Fall in Franklin and Williamson County brings crisp mornings, festive downtown streets, spooky entertainment, and plenty of reasons to get outside. October offers something for every autumn enthusiast, from family-friendly Halloween activities and pumpkin patches to live theater, scenic hikes, and fascinating ghost tours.
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, searching for Halloween events in Franklin, or exploring fall activities across Williamson County, these 10 events deserve a spot on your calendar. Browse seasonal vendors at PumpkinFest, explore historic homes, or enjoy a night of live entertainment. With options for families, couples, and adventure seekers, Franklin and Williamson County offer plenty of ways to make the most of fall.
Experience the Lotz House Ghost Tours
History and hauntings collide at the Lotz House, one of Franklin’s most intriguing historic landmarks. Every Saturday evening in October, visitors can explore the home’s reported paranormal activity during guided ghost tours. The Travel Channel once dubbed the property the “Second Most Terrifying Place in America,” adding to its chilling reputation.
Located at the site of the Battle of Franklin, the historic house witnessed devastating violence during the Civil War. Today, staff and visitors report unexplained encounters throughout the property. Stories include a woman calling for a loved one, a little girl watching from a window, and objects seemingly moving on their own. The house has also appeared on the Travel Channel’s Haunted Live and The Most Terrifying Places in America.
The 90-minute ghost tour explores these reported experiences through firsthand accounts and photographs captured inside the house. Tours begin at 6 pm, with check-in at 5:45 pm. Reservations are required, so book ahead to secure your spot. Visitors interested in history can also explore specialty tours, including a Women’s History Tour and a guided battlefield walk led by Civil War historian Thomas Y. Cartwright.
- Location: Lotz House, 1111 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN
- Dates: Saturday evenings throughout October
- Tickets: Reservations required
Step Inside Cherry Manor on a Late-Night Haunted Tour
Franklin’s historic buildings hold plenty of stories, but Cherry Manor adds an eerie twist to local history. For decades, ghost tours have shared tales of the grand property from outside its doors. Now, Franklin Walking Tours invites guests inside for a closer look at one of Tennessee’s most talked-about haunted locations.
During this one-hour experience, visitors hear accounts of reported paranormal activity and learn about the people connected to the house. Guests can also view recently uncovered photographs dating back more than a century. Each October tour features a special attraction, creating a different experience depending on the chosen date.
October highlights include tarot readings, access to a hidden room, and a special guest appearance by Brandon Schexnayder of Southern Gothic. On October 24, celebrity psychic Deb Lantz joins the experience, with extended hours until 11:30 pm. Halloween brings an especially immersive three-hour event, including midnight pizza and time with Lantz as she explores the house. Organizers limit Halloween attendance to 25 guests, and personal readings aren’t included.
- Location: Cherry Manor, 137 3rd Avenue North, Franklin, TN
- Dates: October 10, 17, 24, and 31
- Tickets: Required
Celebrate Spooky Cinema at FEAR FEST
Halloween season calls for a little movie magic, and FEAR FEST brings plenty of fall favorites to downtown Franklin. Hosted at The Franklin Theatre, this month-long film festival celebrates Halloween with a mix of horror classics, cult favorites, supernatural comedies, and family-friendly screenings. Now in its third year, the festival offers something for movie lovers with different tastes and scare tolerances.
Families can enjoy lighter Halloween films, animated adventures, and spooky stories without overwhelming scares. Meanwhile, horror fans can settle in for psychological thrillers, supernatural suspense, and chilling classics on the big screen. With screenings ranging from nostalgic favorites to genuinely frightening films, FEAR FEST makes it easy to plan a seasonal movie night with friends or family.
Whether you prefer playful Halloween entertainment or edge-of-your-seat suspense, this lineup adds another reason to spend time in Franklin in October. Check The Franklin Theatre’s schedule for screening times, age recommendations, and ticket availability before heading downtown.
- Location: The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main Street, Franklin, TN
- Dates: Throughout October
- Tickets: Required
Get Spooky With Studio Tenn’s The Addams Family
The wonderfully weird Addams family takes center stage at Turner Theater this October. Studio Tenn presents The Addams Family, a musical comedy packed with eccentric characters, infectious songs, and delightfully dark humor. It’s an ideal choice for theatergoers who enjoy their Halloween entertainment with a generous dose of heart.
The story follows Wednesday Addams as she falls for Lucas Beineke, a young man from a decidedly conventional family. Wednesday confides in her father, Gomez, and asks him to keep her romance secret from Morticia. However, an unexpected dinner between the families soon sparks hilarious misunderstandings, shocking revelations, and plenty of domestic chaos.
Beneath the spooky costumes and outrageous comedy, the musical celebrates individuality and unconditional love. Its message makes the production appealing to families, couples, and anyone who appreciates an unconventional story. With several performances scheduled throughout October, audiences can choose an evening show or a weekend matinee.
- Location: Turner Theater, The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN
- Dates: October 10–25
- Tickets: Required
Explore Fall Family Field Trips at Morning Glory Orchard
Looking for family-friendly fall activities near Franklin? Morning Glory Orchard in Nolensville offers an educational outdoor adventure for curious kids and their grown-ups. These guided orchard tours combine seasonal scenery with hands-on learning about farming, nature, and the food we enjoy.
Tour guides lead groups through the apple orchard while explaining tree life cycles, pollinators, and essential farming tools. Children can also learn about animals commonly found around orchards. Along the way, participants sample honey, fresh apples, and apple cider, adding a delicious seasonal touch to the experience.
These shared field trips provide a refreshing alternative to crowded indoor attractions. Families should note that tours are not private and typically accommodate groups of 20–50 people. Every participant older than 23 months needs a ticket, so plan ahead before booking. Ticket sales close 48 hours before each session.
- Location: Morning Glory Orchard, 7690 Nolensville Road, Nolensville, TN
- Dates: October 14–15
- Tickets: Required
Catch the Changing Leaves on Fall Color Hikes
In nearby Brentwood, Autumn’s changing leaves create a beautiful backdrop for Fall Color Hikes at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary. This guided hiking series invites adults and teens to experience the season while exploring the sanctuary’s natural surroundings. It’s a welcome escape for anyone craving fresh air, peaceful trails, and a closer look at Tennessee’s fall landscape.
Knowledgeable guides lead each walk, highlighting the progression of autumn as the season unfolds. Bring a camera to capture colorful foliage, or pack binoculars to observe wildlife along the way. The experience offers a slower-paced alternative to busy festivals and crowded Halloween attractions.
These guided walks suit nature enthusiasts, photography lovers, and teens who enjoy outdoor adventures. Organizers limit attendance, so advance ticket purchases help secure a place. Arrive early enough to prepare, since each hike begins promptly at 9:30 am. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for changing fall weather.
- Location: Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, 545 Beech Creek Road South, Brentwood, TN
- Dates: Saturdays, October 17, 24, and 31
- Tickets: Required
Make a Weekend of PumpkinFest
At the end of the month, Franklin’s beloved PumpkinFest returns for its 41st year with an exciting change: a full weekend of fall festivities. Organized by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, this popular celebration transforms historic downtown into a fall-fun gathering place for families, visitors, and autumn enthusiasts. Previous festivals have drawn more than 115,000 attendees.
Expect seasonal food and drinks, live music, children’s activities, and a bustling marketplace filled with regional artisans. Specialty gifts, handmade crafts, and autumn-inspired products make browsing part of the fun. Families can also join costume contests for pets and people, creating plenty of memorable photo opportunities.
With activities spread along Main Street and surrounding avenues, PumpkinFest offers a festive way to experience Franklin’s historic district. Plan extra time for exploring the vendors, enjoying refreshments, and catching live entertainment. Since the festival attracts large crowds, comfortable shoes and an early arrival can make the day easier.
- Location: Historic Downtown Franklin, Main Street and surrounding avenues
- Dates: Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25
- Tickets: Not required
Discover Local History at Tombstone Tales
That same weekend, Tombstone Tales brings Franklin’s history to life through theatrical performances in its historic downtown cemeteries. Costumed actors portray people buried at these sites, sharing brief monologues that reveal personal stories from the past. The result blends local history, live theater, period clothing, and an atmospheric Halloween setting.
Rather than simply reading names on headstones, visitors hear stories delivered in character. The experience offers an engaging way to connect with Franklin’s heritage while discovering the lives behind its historic graves. Guides lead visitors through the event, helping bring each stop into context.
The event takes place rain or shine, so dress for the forecast and wear closed-toe shoes. Organizers warn that uneven ground can make the route difficult for wheelchairs and strollers. Bring a flashlight for navigating the grounds, although organizers provide one. A portion of the proceeds supports the Hard Bargain Association each year.
- Location: Historic downtown Franklin cemeteries
- Date: October 24
- Tickets: Required
Enjoy Haunted Cigar Night at Leiper’s Fork Distillery
For an adults-only Halloween outing, head to Leiper’s Fork Distillery for Haunted Cigar Night. This Friday evening gathering combines live music, cigars, whiskey, costumes, and local ghost stories. The relaxed atmosphere offers a different way to celebrate Halloween beyond traditional haunted houses and crowded parties.
Guests can enjoy live entertainment from 6–9 pm. while sharing the evening with friends. At 7 pm, Franklin Walking Tours takes the spotlight with chilling stories about local hauntings and unexplained encounters. Organizers also promise a surprise activity, adding another layer of mystery to the celebration.
Costumes are encouraged, making this a fun opportunity to embrace the spooky season. The event is free and open to the public, with no advance ticket required. Guests interested in whiskey should plan responsibly and arrange safe transportation before enjoying the evening.
- Location: Leiper’s Fork Distillery, 3381 Southall Road, Franklin, TN
- Date: Friday, October 30
- Tickets: Not required
Celebrate Halloween at Kings Franklin
Kings Franklin offers a Halloween celebration that starts with family fun and continues into the night. Located at the CoolSprings Galleria area, this dining and entertainment venue gives guests two different ways to embrace the holiday. Come during the day for trick-or-treating, then return after dark for playful challenges and themed drinks.
Families can explore the building-wide trick-or-treat experience from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Later, the venue switches to adults-only entertainment from 8 p.m. onward. Guests can hunt for hidden “Trick” and “Treat” cards throughout Kings. Challenges might include bowling with a nondominant hand, while rewards can include free appetizers and other prizes.
Costumes are encouraged during both experiences, making it easy to join the Halloween spirit. Guests can also order the seasonal Boo’s Bag, a $13 drink containing Bacardi, orange juice, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice. The IV-style drink bag is available October 12–31. Check venue policies and event details before visiting, especially if you plan to attend the evening activities.
- Location: Kings Dining & Entertainment, 1910 Galleria Boulevard, Franklin, TN
- Date: October 31, family activities, 11:30 am–2 pm; adults-only activities at 8 pm
- Tickets: Not required
Plan Your Fall Adventures in Franklin and Williamson County, TN
From colorful nature trails and lively fall festivals to theatrical shows and haunted historic homes, Franklin offers plenty of ways to enjoy October. Families can fill their calendars with orchard visits and Halloween activities, while adults can explore live theater, ghost tours, and seasonal nightlife.
Before heading out, confirm event schedules, ticket prices, age restrictions, and any advance booking requirements. Some experiences have limited capacity, and special Halloween events may sell out quickly. With a little planning, you can enjoy the best fall events in Franklin and nearby areas to make the most of the season.
