registration is located. The shuttle runs 8:30 a.m. Friday-Sunday.

Tickets: Various ticket options are available that you can customize based on your interests.

The Southern Heritage Classic will see a great football match-up between Alcorn State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff are heralded in with the Classic Concert featuring original compositions, jazz and popular classics with the Branford Marsalls Quartet - Belonging Tour at The Orpheum Theatre. The Classic Tailgate, Battle of the Bands and Fashions & Brunch start the festivities on Saturday before the big game. Don't miss the AutoZone Halftime Show featuring ASU's Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite and UAPB's Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South

Parking: $15. Parking lots open 8 a.m. General parking can be accessed via Access 7 and Access 11 

Tickets: Tickets for the various events are available at SouthernHeritageClassic.com

Location: Cooper-Young Festival - Memphis, TN

Date: Sept. 13, 2025

One of Memphis’ most popular outdoor celebrations, Cooper-Young Festival celebrates the people, culture, heritage and arts of the city and hosts more than 130,000 people each year. Live music, arts, hand-crafted goods, shopping, dining specials, local brews and family-friendly activities are planned for the festival.

Parking: Street parking is available

Tickets: The event is free

Location: GonerFest at Wiseacre on Broad and Overton Park Shell - Memphis, TN

Date: Sept. 25-28, 2025

Gonerfest 22 will host bands, MCs and DJs from Memphis and around the world as a celebration of music at Memphis’ iconic Goner Records. Don’t miss the African desert blues collective Etran de L’Air, Japanese garage punks Angel Face and Split System, Gee Tee, Michael Beach and RFMC from Australia. Attendees come from over 40 U.S. states and 11 countries. It’s sure to be a great time of listening and celebrating creativity through music.

Accessibility at Wiseacre on Broad: Fully accessible

Accessibility at Overton Park Shell: 100% wheelchair accessible

Parking at Wiseacre on Broad: Available along the railroad track side of the property. If the lot is full, additional parking can be found on Cumberland Street with easy access to the entrance via the shipping container bridge

Parking at Overton Park Shell: Free parking throughout Overton Park

Tickets: Tickets are available now

Location: Pumpkin Village at Discovery Park of America - Union City, TN

Date: Oct. 1-31, 2025

Marvel at the giant pumpkins and gorgeous fall flowers curated by local florists and pumpkin growers in West Tennessee and the West Kentucky region as they set up their own vignettes throughout The Settlement on the grounds of Discovery Park of America. The Pumpkin Village will include pumpkins, mums, gourds, hay bales and corn in seasonal displays that are creative and photo-worthy. 

Accessibility: Exhibits, restaurants, attractions and retail spaces are wheelchair accessible

Parking: Free, on-site

Tickets: Free with park admission

Location: Mempho Music Festival at Memphis Botanic Garden's Radians Amphitheater - Memphis, TN

Date: Oct. 3-5, 2025

World-class musicians and artists from a wide range of genres will take the stage during Mempho Music Festival at the beautiful Memphis Botanic Garden. Get ready for live music and a unique artistic experience in the Incendia Dome, an interactive event space in a geodesic structure with propane flame effects. Inside, the hottest DJs in Memphis bump music that'll get you dancing under the warm glow. The 2025 lineup includes Widespread Panic, Tyler Childers, Father John Misty, The Flaming Lips, Sierra Ferrell, Charley Crockett and many more.

Accessibility: All entrances are accessible; accessible viewing area is at the Adams Keegan Stage and Zyn Stage; and accessible restrooms are near the entrance and stages

Parking: Various parking options for VIP and GA parking. VIP parking is included in the VIP pass. General Admission ticket holders can park for free in the lots off Perkins Extd or can purchase Premium Parking located near the VIP lot

Tickets: 3-Day passes, 2-Day passes and single day general admission are now on sale

Location: Memphis Zoo Boo and Zootoberfest - Memphis, TN

Zootoberfest Date: Every Saturday and Sunday in October and first Saturday and Sunday in November 2025

Zoo Boo Date: Select nights Oct. 10-31, 2025

Memphis Zoo's Zoo Boo is fun for the whole family costumes and trick-or-treat bags for sweets and more fun during the Stranger Things-themed event. The zoo also hosts Zootoberfest where guests can purchase a commemorative stein to sip local beers from while they enjoy a fall afternoon at the zoo.

Accessibility: Most attractions, exhibits and restrooms are wheelchair accessible

Parking:  $10 in main lot. Accessible parking is available in the main parking lot on a first-come, first-serve basis

Tickets: Zootoberfest and Zoo Boo are included with Zoo general admission

Location: Reelfoot Lake Pelican Festival at Reelfoot Lake State Park - Tiptonville, TN

Date: October 2025

Climb into a canoe and have your own National Geographic experience during the Reelfoot Lake Pelican Festival at Reelfoot Lake State Park. See pelicans up close as they feed and thrive among Reelfoot Lake that has an unmatched ecosystem. The 15,000-acre lake is the only naturally-made lake in Tennessee. Craft vendors, an art and photo contest, and bird of prey programs are featured events at the annual festival.

Accessibility: Reelfoot Lake State Park has a number of accessiblity features including adult-sized changing tables, all-terrain wheelchairs and more. Check out the full list of details.

Parking: Parking is located throughout the park

Tickets: To be announced

Location: Casey Jones Village Festival at Casey Jones Village - Jackson, TN

Date: October 2025

The annual Casey Jones Village Festival features children's games, arts and crafts, and live music. Food vendors and local businesses will be in attendance, providing a one-stop shopping experience of local shops and businesses. Guest will be able to utilize the Festival Passport, where they will receive a special treat upon completing visits to locations throughout the village, including the Casey Jones, Train Museum and the Art In The Village art gallery. The event is free to attend, however certain vendors may charge, such as food for the petting zoo.

Accessibility: Contact Casey Jones Village for accessibility details

Parking: Ample, free parking on-site

Location: River Arts Festival - Memphis, TN

Date: Oct. 18-19, 2025

Marvel at the art made and displayed by more than 150 artists in Memphis during the River Arts Festival. Enjoy performing arts throughout the festival including opera, performances from Tennessee Shakespeare Company and Hattiloo Theatre, symphony, Memphis ChoralArts and so much more. Create your own masterpiece as a festival keepsake at the free and hands-on art station.

Accessibility: The festival is ADA accessible

Parking: Paid parking is available throughout downtown Memphis. Consider these garages:

Shoppers Garage – 85 N. Front Street

Mud Island Garage – 125 N Front St

Court Square Garage – 160 Court Avenue

Tickets: $10 single-day tickets, $15 for two-day tickets, $5 for children 6-17 years old