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As the leaves fall from the trees, they remind us of the lessons of impermanence. To live in this very moment, taking every opportunity to celebrate life. That’s what October in Nashville is about. From live cultures to Oktoberfest and all that comes with the transitions of this shoulder month, Nashville is brimming with creative ways to celebrate its diverse palate with more than a pumpkin’s worth.
Every Tuesday and Saturday from October 5 through November 2
An inaugural event, the month-long series of classes, workshops, and markets will be hosted by some of Tennessee’s finest experts in fermentation. Sandor Katz and Jeff Poppin will teach vegetable fermentation, Kathleen Turchi will provide a sourdough workshop, fermented sodas by Katie Williamson, and fermented sausage basics by Nathan Gifford and Andy Fields take the stage in various locations. Click here for details on each of the events.
Oktoberfest at Von Elrod’s Beer Hall and Kitchen
October 8-9
The OG in Munich which celebrated the marriage of the crown prince of Baviara (who later became King Louis I) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen has been cancelled this year. Save the airfare and jetlag for another time, and head over to Germantown instead where a two-day Bavarian celebration offering local and international Oktoberfest and Märzen craft beers, housemade sausages and pretzels await a hearty Prost or two. This is a 21+ free event with id and proof of vaccination required.
Hurricane Ida Flood Relief Fundraiser Bake Sale
October 9
Hosted by Culinary Director of Biscuit Love and ‘za and pastry chef extraordinaire, Lisa Marie White, this bake sale will raise money for the Crescent City Farmers Market and The Bayou Fund in support of the flood victims in Southern Louisiana. Such participating chefs and restaurants include Rebecca Turshen, Proper Bagel, Tret Baking Co., Pelican & Pig, Henrietta Red, Frothy Monkey, Saturated Ice Cream, Margot Cafe & Bar, Dozen Bakery.
Harvest Market Days at Green Door Gourmet
October 9
This 350-acre USDA-certified organic farm along the Cumberland River has been one of Nashville’s crowning jewels for direct-from-the-field produce for years. You can shop the farm store Thursdays-Sundays from 9am-4pm where cooperatively sourced products from the area’s best local producers (including grass fed meats, honey, jams, dairy, baked goods) are plentiful, as so are pumpkins of all shapes and sizes and fall plants this time of year. World-renowned carver, Lundy Cupp, will be onsite showing off his craft on October 9 starting at 10:30 a.m. for this one-day free event.
James Beard Foundation’s 2021-2022 Taste America culinary series, Nashville
October 14
Nashville’s chef Bryan Lee Weaver of Butcher & Bee and Redheaded Stranger will participate in the James Beard Foundation’s 2021-2022 Taste America culinary series, in collaboration with featured guest chef Gracie Nguyen of East Side Banh Mi, on October 14. The dinner begins at 6:30 and tickets (sold only by the pair) run $300. Tickets are available here. Taste America supports local chefs and restaurants directly while also driving philanthropic support towards industry-wide relief. 65% of all tickets sold will go directly to Butcher & Bee to support their business, with 35% of proceeds supporting the Foundation’s national programming, including the Open for Good campaign.
October 16
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 16, the annual Best of Nashville community festival (presented by the Nashville Scene) features shopping, food trucks, drinks, live music, and giveaways as 2021 Best of Nashville winners are announced. This free-for-all-ages pet and family-friendly festival at Walk of Fame Park downtown celebrates the best businesses, people, places, and things that Music City has to offer and gives you a chance to get to know them even more than you already do.
October 17
Featuring locally-raised Muscovy Duck from Giving Thanks Farm, Chef Jason LaIacona will prepare a four-course feast featuring four select cuts for dishes such as Duck Skin Mousse with stone fruit and crostini; Duck Drumstick with candy roaster squash and toasted seed aioli, and Ballotine with foie gras. Partnering with the nearby Giving Thanks Farm which specializes in chemical-free, pasture-raised, non-GMO heritage birds, the meal will be paired with French and Italian wines showcasing how different cuts of duck pair well with different weights and flavors of wine. The dinner kicks off at 5 p.m. and tickets run $185 per person.
Sunda Nashville’s Filipino American History Month Dinner
October 20
With family roots in the Philippines, Sunda Founder, Billy Dec and Executive Chef, Mike Morales are proud to share a Filipino family-style feast in celebration of Filipino American History Month (October). On Wednesday, October 20 the special dinner will feature takes on regional Filipino dishes like laing — a taro leaf-based dish with coconut milk-braised collard greens with mussels and bacon lardon. Book reservations here.
Starting October 22
As the sun sets on Nashville, make your way to the highest rooftop space in town at the Westin Nashville’s L27 which will be transformed into the iconic Versace Mansion. Kicking off October 22. “The Mansion” at L27 will be adorned with lavish 90’s Versace-inspired gold, black and Greek motifs. On Saturday, October 30, The Mansion will host an extravagant “Versace-inspired” event featuring paparazzi-worthy supermodels and music by Lady Gaga’s producer and tour DJ DJWS. Reserve your table or Cabana outfitted with prosecco and appetizers for your party here. If you’re struggling to find your inner Versace, L27 has pinned some ideas for you right here https://pin.it/64C9nzH.
OkTurnerFest: A Celebration of Community
October 23
Nashville-based craft brewery Tennessee Brew Works, Chicago-based Turner Häus Brewery and Shelbyville-based Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey have partnered together to celebrate community through craft beer with the first collaboration of its kind in Tennessee, the limited release of their Caribbean-Style Stout, Queen’s Legacy. The evening will feature live music, rare whiskey and craft beer tastings, and a unique diversity panel discussion featuring Victoria Butler, the great-great granddaughter of Nearest Green, aka “Uncle Nearest.” Proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit the new National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) located in Nashville, Tennessee. NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans.
Get tickets here.
Celebrated Nashville chef Charlotte Miller and business partner Jason Luntz announced the launch of their Southern coffee bar and catering venue on Jefferson Street last month — marking the ongoing rebirth and revitalization of one of Nashville’s most storied commercial districts and cultural centers. As they plug into the community, look for fun ways to give back starting this month with chicken and waffle platters piled high with fried chicken, buttermilk waffles, fresh fruit, pickles, and sorghum butter (take-out cost $50), with $10 for each sold in October benefitting Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Halloween Day, October 31
To celebrate the return of Homecoming at both Tennessee State University and Middle Tennessee State University a Yay Yay’s will also offer a ticketed Homecoming Brunch buffet with chicken and waffles, grits, eggs, biscuits, and other Southern favorites paired with Champagne specials while a DJ spins favorite hip hop, r&b, and dance music on Halloween day from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Costumes are encouraged.
Music City Food Truck Park and Flea Market
Every Saturday, Halloween festivities on October 30
Open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (and often on Friday nights) numerous food trucks roll up to this East Nashville marketplace for favored outdoor events such as country line dancing, Latin nights, and an indoor flea market. Celebrate Halloween this year on October 30 at the second annual family-friendly, dog-friendly festivities including up to 10 local food trucks, and other local business owners with their trunks decked out for Halloween trick or treating with free candy to boot.
Wicked Brews Pop-Up Speakeasy at the Gaylord Opryland
All of October
Gaylord Opryland’s pop-up speakeasy, Wicked Brews Spookeasy, is now open. Offering creepy cocktails and mysterious mocktails, this haunted hideaway conjures up the spirit of a prohibition-era pub. Living, ghostly artwork procured by past owners provides the perfect atmosphere for the seasonal selection of exclusive craft beverages. Cocktails include a smoky “haunted forest” old fashioned with Knob Creek bourbon, maple, and rosemary and the gory “slayer’s blood” featuring Cointreau, cinnamon whiskey, and blood orange, alongside alcohol-free wicked brews.
Update:
Tailor Nashville has extended its residency at The Nashville Food Project for the month of October serving its fall menu every Friday and Saturday at both 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., as well as Sundays at 7 p.m. at The Nashville Food Project, located at 5904 California Ave. With this extended residency, Woodland Wine Merchant has partnered with Tailor to curate the wine pairings for the fall menu as another way to bring the community together and further elevate the guest experience.