Nashville, Tennessee · Fall 2026
Your dog has plans this fall. You may come along.
Looking for dog-friendly fall events in Nashville, TN? Here are seven confirmed dog-friendly outings for fall 2026, plus Donelson’s Knoblin Fest, whose pet policy still needs confirmation. From a last splash in Hermitage to a Halloween costume contest at Cheekwood, there is plenty to put on the calendar. Dates and dog policies were checked against organizers’ pages on September 23, 2026. Check the linked event page again before you leave; schedules and entry rules can change.
2026 dates at a glance
- Sept. 26: Pooch Pool Party — Hermitage
- Sept. 26: Touch of Brews — Donelson
- Sept. 26: Dachtoberfest — The Nations
- Oct. 1–4: Nashville Oktoberfest — Bicentennial Capitol Mall
- Oct. 3: Knoblin Fest — Donelson (confirm pet policy)
- Oct. 17: Nashville Humane Dog Day — Centennial Park
- Oct. 17: Light the Nations — The Nations
- Oct. 24–25: Cheekwood Halloween Pooch Party — West Nashville
1. Pooch Pool Party at Nashville Shores
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 · 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Nashville Shores, 4001 Bell Road, Hermitage, TN 37076
The water park closes out the season with a dog-only swim day. The wave pool runs without waves, and the lazy river becomes a fetch area. A portion of ticket sales supports New Leash on Life. This is the pick for dogs who believe every body of water belongs to them.
Before you go: One admission covers one person and one dog. Bring proof of current rabies vaccination; dogs must be spayed or neutered. A signed waiver is required. Check the organizer for tickets and the full rules.
2. Touch of Brews at Two Rivers Mansion
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 · 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Where: Two Rivers Mansion, 3130 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214 (Donelson)
A day of live music, craft beer, food trucks and local makers on the mansion grounds. The festival is all ages, with a kids’ area, and welcomes friendly dogs. Pick a spot back from the stage if your dog prefers a little room to watch the crowd.
Dog rule: Dogs must be leashed and stay with their person on the festival grounds. The organizer says dogs enter free.
3. Tennessee Dachshund Rescue’s Dachtoberfest
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026 · 4–10 p.m. (general admission starts at 5 p.m.)
Where: Urban Dog Bar, 5700 Ohio Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209 (The Nations)
Weenie races, games, a silent auction and a whole lot of long-dog energy raise money for Tennessee Dachshund Rescue. The organizer invites dachshunds, dachshund wannabes and their humans. Short legs, large social calendar.
Before you go: This is a ticketed 21-and-up event. Read the organizer’s entry information and Urban Dog Bar’s current dog policies before bringing your pup.
4. Nashville Oktoberfest and Pup Parade
When: Thursday–Sunday, October 1–4, 2026 · Pup Parade Saturday, October 3 at 2 p.m.
Where: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243 (near Germantown)
Come for the German food and music; stay for the dogs dressed like they have a tiny festival itinerary. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the festival. The Saturday Pup Parade is a separate registration if your dog wants a moment in the spotlight; there is also a Sunday Dachshund Derby.
Dog rule: Keep your pup leashed and clean up after them. Admission is ticketed, including the complimentary entry periods; check the current schedule and registration details.
Oktoberfest entry and dog rules → · Pup Parade registration →
5. Knoblin Fest in Donelson
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 · 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Old Lebanon Pike and Donelson Station Boulevard, Donelson, Nashville, TN 37214
Donelson’s free music and arts festival brings live music, an art show, a marketplace, interactive art, food trucks and Knoblinland to the neighborhood. It is a fun local fall stop even if your dog’s main artistic talent is stealing your seat.
Dog policy: leash dogs allowed
6. Nashville Humane’s Dog Day Festival
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. per Nashville Humane’s event listing
Where: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
This Nashville tradition packs in dog activities, a lure course, wiener races, costumes, vendors, live music and adoptable dogs. It is a good day to bring the whole family, whether your dog loves participating or prefers to supervise.
Before you go: Check Nashville Humane’s event page for tickets, activity registration and current attendance rules.
7. Light the Nations
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: 51st Avenue North between Georgia and Michigan avenues, Nashville, TN 37209 (The Nations)
The neighborhood festival’s tenth anniversary brings local businesses, art, vendors, food trucks and live entertainment to 51st Avenue. It is a good walk-and-browse option if your dog enjoys a busy street festival.
Dog rule: The organizer welcomes friendly, leashed pets. Clean up after your dog and consider the weather and crowd before bringing them.
8. Halloween Pooch Party at Cheekwood
When: Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25, 2026 · costume contests at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day
Where: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205
A garden stroll, dog-friendly vendors and costume contests make this a strong finish to the fall calendar. One 2026 category is “Founding Paw-thers,” alongside kid-and-dog and adult-and-dog pairings. Yes, your dog can absolutely wear a more thoughtful outfit than you.
Dog rule: Keep dogs leashed outdoors; dogs are not allowed inside buildings. Bring your own water bowl for the refill stations, and register for a costume contest on site before it starts.
Quick answers for Nashville dog people
What dog-friendly fall events are happening in Nashville in 2026?
Confirmed dog-friendly picks include Nashville Shores’ Pooch Pool Party, Touch of Brews and Dachtoberfest on September 26; Nashville Oktoberfest October 1–4; Nashville Humane’s Dog Day and Light the Nations October 17; and Cheekwood’s Halloween Pooch Party October 24–25. Knoblin Fest is October 3.
Can dogs go to Nashville Oktoberfest?
Yes. The organizer welcomes leashed dogs and asks owners to clean up after them. The Pup Parade is Saturday, October 3, with separate registration.
Can my dog go inside Cheekwood’s buildings?
No. Cheekwood requires dogs to stay leashed outdoors and does not allow them inside buildings.
What should I bring?
Pack a leash, water bowl, waste bags and anything the event requires for entry. For Nashville Shores, bring proof of current rabies vaccination and complete the waiver; its event also requires dogs to be spayed or neutered.
For the human on the leash
Dress for the dog photos you know are coming.
Your pup has the costume covered. Find a comfortable dog-lover tee for the festival, the park or the inevitable “one more picture.”
Last checked September 23, 2026. Event dates, hours, ticket availability and dog rules may change; the linked organizer pages are the source for final details.