By: Rebecca Padgett

The smell of pumpkin spice lattes wafts through the air and leaves begin to change from summer greens to the brilliant hues of autumn. Fall is upon us, with it bringing a cornucopia of festivals that allow Nashville residents and visitors alike to enjoy the refreshing breeze, which ushers in mouthwatering scents and soulful tunes. Fish out your favorite flannel from the back of your closet and make your pilgrimage to these festival options.

photo: @nashvillebrewfest

Nashville Brew Festival
September 22  |  7- 11 p.m.
First Tennessee Park
Nashvillebrewfestival.com

The Music City sure knows how to brew up a good time and exceptional beers. 50 breweries, 150 beers and countless food options make up the Nashville Brew Festival at First Tennessee State Park. Sip local craft beers while listening to live music and playing lawns games such as Ping-Pong, mini golf and corn hole.

photo: @thetacofestival

Nashville Taco Festival
September 30  | 12-6 p.m.
Riverfront Park
Thetacofestival.com

Give them something to taco bout! Taco makers, restaurants and food trucks will be serving up their most creative tacos for $2. Bars and beverage stations are on deck to pair your taco with a margarita. Munch while watching live entertainment, Lucha Libre wrestling, eating contests, chili pepper eating challenges and a Tiny Taco Dog beauty contest.

photo: @hermitagehotel

Fall Fest
September 30 -1
The Hermitage
Fallfestatthehermitage.com

Tents throughout the grounds will feature specialty foods, spirits and regional art. Find your new favorite artist through their creative displays of photography , paintings, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork and more.

photo: @mccadams_creative

Nashville Oktoberfest
October 5-8
Historic Germantown
Thenashvilleoktoberfest.com

Nashville holds claim to the 2nd largest Oktoberfest in the U.S. Tour the beer gardens for pints of world-class beers from German brewers. Snack on schnitzel, bratwurst and more at the specialty food vendors all while listening to German tunes. Alongside the 5k race and run will be the famous weiner dog races.

photo: humanitiestennessee.org

Southern Festival of Books
October 13-15  |  Fri 12-5, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5
War Memorial Plaza
Humanitiestennessee.org

Bookworms will inch out from between pages for this one. The Southern Festival of Books gathers more than 200 authors from throughout the country representing a vast array of genres. Readers and writers are welcomed to enjoy free panels, exhibits, discussions, readings and signings.

photo: @nashvillewhiskeyfestival

The Nashville Whiskey Festival
October 14 |  6:30 - 10pm
Omni Hotel Ballroom
Nashvillewhiskeyfestival.com

Sip, swill and smell while exploring a whole new world of whiskey. Enhance your tasting skills and find your new favorite whiskey in this unique opportunity to experience tastings and interact with world-class distillers.

photo: @tasteofnashville

Taste of Nashville
October 27  |  7:30 pm – 12 a.m.
Rocketown
Tasteofnashville.com

Taste of Nashville is a celebration of Nashville’s ever evolving taste buds. Sample some of the cities most popular dishes paired with unique libation options all while benefitting numerous local nonprofits.

photo: @cheekwood

El Día De Los Muertos
October 28  |  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cheekwood
Cheekwood.org

Explore the cultural significance of Dia de los Muertos through the colorful décor, enlivening music, cultural cuisine and infectious energy of this Mexican and Latin American festivity. Visitors will gain information about the culture while enjoying live music, handmade items, traditional foods and creatively crafted altars.  

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Rebecca Padgett spends her time with either a pen or book in hand as a fulltime freelance writer and lifelong avid reader. She was born and raised in Florida, but the music of Nashville lured her to call this city home. Her passion lies in the transformative power and empathy words can evoke whether that be through magazine articles, poetry, creative writing, songwriting or her blog about books she’s currently reading. If you like words, travelling, your wine red and your coffee black, she would be a good friend to have.

Website/Blog: http://rebecca-padgett.format.com
Instagram: @rebeccapadgett_
Email: rebeccaannepadgett@gmail.com