It might still be in the 90s outside, but it’ll be fall before you know it! So I’ve put together a great list of family-friendly fall events that are sure to make you feel even more glad to wave good-bye to summer. Fall is always a busy time in Nashville, with festivals, fun, and events crammed into almost every weekend.
Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare in the Park is a great way to get your family outdoors in fall, and to introduce your family to literature and plays! These are always a great favorite for families with older kids.
Macbeth August 11-14, 18-19, 25-26, Sep 1-2, 8-9
Performed by the Nashville Shakespeare Festival Apprentice Company, Macbeth is something wicked and wild. Set here and now, Shakespeare’s bloody tragedy takes on new levels of horror as Macbeth and the audience are caught in the spell of the three weird sisters and the witchy Queen Hecate. Parental guidance is recommended for this show, as murder and madness are the prevalent themes.
The Comedy of Errors August 20-21, 27-28, Sep 3-5, 10-11, 15-18
Shakespeare’s shortest and zaniest play gets a uniquely Nashville spin with original music by David Olney, Lari White, Stan Lawrence and Jack Kingsley. Set in an Ephesus that looks a lot like Nashville in the late 1960s, this family-friendly comedy will get your toes tapping and your belly laughing. Two sets of identical twins, a troupe of madcap characters and a kicking country band will make this one of the most memorable evenings you’ll have this summer.
- Food & drink vendors open at 6:00pm
- Talking Shakespeare with nightly special guest speakers begins at 6:00 p.m.
- Preshow entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m.
- Performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
Stardust Drive-In
The Stardust Drive-In operates every weekend through the end of November. It’s a lot of fun, and most of the films they show are family-friendly! Admission for adults is $8.00… Kids 6-11, $6.00… Children 5 and under, are ALWAYS FREE. And guess what? Your ticket gets you TWO movies! Much cheaper than a traditional theatre, and their concessions offer more than just movie fare. Incredible burgers & fries, Philly Cheese steak sandwiches, 12″ freshly cooked pizzas, AND so much more.
Unlike an indoor theatre, a drive-in can only operate at night. By July, movies can be as late as 9 PM. That’s why their show time is usually advertised as “Dusk”. It’s a time when, in their judgment, it’s dark enough to put a good picture on the screen.
Visit the Tennessee State Fair, Sept 9 – 18
Racing pigs, a car race, competitive ballooning, a magician, comedy, fairway rides and prize games, 4H demonstrations, a boxing night, concerts, and more! The Tennessee State Fair in Nashville brings over 200,000 people annually for nine days of agriculture, performing artists, horticulture and family-friendly recreation. Highlights of the extravaganza include live musical performances by nationally touring and homegrown acts, livestock shows, unique arts and crafts, hog races, carnival attractions, games and fried Southern fare.
Italian Lights Festival Sept 9 – 11
Do you love Italian heritage and tradition? Head to the Bicentennial Mall gor 3 days of music, food, arts and fun starting Friday at noon! Festival favorites include the Annual Bocce Ball Tournament, the Meatball Eating Contest and the Grape Stomping Competition. Additionally, specialty food vendors will be highlighted in our food tents featuring all your favorite Italian foods as well as a Beer and Wine tent. Music is center stage at the Italian Lights. The best part? It’s all FREE! A variety of music and free concerts all weekend, highlighted by the Frank Sinatra Music Celebration on Friday night – and the return of television and recording sensation, Italian-trained tenor Nathan Pacheco, on Saturday, September 10.
- Friday: 12 noon – 10pm
- Saturday: 10am – 10pm
- Sunday: 10am – 6pm
12 South Concert in the Park Sept 10
12 South Concert is a partnership of 12South area businesses and individuals, in conjunction with the 12South Patrons At Play. The concert series originated in 2008 as a way for residents in the 12South community to discover the talents of local artists and connect with the unique character of local businesses investing in the neighborhood. Bring a folding chair, blanket, cooler, frisbee, kids, etc and join the neighborhood for a good time! The first show will go on at 5:00pm, though oter festivities will begin before then.
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