12 Things to Do in Nashville This Week · October 1–4, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Nashville Oktoberfest

Annual Germantown Oktoberfest celebration with German beer, food, stein-holding contests, and dog-friendly activities running Thursday through Sunday.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 · Germantown, Nashville

Nashville Horror Film Festival

The free two-day horror film festival returns to Green Hills for a weekend of films, costumes, awards, and plenty of scares.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 · Green Hills, Nashville

TSU Homecoming 2026 - Step Show

Tennessee State University's Homecoming Step Show brings high-energy Greek fraternity and sorority step performances to Gentry Center.

Thursday, October 15, 2026 7:00 PM · Gentry Center, Nashville

Food & Drink

Oktoberfest at Von Elrod's

Von Elrod's beer garden hosts its own Oktoberfest celebration with German-inspired specials, Oktoberfest beer releases, and festive fall fun through Sunday.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 · Von Elrod's, Nashville

Music & Nightlife

Dylan Carlino at The Lab at Zanies

Rising comedian Dylan Carlino performs multiple shows at the intimate 100-seat Lab at Zanies across a three-night run, with Friday's early show already sold out.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 7:00 PM · The Lab at Zanies, Nashville

Elle Varner Live at City Winery Nashville

R&B singer-songwriter Elle Varner performs live at City Winery Nashville in an intimate seated setting with full dinner service.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 · City Winery Nashville, 609 Lafayette Street, Nashville

Kathleen Madigan at Ryman Auditorium

Described by Lewis Black as the 'funniest woman in America,' the award-winning comedian brings her touring show to the legendary Ryman Auditorium.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 · Ryman Auditorium, Nashville

Arts & Culture

Shimmer: Dreaming the Posthuman at Frist Art Museum

A major new exhibition exploring technology, identity, and the future of the human form opens at the Frist Art Museum, running through January 3, 2027.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 · Frist Art Museum, 919 Broadway, Nashville

Outdoors & Active

Belmont Hillsboro Home Tour 2026

The beloved annual self-guided tour through one of Nashville's most charming historic neighborhoods showcases distinctive homes and architecture.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 · Belmont Hillsboro neighborhood, Nashville

Date Night

Luna with Sister Ray Davies at City Winery Nashville

Indie rock legends Luna perform at City Winery Nashville with Sister Ray Davies, offering an intimate seated dinner-and-show experience in Wedgewood-Houston.

Friday, October 2, 2026 · City Winery Nashville, 609 Lafayette Street, Nashville

Twilight vs Sinners Drag Brunch at The Lab at Zanies

A campy, themed drag brunch showdown at The Lab at Zanies — Team Twilight faces off against Team Sinners in a fabulous battle of performances.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 · The Lab at Zanies, Nashville

Free Events

Nashville Farmers' Market

Nashville's beloved central farmers market is open daily with fresh local produce, artisan goods, and rotating pop-up food vendors at the indoor market house.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 · Nashville Farmers' Market, 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville