Here’s Your Complete List for Fall Adventures in Nashville’s Big Back Yard
Enjoy Brilliant Fall Foliage, Festivals, Music and Outdoors
LEIPERS FORK, Tenn., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nashville’s Big Back Yard is rolling-hill central in Tennessee, which means breathtaking fall foliage, scenic vistas, serene rivers, and natural wonders. The historic Natchez Trace Parkway serves as the anchor of the Back Yard: 100 miles of great fall adventures to explore around every turn.
Part of America’s National Park System, the Natchez Trace features stunning fall foliage and historical sites from Nashville, Tenn., through the Big Back Yard, The Shoals of Alabama, all the way to Natchez, MS. The small towns and rural communities that are part of NBBY, border the Trace. Natchez Trace Parkway
Near Hohenwald is the Oak Grove Lavendar Farm and an all-day Fall Festival. Taking place from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sept. 26, the event features artisan vendors, tasty seasonal eats, and a fun dog costume contest. The best part of the day is enjoying the fragrance of lavender wafting through the air. Lavendar Farm Fall Festival
One of the region’s most popular events is The National Banana Pudding Festival happening in Centerville, Oct. 3-4. Enjoy great music, the NBP Cook-off, and “The Puddin’ Path,” where guests sample scrumptious banana pudding recipes. Visit Banana Pudding Festival 2026
In the historic village of Leiper’s Fork, just south of Nashville, is the highly curated Patina Home & Garden’s Fall Market, 12-4 p.m. CDT Oct. 3. The day will also feature a special book signing with author Courtney Allison. Patina Fall Market
Leiper’s Creek Gallery will celebrate 25 years of inspiring connections through fine art, 6-8 p.m. CDT, Oct. 3. The evening will include live music by Bob Irwin, catering by Blue Diamond, drinks from Leiper’s Fork Distillery. 25th Anniversary Celebration
The popular Fork Fest is happening at 3 p.m. CDT, Oct. 25. Fork Fest in Leiper’s The 10th annual Pickin’ Leiper’s Fork Antiques and Vintage Show is Nov. 13-15 on the grounds at PROPS.
Shoals Fest, Jason Isbell’s premiere music festival in Florence, Alabama’s McFarland Park, is happening Oct. 3-4. Muscle Shoals music is in the spotlight at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville with the continuation of the popular exhibit, Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising.
Step right up to Oktoberfest in Loretto, with a week of special activities and events, Oct. 4-11. Events include Family Fun Night with farmers market, graveyard walk, Loretto merchants’ day, German beer tasting and more. Oktoberfest in Loretto
Spend a fall afternoon on a Buffalo River Horseback Trail Ride in Waynesboro. The trails meander through some of the most breathtaking country in the Tennessee hills. Horseback Riding on The Buffalo
Lodging options:
Fork And Field Cottages in Leiper’s Fork, TN
GunRunner Hotel in Florence, AL
Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa in Florence, AL
The Commodore Hotel in Linden, TN
Woodland Parkview Motel in Lawrenceburg
Visit Nashville’s Big Back Yard.
SOURCE Leiper’s Fork Foundation / Nashville’s Big Back Yard
