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City Cast Nashville

Margaret Littman

Ready to test your knowledge on all things autumnal in Nashville? Take this week’s crossword!

Margaret Kingsbury

Fall break begins Friday for public school students in Nashville. Here’s your guide to having a great fall break, from day camps to free kid-friendly activities.

Several local day camps still have openings. MNPS has camps at 

, while YMCA’s FunCo is offering programs at 

 have week-long programs for drama kids. The Nashville Police Activities League has a 

The Nashville Public Library has heaps of 

 during fall break for kids of all ages, from 

These upcoming free festivals have lots of activities for kids: 

,” a play based on the book by Sharon Creech, which MNPS fourth graders are reading this year. Or check out “

” at the Nashville Children’s Theatre.

Visit museums with fun children’s areas, like 

🛝 More Nashville Playgrounds

Fall break begins Friday for Nashville kids. Here’s your local fall break activity guide.

Fall Break Tips for Nashville Kids

Your Fall Break Guide for Nashville Kids

Insights into activities, places, and things for Nashville’s kids and their caregivers.

For Nashville's Kids

For the Kids

Dolly Parton fans looking for a fun fall vacation should consider heading to the queen’s hometown — Sevierville, TN. Not only is fall the best time of year to visit the Smoky Mountains, but the town has lots of ways to remember her legacy. Here’s our guide!

 because each room has a full kitchen and there are heaps of kid activities, like an onsite daily fall festival and indoor and outdoor waterparks. However, 

 looks amazing (apparently it’s the world’s first!), and 

Your first stop should be Dolly’s iconic statue in downtown Sevierville. Plus, this month the town is launching a Dolly-themed free, 

, which includes a stop at the former theater where Dolly played her first paying gig.

The Smoky Mountains is also celebrating its annual 

 with themed displays at participating businesses, seasonal treats, and a 

, take pics of all the cool fall decor, and give 

If this sounds like too much walking, take a scenic 

 to enjoy the Smoky’s fall colors. There are eight driving tour options, and many have opportunities to get out and stretch your legs. On the 

Celebrate 50 years of the Apple Barn at its annual 

 on Oct. 9-11. Don’t forget to grab some apple ice cream and fried apple pies! Celebrate Halloween at downtown Sevierville’s 

 festival on Oct. 22. Get your chocolate on at the 

 race to earn money for local nonprofits on Oct. 31. Here’s a list of 

🎢 And don’t forget to go to Dollywood!

Dolly Parton fans looking for a fun fall vacation should consider heading to the queen’s hometown — Sevierville, TN.

Fall Trip Idea: Celebrate Dolly Parton in Sevierville, TN

Take a Fall Trip to Dolly Parton’s Hometown of Sevierville, TN

Everything to know about Nashville neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Nashville Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Toby Rose

For our October installment of Nashville Nights, writer Toby Rose gives her top picks of restaurants and shows for exploring both the silly and gothic sides of Halloween.

Audrey Hobert incorporates costumes and stilts into her bubblegum pop set, which 

 tomorrow night, Oct. 6. Her shows land in that sweet spot between satire and spectacle, and I heard from a reputable source that Hobert has no opener. She also plays her hit “Sue Me” twice — once so fans can record it on their phones, and again to fully savor — creating a cosmic feminine scene.

 in Sylvan Park, where bubbly groups of girlypops cluster inside a 1930’s house, giving the restaurant a slumber party vibe. Their crab claws are drenched in a perfectly high proportion of butter. Order those twice — once to capture on your phone, and again to fully savor.

When I took my son to see Jeff Kinney, I surprisingly had as much fun as he did. The bestselling “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” author’s live show is a fast-paced combination of music and trivia that caters to Gen Alpha’s jumpy little attention spans. 

Kinney’s currently touring for his latest book

, and you’ll be a household hero if you snag tickets to see him at Vanderbilt on Saturday, Oct. 24.

 for dinner, because you won’t have to bug your kids about using their utensils in a hand roll restaurant. I ordered The Signature Set — a meticulously seasoned collection of four fresh rolls. While I was gabbing away, I let a roll sit for too long … and the chef insisted on replacing it with a new one. I’ve never felt so cared for in a restaurant!

Another spot that puts serious care into their food is 

 in Madison, often called Lindo’s by locals. The family-owned Mexican restaurant is bright and cozy, packed with charm and flavor. I tried a few of the chorizo, shrimp, and asada tacos — which come with pico and fresh radishes — and can’t wait to return.

, open now through Nov. 13, is the biggest thrill in town. The haunted house is an entertaining litmus test to see how you fare under pressure. Would you crumble around zombies, or stay the course? Afterwards, walk over to 

 for a nightcap. Even if you’re not a pool shark, perch on the wooden bleachers to experience the best people-watching in town.

More haunted houses to try

​​Enjoy a great Nashville night out with our picks for dinner and a show in October.


3 Ideas for the Perfect Nashville Night in October 2026

Nashville Nights: Dinner and a Show Picks for October 2026

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Nashville. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Nashville Food & Drink

Food & Drink

 will strap on their skates for a Halloween-themed scrimmage-a-thon — 

 — at The Fairgrounds. Skaters are dressing up as Mothman, Bigfoot, and other cryptids for this longstanding derby tradition making its Nashville debut. Ahead of the game, I spoke with two skaters to learn more about the Nashville Roller Derby.

How did you get started in the Nashville Roller Derby, and what do you love most about it?

Elita One: “I found roller derby in 2015 and was hooked right away. What started as a fun way to stay active turned into a community I can't imagine my life without. Derby brings together people from every walk of life, and we all show up for each other because we love the sport. When I moved to Nashville, finding the local league was one of the first things I did. It's the best way I know to make friends fast and feel at home in a new city.”

Brannan #24: “I started skating roller derby in Nashville when I was 11 years old with the 

 team, back when I was spending most of my weekends at the 

. Lots of my teammates were daughters of Nashville's adult team skaters, and so many of them volunteered their time to coach us and share their expertise. The roller derby community raised me to feel empowered, like I could accomplish anything with hard work and dedication. Maybe that's corny and simplistic, but as a young lady in the South, I was often discouraged from certain activities, interests, styles, attitudes, and spaces. Roller derby gave me courage, and I now bring that to all facets of my life.”

Is there anything that makes this league particularly Nashville?

Elita One: “Southern hospitality, for sure! When we travel, other teams tell us how welcoming and kind our skaters are, and they love having us because we're good sports, win or lose. Our roster is also a great snapshot of Nashville itself: longtime locals, people who've moved here from all over the country, and students who came to town for school.”

Brannan #24: “Our longstanding history! Established in 2006, we're one of the oldest recognized flat track roller derby teams in the country and have never disbanded. We're also lucky enough to have the largest, bestest, and most knowledgeable skate shop in the country, 

, one of our longstanding sponsors. They've kept us ready and rolling for decades and are an unrivaled institution in the skating community. Nashville Roller Derby has evolved alongside the sport and seen many eras of rule changes, leadership turnovers, and venue losses, but our foundations remain unshaken! I assure you, we're entering our best era yet!”

How can people get involved in roller derby?

Elita One: “There's a spot for everyone, whether you want to skate, officiate, volunteer, or just cheer from the sidelines. No experience is needed to start. Reach out at 

, or find us on social media @nashvillerollerderby. And coming out to 

 on Oct. 3 is a great way to see what it's all about!”

🛼 Learn more about the team

 Ahead of their Halloween scrimmage, we interview two skaters from the Nashville Roller Derby.

 3 Questions With the Nashville Roller Derby

The Nashville Roller Derby Celebrates Halloween

What Nashville celebrities, public figures and key citizens have to say about living here.

3 Questions With Nashville Public Figures

3 Questions With

  Rachel Iacovone

Marie Cecile Anderson

Whitney Pastorek

, our brutal summer heat has now cooled down, and Halloween season is upon us. Here are the City Cast Nashville team’s picks for the 

Nashville loves scary movies, or at least we do this month! Catch a free movie and popcorn at 

 on the patio at Honeytree Meadery, or head to Franklin for 

, running all month featuring movies like “The Shining,” “Misery,” “Psycho,” and more. The Belcourt’s 

 brings horror classics back to the big screen, while 

 hosts outdoor movie nights for ages 21 and up Oct. 22-24, featuring “Obsession,” “Hocus Pocus,” and “Scream.” Catch the free 

 on Oct. 3-4 at Regal in Green Hills. Creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson’s short film “Manifested” screens in block 3 on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.!

🧶 Get Hooked on the Tennessee Craft Fair

Or maybe crafting is more your scene. The 

 runs Oct. 9 through 11 at Centennial Park. It’s a great place to support local artists, get a head start on holiday shopping, and stock up on all your crafting needs. It’s considered one of the best craft fairs in the nation. There will be around 200 vendors, lots of food trucks, and a children’s crafting tent. It also has free admission!

. If you’ve never been to Bridgestone Arena for a Preds game, we promise it’s worth the trip — even if you know nothing about hockey. Grab a sweater and give it a try! And 

 continues its record-breaking season with a playoff spot already clinched. They’ve got two home games this month, and remember: 

Chow down at cultural food fests like the 

 at Bearded Iris a couple weeks later. We’re also excited to check out 

 in Wedgewood-Houston. (Check out our recent 

 not too far from there in Berry Hill, but this will be more of a market for picking up dry goods in addition to baked treats.

👻 More October Activities

October is here, which means it's time for fall fests, scary movies, and festivals. Here's our Nashville October guide.

The Best Things To Do in Nashville in October 2026

Your Guide to Nashville in October 2026

Find the best of everything that Nashville has to offer.

Nashville’s Best

Nashville's Best

 building can still be found in Wedgewood-Houston, it feels like every time I blink there’s a new hot spot opening. Here’s your guide to spending a day in Wedgewood-Houston. (And listen, respectfully, I refuse to call it WeHo.)

, where the breakfast burrito will easily give you enough fuel to last you until lunch. Or head over to 

 for a Palestinian-inspired menu with lattes, matchas, and sweet and savory bites, like sabah toast and a Dubai chocolate croissant.

Now that you’re sufficiently caffeinated, it’s time to shop ‘til you drop. 

 is one of Nashville’s newest independent bookstores, and has a wonderful selection of recent hits and classics, with a staff more than willing to chat about their favorites. 

 is a recently opened grab-and-go market, where you can stock up on snacks, produce, and other goodies. Their patio is a great place to hang out (and maybe read a book from Bell Bird).

Grab a portable meal for your journey at 

. Their Italian deli sandwiches get bonus points for having so many veg-friendly and gluten-free options. Or, if you’ve got some time, sit down and split a pie at 

. The patio is especially nice this time of year.

After lunch, take yourself on a neighborhood art tour. While you’ll see plenty of murals and art installations (like The Finery’s 

) walking around, Wedgewood-Houston has perhaps the highest concentration of galleries in Nashville, like the 

. Make sure to check hours before stopping by. On the first Saturday of every month, there’s a 

The ultimate Wedgewood-Houston dinner is at 

, but if you forgot to make that reservation several weeks in advance, 

 serves the restaurant’s fan-favorite (and surprisingly filling) nachos — offered with smoked pork or vegetarian chorizo. If you want a sit-down meal at a locally owned joint, try 

After relocating in 2025, 20-year-old gay bar 

 now calls the neighborhood home, and it’s always packed at night. If you’d prefer a calmer way to end the night, coffeeshop-by-day 

 will serve you a coffee cocktail on a velvet couch. Or support one of Nashville’s last-standing craft breweries, 

, across the street. (In the fall, keep an eye out for a chai version of their beloved Bear Walker maple brown ale!)

A local’s guide to 12 South

Wedgewood-Houston is one of Nashville's fastest-changing and hippest neighborhoods. Here's your guide.

Your Neighborhood Guide to Wedgewood-Houston

How To Spend a Day in Wedgewood-Houston

Fall is here, which means it’s pumpkin patch time! My family and I go to a different one every year. Some are pretty basic, while others are like Halloween-themed amusement parks. Here are my picks for the best pumpkin patches and fall festivals in the Nashville area.

 This fall festival has a ton of activities, especially for kids: playgrounds, a corn maze, wagon ride tours, tire swings, farm animals, and more. Don’t miss the delicious pumpkin bread. If you only want pumpkins, no need to buy a ticket. The corn maze can get dusty, so avoid wearing open-toed shoes or really nice clothes. This is the best bang-for-your-buck fall festival, since most activities are included in the ticket price.

 With 40+ activities for kids, Lucky Ladd Farms is the amusement park of pumpkin patches. Visit zoo animals, ride a pony, milk cows, go down a giant slide, and mine gems. They have activities all year round, so if you live close enough, it’s probably worth springing for a season pass. It can get crowded, and some activities cost extra.

 If you only want a pumpkin (or three), mums, and a fall-themed selfie, this farm stand is the place for you. It’s right across from the White Bridge Road Target. I purchase my pumpkins here every year. They also have a few games for kids (pumpkin bowling, anyone?), but it’s mostly just a quick stop.

This fall festival has all the classic activities like corn mazes, tractor rides, and kid activities, but unlike other festivals, it also has live music, a sunflower field, and for extra cost, hot-air balloon and pony rides (not at the same time). It’s a lovely location, right on the Harpeth River and surrounded by forest.

 With fair swings, a carousel, and a bungee trampoline, this pumpkin patch also has an amusement park feel. It’s a bit quirkier than the other fall festivals, with singing chickens, pumpkin cannons, pig races, and mechanical bulls. Plus, they have fireworks some nights! Kids will have a blast, but it does get loud, as a warning. A lot of activities cost extra.

🎃 Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating

From corn mazes to sunflower fields and hot-air balloon rides, here are the best pumpkin patches and fall festivals in Nashville. 

5 of the Best Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals Near Nashville

The Best Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals in Nashville

Hungry? Nashville has so many excellent new restaurants and bars opening every month. Here are our favorites!

This farmhouse-inspired new restaurant is bringing modern Southern cuisine to Whites Creek. Be sure to try their signature Big Oak Burger and chicken and waffles.

Wedgewood-Houston’s new corner store and sandwich shop hopes to become a neighborhood hangout spot. Grab a 

 and hit up their patio now that the weather’s nice. It’s 

Wedgewood-Houston is also getting a new coffee shop. Originally launched in Clarksville, Asulon Collective aims to cultivate connection through craft coffee. In addition to the café, Asulon will also have mobile coffee bars.

This 16-seat French bistro run by the folks behind East Nashville’s 

 opens in Donelson on Monday, Sept. 28. Some of the recipes come from 

co-owner Philippine Maillard’s grandmother

. The menu includes crepes, omelets, and quiche, with plenty of gluten-free and vegan dishes.

Green Hills’ latest upscale restaurant serves house-made pasta, pizza, and Italian entrees like chicken parmigiana and bistecca. The decor is bright with wallpaper that looks straight out of a fairy tale.

I missed this family-owned South Nashville coffee shop over by ThriftSmart when it opened in July. The peaceful decor features cream walls and lots of greenery, while pastries, lunch bowls, and smoothies are served alongside plenty of coffee options.

Florida-based Nigel’s Bananas recently opened its first Tennessee location in Hillsboro Village. Snag chocolate-dipped bananas with elaborate toppings. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

Nashville’s newest boba tea place has found a home in The Nations. This chain also serves sweet treats and popcorn chicken.

Downtown Nashville has landed this popular taco chain, which has its 

 on Friday, Sept. 25. The celebration will have live music, and the first 100 people will receive a free order of birria tacos.

Centennial Park now has an on-site restaurant! The 

 and includes charcuterie boards, pimento sandwiches, and soft-serve ice cream. Personally, I’m excited to see several gluten-free and vegan options on the menu. Proceeds from the nonprofit cafe will benefit the Centennial Park Conservancy.

This Tennessee Brewery has opened a second Nashville location in the former home of Southern Grist, right by Nicky’s Coal-Fired in The Nations. Expect green velvet lounge chairs, horror-themed art, and taproom exclusives.

East Nashville has landed another LGBTQ+ bar! Girlcrush is owned by the twin sisters behind the 

, and the bar will host local queer musicians plus other community events. Check out their 

This New York City favorite has opened inside East Nashville’s Lakeside Lounge, serving delicious Ukrainian food. It’s open daily, and 

 includes pierogi, kielbasa, latkes, and much more.

We’ve got another contender for best hot chicken in Nashville. Chef and owner Chen Chen was born in China, raised in Nashville, but later moved to Toronto, where he first opened this restaurant. Now he’s returned to Nashville. His hot chicken infuses Asian flavors with the Nashville culinary tradition.

Grab yourself some chicken katsu and spicy poke bowls at this Antioch Hawaiian barbecue joint, which is part of a chain that launched in O‘ahu in 1952. This is its first Tennessee location.

Looking for something more upscale? Serrato’s has expanded from Williamson County to its first Nashville location in One Bellevue Place. You’ll find hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine selection.

Nashville’s first Colombian coffee shop is now open in Midtown! In addition to coffee choices like golden honey and cardamom rose lattes, you’ll find Latin-inspired brunch options and Colombian sweet treats. It’s a beautiful, inviting space.

 has opened this exclusive, 14-seat European-inspired spot in the Neuhoff District. It’s only open three days a week, Tuesday through Thursday, with a menu centered on seafood specialties like a squid-ink crepe and tuna belly. Cauponor also has an extensive wine list.

Located inside L&L Market in West Nashville, Hattori Nori is the city’s first handroll sushi bar. After his success with local catering company 

, local chef Art Stacks decided to open his first restaurant. The menu and design are an 

This 21+ restaurant in Hillsboro Village offers craft cocktails and elevated tapas. Designed for a sexy vibe, they ask customers to dress in “stylish, fashion-forward attire.” Menu items include oysters, Caribbean oxtails, and jambalaya. Don’t sleep on their late-night happy hours, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Nosh Desserts has expanded into a second location at oneC1TY, right next to the SandBar. Expect the same delicious grab-and-go desserts you can find at their OG Nashville Farmers Market location, from red velvet cake to fresh fruit tarts.

Local country musician Chris Young has opened a sports bar in Midtown. Unlike other celebrity-owned bars, Young aims for Famous Friends to be a more casual, neighborhood hangout. The classic bar food menu has corndogs, wings, and burgers, with vegan options. Craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are also on the menu.

We listed this Midtown Indian restaurant as one of our 

Hungry? These are the best new restaurants and bars in Nashville to check out this year.

Check Out These New Nashville Restaurants and Bars in September 2026

Nashville's Best New Restaurants and Bars

Try out this Nashville crossword on delicious fall flavors, and put your knowledge to the test!

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Can You Solve This Seasonal Nashville Crossword?

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