Celebrate All Things Fall at Cheekwood Harvest
As crisp air moves in and leaves start to change, the fall season shines at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Fall colors courtesy of thousands of colorful pumpkins and chrysanthemums in the gardens. In addition to the stunning display, the festivities continue with new evening activities for the whole family. Cheekwood Harvest runs through October 30, 2025.
New this year, the fun continues after dusk at Harvest NIGHTS on Thursdays throughout the festival. A towering Jack-o’-Lantern Topiary will be front and center in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden. The display is adorned with an estimated 160 faux jack-o’-lanterns. Enjoy a spooky Scarecrow Trail complete with perfect photo opportunities next to jack-o’-lanterns, large cauldrons, and magic lanterns. Musical performances, food trucks, and seasonal libations complete the perfect fall evening.
Visit the Pumpkin Village & Stroll the Scarecrow Trail
The popular Pumpkin Village returns to the Arboretum Lawn. More than 75,000 pumpkins provided by local farms will be nestled throughout the gardens. 5,000 yellow, red, and orange chrysanthemums add an extra pop of fall color. Guests can snap a photo in front of three charming houses made of pumpkins featuring thatch and cedar roofs adorned with chartreuse and dark purple Ipomoea vines. Additionally, a wide variety of pumpkins in various colors, including orange, light pink, green, and white, are available for purchase and ready for you to carve at home.
Take a stroll through the Scarecrow Trail and see how local artists, organizations, and schools turn ordinary frames into works of art and incorporate this year’s theme, “A Hint of Haunts.”
The seasonal festival also offers a chance to dance to live music in the beer garden, expand your knowledge in a Cheekwood Gardening School class, and capture a scenic fall photo. Cheekwood Harvest is always a festive, fun way to take in the autumn beauty and make lasting memories.
Cheekwood Harvest NIGHTS Bootanical Bash
Thursdays through October 30 | 5 – 9 p.m.
The after dusk Harvest NIGHTS festivities conclude with the Bootanical Bash. This special evening features a costume contest and dance party hosted by a DJ playing spooky tunes. A Spooky Scarecrow Trail, seasonal libations, and food trucks promise a memorable outing for the whole family.
Musical Performances in the Beer Garden
October 25 & 26 | Noon to 2 p.m.
Gather with friends to celebrate the arrival of fall at the Cheekwood Beer Garden. Indeed, it’s the only beer garden in an actual garden in Nashville! Enjoy local beers, specialty cocktails, wine, and champagne, and live music. Guests can grab a picnic table or bring a blanket and kick back and enjoy a perfect fall day amongst the pumpkins and mums.
October 25 | Grimey’s AJO3
October 26 | Shaun Murphy
Halloween Pooch Party
October 25 & 26 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bring your pup out for costume contests and snap a pic of your four-legged companion at the Pumpkin Village. Costume contests are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. This year’s special costume category is “A Hint of Haunts.” Bring your pooches dressed as Halloween characters and let them strut their stuff on the stage. Also, browse the dog-friendly vendors and delight your furry friends with special treats. Members can reserve tickets starting on August 26. Tickets go on sale to not-yet members on September 2.
Cheekwood Gardening School
Through October 25
Autumn is a season of harvesting as well as planning and planting. Join us to navigate this important gardening time with confidence. Whether you are just beginning as a home gardener or looking to expand your planting repertoire, learn from experienced instructors from regional plant societies, local Master Gardeners, and Cheekwood’s own staff. Fall class topics include landscape design, growing backyard habitats, cool-season containers, and more. For a full list of Cheekwood Gardening School classes, visit the Cheekwood website.
In the Mansion – INTERVENTIONS: Shawn Huckins
Through October 26
American painter Shawn Huckins is best known for his fusion of technical skill and satirical wit. Huckins’ paintings recreate traditional landscape, still life, and portrait paintings with the addition of painted textiles and fabric to showcase his appreciation of history while examining and challenging contemporary culture. The installation consists of seven paintings within the Mansion’s period rooms inspired by works from Cheekwood’s permanent collection and the surrounding landscape. INTERVENTIONS launched in 2021 as an arts initiative to activate the historic period rooms and invite artists to seek inspiration from the Cheek family.
