Cheers and Chills: A Spirited Lineup of Fall and Winter Events to Light Up Your Season

As the holiday season approaches, we are gearing up for vibrant events and celebrations from October through December. With a range of activities planned, these events offer safe spaces for individuals to connect and celebrate the season in a welcoming environment. From drag-inspired Halloween festivities in October to inclusive Thanksgiving gatherings in November and holiday specials in December, the months ahead are filled with cheer and merriment.

October

Nashville Ballet presents Dracula
DATE: October 3-6, 2024
TICKETS: http://cart.tpac.org/overview/13815

This fall, Nashville Ballet entwines the spellbinding allure of Dracula with the elegance of George Balanchine’s Serenade for a double bill that transcends the ordinary. Delve into the dark, passionate world of Dracula, a ballet rich in love, lust, and eternal desire, set against a backdrop of Gothic mystery. This double feature promises an unforgettable blend of a thrilling narrative and exquisite dance.

Wags & Drag benefitting Wags & Walks
DATE: October 6, 2024
TICKETS: $5 cover at the door

Join host Fay Ludes at The Golden Poney for Wags & Drag benefitting Wags & Walks. There will be drag performances, a pet costume contest, flash tattoos, live pet portraits, a pet photo booth and more! This is a 21+ event. 

Cheekwood’s Halloween Pooch Party
DATE: October 26, 2024 – October 27, 2024
TICKETS: https://bit.ly/3MNbDs0

Photo opportunities abound in Pumpkin Village and vendors will delight your furry friends with special treats. With two costume contests each day, there’s plenty of chances to win and a guaranteed, tail-wagging good time.

Fable Cry’s Festival of Ghouls X
DATE: October 26, 2024
TICKETS: https://bit.ly/4e1V07H

Celebrating one decade of Nashville’s most beloved Halloween event, theatrical noir rockers Fable Cry pull out all the stops for a very campy, 10th-annual edition of the Festival of Ghouls. The mischievous masters of the macabre enlist the talents of Suspended Gravity Circus, Back to Black Burlesque, and more special guests to conjure an immersive Halloween bash inspired by classic campfire ghost stories.

November

El Día de los Muertos at Cheekwood
DATE: November 2, 2024 – November 3, 2024
TICKETS: https://bit.ly/3TwHRLJ

Cheekwood brings the traditions of Mexico and Latin America to Nashville during the 25th annual El Día de los Muertos festival including traditional music and dance, vibrant art activities, and authentic cuisine. Visitors will learn about the culture of their Latin American neighbors while exploring beautiful altar displays and shopping in the marketplace.

Connect HoliGAY Market
DATE: November 9, 2024
TICKETS: FREE | https://holigaymarket.com/

Connect Media Group is proud to present the third annual HoliGAY Market! This market is a place where you can shop from local LGBTQ+ and ally artisans, crafters, makers, and retailers. This year proceeds will benefit Nashville Launch Pad. Support those who support you and shop the Connect HoliGAY Market.

Rutherford County Pride’s Friendsgiving
DATE: November 17, 2024
TICKETS: TBD

Friendsgiving will be a fun, safe space to come be you, be loved, and EAT. More details to come. Visit facebook.com/RuCoPride/events for updates.

Cheekwood’s 10th Annual Holiday LIGHTS
DATE: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
TICKETS: https://bit.ly/3zjUZNv

Experience Nashville’s classic holiday tradition as you embark on a magical one-mile walk through Cheekwood’s gardens illuminated by more than a million lights. A delightful experience for all ages awaits, complete with s’mores, seasonal libations, and a Holiday Marketplace. Tour the Historic Mansion, specially decorated this year by former White House florist Laura Dowling.

December

Third Coast Comedy Club – “A Frank and Tony Christmas”
DATE: December 1, 2024
TICKETS: On Sale Late October at www.thirdcoastcomedy.club/

Join the Pfeiffer Twins for “A Frank and Tony Christmas at Third Coast Comedy club. This Christmas themed variety show will be hosted by Frank Sinatro and Tony C. Bennett and will feature drag kings, burlesque, musical comedy, audience games, and a DJ. This is a 21+ show with doors opening at 7 pm.

Nashville Ballet presents Nashville’s Nutcracker
DATE: December 6-26, 2024
TICKETS: http://cart.tpac.org/overview/13816

Inspired by the 2020 Emmy Award-winning film and named the Best Dance Production of 2022 by Broadway World Nashville, this is Nashville’s can’t-miss holiday event. A uniquely Nashville Ballet rendition of the timeless classic, Nashville’s Nutcracker features original choreography by Artistic Director Emeritus, Paul Vasterling, stunning costumes and sets, live music by the Nashville Symphony, and plenty of holiday magic for the whole family to enjoy!