The Ultimate Guide to Fall in Nashville and Knoxville, TN

Fall in Tennessee is a season like no other. Crisp mornings, changing leaves, and a lineup of local traditions make Nashville and Knoxville the perfect places to enjoy autumn. Whether you’re new to the area, planning a move, or simply looking for the best seasonal activities, our guide has you covered. From lively festivals to scenic hikes, here are the top things to do this fall in Nashville and Knoxville.

🎶 Fall Festivals & Events

Nashville

• Pilgrimage Festival – This beloved music and arts festival in Franklin (just outside Nashville) at Harlinsdale Farm from September 27–28, 2025.

• Oktoberfest – Nashville’s Germantown comes alive with steins of beer, live music, and traditional German food at Bicentennial Mall, October 2–5, 2025.

• PumpkinFest – Franklin’s historic Main Street transforms with pumpkins, costumes, and family-friendly activities on October 25, 2025.
  
  

Knoxville

• Oktoberfest at Schulz Bräu Brewing – Authentic German beer and brats in Knoxville’s favorite Bavarian-style beer garden from September 20 – October 12, 2025.

• Greek Fest – Experience delicious Greek cuisine, cultural dances, and live music at one of Knoxville’s most anticipated annual events, September 26–28, 2025.
  
  

🎃 Pumpkin Patches

• Cheekwood Harvest (Nashville) – Wander through gorgeous gardens, pumpkin houses, and seasonal displays at this Nashville favorite.

• Deep Well Farm Corn Maze (Knoxville) – A family tradition complete with a sprawling corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking.
  
  

🐎 Horseback Riding

• Natchez Trace Stables (Nashville) – Enjoy guided trail rides through one of Tennessee’s most scenic historic routes.

• Jayell Ranch (Knoxville) – A mountain adventure destination offering horseback riding, ziplining, and ATV trails with breathtaking fall foliage views.
  
  

🏈 Football Watch Parties

Fall in Tennessee means football. Whether you’re cheering for the Titans, Vols, or your favorite college team, these spots are local favorites:

• Sonny’s Patio Pub (Nashville) – A go-to hangout for game days with big screens, great food, and lively crowds.

• Yee-Haw Brewing Co. (Knoxville) – Known for its energetic atmosphere, plenty of TVs, and seasonal brews perfect for fall football weekends.
  
  

🌲 Scenic Fall Hikes

• Percy Warner & Edwin Warner Parks (Nashville) – Miles of wooded trails where you can take in vibrant foliage just minutes from downtown.

• Ijams Nature Center (Knoxville) – A 300-acre urban nature preserve with trails, lakes, and incredible fall views.
  
  

Planning a Move to Tennessee?

If you’re visiting and considering calling Tennessee home, fall is the perfect time to explore what life here has to offer. From Nashville’s bustling neighborhoods to Knoxville’s welcoming communities, there’s no shortage of reasons to love living here.

Check out our full resource: Moving to Tennessee: Everything You Need to Know.

More Fall Inspiration

Looking for even more seasonal ideas? Don’t miss last year’s guide: The Ultimate Nashville Fall Guide: Festivals, Apple Picking, and Halloween Bars.

Whether you’re sipping cider at a pumpkin patch, taking in live music at a festival, or hiking trails lined with fall foliage, Nashville and Knoxville shine brightest in the autumn season. Use this guide to plan your weekends, enjoy Tennessee traditions, and discover why so many people choose to call this state home.