Here's to the changing season and exploring fall with your family. One great way to do that is at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, known locally for its annual line-up of seasonal festivals — and just as the hot, hot days give way to a touch of crisper weather, welcome Cheekwood Harvest!
Taking place this year from Saturday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 31, the festival kicks off with the official openings of two 11-foot-tall pumpkin houses and the surrounding pumpkin patch. Other season-specific attractions include more than 5,000 chrysanthemums planted throughout the Harvest garden, adult workshops including Japanese calligraphy, fall bouquet picking and hands-on workshops and educational talks; scarecrows created by various community groups placed throughout the gardens and more.
“We are thrilled to once again feature family-friendly fall attractions such as our very popular and adored Pumpkin Village, as well as thousands of colorful chrysanthemums specifically planted for the festival,” says Peter Grimaldi, vice president of gardens and facilities at Cheekwood.
The much-anticipated Pooch Parade is slated for October 23 and Harvest wraps up on Halloween weekend with El Dia de los Muertos, a celebration of all-things Latin. In addition, Cheekwood’s signature Thursday Night Out events — including the Beer Garden — feature live music, lawn games and food trucks. Musical artists performing live music include:
- September 16: Tim Gartland
- September 23: 7th House
- September 30: Sonja Hopkins
- October 7: Arts Fishing Club
- October 14: New Dialect (modern dance)
- October 21: New Dialect (modern dance)
- October 28: The Gripsweats
Cheekwood Harvest is open to visitors every day except Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All guests, including members, must reserve a timed-entry ticket online prior to visiting. No tickets will be sold on-site. To see the assorted ticket prices, go here. Cheekwood is located at 1200 Forrest Park Drive in Nashville.
