What to Do in Nashville for Halloween

Halloween in Nashville is more than just trick-or-treating. The city comes alive with haunted houses, costume contests, fall festivals, and spooky events for all ages. Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly pumpkin patch, a haunted experience with friends, or a festive night downtown, there’s something for everyone this Halloween season.

Here’s your complete guide on what to do in Nashville for Halloween in 2025.

1. Visit Nashville’s Haunted Houses

If you love a good scare, Nashville has some of the best haunted attractions in the South.

Nashville Nightmare Haunted House (Madison)

This massive multi-attraction experience features haunted mazes, actors, and intense visuals. It’s a top pick for thrill-seekers.

Location: 1016 Madison Square, Madison, TN
Open: September through early November

Millers Thrillers (Columbia)

A little outside the city, Millers Thrillers combines a haunted woods walk with zombie paintball and live entertainment.

Location: 1431 Carters Creek Pike, Columbia, TN
Open: Weekends through Halloween

Beast House (Madison)

Set in an actual historic haunted mansion, this experience combines ghost stories with Hollywood-level effects.

Location: 3976 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN

2. Family-Friendly Halloween Fun

Looking for something less scary and more fun for the kids? Nashville has plenty of family-friendly Halloween events.

Boo at the Zoo (Nashville Zoo)

A classic Nashville favorite, Boo at the Zoo offers trick-or-treating trails, pumpkin carving, a spooky hayride, and live animal shows.

When: Mid-October through Halloween night
Why Go: Great for young kids, safe environment, and a festive atmosphere.

Cheekwood Harvest at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Celebrate fall surrounded by thousands of pumpkins, scarecrows, and art displays. This is one of the most Instagram-worthy fall events in Nashville.

When: September through October
Why Go: Perfect for families, couples, and anyone who loves fall vibes.

Lucky Ladd Farms Fall Festival (Eagleville)

About 45 minutes from Nashville, this family farm offers a corn maze, petting zoo, and pumpkin patch.

When: Through October
Why Go: A great day trip for kids and families who love classic fall fun.

3. Downtown Halloween Parties and Events

If you’re spending Halloween weekend downtown, Nashville’s nightlife does not disappoint.

Haunted Downtown Pub Crawl

Join a guided tour of haunted bars and historic buildings while learning about Nashville’s ghost stories.

Wicked Masquerade Ball at The Dream Hotel

An upscale Halloween party featuring live DJs, themed cocktails, and costume contests.

Acme Feed & Seed Halloween Bash

This Lower Broadway favorite hosts an annual rooftop costume party with live music and great views of downtown.

Tin Roof’s Halloween Weekend

Known for its fun atmosphere, Tin Roof on Demonbreun hosts a multi-day costume event with music, prizes, and great drinks.

4. Explore Haunted History and Ghost Tours

Nashville has a spooky side with a long history of ghost stories and haunted locations.

Haunted Downtown Nashville Walking Tour

Explore the city’s haunted landmarks with local guides who share stories from Nashville’s darker past.

Stops include: The Ryman Auditorium, Printer’s Alley, and the old Tennessee State Prison.

Ghosts of Franklin Tour (Franklin)

If you prefer a short drive, Franklin offers historic charm with eerie stories of Civil War spirits and haunted homes.

5. Visit Local Pumpkin Patches

No Halloween season is complete without picking the perfect pumpkin.

Top Spots Near Nashville:

• Walden Farm (Smyrna) – Family-run farm with hayrides and corn mazes.

• Boyd’s Pumpkin Patch (Clarksville) – Great for kids and families.

• Lucky Ladd Farms (Eagleville) – One of the biggest and best in Middle Tennessee.

Bring the kids, grab some cider, and take home a pumpkin or two for carving.

6. Fall Festivals and Seasonal Fun

Nashville celebrates fall in a big way, and many events overlap with Halloween week.

Top Festivals to Check Out:

• Franklin Pumpkinfest – A massive family-friendly street festival featuring live music, crafts, and a costume parade.

• Fall Fest at The Hermitage – Seasonal crafts, hayrides, and a touch of Tennessee history.

• Musicians Corner Fall Series (Centennial Park) – Live outdoor music with food trucks and local vendors.

These events are a great way to enjoy the Halloween season without the scares.

7. Halloween for Pet Lovers

Don’t forget your furry family members. Nashville hosts several pet-friendly Halloween events each year.

• Howl-o-Ween at Cheekwood – Bring your dog in costume for a fun afternoon surrounded by fall décor.

• Barktoberfest at Centennial Park – Pet costume contests, local vendors, and adoption events.

These events are great for families and pet owners who want to include their four-legged friends in the fun.

8. Trick-or-Treating Hotspots

If you’re planning to trick-or-treat on Halloween night, here are some of the safest and most popular neighborhoods:

• Belle Meade – Large homes and generous candy givers.

• Green Hills – Family-friendly and walkable.

• East Nashville (Lockeland Springs area) – Creative decorations and community events.

• Brentwood & Franklin suburbs – Safe streets with plenty of participating families.

Always check local times and community event pages for updated schedules.

9. Halloween Movies and Chill Nights

If you’d rather skip the crowds, create your own Halloween experience at home.

Grab some snacks, light a fall candle, and enjoy classic Nashville-style comfort food while watching spooky favorites like:

• Hocus Pocus

• The Nightmare Before Christmas

• Beetlejuice

• Ghostbusters

• Halloween

Local shops like The Belcourt Theatre often host Halloween movie nights as well, so keep an eye on their schedule.

10. Safety Tips for Halloween Night

• Carry flashlights or glow sticks when trick-or-treating.

• Make sure costumes are visible and don’t block vision.

• Stay in well-lit areas and cross streets carefully.

• For pet owners, keep animals leashed and secure during festivities.

A little planning goes a long way in keeping the night safe and fun for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the weather like in Nashville on Halloween?
Expect cool evenings with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Bring a jacket for outdoor events.

Q2: Are there any free Halloween events in Nashville?
Yes, several community events and parades are free to attend, including trick-or-treating in certain neighborhoods and city parks.

Q3: Is downtown Nashville safe for Halloween weekend?
Yes, but expect large crowds. Use rideshare services and plan ahead for parking.

Q4: What is the most popular Halloween event in Nashville?
Boo at the Zoo and the Downtown Pub Crawl are two of the biggest annual favorites.

Q5: When do most Halloween events happen?
Most events take place during the last two weekends of October, with some continuing through Halloween night.

Conclusion

Halloween in Nashville offers something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for family fun, ghost stories, or a night out on Broadway in costume, the city transforms into a festive playground each October.

From the haunted houses in Madison to the charming pumpkin patches in Franklin, Nashville celebrates Halloween in true Music City style — with fun, community, and a little Southern flair.

So grab your costume, carve a pumpkin, and make the most of Halloween 2025 in Nashville.