After years of successful collaboration and community engagement, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and NowPlayingNashville.com officially passed the torch to the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville in 2023. In October 2024, we are proud to relaunch this vibrant celebration of National Arts & Humanities Month!
A month-long extravaganza, Artober Nashville showcases the rich and diverse cultural landscape of the Greater Nashville creative community. From visual arts and music to theater, dance, and literature, Artober brings together artists, organizations, and audiences from across the region to celebrate creativity and innovation.
Artober Nashville is about the entire creative community! The Arts & Business Council is proud to amplify every Artober Nashville event, workshop, and performance as part of the official Artober Nashville calendar. This calendar will highlight the incredible talent and cultural contributions of our local arts community. Whether you’re an artist, a patron, or simply someone who appreciates the arts, Artober Nashville offers something for everyone.
Interested in submitting a program for consideration for inclusion in Artober and possible promotional support this year? All events must be submitted by October 9, 2024.
Artober Nashville 2024 Calendar
Nashville’s Celebration of National Arts & Humanities Month
The Figure in Charcoal & Terra Cotta
Presented by LeQuire Gallery
During the month of October, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 4304 Charlotte Ave Nashville, TN 37209
Over 4-dozen works by modern-day masters, Juliette Aristides and Alan LeQuire, epitomize the standard of figurative drawing and sculpture.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more…
Shaping Nashville’s Music Future: Key Findings from the Greater Nashville Music Census
Presented by Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville
Wednesday, October 2 beginning at 3 p.m. (Online Webinar)
Join us for an in-depth discussion of the key findings from the Greater Nashville Music Census. This webinar will explore how these insights impact the city’s music ecosystem and what they mean for the future of Nashville’s music industry. Hear from experts in the field and engage in a conversation about Nashville’s evolving role as Music City. Supported by the Tennessee Entertainment Commission.
Free and open to the public.
Register…
A Creative Community Conversation on Nashville’s Transit Referendum: “Choose How You Move”
Presented by Nashville Moves
Wednesday, October 2 beginning at 6 p.m. at The Forge Nashville, 217 Willow St, Nashville, TN 37210
Join us for a lively, creative community conversation on Nashville’s upcoming Transit Referendum, “Choose How You Move.” This informative event will explore the future of Nashville’s transportation options, encouraging dialogue and engagement on how to shape our city’s transit solutions. Special guest Mayor Freddie O’Connell will discuss proposed improvements to walkability, traffic signal management, transit service, safety, and more.
Free and open to the public.
Register…
Dickson Drawing Club
Presented by Dickson Drawing Club
Wednesdays, October 2 & 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Pumphrey and Beard, 98 Church St Dickson, TN 37055
Drawing Club is a group of artists who want to improve on their drawing skills. Each week we have different challenges to stretch and improve our abilities and skillsets as artists.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more…
Nashville Ballet’s Paul Vasterling’s Dracula
Presented by Nashville Ballet
October 3–6 at Various Times at TPAC, 505 Deaderick St, Nashville, TN 37243
Nashville Ballet entwines the spellbinding allure of Paul Vasterling’s Dracula with the elegance of George Balanchine’s Serenade for a double bill that transcends the ordinary.
Tickets start at $58.50
Register…
Art Crawl Franklin
Presented by the Arts Council of Williamson County
Friday, October 4 beginning at 6 p.m. at Various Downtown Franklin businesses and the Factory at Franklin
Free arts event in downtown Franklin and the factory over 35 artists participating 6-9pm
Free and open to the public.
Learn more…
Friday Night Frolic
Presented by Art & Soul Nashville
Friday, October 4 beginning at 6 p.m. at 4340 Sidco Drive, Nashville, TN 37204
Frolics are playful, improvisational movement workshops for adults led by Amanda Cantrell Roche. No formal dance training needed to explore the magic of moving in community.
Tickets starting at $20
Register…
Nicola Stadler Art Show
Presented by Gallery 48
Friday, October 4 beginning at 5 p.m. at 107 W 7th Street Columbia. TN 38401
Nicola Stadler Art Show
Free and open to the public.
Learn more…
NMAAM Institutional Summit
Presented by the National Museum of African American Music
October 3–4 at NMAAM, 5th & Broadway, Nashville, TN
Day 1: October 3 will celebrate the richness of African American musical heritage and its impact on various aspects of life through live performances. Performances will run on the hour starting at 11 a.m.
Day 2: October 4 will educate and preserve through interactive discussions, artist talkbacks, and panels that engage the audience and offer insights into the evolution and significance of music. Panels will run on the hour in our Roots Theater starting at 10 a.m.The National Museum of African American Music is excited to offer its second annual institutional summit! This is a two-day event designed for museum attendees and local institutions, public and private educators, faith communities, cultural spaces, and the museum industry.
Free and open to the public.
Register…
Big Ol’ Farm Party & Fall Square Dance
Presented by Lolly Bee Bayou and The Nashville School of Traditional Country Music
Saturday, October 5 beginning at 5 p.m. at Lolly Bee Bayou, 7209 Cumberland Dr, Fairview, TN
Farm Party and Square Dance to benefit the Nashville School of Traditional Country Music with music by JP Harris & The McCoy Family Band and Timbo & Lonesome Country. Food, Drinks, Camping all onsite and family and children welcome!
Tickets $15-$20
Register…
Wheels on the Bus
Presented by Nashville Children’s Theatre
October 5–December 1, Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. at Nashville Children’s Theatre, 25 Middleton St, Nashville, TN 37210
Get ready to go “up and down” on a remarkable ride! All aboard, trainees! Bert the Bus Driver is ready to take you all through a town full of colorful characters and comic conundrums in this interactive, immersive play for ages 0 to 5 years old. Get ready to help navigate his route and sing along, of course, as the wipers swish, the horn beeps and passengers move on back.
Tickets start at $17.50, Family 4-pack available for $60
Register…
Cherry Bomb: An Improvised Musical
Presented by Cherry Bomb
October 11 (7-8 pm) October 26 (9-10 pm) at Third Coast Comedy Club, 1310 Clinton St, Ste 121, Nashville, TN
Welcome to Cherry Bomb! Over the course of an hour, our cast improvises a completely unique musical from start to finish. How can you tell it’s improvised? The entire show is based on a suggestion given by you, the audience. From love ballads to dance numbers, Cherry Bomb delivers a wide variety of songs and scenes that come together as one cohesive story. Every week is a brand new show, full of perfectly unique songs and performances. It’s Broadway, NYC meets Broadway, Nashville! Come experience the awe that is musical improvisation!
Tickets from $20-$28
Register…
Two-Day Encaustic & Mixed Media Workshop
Registration is $225 with supplies included.
Register…
Gnu Tales: Improvised Fairy Tales for Kids
Presented by Gnu Tales
Saturday, October 12 beginning at 10 a.m. at Third Coast Comedy Club
Description: The second Saturday of every month, Gnu Tales has been delighting audiences with brand-new, never-before-seen, improvised fairy tales created and acted out with the help of the kids in the audience! Especially geared for children ages 3-8, and one ticket covers the whole family.
Tickets start at $15 per family, $18 Day Of
Register
Art In The Alley
Presented by Art In The Heart Dickson
Saturday, October 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Halliburton Way Alley in Dickson, TN
Art In The Alley will be an Artisan Market with over 25 artist. Artist are in the categories of woodworking, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, painting/drawing and photography.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more…
Tween Playshop: An Improv Workshop for Ages 10-13
Presented by Gnu Tales
Saturday, October 12 beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Third Coast Comedy Club
Join us for 90 minutes of improv games and exercises led by improvisers with a passion for youth development. This is a space for ages 10-13 to play, connect and laugh together.
Tickets start at $19 or $21 Day Of
Register…
Full Moon Storytelling and Market
Presented by Taylor Street Art and Books
Saturday, October 17 from 4–8 p.m. at 100 Taylor Street – Germantown
Looking for a family-friendly spooky season event? We’ve got you covered. There will be storytelling, local art, music, and more.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more..,
Botis Seva / Far From the Norm: BLKDOG
October 17-19 from 8–9:30 p.m. at OZ Arts Nashville, 6172 Cockrill Bend Circle, Nashville, TN
The breakout winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production, BLKDOG brilliantly blends visceral theater and wide-ranging dance styles to invent a breathtaking movement language that unites Hip-hop, Popping, Breaking, Krump, and House. In an evocative, otherworldly landscape created with visionary stagecraft, director and choreographer Botis Seva creates an emotionally-charged performance that powerfully confronts socio-political issues and provides haunting commentary on how the youth of today navigate a world that was not built for them.
Tickets from $25-$35.
Register…
Nashville Ballet’s Frida & Diego’s Dia de los Muertos
Presented by Nashville Ballet
October 17–20 at The Martin Center
Experience the vibrancy of Dia de Los Muertos with Nashville Ballet’s unique performance, inspired by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Choreographed by NB2 Director Maria Konrad, this visual feast celebrates the life and death, family bonds and our shared humanity.
Tickets start at $40.25
Register…
The 14th Annual Ugly Pot Throw Festival
Presented by The Clay Lady’s Campus
Saturday, October 19 from 10:30 am. to 4:30 p.m.
The Ugly Pot Throw Festival is a free, community event inspired by the ugly pot: the fallen, broken, mis-glazed, wonky, pots “give their life to teach you how to make the next pot better”! We must honor those ugly pots as teachers and guides on our journey. As we throw them against the wall we exclaim, “I’m going to make the next one better!”
Tickets from $0–$30.
Register…
Storyscapes
Presented by Satellite Dance
Sunday, October 20 from 4–5:15 p.m.
Directed by Sarah Atenhan, Storyscapes features day-in-the-life stories of library patrons and the free resources they use, expressed through aerial, dance, and theater. From puzzling daredevils to brave, howling youngsters, we will share many stories—and maybe yours, too.
Three options for tickets: Free with a presenting library card, $20, or $30 which includes a $10 donation to Satellite Dance for future programming.
Register…
North Nashville Culture Crawl
Presented by North Nashville Arts Coalition
October 18–20 at Various Times & Locations on Jefferson Street and the 37208 District
We’re bringing the magic back—and this year, it’s even bigger! Join us at the North Nashville Culture Crawl. Experience a weekend filled with culture, creativity, and community as we honor the vibrant artistic legacy of North Nashville. Let’s make this year’s Renaissance Out North one for the history books!
Free and open to the public.
Learn more…
Buchanan Arts Sidewalk Sale and Garden Party
Presented by Buchanan Arts
October 18–20 beginning at 10 a.m. at 1409 Buchanan Street (next to Elephant Gallery)
Join the Buchanan Arts Garden Volunteers and Staff as we say “Thank you!” to our community for their support. This event will be held in conjunction with the North Nashville Arts Crawl and will include community garden demonstrations, fall-themed art activities, and a sale of donated artworks and handmade pottery created by local artists, fellows, and current students.
Free and open to the public.
Register…
Scream Queens Watercolor Workshop
Presented by Kelly McKernan
Sunday, October 13 at 11 a.m. at Gallery 100 at 100 Taylor Arts Collective, 100 Taylor Street, Nashville, TN.
This is a 4-hour watercolor workshop lead by professional artist Kelly McKernan, where attendees will learn step-by-step how to paint a horror-inspired Scream Queen with an art nouveau twist. All skill levels are welcome and all supplies are provided.
Tickets are $95
Register…
Buchanan Arts After Dark
Presented by Buchanan Arts
Saturday, October 19 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at 1409 Buchanan Street (in the blue building next to Elephant Gallery)
Join us for a fun 21+ hangout that offers an opportunity for beginners and advanced makers to enjoy an evening at Buchanan Arts. This event includes a spooky movie screening, learning clay hand-building basics, and complimentary beverages + snacks from our event sponsors.
Tickets $35 – ID required for entry
Register…
Day of registration on site.
Bubblegumoween
Presented by Bubblegum Productions
October 19 at 9 p.m. at Third Coast Comedy Club
An incredible night of spooky pop-culture beauty. For one night only spend the evening with puppets, actual monsters, live music, incantations, comedy, and a tribute to the pop culture we love.
Tickets from $13–18
Register…
Living Creatively: Kickstart Your Creativity
Presented by K Schutt Art
Sunday, October 20 from 1:30–4:30 p.m. at Diskin Cider, 1235 Martin St, Nashville, TN
Join artist Katelin Schutt as she leads you through this workshop designed to awaken your creative spirit. Learn how to create space for creativity, generate ideas, and how to play again!
Tickets start at $40
Register…
Songbird Books Featuring Artist, Aaron Grayum
Presented by Art Beat
Sunday, October 20 from 2–5 p.m. in front yards of 921 & 923 Halcyon Avenue
Opening celebration for 12 South Neighborhood’s Little Free Library for kids, SONGBIRD BOOKS. painted by Aaron Grayum. Cookies & refreshments. Aaron will be painting live & selling his work. Aaron Grayum painted a Free Little Library on Halcyon Avenue in 12 South. Please stop by our front yards for cookies and refreshments, and watch Nashville Artist Aaron Grayum, paint live. He will also have original works and prints for sale!
Free and open to the public.
Learn more…
Dia de los Muertos Arts & Souls Festival
Presented by The Fly Arts Center
Main Event: Saturday, October 26th (Educational Workshop for Students on Friday, October 25th) beginning at 10 a.m. at The Fly Arts Center 204 S. Main St, Shelbyville, TN 37160
The Fly Arts Center presents “Dia de los Muertos Arts & Souls Festival”, an interactive cultural learning and entertainment experience centered around this unique holiday that celebrates Hispanic culture and traditions with altars of remembrance, food, music, dancers, art, crafts, face painting and so much more.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more…
Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour 25th Anniversary
Presented by Off the Beaten Path
October 25–27, Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in DeKalb & Cannon Counties
Every fall, on the last full weekend in October, the artists of Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour open their studios for a free three-day open studio event. Celebrating its 25th year, artists will be demonstrating their craft and offering handcrafted shopping opportunities at every tour stop.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more…
William Edmondson Arts and Culture Festival
Presented by Friends of the William Edmondson Homesite Park
October 26 at 1450 14th Avenue South, Nashville (At the corner of 14th Avenue South and DeFord Bailey Avenue) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The third annual William Edmondson Arts and Culture Festival (WE Fest) is a free family-friendly festival of arts, crafts and music, that showcases Nashville’s diverse creative community. Held in a park in the heart of Nashville’s Edgehill neighborhood, the festival includes an art and craft fair, demonstrations, performances, hands-on children’s activities, food vendors, and more…celebrating the legacy of Nashville’s world-renowned, groundbreaking self-taught sculptor William Edmondson.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more…
Teen Improv Club
Presented by Gnu Tales
October 26 beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Third Coast Comedy Club
=Join us for 90 minutes of improv games and exercises intended to entertain, challenge, and inspire. This is a space to allow teens to step out of their comfort zone, forge new friendships, and cultivate confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
Tickets start at $19 or $21 Day Of
Register
St. George’s 75th Anniversary Celebration Concert
Colors of Shelby, benefitting Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms
Presented by The Chestnut Group
October 31–November 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
“Colors of Shelby” is an art show benefitting the Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms. Members of the plein-air painting group, The Chestnut Group, will exhibit and sell fine art and 40% of sales go to support Friends of Shelby’s efforts to preserve and enhance Shelby Park and Bottoms’ native ecosystems, historic features, and recreational resources.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more…
Don’t see your event above? Submit it by October 9 for inclusion in the Artober Nashville calendar!