October in Franklin has a delightful storybook quality that draws in thousands of locals and tourists alike, year after year. The combination of crisp autumn air, fiery-hued trees, glowing jack-o’-lanterns on front porches, and history-drenched streetscapes make walking through downtown Franklin feel a lot like you’ve stumbled onto the set of a Halloween-themed Gilmore Girls episode. I’ve spent years visiting cities and towns across Tennessee each autumn, and it’s safe to say Franklin has just about all of them beat when it comes to October ambience.
That’s why I can comfortably say that if you’re looking for memorable Halloween experiences this season, Franklin and its surrounding communities definitely deliver. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly activities, haunted historic tours, scary movie options, or spooky after-dark fun, you’ll find all of it here in Williamson County.
Here are some of my favorites.
PumpkinFest Expands
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Franklin is home to what many consider to be the biggest and best Halloween event in Middle Tennessee – and it’s actually expanding this year!
The Heritage Foundation’s 41st Annual PumpkinFest is expanding to two full days, taking over Historic Downtown Franklin on October 24 and 25. The beloved festival has long been one of the region’s signature fall traditions, drawing thousands of visitors for live music, seasonal food and drinks, costume contests, and a massive selection of arts and crafts vendors. If you’re planning just one Halloween outing this year, this is the one you won’t want to miss.
They’re Creepy, They’re Kooky & They’re Coming to Franklin
For those wanting spectacular live entertainment with a Halloween theme, Studio Tenn has just the ticket.
Franklin’s own theater company is bringing The Addams Family to the stage October 8–21, featuring fan favorites Wednesday, Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, and the rest of the wonderfully eccentric clan in this unique Broadway musical. Filled with memorable songs and outrageous comedy, it’s a charming and delightfully dark reminder that being different is often exactly what makes a family special.
And let’s be clear: Although Studio Tenn is located in Franklin, it’s a world-class theatrical company, regularly drawing in actors from New York and LA with very long and impressive bios. We feel lucky to have them here in town.
Explore the Eerie Side of Franklin’s History
Since Franklin is a hotbed of history, it stands to reason that we have plenty of ghosts in these parts. October is the perfect time to meet them. Ghost tours are one of my favorite ways to learn about the past, and Franklin has some of the best I’ve ever experienced – and there are plenty of options to choose from, including several seasonal options.
Franklin Walking Tours offers three distinct ways to explore the town’s haunted side this October. The popular Grim & Ghostly Tour leads visitors through downtown streets where murder mysteries, Civil War tragedies, and unexplained hauntings are said to linger. For a deeper dive into the paranormal, the Late Night Cherry Manor Tours are being offered only in October this year. Often called one of Tennessee’s most haunted homes, Cherry Manor will open its doors after dark this year for special evenings featuring celebrity psychic Deb Lantz, Southern Gothic host Brandon Schexnayder, tarot readers, and rare access to hidden rooms not normally open to visitors. The season culminates on Halloween night in a three-hour paranormal experience inside the mansion. And for something rooted more in history than horror, Tombstone Tales on October 24 brings costumed actors portraying actual residents buried in Franklin’s historic cemeteries, sharing their stories in the first person as guides lead visitors from grave to grave, and creating one of Franklin’s most memorable annual events. Visit Franklin Walking Tours’ website to reserve your tickets before they sell out.
The popular tour company Franklin on Foot also offers nightly Haunted Franklin Tours, sharing stories of ghostly socialites, Civil War spies, and other mysterious encounters that continue to captivate visitors.
For Those in Search of a Good Jump Scare
Just outside Franklin in Spring Hill, Creepy Hollow Woods returns for another season, operating every Friday and Saturday night throughout October. Known for its imaginative sets, talented actors, and immersive storytelling, the attraction has built a loyal following by delivering genuine thrills without relying heavily on gore. Visitors can warm up around bonfires, grab concessions, and enjoy entertainment while waiting to enter the haunted woods. If you have teenagers, this is definitely the place to take them in October — and yes, I’m speaking from experience!
An After Dark Lantern Hike
Looking for a less frightening autumnal experience? Throughout the season, Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary offers special Lantern Hikes, inviting guests to experience the sanctuary after sunset and explore the forest by lantern light. If you haven’t been to Owl’s Hill, it’s a truly magical nature preserve, and exploring it after dark is certainly a memorable way to see it. You’ll want to register for this hike ahead of time.
A Full Month of Scary Movie Magic
Movie lovers can celebrate the season throughout October during Fear Fest at the historic Franklin Theatre, with a robust lineup that includes classics such as The Shining, Hocus Pocus, Scream, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Fear Fest ends with a full day of Halloween favorites on October 31. Check the theatre’s event schedule for a full listing of options.
Even More Halloween Fun
Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club is transforming into The Haunted Speakeasy this October, bringing a supernatural twist to its Prohibition-era setting. Expect eerie decor, ghostly apparitions, themed cocktails, and more from October 6 through November 1, including a Halloween party on October 31.
At Kings Dining & Entertainment, the Halloween celebration runs all day long on October 31. A building-wide trick-or-treat experience in the afternoon gives way to an adults-only evening complete with Halloween bowling challenges, themed cocktails, and hidden prizes throughout the venue.
And for those who prefer brunch to boos, 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room will host its annual Halloween Brunch on October 31st, featuring festive food and drink specials, costume contests, photo opportunities, and treats for children.
