What to Do For Halloween in Nashville – Tips from a Local

Fun Halloween in Nashville with my wife
The Ultimate Nashville Travel Guide

'A Local's Guide to Nashville : Hidden Gems, Local Secrets, and Expert Tips for Crafting an Unforgettable First Trip,' is your ultimate insider's guide to unlocking the secrets of Music City! Crafted by two Nashville natives who have spent years immersed in this dynamic, music-loving city, this comprehensive 250+ page guidebook is your key to experiencing Nashville like a true local. Plan your entire trip from start to finish!

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    A Deep Dive Into Some of the City’s Best Halloween Celebrations

    Autumn in Nashville paints a picture of colorful foliage, a gentle dip in temperatures, and the much-anticipated, cozy ambiance of sweater weather. 

    Trees transition from bright green to hues of gold and crimson, and there’s an invigorating chill in the air — all of which comes together to set the scene for a very special season: Halloween.

    In Nashville, Halloween is more than just an evening: it’s a full-blown celebration that combines tradition, frightful adventures, and a shared community spirit. Everywhere you look, the spirit of Halloween takes over: from bars dressing up their exteriors with cobwebs and lanterns to breweries introducing seasonal pumpkin ales and hosting haunted tours.

    Looking for the best way to celebrate the spooky season? Halloween in Nashville has your back. 

    Nashville Halloween
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    The Unique Essence of Halloween in Nashville

    The allure of Halloween in Nashville lies in its blend of Southern charm combined with the city’s signature vibrant music scene. 

    No matter where you look, the celebrations are an eclectic mix of the historic and the contemporary. Music City morphs into Mystery City during this time — with sounds and spooks resonating through haunted tours, festivals, and moonlit events. 

    Centered around authentic experiences, local legends, and, of course, some good ole Nashville music, Halloween in Nashville is a symphony of treats.

    Recommended Halloween Activities in Nashville

    As autumn leaves crunch beneath your feet and the air fills with an unmistakable crispness, there’s no denying that Nashville comes alive with a plethora of Halloween festivities. Drenched in Southern charm, the city rolls out a delightful mix of activities for both horror fiends and family-friendly enthusiasts alike to partake in the festivities. 

    Here’s a curated list of the must-experience events that epitomize the spirit of Halloween in the heart of Music City:

    1. Haunted Museum Storytelling Festival at the Tennessee State Museum

    Date: October 28

    Happening at the Tennessee State Museum, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Haunted Museum Storytelling Festival. Perfect for history buffs and ghost story enthusiasts alike, settle in as you listen to tales told by professional storytellers and enjoy an afternoon filled with prizes, games, and more! 

    Then, as the sun begins to set, treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind visit as you explore the museum’s haunted history with after-dark tours.

    2. El Dia de los Muertos at Cheekwood

    Date: October 28 – 29

    Bringing the traditions of Mexico and Latin America to Nashville, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens hosts an annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration every year. Traditionally, the event features live performances, traditional food, art activities, and the opportunity for guests to assemble their own ofrenda (altar) to honor ancestors and family members who have passed.

    Cheekwood Halloween
    We love going to Cheekwood in the fall!
    Cheekwood Nashville
    The perfect spot to enjoy your pumpkin spiced latte.

    The event tends to fill up, so make sure you secure your tickets beforehand!

    3. Demons on Demonbreun at Tin Roof

    Date: October 28

    Nashville’s biggest and longest-running annual Halloween party, Demons on Demonbreun takes over Tin Roof for a spook-filled bash that includes live music, DJ sets, and a costume contest with a $500 prize — so start prepping your best look now if you want to win big.

    One of the most popular things to do at Halloween in Nashville, the party is ticket-only. This means you’re better off planning ahead if you want to secure entry before the place fills up. 

    4. Pumpkin patches & corn mazes

    Date: Running through October 31

    If you’re looking for family-friendly fun away from the parties and the jumpscares, Halloween in Nashville also has you covered. On one hand, there are the pumpkin patches — all of which pair perfectly with a nice mulled wine or pumpkin spice latte. From picking out your own pumpkin to snapping some shots for the ‘gram, some of the most popular destinations for this include Lucky Ladd Farms and Walden Pumpkin Farm.

    Then, there are also the corn mazes. Enjoy a day of putting your sense of direction to the test at spots like Honeysuckle Hill Farm, and get ready for a thrilling adventure amidst the cornstalks. Make sure you leave some room to enjoy the farm’s Hillbilly Pig Races, Singin’ Chicken Show, and their signature Pumpkin Cannon!

    People at a pumpkin patch
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    5. PumpkinFest Fall Festival in Franklin

    Date: October 28

    The perfect day out inspired by pumpkin-flavored drinks, family-friendly activities, costume contests, and a perfect fall ambiance, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s PumpkinFest is the perfect place to get into the Halloween spirit! Whether you’re looking for some special autumn-themed crafts, want to bring your kids (and pets) along for some special activities, or simply want to immerse yourself in Nashville culture — the festival is for you.

    For the adults, a stop by the festival’s whiskey lounge is a must.

    Pumpkinfest
    Our favorite Nashville Halloween tradition!

    6. Devil’s Dungeon by Slashville

    Date: Running through November 4

    Love horror and haunted houses? Devil’s Dungeon can’t be missed. Known as one of Nashville’s scariest haunted houses, the attraction first opened its doors in 2000 — and it’s been scaring visitors ever since. With immersive sets, blood-drenched monsters, and some pretty nifty technology coming together to create the most horrifying experience imaginable, you’re guaranteed a scare.

    Grab your tickets online if you’re brave enough… but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

    7. Boo at the Zoo at the Nashville Zoo

    Date: October 13 – 29

    A family-friendly event, Boo at the Zoo is one of Nashville’s largest Halloween parties. Hosted at the Nashville Zoo, it provides a safe environment for kids to trick or treat, enjoy hayrides, and engage in other fun-filled activities like pumpkin painting, nightly animal shows, and live music. 

    The enchanting backdrop of the zoo under the October moonlight adds to its magical appeal, making the entire experience a night to remember. Purchase your tickets in advance, and make sure you and your kids don your best costumes!

    Parent and toddler tick-or-treating
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    Why Nashville is Your Halloween Destination

    There’s no place quite like Nashville in the fall — especially around Halloween. During October, the city strikes the perfect balance between fright and fun, making it the perfect destination for solo travelers, couples, and families looking for something exciting to do.

    And what better way to make the most of your time in Nashville than to find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs? With locations in the heart of town, Nashville Luxury Stay is your go-to for a comfortable and unforgettable stay. 

    Ready to enjoy the kind of rest you dream of after a day of spooky adventures? With a fully-equipped kitchen, cozy bedrooms, comfortable living spaces for you and your own to enjoy, and music-inspired decor to help you soak up the essence of Nashville under one roof, we’re all about providing exceptional service that’ll help you feel at home. 

    Halloween in Nashville awaits! Book your stay with us today and get ready to experience the best of this holiday like never before. 

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    Meet Kush & Ana

    Nashville Enthusiasts

    We are Kush & Ana Ratwani. We moved to Nashville in 2020 for Kush’s fellowship at Vanderbilt. When we moved here, the once vibrant music city, full of aspiring songwriters trying to be the next Carrie Underwood and pedal taverns full of brides to be was in a state of hibernation due to COVID. However, that was short-lived, and Nashville is now back to full speed! 

    We have loved living in Nashville so much so over the last few years that we even got married here in 2021! We feel Nashville has so much to offer, and it would take months to experience everything. From boutique shops to James Beard award-winning restaurants, who can forget live music every night on Broadway?

    We started “Grits & Grace” to blog about all of our favorite spots, highlighting why we love Nashville and why we firmly believe it’s the best city in the country! 

    Let us be your local tour guides on your journey to the Music City. 

    Kush & Ana Ratwani

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