It’s hard to believe there’s only two months left of 2026. Close out the year with a bang with these activity ideas in Nashville, from stargazing to food competitions.
⭐ Gaze at the Stars
Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory wants Nashville to look up this month, with heaps of stargazing events at their newly renovated space. Take in views from their telescopes on select nights, or attend a public star party. Dyer is also hosting live music from the Nashville Opera and Nashville Jazz Workshop, as well as an evening of conversation about how astronomy can change the way we see the world. Events vary in cost from free to $30+, and spots tend to fill up fast.
🕯️Honoring Late Loved Ones
This weekend, Cheekwood’s 26th annual Día de los Muertos festival will feature music, local Latine food vendors, and craft-making. While Cheekwood’s on-site parking is full during the event, they’re offering an off-site option. The Nashville City Cemetery is also hosting its inaugural Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 1 with “bright marigolds, beautiful altars, and heartfelt remembrance.” Mexican and Latin American eateries like Alebrije and Tantísimo can help your food-based commemorations over the weekend. Remember: The holiday is much more than so-called “candy skulls,” a fact particularly exemplified at Spanish-language Catholic masses that will be honoring All Souls and All Saints Days.
🦃 Where To Gobble Down Dinner, Without the Dishes
If you’re not thawing your own turkey for days this year, plenty of Nashville eateries are open on Thanksgiving. If you still want to feel like you’re eating in someone’s home, Monell’s is open; so are Loveless, Puckett’s, and Southall Farm & Inn. Other faves like Sally’s Stay Awhile, The Chloe, Blue Aster, and Adele’s are all open, too. Lots of Italian spots are also working Turkey Day — from Pelato and its sister restaurant Luogo, to Yolan, Ophelia’s, and Trattoria Il Mulino. Wherever you go, tip your servers well!
🍽️ More Foodie Fun
There’s plenty of foodie fun in Nashville this month beyond Thanksgiving.
- Up your campfire cooking game with Outdoor Nashville on Nov. 6 at Bells Bend Park.
- Watch a heated battle between some of Nashville’s top chefs at Iron Fork 2026 on Nov. 12 (with unlimited bites from 20 local restaurants).
- Treat your tastebuds at the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America: Nashville event on Nov. 19, with heaps of food stations celebrating our culinary community. We’re a sponsor, so come say hi!
- Take a cooking class.
- Give back by volunteering at local food banks, prepping meals, and delivering food boxes. Search the Hands On Nashville calendar for volunteer opportunities and sort by “Food Insecurity.”
🥾 Hiking Trails Perfect for Digesting Turkey
Need a reason to get outside before the turkey hits the table? Middle Tennessee has hiking trails for all ages, from a short nature walk with kiddos to a full day adventure.
- Radnor Lake State Park: The lake trail is perfect for the whole family, because you can turn around at any time. This scenic loop is about 3 miles with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, especially wild turkeys!
- Beaman Park: With your dog on a leash, the 2-mile Henry Hollow Loop Trail may be the best hike to go solo with your best furry friend.
- Warner Parks: The Mossy Ridge Trail is great for gossip … meaning you won’t be huffing and puffing too much on this moderate 4.5 mile loop, so get out there and share a few family secrets.
- Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park: The free museum explores the ancient Native American earthworks, and short trails along the Duck and Little Duck rivers offer a chance to stretch your legs and reflect on what you're thankful for. It’s great for the whole family!
