October Events in Rutherford County, TN: Your 2026 Guide to Fall Festivals, Family Events & Halloween Fun

If you live in Rutherford County, October is one of those months when it becomes very easy to find something to do.

The weather starts to cool down, pumpkins show up everywhere, parks fill their calendars with fall activities, downtown Murfreesboro comes alive, and communities across Smyrna, Murfreesboro and La Vergne start getting ready for Halloween.

And you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the month.

There are free concerts, historic festivals, family trick-or-treat events, outdoor activities, live music, local vendors and plenty of opportunities to simply get outside and enjoy where you live.

I’ve lived in Smyrna for about 15 years, and one thing I’ve come to appreciate about this area is that you don’t have to live directly in the middle of everything to enjoy it. Smyrna, Murfreesboro and La Vergne each have their own community events, while being close enough that you can easily make plans outside your immediate neighborhood.

So if you’re looking for things to do in Rutherford County this October, here are some of the events worth putting on your calendar.

What Makes October Special in Rutherford County?

September still feels like the end of summer, but by October, fall activities are everywhere.

You start seeing pumpkins and mums at local garden centers. Families are looking for festivals and trick-or-treat opportunities. Outdoor concerts become more comfortable. Parks add seasonal programming. And toward the end of the month, Halloween events start taking over the calendar.

One thing I like about looking at the October calendar is that there isn’t just one type of event.

You can spend Saturday morning shopping from local vendors, take the kids to a pumpkin or fall festival, listen to live music that evening, or spend a Sunday afternoon outdoors.

That’s part of what makes community calendars useful when you’re getting to know an area.

Martin’s Annual Fall Festival — October 3

 If you want that classic fall-festival feeling, Martin’s Annual Fall Festival is a good place to start.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Martin’s Home & Garden in Murfreesboro.

Expect local vendors, pumpkins and mums, food and family-friendly fall activities.

For me, events like this are a good reminder that community life isn’t always about a huge festival or major attraction. Sometimes it’s simply getting outside, walking around, seeing what local businesses and vendors have to offer, and picking up something seasonal for your home.

Where: Martin’s Home & Garden, 1020 NW Broad St., Murfreesboro

Best for: Families, seasonal shopping, supporting local vendors and anyone ready for fall.

View Event

Ultimate Rewind at Hop Springs — October 3

If your idea of a good October evening involves music instead of pumpkin picking, Hop Springs has Ultimate Rewind: Best Hits of the 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s scheduled for October 3 at 8 p.m.

It’s a fun option for adults who want to get out for an evening without necessarily making the trip into Nashville.

And that’s one of the things I think people sometimes overlook about Rutherford County. You don’t always have to drive into Nashville for entertainment.

There are local venues bringing in music and events of their own.

Where: Hop Springs, Murfreesboro area

Best for: Date night, adults, live-music fans and anyone who enjoys a little nostalgia.

View Event

Fairly Odd Finds Festival — October 10

Hop Springs is scheduled to host the Fairly Odd Finds Festival on Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The current listings describe this as a market-style fall event with vendors, food, creative installations, workshops, a pumpkin patch, face painting, music and other activities, with a spooky/fantasy theme.

This is the kind of event that can work well if you want something a little different from a traditional fall festival.

Where: Hop Springs

When: October 10, beginning at 10 a.m.

Best for: Shoppers, creatives, families and people who enjoy unique local vendors.

View Event

Nature Day at Barfield Crescent Park — October 10

If you’d rather spend your Saturday outside, Nature Day at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park is another option.

The city’s October outdoor calendar lists Nature Day for October 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Free Admission)

This is a nice reminder that fall activities don’t have to revolve around Halloween.

You can spend part of the day exploring the park, learning about the local environment and taking advantage of seasonal programming.

For families, I think these kinds of events can be especially nice because you’re doing something together without having to structure the entire day around shopping or entertainment.

Where: Wilderness Station, Barfield Crescent Park

Best for: Families, nature lovers and anyone who wants an outdoor fall activity.

View Event

Wild Rumpus at the Wilderness Station — October 14

On Wednesday, October 14, the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park will host Wild Rumpus from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The event includes a live animal program, storybook hiking trail, fall-themed games, hot drinks and pumpkin painting.

Costumes are welcome, but the city specifies non-scary costumes.

Admission is listed at $5 per person or $20 per family.

This is one of those events that gives families an alternative to the more traditional Halloween activities.

Where: Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park

Best for: Younger children and families who want fall fun without a scary atmosphere.

View Event

McFadden Fall Festival & Haunted Hallways — October 15

On Thursday, October 15, McFadden Community Center will host its annual Fall Festival from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event includes carnival games, food, a DJ, family activities and the popular Haunted Hallway.

Admission is free for all ages.

I like seeing free community events like this on the calendar because they make it easier for families to participate without turning an evening out into a major expense.

Where: McFadden Community Center, 211 Bridge Avenue, Murfreesboro

Best for: Families looking for free Halloween-season activities.

View Event

Rutherford Parent Fall Kids Fest — October 17

On Saturday, October 17, The Avenue Murfreesboro will host the Rutherford Parent Fall Kids Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is free and includes trick-or-treating, carnival-style games, live performances, demonstrations, food vendors, inflatables, face painting, a pumpkin decorating area and a kids’ costume parade.

More than 40 local vendor booths are expected to participate.

There is also a rain date scheduled for October 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you have younger children, this is one of the events I’d put toward the top of the October list because there is a lot happening in one location.

Where: The Avenue Murfreesboro, 2615 Medical Center Parkway

Best for: Families with young children.

View Event

Friday Night Live with Third Party Thieves — October 16

Main Street Murfreesboro’s final Friday Night Live concert of the 2026 season is scheduled for Friday, October 16, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Third Party Thieves will perform on the Murfreesboro Square.

The event is free and family-friendly, with local food and downtown parking available.

Bring a chair if you want to sit back and listen, or find a spot near the stage if you feel like enjoying the music.

Where: Rutherford County Courthouse / Public Square

Best for: Families, couples, friends and anyone who enjoys free outdoor concerts.

View Event

Cannonsburgh Village After Dark — October 16 & 17

If you’re looking for something a little more seasonal, Cannonsburgh Village will open after dark on October 16 and 17 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The event includes a flashlight hunt through the historic village, fall crafts and games, music, treats and hot drinks.

Admission is listed at $5 per person, with children age 5 and under free.

Costumes are welcome.

This is a good example of how local history and seasonal events can overlap. You’re not just going to a Halloween attraction — you’re experiencing one of Murfreesboro’s historic spaces in a completely different way.

Where: Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S. Front Street

Best for: Families and anyone who enjoys history with a little fall atmosphere.

View Event

Harvest Days at Cannonsburgh Village — October 24

If you want a traditional fall festival, put October 24 on your calendar.

The city is hosting the 50th Annual Harvest Days at Cannonsburgh Village from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The festival will include:

• Hands-on demonstrations
• Blacksmithing demonstrations
• Handmade crafts
• Food trucks
• Live music
• Clogging at the gazebo
• Art from the Murfreesboro Art League
• A car show from the Stones River Car Club

Admission is free.

This is the type of event I would recommend if you’re new to the area and want to experience something that feels connected to the history of Murfreesboro rather than simply attending a seasonal commercial event.

Where: Cannonsburgh Village

View Event 

Smyrna’s Halloween in the Park — October 24

Smyrna Parks and Recreation is hosting its Halloween in the Park at Sharp Springs Natural Area on October 24.

The current event listing shows the event running from 3 to 9 p.m. 

Activities include:

• Trick-or-treating
• Free games
• Free inflatables
• Pumpkin decorating
• Costume contests
• Food and craft vendors
• Haunted corn maze
• Non-scary hayride
• Haunted hayride
• Train rides

Admission is free. Some activities may have additional fees.

If you live in Smyrna, this is one of those community traditions worth knowing about, especially if you have children.

And for someone considering moving to Smyrna, I think events like this are worth paying attention to. Not because one event should determine where you live, but because community life is part of what you’ll experience after you move in.

Where: Sharp Springs Natural Area, 1000 Espey Drive, Smyrna

View Event

La Vergne’s Goblins and Goodies at the Park — October 24

La Vergne has its own Halloween tradition on the same day.

Goblins and Goodies at the Park is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 from noon to 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.

The city describes it as a free trick-or-treat trail where local businesses and organizations decorate booths and hand out treats.

There will also be a zombie dance and a costume contest.

For families in La Vergne, this is another option for a Halloween afternoon that doesn’t require paying admission.

Where: Veterans Memorial Park, La Vergne

Admission: Free

Barfield Bash — October 23 & 24

Murfreesboro’s Barfield Bash is another major Halloween-season event.

The city’s 2026 schedule includes activities on October 23 and 24 from 4 to 8 p.m., with the carnival portion featuring games, prizes, spooky music, food trucks and an Avenue of Treats where children can trick-or-treat with local businesses.

There are also separate hayride experiences, including a not-so-scary option and the more frightening Old Scream Road.

This gives families a little flexibility depending on how much Halloween “scare” they’re actually looking for.

Where: Barfield Crescent Park

Best for: Families, older kids and people who want more of a Halloween-event atmosphere.

View Event

Trick or Treat Around the Historic Rutherford County Square — October 30

If you want a Halloween activity that feels more like a community tradition than a large attraction, head downtown on Friday, October 30.

Main Street Murfreesboro is hosting Trick or Treat Around the Square from 3 to 5 p.m.

Local businesses, offices, the courthouse and city hall participate by offering treats to children.

It’s free, family-friendly and takes place around the historic downtown square.

I especially like this type of event because it gives families a reason to spend time downtown while supporting local businesses.

Where: Historic Rutherford County Square

View Event

Halloweenfest at Hop Springs — October 31

If you’re looking for something to do on Halloween night itself, Halloweenfest at Hop Springs is scheduled for Saturday, October 31.

The event gives adults and older kids another way to spend Halloween evening, with a Halloween-themed atmosphere at one of Murfreesboro’s local entertainment venues.

Since Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, this is a good option to keep in mind if you’re looking for something beyond neighborhood trick-or-treating.

General admission is free. Upgrade to VIP available.

Where: Hop Springs, Murfreesboro

Best for: Adults, couples, friends and anyone looking for a Halloween-night event.

View Event

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Plan around your family’s age group
Younger kids may prefer daytime activities, while older kids may enjoy more traditional Halloween experiences.

🍬 Look beyond trick-or-treating
Fall festivals, pumpkin activities, crafts and community gatherings can give families more ways to enjoy the season.

🎃 Check whether activities are “scary” or family-friendly
Not every Halloween activity is designed for little ones. Look at the details before you go.

🚗 Plan for parking early
Popular Halloween activities can get crowded. Arriving early can make parking and getting around much easier.

👻 Bring a backup plan for weather
October weather can change quickly. Keep an indoor option in mind, especially when you’re planning with young children.

🧥 Dress for the evening, not just the costume
October temperatures can feel very different once the sun goes down. Layers can make a big difference.

🏡 Explore different parts of Rutherford County
Smyrna, Murfreesboro and La Vergne each have their own community feel. Halloween is a fun excuse to explore beyond your usual neighborhood.

💚 Support local businesses and community groups
Many seasonal activities are organized by local businesses, nonprofits and community organizations. Shopping or participating locally helps keep that community connection going.

📸 Make the memories, not just the schedule
You don’t have to pack your October calendar. Pick a few things your family will actually enjoy and leave room to slow down.

📍 Use Halloween to get to know your community
If you’re new to Rutherford County—or thinking about moving here—seasonal activities can give you a feel for the neighborhoods, parks and community atmosphere beyond the houses themselves.